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August 29, 2008
Advising Tip: Getting in to classes
The first week of class can be pretty hectic running around from class to class, trying to figure out if there's space in a particular section you want, which books you need for each class. Here are a few tips as you try and finalize your schedule for the Fall.
If you are on the waitlist for a class, there are 2 things you should be doing:
1) Go to the first day of class; professors will discuss the waitlist situation and policy in that first meeting.
2) Check your umich email account; if you get an override in to the class, you will receive an email and will have a certain number of hours to use the override (i.e. register for the class) before it expires. If you are having your umich email forwarded, be sure to check junk/spam mail folders too. You will have to first "drop" the class you are waitlisted for, then add it to your backpack and register for it. Yes, it's a little convoluted, but don't worry--if you have the override, then you have the override.
Attend all the classes you are registered for, otherwise you may be dropped from the class to make room for someone who was on the waitlist and did show up to the first day of class. If you are registered for one class and hoping to get in to another that meets at the same time, then you do run the risk of getting dropped from the first and still not being able to get in to the second.
Even though you technically can add and drop courses up until Sept 22, be aware that many classes will freeze waitlists and the ability to add the class over Wolverine Access (even if it looks like it's "open") on the first day of classes. You will have to contact professors and/or attend class to figure out if you are able to get in to the class. This is to facilitate the professor's management of the waitlist.
If you are thinking about taking a class pass/fail, you MUST make this election by Sept 22. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule. You can elect to take any class (other than a class in your concentration or the 4th semester of your language requirement) pass/fail. The instructor is not notified; they will submit a grade and if you earn a C- or better you will pass and earn credit. Any type of D or E will result in a fail and not earning credit. Neither counts towards your GPA.
If you have any questions, please contact your academic advisor, or call 764-0332 to set up an appointment to talk with an advisor, or come to our walk-in hours from 10am-4pm September 2-8!!!
Posted by yunecs at 04:53 PM
August 21, 2008
Advising Tip: Where to buy books
For those of you who are starting college for the first time (or starting at UM for the first time), you may be wondering where/when to buy your books. Here are a few tips:
First, figure out what books you need. Check these online Michigan Bookstores to see if you courses/sections are listed, and you can see what books are needed. You may also see "coursepacks" listed, which are just a collection of photocopied articles.
Michigan Book and Supply
http://www.michbook.com/
Michigan Union bookstore
http://tinyurl.com/unionbooks
Shaman Drum
http://www.shamandrum.com/textbooks/
Ulrich's
http://www.ulrichs.com/
If if can't find your course/sections on these bookstore websites, you can also try your Ctools page (www.ctools.umich.edu) and see if your instructors have posted a booklist or syllabus with that information yet.
Once you know what books you need, you can order your books online before you come. You can either order them online though a Michigan bookstore, or an online retailer. If you buy it from an online store like Amazon.com, make sure that you are ordering the correct edition!!! Also be wary in this case you may have difficulty returning them if you decide not to keep a particular class.
If you can't find out what books you need, or if you just want to wait until you come to school in the Fall that is fine also. Many students will do this, and you will not be academically disadvantaged if you choose to wait until you come back to campus; there is no reading that is required before the start of classes.
Finally, if you're looking for ways to reduce that textbook bill, here are a few things to try:
- Order online early and get "used" copies; these are usually very gently used and in very good condition.
- You can also try buying books from other UM students on-line at reduced prices, check out (you'll need UM kerberos password to access): https://marketplace.umich.edu/UofM/WebObjects/Marketplace
- Also, there is usually a Student Book Exchange in the Union before school starts too. See here for details.
- Use the library! You do not have to buy every book on your syllabus. Books and videos for most classes should be on reserve. If they're not, ask your professor to put them on reserve. Exercise your right to equal access to educational materials. Check out the books, music, and videos at the University's libraries.
Posted by yunecs at 11:34 AM