School of Arts and Sciences

Advising Q and A: Recent Answers

When can I begin taking my placement testing and where can I locate the tests online?
Answer:
Hi Carly, If you are a feshman coming to a PittStart, placement testing does not begin until May 10th.  You can find information about that at this webpage: http://www.pittstart.pitt.edu/freshmen_exam_as.aspx  
Answered 13 years 4 weeks ago by Maggie Schneider.
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Is there a cutoff for transfer credits?
I'm going to be a senior in the fall, and I'd like to take an art class (for a general education requirement) over the summer at the local community college.  Is there a cutoff for transfer credits once you've earned a certain number of credits at Pitt, or would I still be allowed to take this?
Answer:
Hello, Sorry you did not receive an answer to this question in a timely manner.  Once you have a cumulative total of 60 credits, you can no longer take Community College courses.  Also, since you last 30 credits must be done in Oakland, once you have 90 credits, you can't take courses anywhere else but here. 
Answered 13 years 4 weeks ago by Maggie Schneider.
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Do I have to get all the A&S requirements for a German minor and a History minor when I'm majoring in Accounting already with A&S courses in CBA?
Hello!   I'm an Accounting major in the CBA and I need 150 credits to qualify to take the CPA exam. I thought I would get a German minor and also a History minor. I spoke with both departments for the minor requirements, which is fine. BUT when I looked on my latest Advisement Report, I noticed it stated I needed all these A&S requirements to go along with these minors, even though I've almost completed all the A&S requirements for CBA.   I'm a little confused because my advisor said I did not need these extra A&S courses, but my Advisement Report clearly marks the requirements in red. Could I have some clarification so I do not prolonged my education or the costs. I can easily drop both of the minors and still take courses to reach my required 150 credits.   Thank you for your time.   Brooke Baxendell
Answer:
Hi Brooke, When you declare a minor in A&S, even if you are not doing a major, PeopleSoft automatically generated the tracker for A&S General Education requirements.  You do not need to satsify these requirements, only what you need for you BSBA major and you minor information in A&S.  You can ignore the GER's for A&S.
Answered 13 years 4 weeks ago by Maggie Schneider.
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How do I register for 19 or more credits?
Answer:

Visit the Dean's Office in 140 Thackeray Hall for a dean's signature.

Answered 13 years 8 weeks ago.
Frequently Asked, Miscellaneous
Is it possible to register the morning that classes begin?
For example, on the summer 2011 calendar, classes begin and the registration period ends on Monday, May 2. Could I register that morning?      
Answer:
Thanks for your message.  The answer depends on a number of factors.  To better explain your situation, please call 412-624-6444 and ask to speak with one of our on-call advisors.  On call advisors are available Monday - Friday from 10 - 1 and 2 - 4.  Thank you.
Answered 13 years 8 weeks ago.
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I received a 4 on my AP Enlish language exam. It says on Pitt's website that I get credit for an undesignated English Lit course. What does that mean?
Answer:
Hello, If you get a 4 on the AP English Language exam, you will receive 3 units for Englit 0000.  That means we do not give you an exact equivalent course because we do not offer a class with the same content that you took.  These AP units for the English Language exam are elective credits that count toward your required 120 units you need for graduation.  They do not satisfy the General Education Requirement (GER) for Englit.
Answered 13 years 39 weeks ago.
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Other ways to set up appointment for international transfer students
I've looked around the site, and I couldn't find anything for international tranfer students, so I assume they undergo the same process as other trasnfer students. After taking the online placement test, and undergoing the cyber orientation, are there any other ways for international students to set up advising and registration appointment with advisors (because international calls can be expensive)?
Answer:
Hello, All the information about the admission process for International transfer students can be found on line at this web site: http://www.oafa.pitt.edu/intladm.aspx It is very similar to other transfer applicants but it does require more time due to the student visa applicaiton and the deadline to apply for this fall was April 1, 2010.  To see if admissions would accept your application late, you would need to contact that office directly.  To set up an appointment in the advising center after you have been admitted and taken the on line cyber orientation, you can do that by e-mail with our office but doing this by phone is much quicker and efficient.  Also, your appointment itself is typically done in person.  In extreme situations, you might be able to do that by phone but you would never be able to have your advising appointment via e-mail.
Answered 13 years 39 weeks ago.
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In the Freshman Orientation List of 10. The majority of the my classes fall into the write-in category...will it be ok if not all are mentioned on the list for my advisor?
Yes that would be fine. The program only allows you to add 5 'write-in's (classes not immediately shown on the page). You and your advisor will have a chat about the classes that are on your list of 10 but feel free to tell your advisor about any other courses that you are interested in that you were unable to add on your list.
Answer:
Answered 13 years 42 weeks ago.
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how do i get assigned an advisor?
Hi, I'm a transfer student coming into the Arts and Sciences school this fall.  I've been going through what I need to do but now I'm stuck on how I get an advisor.
Answer:
Hello Lizz, When you receive your transfer acceptance letter it will direct you to complete an online orientation. After that, it says to call into our advising center to schedule a transfer advising appointment.  You will be assigned an academic advisor at that time.  If you have additional questions about how the process works, please give our front desk a call at 412-624-6444 8:30 -5 Monday through Friday.
Answered 13 years 45 weeks ago.
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How does a self-paced course work?
 Who administers the tests? Is there homework and quizzes? How do you find out what type of work you will have to do? I have already emailed the teacher but have not recieved a reply. I would like to know how the grading works, and how to prepare best for that.
Answer:
  • Self-paced courses use a flexible format where students move through assigned course materials at their own pace. Workshops and Web-based activities are features of some of the courses. The course syllabus provides more information about workshops and Web-based activities for these courses. 
    • The above information was taken from the CGS website (http://www.cgspitt.org/pittonline.cfm). Once you enroll in the course, you should have access to the syllabus through Courseweb. The syllabus will tell you what you have to do for the course--exams, papers, activities. For some courses attendance at several workshops during the semester is mandatory, but for others--the workshops are there if you want to attend but may not be mandatory. All that is spelled out in the syllabus. If you are required to write papers, you may be able to submit them online or you may be given an address to which you can mail them. If you are required to take exams, you may have to come to campus to CIDDE in the basement of Alumni Hall to take those exams or make other arrangements. Or, you may be able to just do it through Courseweb in addition to other activities required by the instructor. The syllabus should explain how the instructor will grade your work for the course. There really isn't any way to prepare for it until you get access to the syllabus and find out what is expected of you. Note that Arts and Sciences students can only take 2 courses of either self-paced or web based courses to count towards their degree. The one thing to be aware of while taking a self-paced course is procrastination. Don't keep putting it off and then try to catch up towards the end of the semester. I hope that helps. 
    Answered 14 years 3 weeks ago by Babs Mowery.
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