11 Weeks to Go: Now that you've registered for classes... (June 22, 2009)

Now that you’ve registered for Fall 2009 courses, you can begin to use tools that help you review requirements and plan your degree program.

KEY ONLINE TOOLS
To use APAS (or degree audit) and Graduation Planner, go to One Stop Quick Links, and log-in with your x.500 id and password (as with U of M email).

APAS (Academic Progress Audit System)
This tool helps you see how courses you are enrolled for apply to requirements. 
The APAS lets you:
- View and print your degree requirements, current enrollment, and completed coursework (including transfer credits);  
- Try “major-shopping” to compare requirements, using the “What if…” function, before officially declaring a major or minor.

Use your APAS:
- Before you register to see which requirements you still need to complete, and
- After you register to ensure that courses show up in the requirements as you expected.

If you have questions about the accuracy of your APAS, check with your adviser for any clarifications.

If you have transfer, Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate credits, these should appear on your APAS over the summer.  Check for these in late July  and let your adviser know if you have questions!

GRADUATION PLANNER
The APAS shows you what you have done or in progress. The Graduation Planner allows you plan ahead. You can:
- Enter course options for next semester or even for your entire degree program;
- Edit and save your favorite course choices for each term until graduation;
- Visualize and compare multiple registration options or plans;
- Insert personal notes, questions to ask advisers, enrichment activities, your goals; 
- Compare course requirements and timelines for various majors or minors.

Schedule appointments annually to review and discuss your “Graduation Planner” with your adviser.

KEY CONNECTIONS
Your courses do more than merely satisfy degree requirements.  You may find eye-opening connections between disciplines that lead you in new and exciting directions.  Be prepared to learn more in each class than you simply see on paper.  Ask yourself these questions now… your adviser is glad to talk with you, too!

- What kind of work do you expect to do in your classes?
- How do you think each class may relate to (or be different from) another course you are taking?
- Will some courses connect to a major or minor area of interest?
- Will some courses introduce you to a subject or field of study that you currently know little about?
- What skills do you hope to develop (and strengthen) that can help lead you towards personal or professional goals?

ATTENTION!
If you sense the need to change your current registration, be aware of drop/add deadlines now. 

CONNECT – LEARN – ACT
As a student in CLA, you will connect with new disciplines and new ways of learning. Courses you take help you explore and give you information you need to take action on creating a meaningful and engaging degree program.

Have a great summer!

Next week, get some tips on MAJORS…