FAQ's
Q: My advisor isn’t available, where do I go?
A:If your advisor isn’t available, you should check their contact information and perhaps reach them another way. Advisors are often also instructors, so they won’t be available all the time to see you, but check your SAIL Advising group for an expectation on when you might hear back from them.
Q: Who is my advisor?
A:Your advisor is based on your major that is on file. If you aren’t sure who your advisor is your advisor’s name and contact information is located in your SOS account. From SOS for Students, it is located in Program/Advisor Information.
Q: Why should I visit with my assigned advisor?
A:Your advisor is the expert on campus to help you graduate with your desired degree. They can make sure you are on track to graduate with the correct coursework and assist in transfer planning and career planning. Keep in mind they may not have all the answers but they are a resource to direct you where to find your answer.
Q: What should I bring with me to an advising session?
A:You should go prepared for an advising session. Write down your questions you have for your advisor and bring any paperwork that needs to be completed. Being prepared to meet with your advisor can lead to a more productive advising session for both you and your advisor.
Q: How do I change my major?
A:Your official major is what is on file in the Office of Admissions. If you want to change your major you need to complete a Change of Major form and turn it in at the Admissions Office or Registration window. Your major will be changed and you will have a new assigned Academic Advisor within 2 weeks. Check SOS under my profile to see who your assigned advisor is! Be sure to view the additional admissions requirements that some majors have and make sure to meet with your new assigned advisor right away to stay on track for graduation.
Q: Can I still register for classes if I'm on financial aid probation?
A:If you are on Financial Aid Probation you can still register for classes. Financial Aid Probation is a warning semester, for the following semester you will need to complete the classes for which you register (or stay at 12 credit hours or more) and maintain a GPA of 1.75 or higher. Check out the IWCC Financial Aid webpage for more information: go to Current Student on the homepage and then Financial Aid.
Q: What resources are available to students who need assistance with the transfer process?
A:There are many resources available to students who need assistance with the transfer process, including this website http://www.iwcc.edu/current/transfer/ , your academic advisor, the transfer fair, and campus visits by representatives from various four-year institutions. In addition, four-year institutions also have resources that assist students with the transfer process, including admissions advisors, program advisors, and their website. Most institutions websites are very helpful to students who wish to transfer, so don’t underestimate the value of spending time on their site.
Q: How do I know what classes count as Social Sciences/Humanities?
A:The General Education Course Guide lists all classes that fulfill Social Sciences/Humanities. The guide can be found on SOS under “Help and Guides.”
Q: Can I pick out my classes before priority online registration begins?
A:Yes you can begin building your Preferred Sections List any time, once the schedule is available. You can follow the instructions below for information on building your Preferred Sections List:
i. Go to SOS by clicking the SOS link on the IWCC web page.
ii. Click the Log In link in the upper right corner and use your username and password to log in (same username/password as for SAIL).
iii. Click the link SOS for Students, and then Register for sections.
iv. First time here? -> Click Search and Register for sections.
v. On the Search page, select a term and at least one subject. The other options can also be used to narrow your search but are not necessary(location is a good idea to specify).
vi. On the results page, place a check in the box next to course sections that may work in your schedule. When you click submit at the bottom of the page it will place these sections onto your Preferred Sections list, similar to a shopping cart.
vii. Repeat the process as many times as needed until you have all of the classes you need in your Preferred Sections list.
viii. You can remove sections from your list by selecting the drop-down Action RM - Remove from list next to the section(s) and then clicking Submit.
