Resources for Academic Advisors
Frequently Asked Questions for advisors
Advising procedures and policies vary college by college and department by department. This page attempts to provide general information for faculty and professional advisors to improve the registration process. Check the departmental web pages or the Registrar's website for more specific information.
For more information, contact a member of the Advising Leads Team
| CAAC | CAH | CAFLS | CECAS | Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shay Vinson | Julia Robinson | Katie Black | Stephanie Evans | Robert Massey |
| shayv@clemson.edu | jmdingl@clemson.edu | hulse@clemson.edu | shevans@clemson.edu | massey@clemson.edu |
| Education | Science | CBSHS | Honors | Athletics | Exploratory Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staci Koonce | Gerron Scott | Allysa Sutton | Londan Charley | Leslie Moreland | Ahmadou Mboup |
| skoonce@clemson.edu | gerrons@clemson.edu | allysas@clemson.edu | londanm@clemson.edu | lmorel@clemson.edu | amboup@clemson.edu |
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What if a student wishes to take a course somewhere other than Clemson?
A student may attend any regionally accredited community college, technical school or university and earn credit for coursework completed as outlined on the Course Transfer Information Page.
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How do I know if a course taken at another institution is equivalent to a Clemson course?
Academic advisors and students may determine course equivalency by checking the online Transfer Credit Equivalency List (TCEL). To earn credit for coursework completed:
- The course in question must be determined equivalent to a Clemson course through evaluation by faculty in the department in which it is taught.
- The student must complete a Credits to be Earned at Other Schools (PDF)prior to enrolling in the course. This form requires approval from the student's assigned academic advisor and must be submitted to Enrolled Student Services.
- Verify that taking the course(s) will not violate the Residency Requirement (see instructions with the form).
- The student must earn a C or higher in the course.
- The student must submit an official transcript to the Office of Enrolled Student Services in 104 Sikes Hall.
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What if a course or school isn't in the TCEL?
Students should connect with the department in which the course is taught. For example, Clemson's math faculty evaluates a math course. There are designated course evaluators for every department here. The Department may require a course description or syllabus to identify the correct course equivalency. Students should gather as much information about the course they took as possible to assist departments in course evaluation.
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How do enrolled students change their major?
Enrolled students who wish to change their academic program must submit the Undergraduate Change of Academic Program (COAP) request in the Student Records tab in iROAR. The form must be reviewed by both the current and new academic departments. Many academic departments have established one or more conditions, such as a minimum GPA, an application process, etc., that must be satisfied before approving a student's request to change academic programs. Students are usually assigned the curriculum year in effect at the time of the academic program change. Students should gain acceptance to the new academic program before disengaging from the current one. Review the information outlined here at the following links:
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What if a student wants to declare a minor?
The Undergraduate Announcements list all available minors. A "what if" degree audit in iROAR may be run to determine courses needed and how courses already completed may count towards a minor. Some courses listed for a minor have prerequisites not shown in the minor list. Once a minor is selected, students should cross-reference course options or requirements in the minor with the prerequisites listed in the courses of instruction found in the Undergraduate Announcements. Enrolled students who wish to declare a minor must submit the Undergraduate Change of Academic Program request in the Student Records tab in iROAR. Students. The student's assigned advisor, or designee, must approve the form. Minor code abbreviations for the form can be found online here. Review the information outlined at the following links:
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Can registration affect financial aid?
Yes, it can. However, there are too many types of financial aid to become an expert on all of them. The best strategy is to refer a student directly to the Office of Student Financial Aid. They can review an individual student's financial aid package and advise them accordingly.
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What do I tell a student who says there are no seats in the class they want? Review the information here.
Students may also contact the registration coordinator for advice.
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What other things should I discuss with my advisees?
Registration is an excellent time to discuss with students their academic progress, career options and activities outside the classroom. Concerns are often disclosed and can be resolved before they become more challenging to address. This conversation is often when critical referrals are made to campus resources like the Academic Success Center, Career for Career and Professional Development and Office of Student Financial Aid.
Change of Academic Program FAQ
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If I approve a change of academic program/major form online after the freeze/hold dates, will it be processed?
Enrolled Student Services in Sikes will process any/all forms they receive. advisors should be cautioned that this may make your list of advisees inaccurate for whatever purposes you are instituting the freeze/hold dates.
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I am the advisor of record for a student who wishes to change into a College who is not processing change of major forms right now. Who do students see for the registration PIN?
Students will see their assigned advisor in the system for early registration advising. It will be the assigned advisor’s responsibility to provide students with the registration PIN. Please be sure to include all assigned students with any communication or instructions for appointments so they may obtain the registration PIN number in a timely manner.
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I am the advisor of record for a student who wishes to change into a College who is not processing change of major forms right now. Who do students see for assistance with course registration and selection?
As the assigned advisor you are responsible for the registration PIN, but acknowledge you may or may not be able to assist with choosing appropriate coursework for a student’s new major. Students are encouraged to reach out to the new department in a timely manner to see what advising opportunities may be available. Note that availability may not fit in the timeline in which a student is inquiring. Appointments with other advisors for change of major will be limited during the early registration period and students who wait may not be able to see an advisor in the new major in a timely manner. Students may also use Degree Works to run a “what-if” degree progress report for the new degree.
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The College my student is trying to change into is not processing forms right now. When can the student submit the form again?
For all colleges with a freeze date for changing majors, students may begin requesting change of major into a major on the first day to register each semester. Students should NOT expect an immediate approval on the day that the forms open back up for processing. Normal process time is 3-5 days.
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Students are reporting their form has not been processed. What is the issue?
Forms are processed in the order in which they are received. Processing time can take up to five business days depending on the volume of requests being received and how close the form is submitted to the deadline.
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What is my responsibility as the approving advisor to approve forms by the deadline?
Submitted forms go the assigned advisor for the new major for approval after your submission. advisors will be expected to approve the forms online by noon of the stated deadline.
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What if a student is inquiring prior to the freeze/hold date but does not meet the criteria to change majors?
Students should talk to the assigned advisor for the new major. In most cases, the students’ request will be denied and the student will be asked to resubmit the form once the requirements are met and the hold/freeze period has lifted. Check with the representative to the University Advising Committee for clarification.
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Why is it taking so long to process the form?
The change of academic program (change of major) process involves participation at three levels: student submission, advisor approval and administrative approval in Enrolled Student Services. If a student completes something incorrectly on the submission, it may be rejected by the advisor and students are asked to resubmit. Students will receive an email letting them know if the form has been rejected with a note as to the reason. Students and advisors with access to the change of academic program workflow can see where the forms are in the workflow and where the breakdown may be occurring.
