Discover the Surprising Benefits of Using Degree Audit to Stay on Track with Your Education Goals.
| Step |
Action |
Novel Insight |
Risk Factors |
| 1 |
Log in to your student portal and access the degree audit tool. |
The degree audit tool is a comprehensive report that outlines your progress towards graduation. |
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| 2 |
Review the graduation requirements section of the degree audit. |
This section lists the specific requirements you need to fulfill in order to graduate. |
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| 3 |
Check the course equivalencies section of the degree audit. |
This section shows how courses from other institutions or programs can be used to fulfill degree requirements. |
If you have taken courses at multiple institutions, it may take some time to evaluate all of your transfer credits. |
| 4 |
Declare your major and/or minor through the degree audit tool. |
This ensures that your degree audit accurately reflects your intended program of study. |
If you are unsure about your major or minor, it may be helpful to speak with an academic advisor before making a declaration. |
| 5 |
Understand the GPA calculation methodology used in the degree audit. |
The degree audit may use a different methodology than what you are used to, so it is important to understand how your GPA is being calculated. |
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| 6 |
Review the degree completion timeline section of the degree audit. |
This section shows when you are projected to complete your degree based on your current progress. |
If you are behind schedule, you may need to adjust your degree plan or take additional courses to catch up. |
| 7 |
Access advising resources through the degree audit tool. |
The degree audit may provide links to academic advisors or other resources that can help you stay on track. |
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| 8 |
Check your registration eligibility through the degree audit tool. |
The degree audit may show if you have any holds or other issues that could prevent you from registering for courses. |
If you have any registration issues, you may need to resolve them before you can register for courses. |
| 9 |
Adjust your degree plan as needed based on the information in the degree audit. |
If you are off track or need to make changes to your program of study, you can use the degree audit to help guide your decisions. |
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By following these steps and using the degree audit tool, you can stay on track towards graduation and ensure that you are meeting all of the necessary requirements for your degree program. It is important to review your degree audit regularly and make any necessary adjustments to your degree plan in order to stay on track and avoid any delays in completing your degree.
Contents
- What are Graduation Requirements and How Do They Affect Your Degree Audit?
- The Importance of Transfer Credits Evaluation in Staying on Track with Your Degree Audit
- GPA Calculation Methodology: What You Need to Know for a Successful Degree Audit
- Advising Resources Access: Utilizing Available Resources for a Smooth Sailing Through Your Degree Audit
- Adjusting your Plan as Needed – Understanding the Process of Making Changes to your degree plan through your degree audit
- Common Mistakes And Misconceptions
What are Graduation Requirements and How Do They Affect Your Degree Audit?
The Importance of Transfer Credits Evaluation in Staying on Track with Your Degree Audit
| Step |
Action |
Novel Insight |
Risk Factors |
| 1 |
Understand the importance of transfer credits evaluation |
Transfer credits evaluation is crucial for staying on track with your degree audit. It helps you determine which credits from your previous institution can be transferred to your current institution, and which courses you still need to take to fulfill your degree requirements. |
Not understanding the importance of transfer credits evaluation can lead to taking unnecessary courses, delaying graduation, and wasting time and money. |
| 2 |
Research the transfer credit policies of your current institution |
Check your institution’s website or contact the admissions office to understand their transfer credit policies. Look for information on course equivalency, accreditation, and articulation agreements. |
Not researching the transfer credit policies of your current institution can lead to confusion and frustration when trying to transfer credits. |
| 3 |
Request a transcript evaluation |
Submit your official transcripts from your previous institution to your current institution’s admissions office for evaluation. This will help you determine which courses are transferable and which ones are not. |
Not requesting a transcript evaluation can lead to taking unnecessary courses and delaying graduation. |
| 4 |
Understand the transferability of credits |
Make sure you understand which credits are transferable and which ones are not. This includes understanding the difference between general education requirements, major requirements, and elective courses. |
Not understanding the transferability of credits can lead to taking unnecessary courses and delaying graduation. |
| 5 |
Consider prior learning assessment |
Some institutions offer prior learning assessment, which allows you to earn credit for knowledge and skills you have acquired outside of the classroom. Consider this option to potentially save time and money. |
Not considering prior learning assessment can lead to missing out on opportunities to earn credit for knowledge and skills you already have. |
| 6 |
Understand credit hours and graduation requirements |
Make sure you understand how credit hours work and what graduation requirements you need to fulfill. This includes understanding the number of credit hours required for graduation and any specific course requirements. |
Not understanding credit hours and graduation requirements can lead to taking unnecessary courses and delaying graduation. |
| 7 |
Review course syllabi |
Review the course syllabi for courses you plan to take to ensure they fulfill your degree requirements. This includes understanding the course content, assignments, and assessments. |
Not reviewing course syllabi can lead to taking courses that do not fulfill your degree requirements. |
| 8 |
Stay on track with your degree audit |
Regularly review your degree audit to ensure you are on track to meet your graduation requirements. This includes understanding your academic progress, major requirements, and general education requirements. |
Not staying on track with your degree audit can lead to taking unnecessary courses and delaying graduation. |
GPA Calculation Methodology: What You Need to Know for a Successful Degree Audit
| Step |
Action |
Novel Insight |
Risk Factors |
| 1 |
Understand Credit Hours |
Credit hours are the number of hours a student spends in a class per week. |
Not understanding credit hours can lead to confusion when calculating GPA. |
| 2 |
Know the Grade Scale |
The grade scale is the range of letter grades and their corresponding numerical values. |
Not knowing the grade scale can lead to miscalculations of GPA. |
| 3 |
Calculate Semester GPA |
Add up the total grade points earned for the semester and divide by the total number of credit hours taken. |
Not calculating semester GPA correctly can lead to inaccurate cumulative GPA. |
| 4 |
Calculate Cumulative GPA |
Add up the total grade points earned for all semesters and divide by the total number of credit hours taken. |
Not calculating cumulative GPA correctly can lead to academic standing issues. |
| 5 |
Understand Weighted and Unweighted GPA |
Weighted GPA takes into account the difficulty of the course, while unweighted GPA treats all courses equally. |
Not understanding the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA can lead to confusion when calculating GPA. |
| 6 |
Know Pass/Fail Grading System |
Pass/Fail grading system does not factor into GPA calculation. |
Not understanding the Pass/Fail grading system can lead to confusion when calculating GPA. |
| 7 |
Understand Incomplete Grades |
Incomplete grades are given when a student has not completed all the required coursework. |
Incomplete grades can affect GPA calculation if not resolved in a timely manner. |
| 8 |
Know Withdrawal from a Course Policy |
Withdrawing from a course can affect GPA calculation and academic standing. |
Not understanding the withdrawal policy can lead to negative consequences. |
| 9 |
Understand Repeated Courses Policy |
Repeated courses can affect GPA calculation and academic standing. |
Not understanding the repeated courses policy can lead to negative consequences. |
| 10 |
Know Grade Forgiveness Policy |
Grade forgiveness policy allows students to retake a course and have the new grade replace the old one in GPA calculation. |
Not understanding the grade forgiveness policy can lead to missed opportunities to improve GPA. |
| 11 |
Understand Academic Standing |
Academic standing is the status of a student’s academic progress based on their GPA. |
Not understanding academic standing can lead to negative consequences. |
| 12 |
Know Probation and Dismissal Policies |
Probation and dismissal policies are consequences of poor academic standing. |
Not understanding probation and dismissal policies can lead to negative consequences. |
Advising Resources Access: Utilizing Available Resources for a Smooth Sailing Through Your Degree Audit
| Step |
Action |
Novel Insight |
Risk Factors |
| 1 |
Familiarize yourself with the course catalog and student handbook. |
The course catalog contains a list of all courses offered by the institution, while the student handbook provides information on policies, procedures, and resources available to students. |
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| 2 |
Visit the Registrar’s Office to review your degree requirements and graduation checklist. |
The Registrar’s Office can provide you with a detailed breakdown of the courses you need to take to fulfill your degree requirements. |
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| 3 |
Utilize online resources to access important information. |
Many institutions have online portals that allow students to access their degree audit, transfer credit evaluation, and other important information. |
Technical difficulties accessing online resources. |
| 4 |
Seek out academic support services if needed. |
Academic support services such as tutoring and writing centers can help you succeed academically. |
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| 5 |
Visit the Career Center to explore career options and job opportunities. |
The Career Center can provide you with information on internships, job fairs, and other career-related events. |
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| 6 |
Meet with the Financial Aid Office to discuss financial aid options. |
The Financial Aid Office can provide you with information on scholarships, grants, and loans to help finance your education. |
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| 7 |
Explore study abroad programs to enhance your education. |
Studying abroad can provide you with a unique cultural experience and broaden your perspective. |
Financial constraints may limit study abroad options. |
| 8 |
Get involved in campus clubs and organizations. |
Campus clubs and organizations can provide you with opportunities to meet new people and develop leadership skills. |
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| 9 |
Utilize tutoring services if needed. |
Tutoring services can provide you with additional support in challenging courses. |
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| 10 |
Take advantage of library resources. |
The library can provide you with access to research materials and academic databases. |
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By utilizing the resources available to you, you can ensure a smooth sailing through your degree audit. It is important to familiarize yourself with the course catalog and student handbook, visit the Registrar’s Office, and utilize online resources. Seeking out academic support services, exploring career options, and meeting with the Financial Aid Office can also be beneficial. Additionally, studying abroad, getting involved in campus clubs and organizations, utilizing tutoring services, and taking advantage of library resources can enhance your education. It is important to be aware of potential risk factors, such as technical difficulties accessing online resources or financial constraints limiting study abroad options.
Adjusting your Plan as Needed – Understanding the Process of Making Changes to your degree plan through your degree audit
| Step |
Action |
Novel Insight |
Risk Factors |
| 1 |
Review your degree audit |
Your degree audit is a comprehensive report of your academic progress and requirements. It shows your completed and remaining courses, as well as your GPA and graduation timeline. |
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| 2 |
Identify the courses you need to take |
Look at the course requirements, core curriculum, major requirements, and minor requirements sections of your degree audit. Identify the courses you still need to take to fulfill these requirements. |
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| 3 |
Consider elective courses |
If you have room in your schedule, consider taking elective courses that interest you or align with your career goals. |
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| 4 |
Check for prerequisite courses |
Make sure you have completed any prerequisite courses required for the courses you need to take. |
Not completing prerequisite courses can delay your graduation timeline. |
| 5 |
Determine credit hours |
Make sure you have enough credit hours to meet the minimum requirement for graduation. |
Not having enough credit hours can delay your graduation timeline. |
| 6 |
Check for transfer credits |
If you have taken courses at another institution, check to see if they can be transferred to fulfill any of your degree requirements. |
Transfer credits may not always be accepted, and the process can be time-consuming. |
| 7 |
Submit a petition |
If you need to make changes to your degree plan that are not reflected in your degree audit, such as substituting a course for a requirement, you may need to submit a petition. |
The petition process can be lengthy and may not always be approved. |
| 8 |
Use the add/drop period |
If you need to make changes to your schedule, such as adding or dropping a course, use the add/drop period at the beginning of the semester. |
Missing the add/drop period can result in being stuck with a course you no longer want or need. |
| 9 |
Withdraw from a course if necessary |
If you are struggling in a course and do not think you can pass, consider withdrawing from the course. This will prevent a failing grade from affecting your GPA. |
Withdrawing from too many courses can result in being placed on academic probation. |
| 10 |
Monitor your GPA |
Your GPA is an important factor in your academic progress and eligibility for scholarships and other opportunities. Monitor your GPA and take steps to improve it if necessary. |
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Adjusting your degree plan can be a complex process, but by following these steps and being aware of potential risks, you can stay on track and graduate on time. Remember to regularly review your degree audit and seek guidance from your academic advisor if you have any questions or concerns.
Common Mistakes And Misconceptions
| Mistake/Misconception |
Correct Viewpoint |
| Degree audit is only for graduating seniors. |
Degree audit should be used by all students to track their progress towards graduation and ensure they are taking the necessary courses. It can also help identify any potential issues early on in a student’s academic career. |
| The degree audit is always accurate and up-to-date. |
While degree audits are designed to be accurate, errors can occur due to various reasons such as changes in course requirements or transfer credits not being properly recorded. Students should regularly review their degree audits and consult with an academic advisor if there are any discrepancies or questions about their progress towards graduation. |
| Completing the courses listed on the degree audit guarantees graduation. |
While completing all required courses is a crucial step towards graduation, other factors such as GPA requirements, residency requirements, and passing comprehensive exams may also need to be met before a student can graduate. Students should familiarize themselves with all of these requirements and work closely with an academic advisor throughout their college career to ensure they meet them all in time for graduation. |
| A completed degree audit means that a student has fulfilled all general education requirements. |
While some general education requirements may be included in the list of required courses on a degree audit, it does not necessarily mean that all general education requirements have been met unless explicitly stated so by the institution or program guidelines. |