What to Expect
Exciting and Popular Classes
Because the undergraduate programs in our department are currently experiencing rapid enrollment, we have adopted certain strategies for accommodating these increases. As part of this approach, we allow our waitlists to grow until the first main wave of registration has taken place (usually for a few weeks). This means that we do not make rash decisions in terms of our response to closed and overenrolled courses. You will get into the classes you need. You may not always get into the classes you want, though we are often able to accommodate you. In terms of courses you need, we will either add you to the existing course or to a new section of the course as the size of the waitlist dictates. This process is also hampered by constraints of room limitations on campus, book availability, instructor availability, and other factors. Nonetheless, we have been very successful with this approach and student graduation has not been negatively impacted due to courses in our department. This does require patience on your part, though. The program director, department advisor, and department chair meet regularly to monitor enrollments, so please trust that we know what we’re doing and that our primary goal is to ensure that all of our students get the courses they need. Keep in mind also that you may need to enroll in summer courses in order to complete your degree within 4 years.
Courses That Challenge You to Go Beyond
Faculty expect you to come to class prepared and ready to participate. Many classes utilize the newest innovations in educational technology that will require you to review interactive lectures online, participate in discussion boards, and view web sources prior to class. This “flipped classroom” model cuts down on lecturing and ensures that class time will not be taken up reviewing material you have already spent time reading. Instead, class time is spent applying the information (e.g., via group discussions and activities) to real world situations that you will experience in your internship and future occupation.
Advising That Matters
When students declare their major in Exercise Science or Health Education, they will meet with an advisor who will discuss their academic and career goals, and work with them to build a plan toward their future endeavors. Academic advising is a partnership, wherein the student works with the advisor as a team toward academic success. Each student is important – therefore, it is important for students to schedule advising appointments to ensure a meaningful interaction. There are times each day for walk-in appointments for quick questions and emergencies, but students are encouraged to make their advising appointments early to avoid a last minute rush.
Real Experiences
One of the benefits of our majors is that students will have the opportunity to put their knowledge to use before graduation! Students engage in a professional internship where they will gain “real world” experience in a supportive environment, applying the concepts they have learned in their classes.
