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Frequently Asked Questions
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Choosing courses: pre-registration, shopping period, and everything in between
- What do I do if I lose my Pre-Registration Card?
If you lose your Pre-Registration card you can pick up another one at the Registrar's Office on the third floor of University Hall (the big brick building on the Main Green. Go through the left door and up three flights). Don't forget to get it signed by your adviser! - What's the difference between the Course Announcement Bulletin and the Brown Course Catalog (book-format) that the Registrar mailed to me?
The Course Announcement Bulletin (CAB) is a book that is distributed every spring just before pre-registration for the fall term. It contains course listings and times for the following year, explanations of how to register, as well as a blank weekly schedule to help you organize your classes. (If you don't already have a copy, you can pick one up at the Registrar's Office on the third floor of University Hall). BUT, the CAB only contains information from the time it is printed. By the time the fall semester rolls around, and especially by the spring and summer semesters, the CAB is already out-of-date for some courses. Teachers decide to take time off, courses are dropped, and times are changed. So the CAB is probably a good visual and physical resource to help you in your search for courses (especially if you like to circle and cross off things on a list), but definitely not what you should base all of your course choices on. The most accurate resource available for you to consult when choosing courses is BOCA, the Brown Online Course Announcement (http://boca.brown.edu/). This site has the most up-to-date information about available courses, schedules, sections, and cancelled courses. This is also the source for determining where your classes will be held. Well before the first day of classes, make sure to check out BOCA. - I see some very interesting upper class seminars listed in the Course Announcement Bulletin. As a first-year, can I take 100-level courses?
This is really the call of you and the professor. Sometimes 100-level courses are available to first-years, but they are usually reserved for upperclassmen. Often, these 100-level courses have prerequisite courses that need to be taken ahead of time, something that freshmen have not had the chance to do yet. Plus, 100-level courses are usually tougher and more rigorous than introductory courses, and they can take up a lot of reading time. It's probably better that you take the introductory courses instead for a few reasons: First, they are a lighter work load, which can help make the first semester transition to college a bit smoother. Second, they help make sure you are up to the right speed on the material before you take the 100-level course. Third, 100-level courses can be simply harder to get into if they have a limited enrollment because upperclassmen have already preregistered for the course in the spring. On that same note, here at Brown students are not held back if they are ready for the next step. So, in many departments, prerequisites can be filled by AP credit or its equivalent. If you think you are prepared enough for a 100-level course and you fulfill the prerequisites, the best bet is to talk to the professor about whether you are ready or not. He or she will have the best advice for you in that area. Also, talking to students who have taken the course about the material and how challenging it is can also help you with your decision. - What is shopping period? Does it matter what I sign up for since I can add/drop classes during shopping period?
Shopping period is the first two weeks of each semester. This is a time where you can go to lots of classes in order to determine your final class schedule. This time allows you to gauge your interest in specific classes, balance your workloads by viewing class syllabi, and experience professor teaching styles, all before making your final decisions on classes. Before the end of shopping period, you can add and drop classes with no fee. After the end of shopping period, there is a small fee for adding and dropping classes. While you can add/drop classes during shopping period, it is still important to thoughtfully pre-register for classes since limited enrollment classes will sometimes fill up before shopping period begins. - What are "sections"? Do I have to sign up for a section when I register, or will I be able to do this once I finalize my schedule after shopping period?
There are two kinds of sections. The first kind of section is when a class is being offered at many distinct class periods. For example, this fall MA10 is offered B, D, E, and I period. Each section of the class will present the same material but meets at a different time. You sign up for a section when you register but you can always switch into another section that better fits your schedule during shopping period. The other kind of section is when a large class breaks into small discussion sections weekly outside of the regular class time. These sections are usually chosen during the first few weeks of class. - How can I find out which courses have small enrollments besides finding limited-enrollment courses?
To find out which courses have small enrollments, you can look through The Critical Review, which gives exact numbers of students per class, you can ask your Meiklejohn for suggestions, and you can use shopping period to bounce around classes and see their sizes. - Can I choose a preferred class size?
It is possible to choose the size of classes during shopping period, which is the first two weeks of each semester when students are allowed to visit classes, pick up a syllabus, and meet with the professor. During this time, students can tailor their schedule to take all small seminars or large lectures or a combination of both. Classes that are larger than 40 students are required to be broken down into discussion sessions of 20 students or less at least once a week. - How long should I allow in between classes each day?
The class schedule allows for 10 minutes between classes. However, as campus grows larger, 10 minutes is not always enough time to get from one edge of campus to the other. Use shopping period to figure out if you can make it to each of your classes in enough time.
Concentration Questions
- If I know what my concentration might be, how many courses in that area of study should I take during my freshman year?
This depends on your concentration requirements (total courses, order of courses taken etc.). There are certain concentrations in which it is best to get the introductory course done your freshman year to get ahead on requirements and allow for more flexibility later on. However, it is always recommended that you explore your options first semester and take some classes that you might not have initially considered. - I have no idea what I want to concentrate in. Is it bad to experiment first semester, taking a wide variety of courses? When do I have to decide by? I know we have until the end of our second year, but when is the "right" time to pick one (if one exists)? Am I at a disadvantage if I stay undecided until then?
All students must initially decide their concentration and submit the forms no later than the end of 4th semester (usually sprig semester of sophomore year). It is encouraged that students experiment first semester to get a feel of the curriculum, professors, and areas of study. Although there is no "right" time to decide, students usually have a good idea after their freshman year, but many students do change their concentrations. However, there are prerequisites for many advanced classes in certain areas and it is not the most desired scenario to be cramming in requirements your last semester. - Are courses limited to concentrators?
No. Concentrators are given preference for certain classes which are required for their concentration requirements; however, those classes are not limited to concentrators and all students can attend. - When do you have to declare your major?
Students must declare their concentration (major) at the end of their sophomore year. - Is it possible to double concentrate/major?
It is possible to double concentrate, and over 30% of Brown students do.
CAP courses and First Year Seminars
- How do they decide who gets into which CAP course?
CAP courses are decided on a first come first serve basis and based on size limitations. The earlier a student fills out their choice of course the better chance they have of having their first pick. - In picking a CAP course, is it important to pick one in the area in which I want to concentrate? Will an advisor in a different department be able to give me advice and guidance regarding course selection about different departments?
The purpose of a CAP course is to help a first year form a close relationship to a faculty member because he/she is both your advisor and your professor. If you receive an advisor in a different department they will often know of courses in other areas or will be able to give you information on helpful resources to answer any questions or concerns. Your Meiklejohn will also be a great source of information for other departments and resources around campus. - Does it benefit you to have a CAP class first semester or does it not matter if you do not have one till second semester?
It may be of marginal benefit to have your CAP class first semester only in that you will therefore be spending more time with your professor/advisor right away. However other than that small benefit there is no difference in having your CAP class second semester - your faculty advisor will remain the same throughout the year regardless. - What happens if I didn't get a CAP course? Will I still have an advisor? Who will he/she be?
If you did not get into a CAP course, or did not enroll in a CAP course, you will still have an advisor. Your advisor may be assigned randomly, or may be assigned based on your indicated potential concentration. Non-CAP advisors serve the exact same function as CAP advisors as far as advising is concerned, they simply will not necessarily be one of your professors. - What if I end up wanting to drop my CAP class? Will I still have my advisor?
If you drop your CAP class (which is a completely okay thing to do!) your advisor will remain the same. CAP advisors recognize that students' attitudes and desires, particularly as they pertain to classes, can be fickle, especially in the first semester or two at Brown. Your CAP advisor may be disappointed that you will not be taking his/her class but will still be excited to be acting as your advisor. - Is my Meiklejohn Advisor directly involved with my CAP course? What options do I have if I do not like my CAP advisor?
Your Meiklejohn is not necessarily directly involved with your CAP course, although he/she may be. If he/she is, however, he/she is acting as a CAP Fellow. A CAP Fellow is someone who assists in the teaching of a CAP class, but is not involved in the advising partnership. It is possible that your Meiklejohn is also a CAP Fellow. If you do not like your CAP advisor, or if you do not like your advisor in general, you can talk to a Dean about finding another advisor, or simply talk to a Dean or another faculty member (perhaps one suggested by your Meiklejohn) about whatever it is that you would talk to your assigned advisor about. - What is a FYS? What are the advantages/disadvantages of these courses? What is the difference between a CAP course and First Year Seminar?
"FYS"-marked courses, or "First Year Seminars", are part of a 2003 University initiative to ensure a close interaction between first years and faculty members while simultaneously offering a rigorous introduction to the approaches and analytical methods for a particular subject area or department. To this end, only first years may register for FYS courses. A "CAP" course, on the other hand, is part of the "Curricular Advising Program", whereby a given group of first year advisees may enroll in a course for which their faculty Advisor is also the instructor. This allows for a consistent integration of course instruction and advising, as the student and faculty advisor will more regularly meet to discuss advising concerns and may use CAP course material as a springboard for discussion.
During my freshman year, can I...
- ...take a course S/NC my first semester?
We strongly encourage taking a course S/NC your first semester! Students use the S/NC option for a variety of reasons, some pedagogical or philosophical, some by the instructor's request, but most students agree that S/NC allows for a unique exploration of a particular topic without the stress and pressure that a graded evaluation may impart. Students often do better in S/NC courses simply because they are intrinsically motivated to perform at a consistent and high level. If you feel your work in a course taken S/NC deserves more subjective and detailed evaluation, you may file for a "Course Performance Report" or "CPR" at the Registrar's Office. A discussion early on in the course with your professor about filing a CPR is the first step in a mutual evaluation of your particular strengths, interests, and challenges in the course, after which short essay-like responses are recorded and kept in your permanent file, even to be "attached" to your transcript if you decide later you want them retained as evidence of your work. - ...take three courses first semester? What about five?
The normal course load for all Brown students is four courses, so we strongly recommend that you register for no more or no less than four to gain solid footing on how to manage what will be your normal course load in the future. Your first semester is a time to hone your study and time management skills while figuring out how to fit in your social life and extracurricular interests. However, while not encouraged by the Dean of the College, you are permitted to drop one course your first semester without being placed on academic probation (warning). We strongly discourage taking five courses because your first semester is your first experience in a university environment, and we have found that taking five courses first semester limits the experience of meeting other first years and developing relationships with faculty members, both of which will prove instrumental later on. - ...conduct a G/ISP in my second semester?
If you are blessed enough to have found a group of students who share an interest in a particular academic topic not offered in the Course Announcement, we definitely encourage you to check out GISP (Group Independent Study Project) options at the Resource Center! However, if you have found a particular faculty member with whom you want to conduct an independent program of study, and you apply for an ISP (Independent Study Projhect) by the mid-semester deadline, this might prove more feasible than organizing a GISP by your second semester. For both GISPs and ISPs, most students will be entering into their second, third, or fourth years, simply because only after the first year have they identified particular areas of interest or other interested students or faculty who considered collaboration.
Jobs and Extracurriculars
- Where can I get a job on campus? Do most students have jobs freshmen year?
When looking for various jobs on campus, the best source is the Student Employment Web page, which offers a range of on campus jobs in many different campus organizations and departments. You can search through this site based on your interests, your job specifications, amount of hours you would like to work each week, along with many other personal preferences. You can also sign up for job mail through the employment webpage where you will be informed of new job postings that meet your interests based on the online profile you create. Most students choose not to work their first year in order to get acquainted and acclimated to the range of courses and campus organizations on campus. However, some freshmen do choose to pursue a job, especially later in the freshmen year. There are no regulations barring freshmen from taking on a job freshmen year, but keep in mind this may be a large responsibility and time commitment! The work study requirement is waived for first years. - What sorts of off campus academic opportunities are there?
The Office of International Programs, Career Services, Fellowship website, and Swearer Center offer a range of on and off campus academic opportunities for you to combine academics with your personal interests related to career, independent research, community service, travel abroad, etc. Their respective websites are a great place to start!- Office of International Programs
- Career Services
- Undergraduate Teaching and Research Assistantships
- The Swearer Center for Public Service
- When do I sign up for extra curriculars? Is that something I arrange through my Meik?
The activities fair is held in the OMAC during orientation, and each club/organization has a table where you can sign up. You are free to pursue and sign up for any extracurricular activity that interests you through attending their information sessions, via an online website, etc. Your Meiklejohn is there to suggest various options as well as to refer you to an appropriate source, but will not formally arrange an extracurricular opportunity for you. - Is it easy to get involved with extracurricular activities?
Getting involved with extracurriculars is very easy. There are about 250+ clubs here on campus, and at the beginning of the year we have an Activities Fair where all of the student groups are represented. You can sign up to be on their mailing lists, and they'll let you know about auditions and events throughout the year. It is very easy for a freshman to take on a leadership position within an organization by the end of his or her first year.
Study Abroad and Summer Opportunities
- What is study abroad? Can I go during my summers? Is studying abroad Sophomore year too early?
Study abroad allows students to pursue academic work in another university, which can be anywhere in the world or even at other universities in the United States. Brown maintains many pre-approved programs allowing for student study aboard for either a semester or a full year. Some students many choose to study abroad during the summer if they are unable to fit it into their academic year. Students can also petition to apply to programs with which Brown does not have a formal relationship. Generally, study abroad is a popular option at Brown during the junior or senior years. Students may choose to study abroad for a variety of reasons, such as wanting to experience life in another country, learn a new language, conduct research, pursue a unique course of study not offered at Brown, etc. Students study abroad junior or senior year once they have declared a concentration and have decided how they will combine a study abroad experience with completing their requirements. However, it is never too early to start planning and looking into various programs that may be of interest to you! Check out the Office of International Programs website or resource library in Rhode Island Hall for more information. - Where can I find information about summer opportunities? What options are available?
Regarding summer opportunities, there are various resources to consider, including:- Career Services
- Dean of the College Fellowships Page
- Student Employment Site
- Brown Summer Studies
- Swearer Center
Additional Advising Resources
- Does my advisor strictly advise me on classes or the rest of Brown as well? Will I have another advisor?
Your advisor WILL generally be an academic advisor- - he or she will advise you on class selection, liberal learning, and long-term academic goals like concentrations and possible careers. However, your advisor could very likely address other "life topics" as well. You should also feel free to approach other professors or deans if you have questions within their particular areas of expertise. - Where I can get information about Pre-Business, Pre-Law, or Pre-Med? Does Brown have specific advising resources for students interested in these paths?
There are specific deans assigned to advising in the Pre-Business, Pre-Law and Pre-Med fields. They are as follows:- Pre-Medicine: Dean Andrew Simmons 401-863-2781
- Pre-Law: Dean Ashley 401-863-2539
- Pre-Business: Dean Ashley 401-863-2539
- Who advises me during sophomore year? Do I get a Meiklejohn?
Although we are in the process of developing more involved advising for the sophomore year, you probably won't be assigned a Meiklejohn for your Sophomore year. You can elect to take a sophomore CAP class, however, in which case you would be assigned a Meiklejohn. However, as of now, there are only about 4 sophomore CAP classes. If you choose not to take one, you are encouraged to ask any faculty member to be your advisor. If you have no one particular in mind to advise you sophomore year, there are Randall Counselors (faculty who specialize in sophomore advising) available to talk to in Rhode Island Hall. When you declare your concentration in the Spring of sophomore year you will be assigned a concentration advisor who will be your primary advisor for the rest of your time at Brown.
Getting to Know Professors
- Are faculty readily accessible and can you really get to know them?
All faculty members are required to hold open office hours at least once a week and teach at least one undergraduate course. Thus, the professors Brown attracts are interested in getting to know the undergraduates. Besides office hours, students are welcome to contact professors (usually through email) and make specific appointments. It is also not unusual for professors to invite students to meals to discuss classes, sports, or anything in particular. In short, faculty members are very accessible to students. - What are office hours for? What do students talk about in office hours?
To first-years, office hours can be intimidating and unapproachable. However, office hours are really not as daunting as one would imagine! Every professor is required to have office hours each week, and they are usually very enthusiastic about students visiting them during these times. Although most discussions revolve around clarifying class material, office hours can also be used to reach out to professors. For instance, talking to a professor about how they got into their field, or what current research they're doing is entirely appropriate. Professors will probably be willing to talk about anything, as long as a line of people isn't waiting to also speak with them. If there is a line when you get there, people usually wait in the hall and take turns. It would be especially wise to go to office hours before an exam or before a paper is due to make sure you are on the right track.
Academic Concerns and Assistance
- Where can I get a tutor?
Tutors are a great way to get extra help on classes you may be struggling in! Tutors are fellow peers who have taken the course and have done well in it. It is completely free for you and helpful even if you are doing well in the class but need some clarification on specfic topics! It is very easy to get a tutor especially for intro math/science classes. Go to: www.brown.edu/Student_Services/Resource_Center/tutoring/apply.php. You should be assigned a tutor in a few days. - What happens if I fail a class?
You will receive a NC (not complete) instead of an F. The "NC" will appear on your internal transcript but not on your external, meaning that only people within the college can see it. There is no "penalty" per say other than you not getting credit for the course. Internally, there is also no way for the school to know why you got a NC. NC's would not only appear if you failed a class by performing poorly, but also if you were asked to leave the class for some reason or if you dropped the course during finals, after the last deadline. - Why would I need to see a dean?
Deans are useful for any kind of advising in general. Academically, they are able to help you choose courses, talk to you about "life after Brown," and help people pursuing independent concentrations. In addition, if you are having any physical, personal, emotional, or family difficulties such as a death, deans are able to grant exam extensions/incompletes and give any additional aid that may be needed. All deans have open office hours, and you can also call and schedule appointments.
Grading at Brown
- How does S/NC grading work, and should I take a certain number of courses for this grade?
The Satisfactory/No Credit (S/NC) grade option is available to encourage a student's academic exploration; a student can opt to take as many or as few classes S/NC as they choose. One class equals one credit at Brown, regardless of whether or not the class is taken for a grade. - From a professional academic standpoint, when should I take a course S/NC?
You are able to take any class at Brown S/NC and are encouraged to do so if you have a heavy course load, a part time job, etc. However, students are generally encouraged to take courses pertinent to their major and/or classes for grad school, med school, and law school for a grade. Remember to explore other classes and take advantage of the S/NC option. Many take at least one class a semester S/NC. If you feel you have done well in the course or would like an evaluation, you can get a Course Performance Report (CPR) from your professor that can be included in your official transcript.
Placing Into/Out of Courses
- What can I do with AP credit?
Individual departments determine the use of AP exams for placement or credit. Usually, your AP score can earn you both placement into an advanced course and credit toward advanced standing, although sometimes departments offer credit retroactively upon successfully completing one of their advanced courses. It is best to contact individual department representatives if you have questions about policy related to a specific exam and/or score. AP credits do not count towards the 30 courses required to graduate from Brown, but can be used to accumulate tuition credit (see question 45 for more information). AP credits for entering students are posted to the students' records in mid-October of their first year. For more information, including individual department policies, visit http://www.brown.edu/college/DOC/s4_degree_completion/prebrown_cred_ap.html. - When are placement exams? Do I have to take them?
Placement exams are offered during orientation, with specific dates and times printed in the orientation packet. If you can place into an advanced class based on an AP score or other approved pre-Brown college level work, you do not have to take the placement exam for that particular course. Otherwise, you should take the appropriate placement exam during orientation. - Is it possible to opt out of a class if I know the material, but I haven't taken an AP test? In other words, do I have to take introductory courses if I already have a decent background in the subject?
It all depends on the subject. It would be wise to talk to the Professor of the introductory class, or to talk to the Professor of the advanced class that you want to take. Also, the introductory class might be necessary for that concentration, so although you might be able to opt out of it, you will need it for that concentration. - Will my credits from other universities/summer programs transfer?
Pre-Brown college courses will be entered on the student's record only if the student needs these courses for concentration requirements, professional school applications, or the 30-course graduation requirement. Courses completed at an accredited, degree-granting college are eligible for transfer to Brown. Cooperative programs in which students are given college credit for courses taken at a high school are not eligible for transfer to Brown. Students entering Brown as freshmen may not accept any pre-college credits until their sophomore year. Students entering Brown as transfer students will have credit from their previous college transferred when they enter Brown. - How do I get sophomore standing? Can I graduate early?
Yes. Students who earn three to six course credits from pre-Brown college-level work are eligible for one semester of advanced standing and one semester of tuition credit. Students earning seven to ten courses are eligible for two semesters of advanced standing and two semesters of tuition credit. Students may not officially apply for advanced standing from pre-Brown work until their sophomore year, after they have had a chance to realize the implications of requesting to graduate a semester or two early. Students must decide whether or not to accept advanced standing by the end of their fifth semester.