Academic Issues and Grades (traditional-age undergraduates)

1. Who's my advisor?
2. Do I need to see an advisor to register for classes or change my schedule?
3. What information can your advisor provide?
4. Can I register for a course when I haven't met the prerequisite?
5. What does catalog term mean?
6. Can I meet some requirements under one catalog term and others under a different one?
7. Can I get credit for AP testing?
8. Must I take placement tests? Even if I took them at another institution?
9. If I'm continuing in a foreign language I took in high school should I take the foreign language placement exam?
10. Is it true that I won't receive credit for some courses I passed?
11. What is a residence requirement?

Who's my advisor? [Top]

If you have declared a major, your advisor will be a faculty member in your area of study. The Office of Academic Advising and/or specifically trained staff advisors advise undeclared students. For questions about general education requirements and university policies, please come by the Office of Academic Advising to inquire or email us with a question.

Do I need to see an advisor to register for classes or change my schedule? [Top]

Yes, all undergraduates must have their registration given to them by their advisors to register and add/drop classes on line. Only your assigned advisor has your academic advising file and can give you all the information you need to make an informed choice, help you to avoid costly mistakes and help you graduate on time.

What information can your advisor provide? [Top]

Which general education courses do I have left?
Which courses should I take next in my major?
Is this a good major for me?
How long will it take me to graduate?
What jobs are available for graduates with this major?
Should I take this course for credit/no credit or a letter grade?
Should I drop, withdraw and/or repeat this course?
How many semester hours should I be taking this semester to graduate in four years?
How many semester hours does it take to graduate?
When will I be ready to take upper division coursework?
What about internship positions in this major? How can I get one?
What graduate schools do you recommend for my area of study?

Can I register for a course when I haven't met the prerequisite? [Top]

No. La Verne's student system won't allow the Registrar to register you for that course. In most instances the instructor can approve you to take the course and enter an override in the system for you.

What does catalog term mean? [Top]

Catalog term indicates the year you entered La Verne. You will be held to the general education and major program requirements stated in that catalog.

Can I meet some requirements under one catalog term and others under a different one? [Top]

No. If you wish to follow a catalog different than the year you came in, you can change the catalog or record, but you must follow all General Education and major requirements from a single catalog.

Can I get credit for AP testing? [Top]

With a test score of 3 or above for most AP exams; you can receive credit by having the College Board send the Office of the Registrar an official transcript of your scores. Some AP exams with the necessary test score can substitute for a general education requirement; however, if your particular exam does not earn subject credit, it can still count as elective credit toward the 128 semester hours you need to graduate. Please see the Office of the Registrar for details.

Must I take placement tests? Even if I took them at another institution? [Top]

Yes, upon admission to La Verne, every freshman student is required to take La Verne's English and math placement tests unless they have taken an equivalent course for college level English or math. Some AP exams with the appropriate score can be considered equivalent. Transfer students must also have taken college level English, math or foreign language to be waived from placement testing. Students are also strongly encouraged to take the foreign language placement test.

If I'm continuing in a foreign language I took in high school should I take the foreign language placement exam? [Top]

By all means, it will be in your best interest to take the foreign language placement exam. You might place into the second semester of the foreign language or waive out of the requirement all together. If you plan to major or minor in that language or if foreign language is a requirement in your chosen major, the placement exam will place you into the appropriate course level based upon your results.  The old adage "use it or lose it" reigns true in foreign languages and is supported in studies on language acquisition.  Thus, it is always best to test early and place higher (or out by examination) than to delay it and have it become an obstacle to degree completion.

Is it true that I won't receive credit for some courses I passed? [Top]

You may not receive credit for all courses taken at other colleges for example, remedial courses (courses that are not college level, usually 099 level or below), and courses in which you received less than a "C-." For vocational and assessment coursework refer to the catalog section Transfer Credit for Undergraduate Students, Other Transfer Credit.

What is a residence requirement? [Top]

There are residence requirements for all students. What is applicable for you depends on whether you are following GE Track I or GE Track II. Students should refer to their catalog for details.