Frequently Asked Advising Questions
Major Changes
Where do I change my major?
Most Freshman and Sophomores:
In order to begin your major change process, you must speak with an advisor from the department for the major you wish to change into to have a major change form completed. Once you have a completed major change form (signed by your academic advisor), you can then take your major change form to Advising First (UCA 3200) for processing.
Juniors and Seniors:
You must visit the academic dean’s office for the major you wish to change into to have a major change form completed. The major change form must be signed by both your academic advisor and your academic dean. You can then take your completed major change form to the Registrar’s office (UCA 3900) for processing.
If you are unsure, call the main Advising First office at 644-3430.
Transient information
I want to take classes over the summer at another institution. What do I need to do?
You will need to complete a Transient form, which can be found on-line at FACTS.org. Once you submit the transient form, an academic advisor in your major will approve the courses you plan to take, and then send your form on to your Dean and the Registrar’s office for final approval.
Dropping a course
During the first four days of classes, individual courses may be added, dropped, or sections of a course changed. Students are financially liable for all courses appearing on their schedule after the fourth day of classes. Courses may be dropped through the seventh week of classes with the exception of mandated college preparatory courses, freshman composition, and courses involved in allegations of academic dishonesty; however, tuition charges remain. Approval by the student's academic dean is required to reduce the academic load below twelve (12) semester hours or increase an academic load above eighteen (18) semester hours (to a maximum of twenty-one [21] semester hours). Courses dropped during this period do not appear on the student's transcript. To add courses after the first four days of classes requires the academic dean's approval.
A cumulative maximum of two (2) courses may be dropped between the eighth and twelfth week of classes during the semesters in which the student has earned fewer than sixty (60) hours of college credit; tuition charges will remain. A student may only drop one (1) course after earning sixty (60) hours of college credit and until graduation; tuition charges remain. Approval by the student's academic dean is required. Courses dropped during this period appear on the student's transcript with the notation "W."
After the twelfth week of classes, courses may be dropped only in exceptional circumstances. Dates are prorated for individual summer sessions. Approval is required by the academic dean. Such courses appear on the student's transcript with the notation "WD." Students who register for courses but who do not attend the classes receive grades of "F" if the courses are not officially dropped. Students changing from a previous catalog year should consult their academic dean regarding limitations concerning the policy described above.
Advisor information
Who is my advisor?
Click here to find your Advising First advisor. If the advisor for your major is not listed on the Advising First website, you can find a complete list of advisors here.
Do I need to schedule an appointment with my advisor?
It depends. Some advisors require you to schedule an appointment, while others only accept walk-ins. Therefore, call your advisor to see if they prefer walk-ins or appointments. See question above to locate your advisor.
How to decide on a major
There are so many majors, so how do I decide on one?
We have several resources for Exploratory students, undecided students, and students who want to change their major.
You can find information on majors in the Academic Guide. This guide provides important information about the majors we offer at FSU. You can find contact information, a description of the major, the academic map, prerequisites, and admission requirements for every major. You can also find employment information.
The Academic Guide should be used as a tool to acquire basic information about the major. If you want detailed information, then you will need to either visit the department's website or contact their office.
The Career Center also has a great website to help students choose a major (see the Major Match Sheet). This website provides a variety of information including sample occupations, work settings, and professional organizations. You can also visit the Career Center to further research career information as it pertains to majors. You can contact the Career Center by calling (850) 644-6431 or visiting their website.
The Advising First office also provides workshops throughout the semester. They will cover information about how to choose your major and how to be successful at FSU. We also have other events where you can meet your advisor and get information on the different majors at FSU. Emails will be sent out via your FSU email account about upcoming workshops or events.
I want to meet with an advisor about all of my major options? Where do I go?
Advising First advisors specializing in exploring majors at FSU are located in Room 213 Eppes Building. To be able to discuss your major options, it best to schedule an appointment. You can call 645-2847 to reach the Eppes Exploratory Advising Center.
If you have specific questions about a major, it is best to contact the advisor in that department.
GPA
How do I calculate my GPA?
To determine your GPA, try using this GPA calculator:
http://mailer.fsu.edu/~phanowel/gpa/gpacalc.html.
What is the difference between my FSU GPA & my overall/cumulative GPA?
Your FSU GPA includes only the classes that you have taken at FSU. Your overall or cumulative GPA includes FSU courses and classes that you may have taken at other institutions, including dual enrollment. Remember, some majors use your overall/cumulative GPA for admission acceptance. If you are unsure, contact your advisor or call 644-3430 to speak with a general advisor.
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