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Frequently Asked Questions
Courses How do I drop a class?
What is the Core and why do I have to do it?
How does the advising program work?
What help can I get if I have trouble deciding on a major?
Dropping a class -- particularly after the start of the semester -- is a serious matter. You are urged to discuss your options and the consequences with the instructor and your academic advisor. Go to the Student Service Center (AD Bldg 037) to drop a course. If you are a first-year student, you need a freshman drop form signed by your academic advisor or by an assistant dean in the appropriate school. Sophomores, juniors and seniors may use the Banner web system to withdraw from a course by the end of the first week of classes. After the first week of classes, those students must process schedule changes - drops or adds - in person at the Student Service Center. The Arts & Sciences Assistant Dean’s Office is in the Administration Building Annex Room B104, while the Boler School Assistant Dean is in SB117.
Realize that such “force” opportunities are unusual, a privilege, and that your request implies a commitment to perfect attendance and extra effort. Start by asking the instructor if he or she is willing to take another student in the class. Be prepared to explain why you have to take the course this semester in this time slot and demonstrate that you have met the prerequisites, if any. If the instructor approves, have him or her write a note to the chair of the department, then take that to the secretary in the department office. The chair must sign and date a “force” card. During “course change week” (the first week of the semester), freshmen must then take the card to their advisor, obtain a course change form, and then go to the Student Service Center (AD Bldg 037) to make the change. Sophomore and upper division students don’t require the change form and therefore may bypass the advisor during “course change week,” but it is recommended they also make that contact. After the first week, the force card has to be taken to an assistant dean in the appropriate school for approval before being taken to the Student Service Center for processing. If you cannot get instructor permission and a force card, an alternative would be to watch the course seat numbers on Banner Web for someone else to drop the course. This often happens in the first week of the semester. For courses within the Boler School of Business (not PL 311), please see the Assistant Dean of the Boler School in SB 117 to inquire about a force. Since forces are usually done for students registering late, this eliminates the necessity to visit five or six different instructors and department chairpersons. How do I take summer classes at another school? If you want to take summer classes elsewhere, you should discuss your intentions with your academic advisor. Obtain and complete a Transient Petition form (http://www.jcu.edu/A&S/forms/transient.htm) from the appropriate Assistant Deans Office, before registering for the course. You will need to attach a course description or syllabus and then obtain authorizations from your academic advisor, the appropriate department chairperson, and the assistant dean. If the course is to meet a core requirement, such as a letter designation or division, the chair of the University Core Committee must also approve the form. Please make sure you have a final transcript sent to the John Carroll University’s Registrar’s office once you have completed the course. How do I cross-register for classes at another local school? Full-time students with a 2.0 or better may register for one course per semester at any of the 13 participating colleges and universities in the Cleveland Commission on Higher Education Cross Registration Program. This is an enrichment program and courses eligible for cross registration are those normally not available at the home institution. Certain restrictions apply and approval must be granted by the Director of Academic Advising, or the Assistant Dean of the appropriate college, and the Registrars at the home and host institutions. The form is available on line at Participating Colleges and Universities include Baldwin-Wallace College, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland Institute of Music, Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, David N. Myers College, Hiram College, Lake Erie College, Lakeland Community College, Lorain County Community College, Notre Dame College of Ohio and Ursuline College. How can I take a class for pass/fail? Students may not use the pass/fail option for any courses counted toward university or in a major, minor or concentration. Students who have obtained sophomore standing are permitted to take up to six other courses on a pass/fail but may not register for more than one pass/fail per semester. If a student wishes to do a pass/fail option, an application must be made through the Student Service Center by the end of the second week of the semester. Application forms must be obtained from and approved by the Assistant Deans Office. The form is available on line at http://www.jcu.edu/A&S/forms/passfail.htm. A grade of “C” or higher is required for a “pass.” A student who earns a C- or lower will receive that grade and it will be counted in computing the overall grade point average. Business majors may not use the P/F option for any of the Business core courses. What if I am unable to attend classes due to illness or a family emergency? If you expect to be absent from classes for a week or more due to illness or a death in the family, you will need to report your absence to the appropriate Assistant Deans Office, providing documentation from your doctor, medical center, or hospital, or a copy of the death notice, obituary or funeral card. If possible, you should also contact each of your instructors regarding missed homework and exams and, if you live on campus, notify the RA in your dorm. The assistant dean will also notify your instructors of your absence (without details). Missed materials will be handled at your instructors' discressions. If you are absent for less than a week’s time, you should contact instructors yourself. What courses transfer from my previous school? The Transfer and International Admissions Office, working with the Registrar’s Office, will do an initial evaluation of the transferred courses based on a transcript from the other school. If there are questions about courses, these offices will contact the appropriate department chair to answer them. The Academic Advising Office will prompt the student’s academic advisor to follow up on any work that is pending. Contact Academic Advising for any problems that may come up. Among the questions that may come up are those having to do with whether a particular course can be awarded Academic Core credit. Courses that transfer in as a JCU equivalent in any particular division can be used to fulfill a divisional requirement, but may not necessarily carry the special letter designations such as “D,” “L,” “R,” “S” or “W.” Students may use the student academic course petition form (http://www.jcu.edu/A&S/forms/academiccourse.htm) to get the special designation for such courses and must supply evidence (course description, syllabus, etc.) that a course meets the intent of the special designation as indicated in the document. Courses that transfer into departments as electives will not automatically satisfy divisional requirements. Courses that transfer in as general electives not affiliated with any department do not count in the divisional requirements of the . No more than two of the special designation requirements (DLSRW) in the can be satisfied by transfer courses. Students with 55 or more transfer hours may petition to have a maximum of 6 hours waived. Normally this will include the First Year Seminar. Requirements that will not be waived include courses in Division V (PL and RL); D, R, S, and W courses; HS or AH, L, MT, and Laboratory Science. Exceptions to the above and/or questionable cases are handled by the University Core Committee through the normal academic petition process. How can I get advanced placement credit from high school? Any student who has taken advanced placement courses in high school may apply to the College Board to have test results sent to the university’s Registrar’s Office. If a minimum score is met, the university converts it to college credit at JCU. For more information, go to the College Board website http//:www.collegeboard.com and the JCU Undergraduate Bulletin pages 18-19. To download a pdf file of the 2007-2009 Bulletin, go to http://www.jcu.edu/undergraduatebulletin/. Course credit given to AP courses will satisfy divisional requirements of the JCU Core Curriculum. However, Core special designations (D, R. W or W) are not awarded to AP courses. When a new bulletin comes out, am I bound by the old one or the new one? When the student starts taking classes at JCU, the bulletin in effect for that semester governs what rules will apply in areas such as Core requirements. When a student declares a major, usually during the second semester of his or her sophomore year, academic major requirements in force at that time apply. Students seeking exception to any of these rules may petition the dean of the appropriate college. You begin such a process with your academic advisor, who will help you fill out the petition and submit it to the respective department chair for approval before being taken to the Assistant Deans Office. How do I register for courses? Registration at John Carroll is now done through an online system called “Banner Web.” http://www.jcu.edu/bannerweb Incoming freshmen registering at Summer Orientation will work side-by-side with an academic advisor at a computer workstation on the second day of that visit. After that, students are expected to consult with their advisors on a plan. If satisfied the plan is good, the advisor will electronically release the student to register. The student may then complete that process on line (on or off campus) or, do so in person at the Student Service Center (AD07) using an Academic Program Recommendation (“APR”) form signed by the advisor. The first date a student may register for courses for the next semester will be determined by the Registrar’s Office based on a “priority registration schedule” that takes into account class standing. Honors program and nontraditional evening students may be granted an exception to the priority schedule. How do I know when it’s time to register? Students may find their registration date by looking on Banner Web. Usually, the Registrar’s Office will send a notice to all students on when registration opens and advising them to check Banner Web to find out when they can register. What if I’m having trouble getting into my Banner Web account? Go to the Registration Desk in the Student Service Center. It’s on the ground floor of the Administration Building near Einstein Bagels. Can I register for more than 18 hours? The course load for a full-time student is between 12 to 18 semester credit hours. This course load will vary depending on the student's academic and financial records. Additional tuition will be charged for a course load of more than 18 hours. Permission to carry more than 18 hours requires a grade point average of at least a 3.0 in the previous semester and permission of the academic Assistant Deans.
What is the “Core” and why do I have to do it? The Core Curriculum in the Liberal Arts is a set of courses required to be taken by every student over the course of four years at JCU. Its purpose is described in the University Bulletin: “A liberal education consists of two parts, a Core curriculum and study in depth in a major field. All undergraduate degree-seeking students initially enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences, where they fulfill division requirements of the University Core Curriculum. The liberal arts deal with the creative, social and scientific developments of past and present cultures and their ideals and human values. These studies impart an appreciation for complexity and the ability to think critically, to solve and resolve problems, and to write and speak with precision and clarity. “The Core emphasizes the development of whole human persons who are educated in the humanizing arts and sciences; skilled in expression and in scholarly investigation; and aware of the interrelationship of all knowledge and the interdependence of all peoples. Moreover, it promotes the integration of faith and culture by imparting a deeper knowledge of, and respect for, the student’s own cultural and religious traditions as well as those of others. Finally, it highlights intellectual, moral and spiritual principles, and the responsible social actions (that) flow from them.” What are the core course requirements? The course requirements, which come to 57 credit hours, cover five divisions (see http://www.jcu.edu/undergradbulletin/libarts for more information). Division I: 17 credits Division II: 9 credits in Art History, Communication and Theatre Arts, Classical & Modern Languages, English, & History Division III: 6 credits in Economics, Political Science, and Sociology Division IV: 10 credits in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology Division V: 15 credits in Philosophy and Religious Studies The course schedule on Banner gives further information about what sections fulfill what requirements. What are the Core letter requirements? There are five letter requirements that add special emphasis to some courses to demonstrate larger perspectives of study. For example, a class with a “D” indicates the course includes instruction and discussion that focus on issues of diversity. The Literature (“L”) designation marks courses that emphasize the ability to read critically and write clearly. A writing intensive (“W”) course builds on the discipline and habits of good writing already learned in composition courses by asking students to do extra writing for advanced courses. The idea is to intensify the expectation of professors throughout the university for excellent standards of expression in all written assignments. Students are asked to take two courses designated “R” (Asian, African, Latin American perspective) or “S” (Western perspective) to indicate an emphasis on international perspectives in the material. The University Core seeks to increase a student’s awareness and knowledge of the world beyond the borders of the United States. International courses introduce and analyze the values, beliefs, or practices that characterize other nations or societies. International courses seek to familiarize students with other societies, to decrease stereotyping, and to improve a student’s ability to function as a global citizen in the twenty-first century. At least one of the international courses must focus on the study of one or more nations or societies historically distinct from Western civilization, such as those of Africa, Asia and Latin America. These courses will be designated with the suffix “R.” For their second international selection, students may choose either a second "R" course or from among courses designated as "S." The "S" designation refers to courses which study one or more nations or societies historically within Western Civilization, including the North American and European continents. Courses that have both diversity and international designations count for only one of the two designations. No more than two special designations D, R, S, or W may be taken at another school to fulfill Core. The course schedule on Banner gives further information about what sections fulfill what requirements. See also http://www.jcu.edu/undergradbulletin/libarts/add.htm. How can I keep track of what courses I need? Students may access an individual “Degree Evaluation” by taking the following steps: 1. Go to the Registrar’s web page http://www.jcu.edu/registrar.htm Faculty may generate an advisee’s Degree Evaluation by doing the following:
How do cross-listed courses work? A cross-listed course is the same course offered from two different departments. No single course can count for two divisions. Cross-listed courses count only in the division of the course you sign up for. If the student wants to change the department of the course cross listed, a petition is needed. It must be signed by the chairpersons of the two departments and by the dean. The student is responsible for changing his/her course registration, implying a late fee, if it is beyond the first week of classes. Do transfer students get any special Core consideration? Under special circumstances transfer students with 55 or more accepted credits upon entrance may petition to waive a maximum of six credits of Core requirements. Transfer students with 25 or more accepted credits upon entrance may waive the first-year seminar. Requirements that will not be waived include courses in Division V (PL and RL); D, R, S, and W courses; HS or AH, L, MT, and Laboratory Science. Exceptions to the above and/or questionable cases are handled by the UCC through academic petition. Academic petitions for Core and/or special designation for transfer courses that were not given such designation(s) when you matriculated into JCU have to be submitted by the end of your second semester at JCU for them to be considered. To receive Core credit for a course elsewhere, a student must first complete the Transient Petition form. For divisional Core and/or special designation, you must petition and supply evidence (course description, syllabus, etc.) that a course so qualifies. No more than two special designations D, R, S, W may be taken elsewhere to fulfill Core requirements once you have matriculated into JCU. Can I transfer a letter course? A new John Carroll student transferring from another university may seek transfer of a letter designation by submitting an Academic Petition form. A student who is already enrolled at JCU should complete a Transient Student Petition form to get pre-approval before enrolling in the course at another university. Must foreign and non-traditional students satisfy the language requirement? Foreign nationals whose native language is not English are exempt from the foreign language requirement. Non-traditional students (part-time, evening, or returning to college after an absence of five years from formal education) may satisfy the foreign language requirement by an alternative method approved by the chair of the CMLC department, the director of the UCCLA, and the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. Can I take Core courses pass/fail? No course used to fulfill the University Core may be taken on a pass/fail basis. However, non-major, minor, core and elective courses may be taken pass/fail. Business majors may not use the P/F option for any of the Business core courses. (See “How can I take a class pass/fail?” above.) Are there suggestions on how to fulfill the Core? Students are encouraged to take Speech (CO100) and English Composition (EN111-112) courses in their first year because these are building blocks and in some cases prerequisites for other courses. The nine-hour Core requirement in philosophy may be fulfilled by taking PL 101 first, and then a 200-level and a 300-level course in either order. Most 400-level courses cannot be used to fulfill divisional requirements in the Core. Some courses in a student’s major, such as American Politics (PO101) or Intro to Psychology (PS101) can be used to fulfill divisional requirements in the Core. Courses that satisfy Core requirements, including letter designations, may vary from semester to semester and instructor to instructor. To be certain a course meets divisional or letter requirements, students should consult the listings on Banner Web as they prepare to register for each semester. Those listings are in the Registration Utilities section of Banner Web and student and faculty do not have to log in to the site to see them. Chose “Class schedule,” select a term and then click on “View classes by Core codes.” What if I have further questions about the Core? Students who have questions about the Core should contact their academic advisors. Faculty may send questions to the Core Curriculum Committee chair, Dr. Earl Spurgin espurgin@jcu.edu
How does the advising program work? Students will be assigned an academic advisor in the freshman/sophomore program through the Academic Advising Center. The advisor -- a faculty member -- is available to assist students with their academic planning and course scheduling while at John Carroll University. Students are encouraged to contact their advisor at any time. However, the Academic Advising Office will send students an e-mail message once each semester urging them to schedule an appointment with their advisor during each semester of their freshman and sophomore years. The role of the academic advisor is to assist students in making academic decisions, provide students with reliable and current information on academic programs, be able to refer students to the appropriate services on campus, be familiar with University policies and procedures, monitor student progress in course work, help students clarify their academic situation and assist them in taking responsible action to resolve it, and discuss with students their academic and career objectives. What should a student expect during freshman and sophomore advising sessions? Freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to meet with their “pre-major” advisor at least twice each semester. The first of these sessions each semester should monitor progress and success in courses. Students who are experiencing difficulty may be referred to tutoring and other appropriate support services on campus. Freshmen who need more help in adjusting to the demands of study may be encouraged to take AR105, “Seminar in Academic Success.” Students who want help in deciding career possibilities may enroll in CE111, “Exploring Your Career Options.” On the second meeting the advisor and student will plan a list of courses for the next semester, including alternatives for classes that fill up before the student’s priority registration date. Students will be encouraged to ask questions about the Core, possible majors, minors and concentrations, and any other issues or concerns. At the end of the second session, the student will prepare an “Academic Program Recommendation” (APR) form and the advisor will release the student electronically to be ready register at the priority date and time. At the sophomore level, the advisor and student may discuss possible majors and minors and the advisor may direct the student to “Meet Your Major” programs. What should a student expect from an advisor at the junior and senior levels? By this point the student should have declared a major and been assigned to an academic advisor in the particular department that oversees that major. As with freshman and sophomore years, students are expected to have two meetings in each semester, but the student has greater responsibility to prepare for those meetings, such as by completing a degree evaluation on Banner Web and search course schedules for the next semester to make tentative choices. Again, the academic advisor will review those choices, offer advice and then release the student to register electronically or by signing an APR filled out by the student. Other than helping the student prepare a schedule, advisors at that level will discuss internship opportunities, specialization of courses to match a student’s specific interest or point to research opportunities on or off-campus. How can I change my academic advisor? Changing advisors is not uncommon and is normally handled confidentially through the Academic Advising Center. Stop in the Academic Advising Center to complete a Change of Advisor form to be assigned to a new advisor in the freshman/sophomore advising program. Once you are admitted to a major program, please see the department to make a change in advisor. Can my parents see my JCU records? What internships are available for academic majors? Internships for credit may be arranged through many academic majors. In addition, up to three hours of credit may be earned through prearranged cooperative education work experience. John Carroll University is also formally affiliated with internship programs at The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars and at American University. Internships can also be arranged through study abroad. The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars: This program offers qualified JCU students the opportunity to work in their chosen fields in Washington, D.C. Full-time internships are available for all majors and areas of interest. 12-16 hours of academic credit are granted for the experience and housing is available. Financial aid is available if students qualify. For more information contact The Washington Center (Info@twc.edu or http://www.twc.edu). American University: A semester program at American University in Washington, D.C., is also available through JCU’s Political Science Department. This program includes courses and part-time internships. Housing and financial aid are available to qualified students. Contact the department chair. What resources are available if I have trouble with courses? Students may make an appointment with an academic advisor in the Academic Advising Office x4219 to discuss study, time management and other strategies. Students with special needs may be referred to the Assistant Deans Office, College of Arts and Sciences. Students may make an appointment with a counselor in the University Counseling Services x4283 to discuss stress and time management strategies as well as test anxiety. Minority Students may contact the Multicultural Affairs Office at x4185 for academic support programs. Several departments offer tutoring help; contact the individual department for more information. What special resources are there for international students? The international student advisors, Dr. Julia Karolle-Berg jkarolle@jcu.edu and Dr. Susan Long long@jcu.edu are responsible for university students who are in the United States on an F-1 visa or a J-1 visa. They help those students acculturate quickly and comfortably and are seen about any concern with Immigration and Naturalization Service. International students have been a part of the University community of John Carroll for many years. The education of students from all parts of the world has been an important part of the international education that the Jesuit character of the university promotes. International Students on F-1 and J-1 visas come from more than a dozen countries including Syria, Croatia, China, Russia, Belize, Ireland, Canada, Norway, Spain, Thailand, Slovenia, Ukraine, and Japan. What special resources are there for minority students? The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) supports the academic success and overall adjustment to campus life of students of color. In addition, through direct service to students and by promoting a welcoming campus environment, the OMA works to improve the recruitment, retention and graduation rates of students of color. The office provides tutors, mentors, social activities and support services to students and awards a limited number of grants and scholarships. The OMA serves as a one-stop resource center for students of color. It provides general assistance and referrals on financial aid matters, academic issues, including class selection, tuition payment options and career and job preparation. The office also supports students in social and personal matters and advocates on their behalf. The office is affiliated with several campus student cultural organizations including African American Alliance, Latin American Student Association, Asian Cultural Organization, Middle Eastern Student Association, the JCU Gospel Choir and Allies. The OMA also promotes a holistic educational experience for the entire university community by fostering an appreciation of and respect for all cultures through programs, campus activities and assistance in curriculum development. It also works with various university offices and departments to improve awareness of and appreciation for racial and cultural diversity. For additional information about the office and its program, visit http://www.jcu.edu/multicul/ What special resources are there for students with disabilities? Students who have a documented medical, learning, or psychological disability—or suspect they might— should visit Services for Students with Disabilities to discuss ways that the office can help with academic endeavors at John Carroll. The office can assist eligible students in developing and requesting accommodations from instructors and staff; some examples include: note takers, extra time for exams, testing in a quiet room, priority registration, moving classes to minimize travel, assistive technology, and enlarged print. Services for Students with Disabilities can also provide referrals to specialists in the Cleveland area if necessary. The office is at AD07 (on the ground floor of the Administration Building near the mail room). Call 216-397-4967 or write Jill Sberna jsberna@jcu.edu. The department web site is http://www.jcu.du/campuslife/disabilities. What forms may be useful for me? Your advisor may use an Academic Program Recommendation (APR) form to list specific courses that you will be registering for. This form is also used to indicate the advisor’s approval for a freshman who wants to drop a class. The “Student Academic Petition Form” is used if you want to request an exception – for example, if you want to request freshmen privilege for a course you did poorly on. The “Student Transient Petition Form” is used if you want to take classes at another school for the summer. The advisor, Assistant Dean, Department Chair, and Core committee representative must all authorize it -- prior to the student’s registration for the course -- in order to meet Core requirements at John Carroll University. Certain situations may not require authorization by all of these agents. The “Cross Registration Form” is for students who are interested in taking classes at other colleges that are part of the Northeast Ohio Council on Higher Education, including Ursuline College, Notre Dame College of Ohio, Hiram College, Lake Erie Community College, Myers University, Case Western Reserve University, Baldwin-Wallace College, Cleveland State University, the Cleveland Institute of Music, the Cleveland Institute of Art, Lakeland Community College, Lorain County Community College and Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C). These schools allow full-time students with a 2.0 or better grade-point average to register for one course per semester at other participating institutions. This is an enrichment program, and courses eligible for cross registration are those normally not available at the home institution. Certain restrictions apply, and approval must be granted by the Director of Academic Advising, or the Assistant Dean of the appropriate college, and the Registrars at the home and host institutions. Audit form for Core requirements (so you can stay current on what you need to do): Graduation form for seniors and audit sheets for various majors (listing major requirements – so you can keep up on what you need to do): http://www.jcu.edu/A&S/gradforms/gradforms.htm Form for audit of minors and concentrations: http://www.jcu.edu/A&S/gradforms/minor and concentration audit for seniors.pdf
What help can I get if I have trouble deciding on a major? The major normally consists of a group of courses in a single department, a number of which must be in the upper division. The specific courses, the number to be taken for the major, and the order in which they are to be taken are defined in the sections of the Bulletin devoted to departments and course descriptions http://www.jcu.edu/undergradbulletin/acadprograms. Majors may be taken in the following fields, leading to a bachelor of arts or bachelor of arts in classics degree: Art History, Classical Languages (Greek or Latin), Communication, Economics, Education (Early Childhood or Middle Childhood or Multi-Age), English, History, Mathematics Teaching, Modern Languages (French or German or Spanish), Philosophy, Physical Education and Exercise Science, Physics, Political Science, Religious Studies, Sociology. Majors in the sciences may be taken in the following fields, leading to the bachelor of science degree: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology There are also interdisciplinary majors in Humanities (a self-designed liberal arts major, administered by the Department of Art History and Humanities) and World Literature (an interdisciplinary major offered by the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Cultures and the Department of English). The Boler School of Business offers seven different majors. Programs of concentration are offered in seven professional fields, leading to the degree of bachelor of science in business administration (B.S.B.A.) or bachelor of science in economics (B.S.E.). Candidates for the degree of bachelor of science in business administration (B.S.B.A.) select Accountancy, Business Information Systems, Business Logistics, Finance, Management, or Marketing, while candidates for the degree of bachelor of science in economics (B.S.E.) choose Economics. You should discuss your future major with your academic advisor. For further help, contact the Academic Advising Center (B103 in the Administration Building B Wing Complex), Center for Career Services (2562 South Belvoir Blvd.) and University Counseling Center (2567 South Belvoir Blvd.). Students with 45 or more hours of credit earned and a 2.0 G.P.A. may declare a major. Students may check with individual academic departments. Most departments have an annual “Meet Your Major” event that is open to all interested students and provides information about courses and requirements, as well as advice on career choices related to the specific discipline. Advisors will need to discuss this selection with eligible advisees and assist with the declaration procedures. To declare a major, met with your advisor, then go to Academic Advising (B103) and complete a “Declaration of Major” form. Then schedule an appointment with the chair of the intended department. You will be assigned a new academic advisor in your new department. Students wishing to apply to the Boler School of Business (BSOB), should complete the “Application to the Boler School of Business,” a form which may be obtained in the BSOB Dean’s office (SB 117) or online at http://www.jcu.edu/boler/scholarships.htm. Once completed, the application should be returned to their freshman/sophomore advisor. Majors may be taken in the following fields, leading to a bachelor of arts or bachelor of arts in classics degree: Art History, Classical Languages (Greek, Latin), Communications, Economics, Education (Early Childhood, Middle Childhood, Multi-Age), English, History, Mathematics Teaching, Modern Languages (French, German, or Spanish), Philosophy, Physical Education and Exercise Science, Physics, Political Science, Religious Studies and Sociology. In the Boler School of Business, students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) may select Accountancy, Business Information Systems, Business Logistics, Finance, Management, or Marketing as a major. Those seeking a Bachelor of Science in Economics (B.S.E.) have a major in Economics. Majors in the sciences may be taken in the following fields, leading to the bachelor of science degree: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, Mathematics and Physics and Psychology. In addition to majors, most departments also offer optional minors, which normally consist of 18 to 21 semester hours of work in one department. Specific courses may be required by various departments. Consult the departments and course descriptions sections of the Bulletin http://www.jcu.edu/undergradbulletin/acadprograms for details. Optional minors may be completed in the following fields: American Politics, Art History, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Classical Studies, Communications, Computer Science, Creative Writing, Economics, English, Foreign Affairs, French, German, Greek, History, Humanities, Latin, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physical Education & Exercise Science, Physics & Engineering Physics, Political Science, Probability and Statistics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology and Spanish. What interdisciplinary concentrations are available? In addition to the required major and optional minor programs, the university also offers a number of interdisciplinary concentrations and programs as options to supplement and strengthen specific degree majors. Interdisciplinary concentrations consist of approximately 18 to 39 semester hours of course work in which the student has attained at least a 2.0 (C) average. To qualify for a concentration students must complete all the requirements of the related major as specified in the Bulletin. A completed concentration is noted on the transcript. For further details concerning concentrations, programs, and recommended courses, students are advised to contact the coordinator/director or the chairperson of a department participating in the concentration or program. The contact secretary for all concentrations is located in the Department of Political Science in the Administration Building. See also the bulletin. Interdisciplinary concentrations are available in Africana Studies, Aging Studies, Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Catholic Studies, East Asian Studies, Economics/Mathematics, Environmental Studies, International Business, International Economics & Modern Language, International Studies, Italian Studies, Latin American Studies, Modern European Studies, Neuroscience, Perspectives on Sex & Gender, Political Communication, Public Administration and Policy Studies, Spanish and Sociology. See http://www.jcu.edu/undergradbulletin/concentrations/index.htm for more information on these. How do I report a minor or concentration? To report a minor or concentration, students should go to the office of the academic department that represents that minor or one of the departments in the concentration. If more help is needed, students may contact the Academic Advising Center (AD B103). Students seeking a business minor should inquire at the Assistant Dean Office in the Boler School of Business (SB117). The university offers an Honors Program to a selected number of outstanding students from both the College of Arts and Sciences and the Boler School of Business. Membership is open to those students who demonstrate potential for excellence as determined by such data as educational record, test scores, letters of recommendation, writing samples, and an interview with the program director. Satisfactory completion of the Honors Program will be noted at the time of graduation and will be posted on each student’s permanent record. The diploma from John Carroll University will note that the recipient is an Honors Scholar. See http://www.jcu.edu/honors for more information on the honors program, its requirements, and courses. How can I get information about studying abroad? The Center for Global Education http://www.jcu.edu/global helps students make contact with various study-abroad programs conducted by accredited universities throughout the United States. A year or semester abroad can enhance your major academic program, refine foreign language skills, strengthen learning and appreciation of culture and diversity, and increase job opportunities. Students should complete one year at JCU before studying abroad and, depending on the study abroad program, a GPA of 2.5 or higher is highly recommended. However, freshman and sophomores are strongly encouraged to discuss study abroad with their academic advisor and the Coordinator of Study Abroad because it often requires more careful academic planning. How can I do an internship for college credit? Freshmen and sophomores may register for an internship through the Center for Career Services 216-397-4237 http://www.jcu.edu/careercenter/ Juniors and seniors who have declared a major would arrange for credit within their majors through their departments.
According to the Undergraduate Bulletin (p117), “freshman privilege” is for courses which a student takes for a specific major, but then doesn't need because he or she chooses to pursue a different major. For example, suppose you took Journalism (CO225) -- required for a CO major -- and failed it, then decided to be a math major instead of a CO major. You could apply to have the F in CO225 dropped from your record. However, if you kept on as a CO major you could not ask for a privilege for CO225. The book also says some courses required for Core, such as EN103, 111, 112, 114 or 116, or one of the languages, or RL or PL, are not eligible for the privilege. For interpretation of these rules, faculty advisors should consult the Assistant Deans Office or the Bulletin.
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