While many students will be on break from classes this summer, UP offices are still open for business, even if virtually! Most offices are “open” all summer and happy to speak with students via phone, email, and even Microsoft Teams regarding academic planning, career planning, or other topics. In fact, it may be smart to tackle some questions or conversations over the summer while these offices are quieter, rather than waiting until the first week of the fall semester.

Below are a few items to consider!

Career Exploration

• The Career Center is here to help if your student needs assistance searching for a job, networking or navigating LinkedIn, preparing for an interview, negotiating a job offer, or chatting about graduate school. They are available virtually by phone or video chat. Check out their virtual services page for action steps and resources. The Career Center serves both students and alumni! It’s never too early or too late to connect to the multitude of resources they offer. Students can continue to schedule their appointments throughout the summer via Handshake.

Class Schedule or Major Discussions

• Is your student wanting to speak to someone about their schedule or major? They can always contact their school or college directly with questions.
• Fall class registration will be open through the first week of classes! Schedules change and certain classes may open up over the summer. Every year, the University needs to plan for the incoming first-year class, and one of the requirements is that there are spaces saved for new students arriving in the fall. Last year, there were over 4000 spaces reserved in several subjects for the class of 2023. After registration for the incoming first year students is complete, those first-year restrictions are “removed” – usually on August 1. On this date, there are usually no spaces open, but as students decide to cancel their fall registration, spots will open up in these classes.
• For students who want a class that is currently unavailable, it is recommended that they store their PIN for registration somewhere that is easily accessible. That way if a spot opens up in August, students don’t have to track down their advisor to get their PIN in order to access the registration portal and make changes to their schedule. Waitlists may also be available online through Self-Serve for certain classes that have filled. Encourage your student to explore these options.
• In general, if students have questions regarding classes, it is best that they go through their school or college and speak with their Program Counselor or academic advisor. If a student has bigger questions or doesn’t know where to go, they can always start with the Shepard Academic Resource Center.

Tutoring

• Some tutoring will be offered during the summer, so please visit the Shepard Center’s Learning Commons website for up-to-date schedules and offerings.

Connecting with the Pilot Network

• Summer is the perfect time for utilizing Switchboard! No matter where students live, they can connect to Pilots through UP’s online community. Many students reach out to alumni for advice on graduate school, finding a place to live, or advice in a particular field of work. Students can sign up here.

Do you have further questions about UP during the summer months? Contact the Office of Alumni & Parent Relations, and we would be happy to direct you to the appropriate office or resource on campus!

Is your student interested in taking courses at another institution over the summer or participating in a study abroad program other than through UP? Does your student want to make sure that their external credits will count at UP? If so, they should have their external courses reviewed for pre-approval through their school or college, each of which has their own processes and requirements for approval. See below for some general guidelines, although we highly recommend students check in with their School or College to confirm requirements.

The bottom line is that in order to confirm that credits will transfer, students need to get approval to take external classes before they take them. Only classes taken for a grade (must earn at least a C) can be transferred. In addition, quarter credits transfer in as 2/3 a semester credit.

For College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, Pamplin School of Business, and School of Nursing:

Students should email their Program Counselor with the following information:

• Name & UP Student ID number
• The course(s) students want to take at another institution with as much information as they can acquire, such as course description, syllabus, etc.
• Whether the other institution is a semester or quarter institution
• What course/requirement at UP they would like the course(s) to apply towards (e.g. a specific UP course, general elective hours, etc.)

Program Counselors:

• College of Arts and Sciences: cas@up.edu
• School of Education: Kelly Brown, brownke@up.edu
• Pamplin School of Business:
  • First-Year & Sophomores: Molly Cullen, cullenm@up.edu
  • Junior & Seniors: Alison Knoedler, knoedler@up.edu
• School of Nursing: Kristen Kordecki, kordecki@up.edu

The process for review and response usually takes 1-2 weeks from the date of submission. However, during the busy season (such as registration periods, beginning/end of semesters, etc.) the process can take longer, so it is highly encouraged that students submit their request for approval in advance.

Suggested Deadlines to Submit Requests:

• Courses to be taken over the Summer: March 1
• Courses to be taken during Spring semester: October 1
• Courses to be taken during Fall semester: July 1

For Shiley School of Engineering:

All Engineering students who intend to take transfer courses over the summer should complete a special internal approval form through the Shiley School of Engineering. Since there are many nuances to the Shiley School’s ABET accreditation requirements related to credit minima, etc., the only way to ensure that the transfer course will fulfill a specific degree requirement is by completing a “Transfer Course Pre-Approval Request” form, even if the course appears to be equivalent in the TES (Transfer Equivalency System) online database. This form can be found on the Engineering Students page within PilotsUP, or in Shiley 226 (the Shiley Dean’s Suite). The process for transfer course evaluation and response usually takes 1-2 weeks from the date of submission. However, during busy seasons (such as registration, beginning/end of semester, etc.) and for more complex course evaluations, the process can sometimes take longer.

To find out more, Engineering students should email Jamie Merritt, Program Counselor for First and Second Year Students, or Lindsay Chelton, Program Counselor for Upper-division and Graduate Students.

Is your College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) student interested in completing an internship during their time at UP? Encourage your student to consider registering for a 1 credit pass/no pass class this fall, which is designed to introduce students to internship search strategies and the career planning process. Learn more about this great opportunity below!

CAS 191: Internship & Career Preparation

Fall 2019: Mondays, 5:45–6:40 p.m., Franz 234

This course will cover the career planning process including self-exploration, occupational exploration, internship planning, and how to conduct a job search.  After taking the course, students will be better prepared to make informed career decisions and to locate satisfying internships or positions after graduation. Assignments will include working on career materials students can use as they apply for internships and/or jobs in the future.  Any student interested in completing an internship or expanding their career development should register for the course. Elizabeth Jones, Academic Internship Coordinator, will teach the course.

Learn more about CAS internships.