Course Information Suite

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Admissions

The general admission requirements and procedures of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are outlined in the Admission chapter. These requirements were established to enable students admitted here to make the most effective use of the facilities of the University. The requirements should ensure that entering students have the capability of completing a degree program successfully.

The high school subjects required for admission provide a reasonably rigorous preparation for most students. The college nonetheless urges prospective students to build on the minimum requirements whenever possible. In the study of foreign language, for example, successful completion of four years of a single language in secondary school will satisfy the College graduation requirement in foreign language so students should include as much foreign language as possible in their secondary school program.

Advising

Academic advising is a critical resource for students in developing a program of study. Especially on a large campus, a continuing, committed association with a faculty member can be a valuable and rewarding part of the student's educational experience. Advisers are available to aid students in choosing majors, planning for career choices, and selecting courses for each semester. All students in degree programs in the college have academic advisers available in their major departments except for interdisciplinary work such as International Studies which is advised at the college level. In addition, the assistant and associate deans in the college assist students in handling a variety of problems and questions.

In order to simplify minor changes in course selections, a student who has successfully completed at least 30 semester hours of course work and who understands the requirements of the college and the University may choose courses without obtaining approval from an academic adviser unless informed otherwise by the college. See the most current available course offerings.

A student does need to obtain approval from an adviser for a number of arrangements, including a formal plan of study for the major and the election of the credit-no credit grading option. A student may be requested by the college office to obtain approval from an adviser and/or the dean for all course changes under certain circumstances. It is very important for advanced students to confer with advisers on a regular basis; therefore, the college encourages all students to consult with their academic advisers at least once each semester.

One particular resource for a student in the college who has not decided on a plan of study is the General Curriculum. The General Curriculum is an advising center for students who want to investigate a variety of subjects before selecting their majors or who have decided on programs that require transfer at the sophomore or junior level. The General Curriculum is not a degree program and does not serve as a formal program of study. Entering freshmen and continuing students with less than 45 semester hours of credit may elect to enter the General Curriculum and may remain in the program until they complete 56 academic semester hours. The office provides individual advising, group orientation sessions, and printed materials describing majors, curricula, and many career opportunities. Students in the General Curriculum are LAS students and must follow LAS policies and regulations. The General Curriculum Office serves as the college office for students in the program.

Another special resource in the college is qualified advising for students who are interested in law school. An assistant dean in the LAS Student Affairs Office (270 Lincoln Hall) counsels students who have declared a prelaw interest. All such students are encouraged to consult the prelaw adviser. Students preparing for law school may elect any major. To obtain a handbook on prelaw advising, contact the Prelaw Adviser at 270 Lincoln Hall.