Frequently Asked Questions
Advisement
Who is my advisor?
You have been assigned to an academic advisor who is either a faculty member within your chosen field of study (major) or a professional advisor with the CLA Student Affairs and Advising Center (SAAC). You can find out who your advisor is by contacting SAAC at 726-8180 or clasa@d.umn.edu.How do I find my advisor?
The simplest way to locate your advisor's office is by using the "people search" via the UMD hompage, www.d.umn.edu. Select "People" from the menu at the top of the page. You can search for any University of Minnesota faculty, staff or student using this link.Being Undeclared
Am I still making progress on my degree even though I haven't declared a major?
Undeclared students are as concerned about graduating in four years as students with declared majors. In order to earn a degree, all students are required to complete UMD's Liberal Education Program, a major, an upper-division composition course, and electives in order to reach a minimum of 120 credits. Most degrees also require completion of a minor. While a major and minor provide students with an area of specialty, the Liberal Education Program provides students with a broad education. Since all UMD degrees require completion of the Liberal Education Program, it is a logical place for first-year students to begin their college education.
When do I need to declare my major?
As an undeclared student, you are encouraged to begin your college career with an open mind, explore multiple subject areas, determine how your interests and skills relate to majors and careers, and then declare your major with confidence. This exploration will take place over your first year of college and beyond.It is CLA's policy that students either declare a major or file a Plan for Major Declaration form once they have reached 45 or more semester credits. This includes both completed and in-progress credits. By filing a Plan for Major Declaration form, which requires students to document steps they are taking in moving toward declaring a major, students receive a one semester extension in declaring their major.
Campus Life
Is it true that on-campus athletic events are free?
UMD students receive free admission with a U-Card and an D2 Admission Card (available from the Athletic Ticket Office, lobby SpHC) to varsity basketball, women's hockey, football, soccer, and volleyball, baseball and softball games held on campus. The cost for attending men's hockey games at the DECC is $7.00 (except games versus Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and St Cloud State - which are $25). Student season hockey tickets for men's hockey are available for $108.00 on a limited basis. Athletics will email you additional information in early September. The Athletic Ticket Office should be your primary resource for ticket information. Note that the DECC charges students full adult prices and a $1 facility charge. Additional information is available at http://www.umdbulldogs.com/tickets.phpWhat are the words to the UMD rouser played at sporting events?
UMD RouserNow let us praise UMD
Ever strong, Ever true we will be
And to the Bulldog name
Maroon and Gold our fame
We hail University, Rah, Rah, Rah
U (clap)-M (clap)-D (clap-clap), Always with our loyalty
Sing and cheer to be victorious UMD!
B-U-L-L-D-O-G-S Heeeey BULLDOGS!
How can I connect with a student organization that interests me?
A current list of UMD student organizations is available in the Student Activities Office, 115 Kirby Student Center, or online at http://www.d.umn.edu/kirby/. The online list provides links with individual group contact information. Organizations are always looking for new members so don't hesitate to make a contact to learn more about a particular group.College of Liberal Arts
Why does CLA place an emphasis on computer skills?
Strong computer skills are a must for every college graduate. One goal of the College of Liberal Arts is to make programs and opportunities available aimed at building technological abilities and confidence in liberal arts students.The CLA has instituted technology initiatives that enhance students' educational experience, skills, and professional training. The CLA believes ours graduates are the best of the best - they have strong communication and critical thinking skills, they know how to implement research design and data analysis, they have in-depth knowledge of one or more specific field of study, and they have a range of computer skills. These core liberal arts skills and vocationally-centered computer proficiencies groom CLA graduates for the current information-based economy and for a lifetime of growth and scholarship.
What do I need to achieve to make the Dean's List?
Each semester CLA students are recognized for high academic achievement by being placed on the CLA Dean's List of Academic Excellence. A memo is placed on their transcript indicating this achievement. To be eligible for this honor, students must have a minimum of a 3.50 term GPA and 12 graded credits. Incompletes, N's, and F's disqualify a student from eligibility.Computer Related
How do I update my current mailing address?
Students living away from home need to update their current mailing address in order for mailings to be sent to their current address. Login to and select "View/change your Personal Info" to access your mailing addresses. Note you can leave your parents' address as your billing address but list your residence hall address for current mailings. You should also list your residence hall phone number.How often should I check my university e-mail account?
E-mail is the official means of communication for the University. Minimally, you should check your e-mail at least twice each week. Information regarding financial aid, tuition and fee billing, course work, registration, advisement, and other campus announcements are all sent via e-mail and, thus, you are encouraged not only to check your e-mail but to thoroughly read the messages and follow up as necessary.
Is it acceptable to use my residence hall Internet connection to download media for my own use as long as it complies with all copyright laws and U policies?
Yes. But, please note a few cautions.- Make sure you scan any downloaded files with current Antivirus software.
- Make sure the settings of any music/file-sharing program you might use are not allowing sharing or super node usage (they are both allowed by default on many programs).
- Be aware that many of the music/file-sharing programs install "spyware" that allows them to monitor what sites you browse and possibly much more. An Internet search of your program name and the word "spyware" should give you some information.
- ***Additional ResNet information: http://www.d.umn.edu/itss/resnet/
Financial Aid
Who can help me with financial aid questions?
The Student Assistance Center is UMD's financial aid office.8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday (no appointment necessary)
21 Solon Campus Center
218-726-8000; 1-800-232-1339
FAX: 218-726-8219
E-mail umdhelp@d.umn.edu
Be sure to include your UMD ID number when writing or sending e-mail to their office. All e-mail inquiries regarding your personal financial aid record must be submitted via your personal U of MN e-mail account. Due to privacy laws, the Student Assistance Center cannot change your records based on information received through any other e-mail account.
Personal Adjustment
Is it normal to feel homesick?
Bouts of homesickness are very normal for students living away from home. These feelings tend to come and go throughout the first year of college and may be especially strong during high stress times. The important thing to keep in mind is that these feelings are normal and are not a true sign that you should move home or have made a bad decision in coming to UMD. When a bout of homesickness hits you make an extra effort to spend time with friends and to be active. If these feelings persist beyond a couple of weeks, then you may want to discuss your feelings with your RA or a SAAC advisor.The first couple of weeks of classes were a breeze; however, I suddenly feel overwhelmed by a number of upcoming tests and assignments. What should I do?
You're learning an important fact about being a college student - Even when there doesn't seem like you have course work to be working on, there IS ALWAYS course work to be working on.Regarding your upcoming tests and assignments.
First, map out the deadline dates for each test/assignment and list the requirements for each, e.g. list the lecture dates and reading assignments that will be included on each test. Next, calculate how much time you will need to prepare for each test or to complete each assignment. Working backwards from the deadline dates, schedule sufficient time to accomplish the necessary preparation for each test or assignment. Finally, actually follow the schedule you've established.
After you have made it through these upcoming tests and assignments, be sure you continue to devote time to your course work. Stay current with readings, review your lecture notes on a regular basis, and draft your next writing assignment. Effective time management is one of the keys to being a successful college student. Remember, there is always some course work you could, and probably should, be working on.
Registration
Can I withdraw from one of my current courses?
Freshman CLA students must complete either SSP 1000 or CLA 1001 during their first term of enrollment and, thus, are not allowed to withdraw from those courses. If you are considering any other schedule changes, then you are encouraged to discuss these changes with your academic advisor as early in the semester as possible.The deadline for withdrawing from a course is the end of the 8th week of the enrollment term. After the 8th week, students must petition to withdraw and petitions are only considered if extenuating circumstances exist.
The tuition refund rate is as follows:
- through the Tuesday of the second week of the semester 100%
- during the second week 75%
- during the third week 50%
- during the fourth week 25%
- thereafter 0%