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Frequently asked questions

1. Who is my advisor?

2. How do I get advised?

  • To insure that we have sufficient time to address all of your concerns, please schedule an appointment with your advisor by calling 229-245-4378, or by visiting our office in U.C. 1114 .

3. Do I need to do anything to prepare for my advising appointment?

  • Review the VSU catalogue for requirements in the Core Curriculum and the major.
  • Come prepared to discuss academic, personal, and career goals and priorities
  • Bring a list of any questions you may have
  • Examine the schedule as posted on BANNER, and prepare a tentative list of course options
  • Keep copies of all paperwork generated with my advisor.

4. How can I change my major?

  • Complete Section A on the Student Data Change form (also called a Major Change form).
  • Go to the department you are changing from, pick up your advising file, and have the form signed.
  • Go to the department of the major you are declaring, have them sign the form and leave your advising file with them. Be sure to ask who your new advisor will be and how to contact him/her.
  • Return the Student Data Change form to the Registrar's Office.

5. Can I withdraw from a class?

  • You may withdraw from classes after the drop/add period until mid-term by completing the withdrawal process on BANNER. A withdrawal prior to mid-term results in a grade of "W". Although a "W" does not count in your GPA, you are only permitted a total of 5 for during your time at VSU. Withdrawals in excess of those 5 will result in an automatic "WF", which is calculated as an "F" in your GPA.
  • You should consult with the Financial Aid office to determine how your financial aid may be impacted.
  • Students may NOT withdraw after mid-term. In cases of hardship, students may request an exception to this policy by completing a petition for withdrawal form available in the Registrar's Office. If the petition is approved, the instructor may assign a grade of “W” or “WF” after mid-term. Note that “WF” is calculated in the grade point average the same as “F.”
  • Medical Withdrawal Process
  • Hardship Withdrawal Process
  • Additional information can be found here.

6. What is the difference between dropping a class and withdrawing from a class?

  • Dropping a class occurs during the official drop/add period at the beginning of each semester (approximately the first week of classes - check the Academic Calendar for exact dates). This process occurs on-line. At the end of the semester, no official record of the student having been in the class exists.
  • Withdrawal: Students may withdraw from courses following the drop/add period until midterm online. A grade of "W" will appear in the student's official records.

7. Can I take classes at a college near my home and transfer it back to VSU?

  • Yes - this is known as being a transient student.

How does this work?

  • To enroll at another institution as a transient student, you must first apply for transient admission at the other institution.
  • Meet with your VSU advisor to complete a Transient Form, with is available in your advisor's office or from the Registrar's Office.
  • Take the Transient Form to the VSU Admission's Office for their signature and course equivalencies
  • Bring the form back to your advisor for signatures
  • Return to form to the Registrar's Office
  • Be sure to request a transcript be sent from the transient institution to VSU once you have completed your classes there

8. I just received notification that I am on Academic Probation. What happens next?

  • You need to meet with your advisor immediately to discuss issues that led to your situation
  • Students are placed on probation based on either your semester GPA or your cumulative GPA:

 

    Semester Hours attempted at VSU and hours transferred to VSU
    Cumulative grade-point average required on VSU courses
    1 - 29
    1.60
    30 -59
    1.75
    60 - 89
    1.90
    90 - graduation
    2.00

 

  • A student will be placed on academic probation if, at the end of any semester while in good standing, the cumulative GPA falls below the minimum specified in the table above or the semester GPA falls below 2.00. Even though a student on probation is making some progress toward graduation, it should be clearly understood that without immediate academic improvement, suspension may result.
 

For additional advising tips and information, please visit VSU's website, Academic Resources for Students.