The Office of
STUDENT ACADEMIC SERVICES

HISTORY AND SCOPE

The Office of Student Academic Services was originally founded in 1955 as University College, an academic unit which enrolled all freshman students, whether or not they had decided upon a specific major. Today, the Office of Student Academic Services provides students who have not decided on a major the opportunity to adjust to their environment, to measure their abilities, and to discover their special interests. After deciding on a major students will advance to one of the University’s seven colleges and schools which offer undergraduate degrees. These include the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Public Administration, the College of Education and Human Development, the School of Engineering and Mines, the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and the College of Nursing.

ADMISSION AND ACADEMIC ADVISING

As soon as new students who have not decided on a major have been admitted to the University, their information is forwarded to the Office of Student Academic Services. The Office of Student Academic Services has the responsibility for housing the records of all undecided students and for assigning each to an appropriate academic adviser. All students who have not decided on a major should meet with their adviser on a regular basis and should consult with their adviser preceding enrollment in classes each term.

TRANSFER TO A DEGREE COLLEGE

When a student decides upon an academic major, the records of the student are advanced to the appropriate degree-granting college.

To declare a major, a student must call or go to the office of the college which grants the degree the student wishes to pursue. The new college will request the student’s records from Student Academic Services.

PROGRAM PLANNING

In most cases the University recommends that a student’s first year be devoted to broad preparation for later specialization. This is particularly important for the undecided student, who may wish to test his or her capacities and interests in various directions before making a final decision about a major field of study.

Many new students devote much of their first year of coursework to satisfying the University’s general education requirements, which must be completed by all undergraduate students no matter which school or college they eventually enter to become degree candidates. The general education requirements form a core of learning that the University sees as necessary for a complete liberal education. These requirements include credit hours in communication; mathematics, science and technology; social sciences; and arts and humanities. See General Education Requirements listing for more information. Within each of these broad areas, students may select from a wide variety of courses. Many students who have not decided on a major find that their general education studies point out possible majors for them.

Students who have chosen a major field of concentration are advised to select courses from among those offered in the general education requirement areas that are especially recommended for the curriculum they expect to follow. Many of these recommendations are found in the departmental and program area listings.

D.J. ROBERTSON AWARD

The D.J. Robertson Academic Award is presented each fall and spring in recognition of academic excellence by freshman students. These students must achieve a 4.00 grade point average and have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours of traditionally graded coursework.

THOMAS J. CLIFFORD OUTSTANDING FRESHMAN AWARD

The Thomas J. Clifford Outstanding Freshman Award recognizes a sophomore student, who in his or her freshman year best exemplified the highest academic standards and leadership through participation in University extra-curricular activities and/or community service.

To qualify for the Thomas J. Clifford Outstanding Freshman Award, the student must have completed a minimum of 24 semester hours in two semesters preceding the award. Also, the student must not have completed more than 40 semester hours. This excludes credit earned while in high school and/or credit established through other special examinations. The student must be a present and/or previous recipient of the D.J. Robertson Academic Award.

“ GETTING STARTED”
FRESHMAN REGISTRATION PROGRAM

The Office of Student Academic Services conducts a special summer registration program each year to allow incoming freshmen the opportunity to arrange their fall semester class schedules and learn about the University. This program allows each student to obtain individual attention from academic advisers, along with the opportunity to receive information to aid in a smooth transition to the University. Students accepted for admission to the University are invited to participate in the Getting Started Program.

“ GETTING STARTED”
TRANSFER REGISTRATION PROGRAM

Scheduled in early spring, Student Academic Services facilitates a one-day registration and orientation program for admitted transfer students who will be entering UND for the fall semester. Transfer students are able to meet with an advisor, learn more about UND programs and services, and acclimate to the campus environment.