Change of Academic Program Guidelines by College
Take a few moments to review the list of Departments by College.
The College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, College of Architecture, Art and Construction, College of Arts and Humanities and College of Education will approve change of academic program requests from eligible students into their majors at any time during the fall or spring term. See links below for more information:
The following Colleges will decline all change of academic program requests during the current term beginning on the last day to add for the semester. See links and key dates below for more information:
*Note that many programs within this College have restrictive/competitive application processes with specific dates of application which may not fall into these guidelines.
Students may submit change of academic program requests for programs in these Colleges again on the first day to register each semester.
Key Dates for 2023 – 2024 Academic Year
August 23, 2023: Last day to submit the change of academic program form online for fall 2023 term for Colleges with restrictions (see above).
November 6, 2023: Colleges with restrictions (see above) will begin to process change of academic program forms on this date. Anticipate 3-5 days processing time.
Note: Dates are determined by the academic calendar and are subject to change as conditions warrant.
- Where do I find the form to change majors/academic program form and instructions?
Information regarding the form and instructions are linked here: https://www.clemson.edu/registrar/student-menu/student-records/majors-minors.html
- What if a student is changing majors within the same College?
The dates still apply if you are changing within the same College as outlined here. Any change that will result in a change of assigned advisor is inappropriate during the designated freeze/hold dates if your College is enforcing hold/freeze periods.
- Can I process a student’s change form if it is not changing majors and/or assigned advisor?
Yes. Students may submit the form online to change curriculum year, add or delete minors or concentration areas during this hold period.
- 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.
- I have a student graduating in the current semester need to process a change. What do I do?
Students who are graduating will be given permission to make changes in consultation with the major advisor from the College in which they are changing to if there is a freeze/hold date in place.
- 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.
- 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. https://www.clemson.edu/registrar/student-menu/degree-works.html
- 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 (November 4, 2020 and April 5, 2021). 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.
- 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 5 business days depending on the volume of requests being received and how close the form is submitted to the deadline.
- What time can forms be submitted until on the deadline date(s)?
All forms must be submitted by the student for approval by your new advisor by 8:00 am on the deadline date. Forms submitted after this time cannot be guaranteed to be approved by the deadline.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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, assigned 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.
- Do students follow the date for the College in which they are currently enrolled or their new College major?
Students follow the rules for the College in which they wish to change their major, not the College for which they are enrolled.
