Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Academic Advising

Academic Advisor Logistics

What does my academic advisor do? Is it necessary to have an academic advisor?
When should I go see my Advisor?
What are my responsibilities within the advising relationships?
Will I have 2 Advisors if I am a double major? If I am in the 5-year Master’s program in Physics?
If I declare a minor or an Area of Special Interest (ASI), do I get an academic advisor from that department, too?
Can I change Advisors if I don’t feel like I’m getting quality advising?
How – and when – do I change my Advisor from my CSM 101 Mentor to a faculty Advisor within my major department?
How do I choose a faculty advisor?
What types of questions should I direct to my academic advisor and what types of questions should I direct elsewhere?

Classes (Registration and other details)

How do I register for classes?
How should I prepare to register for classes online?
Where do I find my PIN # for the Student Web?
What should I do if I’m having difficulty with the online registration process?
I have holds that are preventing me from registering for classes. How do I get these holds removed?
How do I get into a class that is full… especially those 1-semester courses?
When should I drop a course and when should I “tough it out?”
How do I drop/add a class?
When is the last day to drop or add a class?
Do I have to take any “liberal arts” classes?
How does the LAIS cluster classes work?
Can I take courses at other colleges? How do I go about doing this?
What is the policy for excused absences in class?
How many times can I retake a class?
Which classes are offered during the summer?

Majors, Minors, ASIs

Academic Progress and Policies (grading, procedures, special help)

Does CSM offer CLEP exams?
What are challenge exams? When and how do I take them?
How do I find out my grades?
Does CSM send a “report card” to my parents or scholarship administrators?
How do I calculate GPA?
What is a “PRG” grade?
What is the policy for forgiveness of an “F” grade?
How many credits do I need to be considered a sophomore? A junior? A senior?
How many credits can I take during one semester?
I’ve been accused of academic dishonesty. What does this mean and what happens next?
How do I know which catalog I should use to determine the courses I must take to graduate?
Can I change catalogs or substitute one course for another to meet my degree requirements?
How do I go about transferring to another school?
When should I request a degree audit?
When should I apply for graduation?
How does the policy work regarding PA credit if I participate in Mines athletics or ROTC?
Where can I find information about the different academic departments on campus?
How do I get involved in departmental research as an undergraduate student?

Being Successful at Mines – What Should I Do?

I’m having issues with my professor, what can I do and who should I talk to?
This school is hard… what should I do?
I’m having a hard time studying… what should I do?
I know all of my material, but when I take a test, I draw a blank… what should I do?
I just got a 40 on an exam… what should I do?
I’ve just been put on academic probation… what should I do?
I have some personal issues that are impacting my academic work… what should I do?
I’m having trouble connecting with people here… what should I do?
I’ve been sick with the flu for several weeks… what should I do?
I can’t seem to stay focused during class… what should I do?
I just can’t get motivated to do my homework or go to class… what should I do?

Mines Campus Life