CSI Advising Center | Frequently Asked Questions
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is academic advising important?

Advising can be an essential part of student success. You are encouraged to meet with your advisor frequently throughout the year to ensure that you are meeting requirements for graduation. This is especially important prior to registration when you are selecting courses for future semesters.

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What are my responsibilities as a student?

Students Responsibilities include:

  • Recognize that advising is a shared responsibility and accept final responsibility for all decisions.
  • Clarify personal values, abilities and goals.
  • Prepare for advising sessions and bring relevant materials when contacting the advisor.
  • Contact and make appointment with the advisor when required or when in need of assistance.
  • Become knowledgeable about policies, procedures and requirements, i.e. add/drop deadlines, graduation, and general education policies.

Advisors Responsibilities:

  • Are dedicated to the advising process and exhibit a caring attitude toward advisees.
  • Are accessible to students.
  • Help students clarify career/life goals as well as education goals.
  • Are familiar with institutional regulations, policies and procedures. especially as they relate to academic and/or graduation requirements.
  • Monitor progress toward educational and career goals.
  • Assist students in selecting courses that reflect individual interests and abilities.
  • Assist students in decision-making skills'
  • Refer students to other appropriate campus resources.
  • Participate in advisor training sessions to keep informed and current.

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Who is my advisor?

You may find out who your advisor is and how to contact them by choosing one of the options below or contact us.

  • The Advising Center provides advising services for all students who have not chosen a major, have declared Liberal Arts as a major, or are entering their first semester.
  • Once you make a decision regarding your major course of study, you should see the major advisor over your area.

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How do I know when to meet with my advisor?

It is recommended that you meet with your advisor at least once a semester to discuss registration.

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How do I make an appointment with an advisor?

The Advising Center operates on a “walk-in” basis. The best way to schedule time with your "major" advisor is to contact them either by phone or e-mail to make an appointment.

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What do I need to take with me when I meet with my advisor?

What to Bring:
To ensure that your advising appointment runs smoothly, there are several things you should bring:

  • Up-to-date major checklist or catalog
  • List of current classes
  • List of possible classes for next semester
  • Documentation of services utilized (accommodations or academic probation information)
  • Any other information relevant to the purpose of the meeting

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Do I need to have a major before I start school?

It is helpful to have a delcared major before you start school, however, unless you are planning on receiving Financial Aid, it is not a requirement. If you are undecided The Advising Center will help you learn more about your options.

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How do I get help to decide on a major?

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Can I change my major?

Yes. It would be wise to discuss a major change with your advisor first, so
you can learn about your options. If you decide to change your major, complete a Major and Advisor Change Form and submit it to the Admissions and Records Office. (Students receiving Financial Aid should consider discussing it with their Financial Aid Advisor as well).

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Do I have to take the COMPASS if I took the ACT?

It really depends on the scores you received on the ACT. Although CSI does not require the ACT test, the scores may be used in lieu of the COMPASS placement test. Your advisor can tell you if you need to take the entire COMPASS or just parts of it for placement.

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If I really goofed up when I took the COMPASS can I retake it?

Yes. The COMPASS can be repeated if you think that the score you received is lower than your actual skills. You can repeat the entire test or just the section you want to improve. An advisor can give you a form which notifies the Testing Center that you have permission to retest.

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How many credits should I take my first semester?

That is an individual decision depending on your educational goals. If you have been out of school for a while, a light load of credits is recommended your first semester, to help you get back into the student mode.

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How much can I work and still go to school?

There is no set answer to this question because each student's situation is unique. An advisor can help you determine a schedule that will work best for you. Remember, early registration gives you prime time course selection.

The following is a suggested schedule:

If you work: 40 hours/week 30 hours/week 20 hours/week 5-15 hours/week
Take no more than: 6 credits 9 credits 12 credits 14-16 credits

 

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How many hours will I be in class each day?

It will depend on the total number of credits you take. Usually, a credit hour is defined as the number of hours per week that you attend class. For example, a 3 credit hour class means that the class meets three hours per week for the duration of a full semester.

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How many hours of study are recommended for each hour I spend in class?

You will want to experiment with this and see what works best for you. Generally students need between 1-3 hours of study for each hour spent in class. The time may vary with the requirements of your classes.

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If I want to be a full time student how many credits do I need to take?

You will need to register for 12 or more credits each term to be at a full-time status.

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How do I register for classes?

You are encouraged to meet with your advisor frequently throughout the year to ensure that you are meeting requirements for graduation. This is especially important prior to registration each semester.

New Students:

Current Students:

If you attended the most recent semester at CSI you may either register online or by submitting the course registration form, signed by your advisor, either on campus or at one of the off-campus centers.

If you attended CSI in the past but not the most recent semester submit the course registration form, signed by your advisor, on campus or at one of the off-campus centers.

Online Registration using MyCSI:
You may want to print these directions so that you may follow them while working in another page.

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What’s next after I register for classes?

After the Appointment:
Once you have met with an advisor there are several things you can do to improve your success at the college.

  • Set aside time to process. Your advisor may have given you a wealth of new information. Sometimes a lot of new information in a short period can be overwhelming, so break it down into smaller pieces and think about them one at a time.
  • Take your advisor's advice. Advisors are knowledgeable about the resources available to students on campus. If they believe you might benefit from one of those resources, make sure to follow up with their suggestions. It never hurts to see what options are available.

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Will all of my credits transfer to the 4-year school that
I am planning to attend?

In almost all cases the answer is yes if the class is at the 100 level or above and the grade is "C" or better. The final word on transferability comes directly from the school you plan to attend. Calling or e-mailing them can save problems later. If you plan to attend a university in Idaho, you can refer to the articulation transfer guides.

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