For those of you who are new to UB and as a reminder to those of you who are returning, welcome to UB and the Be Advised weblog! Important academic information critical to students’ success will be posted year round on this blog so be sure that you visit us frequently and that you stay informed.
If you have questions, comments or suggestions regarding the Be Advised weblog, feel free to contact Student Advising Services at sas-advisor@buffalo.edu.
Mark your calendars for these very important Fall 2008 semester dates.
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• Monday, August 25, 2008 - UB fall classes begin.
• Friday, August 29, 2008 - LAST day to drop a Fall 2008 course without financial liability.
• Monday, September 1, 2008 – Labor Day. UB is closed.
• Friday, September 5, 2008 - LAST day (by 11 pm) to drop/add a Fall 2008 course. Resigning with a grade of “R” begins Saturday, September 6, 2008.
• Tuesday, September 23, 2008 – Tentative date Spring 2009 class schedule will be available on the web.
• Monday, September 29, 2008 – Rosh Hashanah. Classes canceled after 6 pm.
• Tuesday, September 30, 2008 – Classes resume at 6 pm.
• Friday, October 3, 2008 – Spring 2009 Registration Windows posted on the web.
• Wednesday, October 8, 2008 – Yom Kippur. Classes canceled after 6 pm.
• Thursday, October 9, 2008 – Classes resume at 6 pm.
• Friday, November 7, 2008 - LAST day (by 11 pm) for ALL UB students to resign a Fall 2008 semester course(s) with a grade of “R”.
• Wednesday, November 26, 2008 – Sunday, November 30, 2008 – Fall Recess. No classes.
• Friday, December 5, 2008 – Last day of Fall 2008 classes.
• Monday, December 8, 2008 - Monday, December 15, 2008 – Final Exams week.
Learn more about other student calendar listings of important academic, financial, and billing date information. Also, for a list of academic and other workshops offered this fall semester, be sure and consult the Life and Learning Workshops program.
UB’s Department of Romance Languages and Literatures is offering proficiency exams in Spanish and French this fall. These exams are NOT placement exams. They are intended for students with 3 or more years of high school Spanish or French and they test a student’s elementary and intermediate level proficiency. If students pass the Spanish or French exam, they are exempt from UB’s Foreign Language General Education Requirement.
Proficiency Exam Test Dates:
Friday, September 19, 2008 - 4:45 - 6:50 PM, Room 322 Clemens Hall
OR
Friday, October 24 , 2008 - 4:45 – 6:50 PM, Room 322 Clemens Hall
*For more information on these tests and to register contact Romance Languages and Literatures.
To help you succeed as the fall semester begins, be sure that you review these important TIPS FOR SUCCESS!
Do you need to make adjustments to your fall semester schedule based upon any recent coursework?
If you took classes over the summer or were surprised by grades that you received in the spring semester, be sure that you make any necessary adjustments to your fall schedule. A good rule of thumb is if you received a grade of C- or lower particularly in a sequential course such as chemistry 101 or calculus I, chances are you will not be ready to successfully continue on with the second course in the sequence. Contact an academic advisor immediately for assistance with your fall semester planning.
Have you sent all of your AP credits, alternative credits, and any college transfer coursework to UB?
To Send AP Credit - http://src.buffalo.edu/procedures/ap.shtml
To Send Other Alternative Credits - http://tas.buffalo.edu/altexam/scorereports.shtml
To Send College Transfer Coursework - http://taurus.buffalo.edu/caspages/transcripts.shtml
Are you comfortable with your amount of registered credit hours?
On average, students complete 15 credits a semester. To be considered a full-time student, students need to be registered for at least 12 credits a semester. A full-time student needs to ideally complete a minimum of 24 UB credit hours an academic year.
If you plan to work, organize your job to work for you!
It is recommended that students limit themselves to no more than 15 hours of work per week as a full-time student in order to ensure that needed time is not being taken away from studying.
Remember to ALWAYS print out an updated copy of your class schedule.
If you make any changes to your fall semester schedule, always check that such changes have been recorded correctly and an updated copy of your schedule has been printed from MyUB. When visiting MyUB, remember to click on the “Web Registration” link and the “View Schedule” button to view a real time schedule of your course changes.
Go to class!
Do not underestimate the importance of attending class. The first day of class particularly is the most important time for students to receive the syllabus, learn about the course content, meet their instructors, and learn if they have the necessary preparation essential to be successful in the course.
Plan appropriate travel time.
Plan at least 1 hour of travel time between a North and South campus class. If you have a class in the Ellicott Complex followed by a class on the North Campus spine, you need to plan at least 30 minutes of travel time.
Check your UB E-mail regularly.
All students are urged to check their UB e-mail accounts often. Important academic and financial communications as well as other details that affect students’ statuses are communicated year-round. Be sure that you check your UB e-mail once a day or at least several times a week so that you stay informed throughout the semester.
Be sure you know these important UB resources as classes begin.
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Have questions? Contact an academic advisor immediately so that we can assist you!
Be sure that you acquaint yourself with the Facebook group entitled READY @ UB (Researching, Exploring And Developing Yourself). Sponsored by Student Advising Services, this interactive discussion group is for undergraduate students who are undecided or confused about a major and/or career, considering changing majors, as well as anyone who is looking for more information on these topics. Learn about helpful resources on and around campus to help you explore majors and careers!
If you are on Facebook, visit the following link and check out (and Join!) the group: http://buffalo.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7214834258
For more information, visit us on the web and view our brochure!
Web: http://sas.buffalo.edu/ready
Brochure: http://sas.buffalo.edu/pdfs/ready_brochure.pdf
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Student Advising Services’ Graduate Assistants, Caitlin Haskell and Jillian Reading, at sas-peer@buffalo.edu.
Are you a first semester freshman this coming fall 2008 semester? Would you like to add a 1-credit course to your schedule that assists with making a successful transition to UB? If so, then UB 101 is for you!
Through a small, interactive classroom environment the UB 101 course provides resources, fosters important relationships, and helps you understand your responsibilities and privileges within the University community. Covering topics such as time management, major and career exploration, registering for classes, personal wellness, appreciating cultural diversity and so much more - don’t miss this opportunity to register for UB 101 today!
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UB 101 is for first semester freshmen only. Contact an Academic Advisor today if you would like to learn more about this course and add it to your fall semester schedule!
Student Advising Services is offering several important Student Success Workshops EARLY this fall semester. Be sure that you take advantage of these important workshops to help you!
- STUDY SKILLS & TIME MANAGEMENT - Thursday, August, 28, 2008 - 4-4:50 pm - Room Norton 111
Understand important academic tools and resources that will help you develop and manage your academic plan.
- TRANSFERmation - Tuesday, September 9, 2008 - 12:30 - 1:15 pm - Room Norton 111 *OR* Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 4 - 4:45 pm - Room Norton 111
Transfer students – discover the best strategies for ensuring a smooth transition to UB, while meeting other new transfer students. Learn about resources on campus, how to get involved, majors offered at UB, the Transfer Peer Mentor Program, and other special programs for transfer students.
- READY @ UB - Thursday, September 11, 2008 - Thursday, December 4, 2008 - 2 - 3 pm - Room 250 Student Union
READY @ UB is an in-person discussion group and an online Facebook community for students who are exploring academic options. This group provides a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to engage in conversations with other UB students who are undecided or confused about majors and degree programs at UB. Topics will include: the myths and realities of majors and careers; exploratory courses (electives); professionalism and networking; parental pressures; and more. Search facebook.com for the READY @ UB online discussion group.
- NON-MATRICULATED STUDENT ADVISEMENT - Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - 11-11:50 am - Room Norton 111
Come and talk with other non-matriculated students in a group setting to discuss applying to UB academic majors, and other concerns.
- ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO EARN ACADEMIC CREDIT - Friday, September 26, 2008 - 2-2:50 pm - Room Norton 111
Students may earn credit toward their university degree through proficiency exams, military training, and some non-collegiate professional training. In some instances, this credit may shorten the time required to complete a degree. Learn about the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and others.
- FINANCIAL “CENTS” FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS - Wednesday, October 1, 2008 - 3-3:50 pm, Room 250 Student Union
Based on the NY Times best-selling book The Millionaire Next Door, the presenter’s own experiences, and articles written by financial planners, this workshop will provide you with information about managing money, and may challenge the notions you have about those perceived as having wealth. Learn about everything from interest rates, to credit reports, to buying a car. Discover how simple strategies you employ NOW can help you reach your future goals.
***Looking to attend other workshops offered this fall semester? Be sure and consult the complete list of Student Success Workshops offered through Student Advising Services as well as the Life and Learning Workshops program for more information.
