Freshman Advising FAQ's

Freshman Advising FAQ's
Achieving Academic Success
Getting to Know Your Professors

Who is my advisor?
If you have a declared major, go to the academic department office of your major. If you are an EOP student, see your EOP counselor in the ST 160, 885-3751. If you are Undeclared, go to the University Advisement Center, Student Services Hub, Room 1131, 885-4682. If you take classes at the Contra Costa campus, advisors are available in the Academic Services office, (925) 602-6770.

Why should I see my academic advisor?
To assist you in making academic and career choices, to find out more about your major, to plan your quarterly schedule, and to assist you in developing strategies to improve your academic performance.

When should I see my academic advisor?
At the beginning of your first quarter, before registering for classes each quarter, and whenever you have a question or problem.

Which courses should I take?
Depending on the quarter that you entered CSUEB, students fall under different GE patterns. Please check with an academic advisor in the UAC to make sure you begin your GE coursework under the proper GE pattern. Most incoming freshman will follow the 1998-2002 GE cluster pattern. Advisors in the UAC can guide you towards understanding the way you should be planning your class schedule.

You need to begin working on your GE courses in your first year. The Area A courses (Speech, English, and Critical Thinking), along with Area B (Quantitative Reasoning), should be completed within your first year, as they will help you succeed in your other courses. The GE courses you take in your first two years often serve as the foundation for major coursework taken later.

If you are in remedial level English and Math courses, be sure to continue with those courses, passing them each quarter until you have reached college level English and Math.

Some majors recommend introductory major courses or prerequisites as well. It is especially important for business or science majors to plan on completing their prerequisites in the first two years of college. See your major advisor to develop an academic plan that is right for you. Do NOT register for 3000 or 4000 level courses in your first year!

Other Common FAQ's

Achieving Academic Success

Succeeding in college involves more than simply going to class and doing your homework. Beyond these basics, there are several ways you can enhance your academic performance.

Improve Your Study Skills Strong study skills help you grasp and retain the information needed to perform well in your courses. For example, by improving your organizational skills, you learn more efficiently. Student Center for Academic Achievement in the Student Services Hub, room 1141, 885-3674, is available to help you with your reading, writing, and learning skills.

Build a Support System Your support system may include individuals such as family members, friends, staff, faculty, and advisors. Try to develop a network of individuals who will assist, guide, and motivate you toward achieving your goals. Check out Student Life Programs' web page to discover the many ways you can get involved at CSUEB.

Foster Relationships with Faculty In addition to providing support, your professors can help you to understand your course requirements and offer suggestions regarding possible career options. Develop a relationship with your professors by introducing yourself, participating in class discussions, and visiting them during office hours. Believe in Yourself! Play to your strengths, improve your weaknesses, and above all - believe you can succeed!

Getting to Know Your Professors

Your professors are available to assist you in achieving your academic goals. However, seeking assistance from a professor may be intimidating for some students. Below are some ideas on when and how to approach your instructors. Keep in mind that the CSUEB faculty do want to help you!

The First Three Weeks
Introduce yourself after class or during office hours. Read the course syllabus and meet with your instructor to clarify the course requirements. Bring a draft of your first assignment to your instructor for review. Possible questions you might ask are: · Am I going in the right direction? · Is my information correct? · Am I clear and understandable? · Does this meet your expectations? Why or why not?

Halfway through the Quarter
Before the first quiz or midterm, review the material and discuss with your instructor any information that is still unclear. Ask your instructor to give you a current update of your standing in the class. Possible questions: · Is there a way to improve my standing? · What should I expect for the remainder of the course?

Near the End
Use this time to explore careers within the discipline or to get recommendations for courses to take the following quarter. You may also want to offer feedback on what you enjoyed (or didn't enjoy) in the course. Possible questions: · What can someone do with a major in this field? · Can you suggest other courses?

See your major advisor to develop an academic plan that is right for you. Do NOT register for 3000 or 4000 level courses in your first year!

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