Course Preparation and Planning

If you are new to BGSU, you will attend a SOAR: Student Orientation, Advising, & Registration.  During this program you will also register for courses with the help of an academic advisor.  Students who have decided upon a specific major are encouraged to view the major’s requirements in the online BGSU Undergraduate Catalog prior to attending Orientation and Registration.  For those who have yet to decide on a major, our advisors will assist you with selection of courses that fulfill University General Education requirements and help you explore your major options. 

First and second year continuing students will not be able to register for classes until they meet with their academic advisor to have their Mandatory Advising holds removed. Third and fourth year students will not have mandatory advising holds and will meet with their faculty mentors for questions about their degree progress. Contact your assigned advisor at least 2-3 weeks prior to your designated enrollment appointment time to schedule an appointment to discuss your options.  Both academic advisors and faculty mentors can assist you with appropriate decisions for a timely graduation date, based on your major, course prerequisites, career aspirations, and course sequencing. 

To prepare for any advising appointment, you should review your MyBGSU Degree Audit (DARS) and the online Schedule of Classes.  You should become familiar with your DARS and review it frequently during your time as a student at BGSU.  Using the DARS and Schedule of Classes, write down a list of courses and any questions you have. It is your responsibility to assure that you progress in a timely manner toward your degree completion.  Your academic advisor will facilitate this process, however, you will need to initiate appointments to review progress toward your degree and career goals. 

The Transition Review is a mandatory degree requirement check for students who have earned or are enrolled in 59 semester hours or less and is conducted by an academic advisor. This review will assist you assist in planning your final two years of undergraduate study. It is an important milestone in your educational career when you officially transition from your academic advisor to your faculty mentor.  You initiate the Transition Review by scheduling an appointment with your academic advisor.

After you are registered for your final semester of courses, it is critical that you schedule a Graduate Check appointment with an academic advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences office. This check will outline exactly what courses you need to complete all remaining degree requirements.