Why were the courses I wanted closed this semester?

The History Department has grown from 50 to more than 200 majors in the past 15 years.  In that same time period, the number of history faculty has remained at eight.  We are offering that same number of courses for more than four times as many majors.  As a result, our upper division courses usually run at their maximum enrollment.  We are aware that students have difficulty getting the courses they want, and we are requesting that the university administration hire additional full-time faculty to enable us to expand our course offerings. You can help by sending your letter to President David Carter.
 

I plan to graduate in the spring; what should I be doing now?

You need to complete a graduation audit.  Pick one up at the Registrar's Office and make an appointment with you advisor to go over your record.  Some common problems that show up in graduation audits:

Majors cannot use HIS 230 or HIS 231 in both the GER and in their major.

HIS 310 does not count as a 300-level history elective.

History majors cannot use a colloquium to fill their writing intensive requirement.

Problems such as these should be discussed with your advisor as soon as possible so that you do not end up coming back for another semester.

In the back of the catalog is a list of when courses are going to be offered but history courses are not always offered in the semesters listed there.  Why not?

This rotation is made up several years in advance. We have found it difficult to predict when upper division courses will be taught.  We try to offer upper division courses in a one or two year cycle so that every major has an opportunity to take the courses they want, but a variety of  factors, including lack of enough faculty, new faculty developing new courses, and faculty on sabbatical or serving as chairs, often make that chancy.

Does my advisor need to sign my graduation audit?

No, but it is a good idea to work with your advisor in preparing your audit in case any problems develop. 

I'm a junior History major, but I haven't taken HIS 120 or 121.  How do I fulfill the major requirement if I can't get into those courses because they are reserved for freshmen and sophomores?

Don't panic.  You can take 200 or 300-level American history courses that substitute for those requirements.  See your advisor or me to find out what would be the appropriate courses. 

How do I sign up for a minor?  Do I need a special form or signature?

You can declare a minor on the same form that you use to declare a major or change your advisor.  The minors are listed on the back.  Only the English minor requires a department chair's signature, but it is a good idea to talk to someone in the minor program to make sure you understand the requirements.  You should list any completed minor on your graduation audit.

Why can't I get into HIS 200?  Can I take any upper division courses without having taken HIS 200?

We want all  majors to take HIS 200 before their junior year, but even with three and occasionally four sections a year, we have not been able to meet the demand.  We are lucky to have a growing program (more than 200 majors during the 2002-03 year), but that growth also puts pressure on our course offerings, especially HIS 200.  We are hoping to offer two sections a semester. If you are a Junior and have had difficulties getting into HIS 200, please see the Chair of the department right away.

Do I have to check with my advisor before taking summer courses? 

You do not have to, but it is a good idea.  If you are taking summer courses off campus, you may need to do paperwork to insure that they transfer.  If you are taking courses on campus, you might want to check with your advisor to be sure that they will meet your needs. Several majors have taken courses in the summer thinking they would fulfill university or departmental requirements, only to discover they did not.  Do not waste your money taking courses you do not need or cannot use.