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August 11, 2009
Dear New Student,
When I think back to how I felt in the month or so before I arrived at Syracuse University and the College of Arts and Sciences in August of 1997, I remember feeling a mix of emotions. Of course I was excited because I was starting a new chapter of my life, but I was also more nervous than I let on. This letter is to put your mind at ease (to the extent that it is possible during this time) by providing you with a guide to help you navigate through the activities planned to start off your academic career.
Before You Arrive You Should…
Go online and activate your Net ID so that you’re able to adjust your schedule when you arrive.
- Speaking of your schedule, did you know that you can view and print your schedule on My Slice starting August 18th? The first day you can make changes to your schedule is Saturday, August 29th and should be after talking to your Student Peer Advisor and your Faculty Advisor (see below).
- If you did not participate in summer course selection, then you will work with your Student Peer Advisor and Faculty Advisor on Opening Weekend to make your Fall schedule.
Get online and take the Math, Spanish or French placement exam (if you haven’t already).
- There are placement exams in other languages (see above website) that are not offered online and are only offered when you arrive. Also, if you are an international student, then you must take the English to Speakers of Other Languages Assessment Exam offered on August 24th, 26th, and 27st (see above website for times and locations).
Events You Can’t Miss During Opening Weekend…
Opening Convocation
| Why: |
Meet the Dean, all of the 1,100 other students in your class, and find out about breaking news |
| When: |
Friday, August 28, 1 p.m. |
| Where: |
Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center |
| Bring: |
Orientation schedule and something to write on |
Meeting with your Student Peer Advisor (a.k.a. “SPA”)
| When: |
Saturday, August 29, 10 a.m. |
| Where: |
Find the location by checking your SU email on Monday, August 24th |
| Bring: |
Your class schedule, list of questions, Liberal Arts Core Guidebook |
Meeting with your Faculty Advisor*
| When: |
Saturday, August 29, 12:30 p.m. |
| Where: |
Your SPA will direct you to the location of this meeting |
| Bring: |
Your class schedule, list of questions, Liberal Arts Core Guidebook |
*Note: If you are a transfer student, then you should meet with your Recorder during this time in lieu of meeting with your faculty advisor. This meeting is ONLY necessary if you have questions about your transfer credit evaluation or your Liberal Arts Core requirements. If you have not received this evaluation in the mail, then please bring your official transcripts from the institutions you have previously attended and your Recorder will evaluate them and advise you accordingly. Your Recorder can also advise you about declaring your major. Your Recorder is located in 329 Hall of Languages.
Still have more questions about…
What classes to take and other concerns?
- Meet with an Academic Advisor in 329 Hall of Languages on either Saturday, August 29, after meeting with your faculty advisor (or Recorder if you are a transfer student) OR Sunday, August 30, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What to major in?
- Attend the Choosing a Major: Strategies for Undecided Students meeting on Friday, August 28 at 3:15 p.m. in 207 Hall of Languages.
- For more information go to http://ces.syr.edu/casnet.htm.
Whether you want to go into one of the health professions?
- Attend the Health Professions Advising meeting on Friday, August 28 at 3:15 p.m. in 107 Hall of Languages.
- For more information go to http://hpap.syr.edu/.
Whether you want to go into the legal profession?
- Attend Pre-Law Advising meeting on Friday, August 28, 4:15 p.m. in 107 Hall of Languages.
- For more information go to http://prelaw.syr.edu/.
As you get closer and closer to your arrival here, all of us in Student Services (please read for more information about all of the services available to you as an A&S student) would like you to know that we are here to assist you in any way that we can to make your academic experience a success. If you have any questions between now and when you arrive, please feel free to call me at 315-443-2207 or email me at saviswan@syr.edu.
Sincerely,
Shruti Amin Viswanathan
Director, Academic Advising and Counseling Services
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