SIUE Lesson 2: Majors, minors, electives and general education...explained.
Posted March 14, 2019
Navigating your first year of college can be super intimidating and confusing. Confession: When I was an incoming freshman, I wasn’t even sure if it was normal to still have a backpack in college (the answer: yes. It is completely normal to have a backpack). So to help relieve any confusion, I’ve written some answers to the questions you might be too afraid to ask.
What does an academic advisor do?
An academic advisor is your personal guide to help organize your class schedule and meet your academic goals. They’ll make sure you are taking the classes necessary to fulfill your degree requirements.
What is registration?
Registration is the process of signing up for your classes. The first time you register will be during your first academic advising appointment at Springboard to Success. Your advisor will be there to walk you through the process.
What are gen eds?
Gen eds, or “general education” courses, are classes everyone needs to take in order to complete their degree. Gen eds are not necessarily related to your major.
What is an elective?
An elective is a class of your choosing! For every degree, there are required classes you must take in order to graduate. Electives allow you the freedom take courses of interest to you and shape your degree to your choosing.
What is a hybrid class?
A hybrid class meets both online and in-person.
What’s a credit hour?
A credit hour determines how long you will be in class each week. If you register for a three credit hour class, you’ll be in the classroom for a total of three hours during the week.
How many credit hours should I be taking?
To be considered a full-time student, you need to be taking at least 12 credit hours. As a freshman, you are allowed to take up to 18 credit hours. Each semester your credit hours add up. In order to graduate, you will need to have a total of (at least) 120 credit hours.
Who do I go to if I have any more questions?
You are always welcome to contact the SIUE Office of Academic Advising.
Author: Kiara Laack, senior, mass communications major
