For undecided students

Is it bad to be undecided about my major?

No. In fact, it’s probably one of the smartest decisions some students can make. Changing majors multiple times can be costly both financially and time-wise. Some majors are more tightly structured than others, allowing for some flexibility if planned carefully. If you’re thinking of particular fields, we will help you tailor your University Studies choices to fit the core requirements for your potential fields. In addition, students can also choose to be undecided within individual colleges (business, science and math, polytechnic studies, health and human services, liberal arts, and education).

Can I finish all my University Studies (general education) requirements then explore majors?

Theoretically you could, but students who avoid exploring possible options until after University Studies requirements are met generally take longer to graduate. Overall, some majors or minorsmay have sequential courses or may require specific University Studies courses, all requirements which can be completed while fulfilling your general education requirements. Thus, an advisor in the USAC will work with you to find courses that best match your multiple interests and help you maximize your choices each semester of enrollment.We strongly recommend careful consideration of which University Studies or introductory courses might assist you in narrowing your list of potential majors.

I am a beginning freshman. Why can't I change my own schedule?

Beginning freshmen create their own schedules with assistance atFirst StepOrientation, but subsequent changes must beapproved by a USACadvisor. This hold is a precaution taken by the USAC to prevent new students from registering for courses for which they do not meet the pre-requisites or courses at another location by mistake. By placing this temporary hold on a student's account, we can ensure accurate schedules while students are still learning the university system as well as student expectations. Once a student has completed his/her first semester and first one-on-one advising appointment, the restriction is lifted. New students are encouraged to call or email our office to make changes to their schedules as needed.

What is the VARK, and why should I take it?

VARK is a short questionnaire that provides a profile of your personal learning preferences, showing how you prefer to give and receive information. VARK stands for the four main areas which this questionnaire follows: visual, aural, read/write and kinesthetic. Thestaff of Learning Assitance Programs& Disability Student Services will help you interpret your results and determine how you can best use your strengths, even when you are faced with a learning situation that does not match your strongest areas. Knowing your learning style can help you understand which fields may be a great match - or even a poor match - based upon your own learningpreferences.Research shows that students who have this self awareness perform better academically, stay in school longer and finish their degrees on time at a higher rate than other students.

For interdisciplinary studies (IDS)students

How do I declare my major as IDS?

Students must complete and submit a finalized plan of study prior to becoming an official IDS major. Instructions and the plan of study are available on the USAC website, and students may consult the USAC advising staff for assistance in how to complete the necessary paperwork. A finalized plan must include all courses and the signatures of a faculty advisor for each area of emphasis selected.

How do I find faculty advisors for my areas of emphasis?

We recommend that you start by considering faculty under whom you have taken courses, perhaps some of your beginning courses in the discipline. You will need one faculty advisor for each area of emphasis you have selected. Often times, faculty members are suggested based upon your long-term goals within that field, so do be sure to clarify these when visiting department offices for guidance. If you need additional direction in this area, please consult the USAC advising staff for further assistance.

Why do I have to list specific University Studies courses on my plan?

IDS students may not count the same course for a University Studies requirementandfor an area of emphasis, so we ask students to list specific University Studies courses on their plans so we can ensure all graduation requirements are included in each study plan proposal submitted. If you later decide to take a different University Studies requirement in the same category (i.e. LI220 instead of LI256) that will not affect your areas of emphasis, you are not required to submit the change in writing.

What if I need to revise my plan of study?

Students who find they need to revise a plan of study can submit a Revision Request Form with their proposed changes, their signature, and the signature of one faculty advisor. You must submit all revisions prior to the start of your final semester/applying for graduation.

For general studies (BGS) students

My University Studies requirements are complete. What do I take now?

As a BGS student, you have the flexibility to take a variety of subjects within the completion of your degree, as long as you meet the individual pre-requisites for each course that you select. We highly encourage students to gear their degree to a particular area or areas of focus as to enhance their resume. Students must take at least 39 hours of 300-500 level courses from any of the multiple subjects available. For ideas, perhaps review the list of available minors for those courses considered core knowledge in particular disciplines. As always, be sure to check the University Bulletin and/or University Studies Handbook forpre-requisite information on your prospective courses.

Can I declare a minor with the BGS?

Yes, BGS students are permitted to declare a minor from the list provided in the University Bulletin. To declare, please visit the college advising center and/or department under which the major falls. Please note that simply taking a substantial number of hours in a subject does not constitute a minor, but rather a minor is a prescribed list of courses much as a major is.

What graduate programs can I pursue with a BGS degree?

Graduate programs vary by school and discipline. For some areas, you will need a specific degree to enter the program, while yet others may only have GPA and individual course requirements for admission. For the best planning, research programs early so that you can take appropriate courses while completing your BGS in order to prepare you for your graduate plans.

For all students

What does an advisor do?

Advisors take the time to get to know you so they can guide you in the right direction when it comes to selecting courses for your semester schedule or when choosing a major. They don't make decisions for you but help you discover your interests and potential and then assist you in making the decisions.

Do I have to see my academic advisor before I enroll?

Yes. Selecting a schedule can be confusing. There are several considerations that need to be taken regarding placement exams, prerequisites and various core requirements. An advising hold is placed on your account each semester that prevents you from enrolling online until you have met with your advisor and received your Alternate PIN, which changes each semester. This Alternate PIN system protects you from spending time, money and energy on unnecessary courses and headaches.

What is a degree audit report (DAR)?

Your degree audit report (DAR) is a personalized document that tracks your progress toward graduation. It shows what progress you have made towards meeting all of the University Studies, degree (major), and other university requirements as listed in the University Bulletin. You can view your DAR on My Southeast Self-Service under the menu Student Records. Be sure to generate a new report each term for the most up-to-date tracking, since the DAR system does include all courses in progress - including those for upcoming semesters.

Do I have to take College Algebra forLogical Systems?

Depending on the major you eventually select, you may or may not need to take college algebra (MA134). For example, if you major in mass communication, you will take MA155 for the Logical Systems requirement. Not every degree requires the course; however, MA134 covers the most majors and isgenerallyrecommended for students who are uncertain of their areas of interest. Talk with your advisor about selecting the Logical Systems course most appropriate foryou. IDS students will need to consider their areas of emphasis and course pre-requisites before deciding on a Logical Systems selection. Although any Logical Systems course would work for BGS students, potential graduate programs or later pursuit of a second bachelor's degree should be taken into consideration.

Do I have to take UI100? Can I take more than one theme?

UI100 is a required course for graduation from Southeast Missouri State for students transferring less than 24 hours beyond their high school date of graduation (dual credit does not count). This freshman seminar class provides an introduction to the concept of liberal education, while utilizing a particular theme as a module for exploration. You will be introduced to life at Southeast and the responsibilities of being a college student. Although the theme for each UI100 class is different, students can only receive credit for UI100 once. Returning students who needed GS101 previously but have not completed it will also need UI100, while students with credit for GS101 or those transferring to Southeast with 24 hours or more will not be required to take UI100.

What is CL001? Why do I need to take it?

CL001 is the first in a series of proficiency checks to help students get into a career path that is appropriate for their talents, interests, and abilities.It also allows students to find that path at the earliest possible time so that they complete their academic planning efficiently and effectively. When you enroll in UI100, you also must enroll in the same-numbered, coordinating section of CL001. You will complete the FOCUS,a career assessment inventory, as an assignment in UI100 for part of a module on career and academic planning, and in so doing will complete CL001. Some students with prior credit for GS101/UI100 may need to take a special section of CL001 as a part of their degree requirements. Your advisor will help you determine if this applies to you. For further information on the career proficiency sequence, please visit the Career Linkages website.

Do I have to take an 8 a.m. class? Can I schedule classes only on MWF or TR?

If you are extremely lucky or engage in intensive planning/rigorous pre-advising, you might be able to arrange a schedule that avoids undesirable times. However, strict scheduling such as this may prevent you from exploring or pursuing a selected major,area of emphasis or minor– some departments only teach classes at particular times, days of the week, or certain semesters.Being a student should be your priority and may require that you be flexible when it comes to scheduling in order to complete your intended program of study.