General Advisement and Scheduling Information
NOTE: Courses numbered 001-099 do NOT count toward the 120 minimum credits toward graduation.
Credit Limit - When students are able to schedule (based on the scheduling timetable on the Registrar's webpage) they can schedule a maximum of 5 three or more credit courses. Students wishing to schedule more than 5 three or more credit courses may add the additional courses beginning the day after all students have had the opportunity to schedule, based on the scheduling timetable.
PINs (Personal Identification Numbers) - PINs and the student ID number are needed to access STINF. Personal Identification Numbers: appear on student billing statements, appear on admission fee acknowledgement letters, may be obtained at the Registrar's Office by presenting a photo ID, are good for one calendar year and then must be changed by the student. The pin may be changed at anytime during the year by the student, also it become invalid if the student withdraws or graduates.
Students have three attempts to enter their correct PINs. After three unsuccessful attempts, the PIN will "lock." Students with PIN problems must come to the Registrar's Office (150 Student Services Center) and bring photo ID. Note: Do not confuse PINs for STINF with the passwords for e-mail.
"EREG"- Bloomsburg University has a two-step enrollment process. The first step is scheduling of classes to reserve a student's place in class. Scheduling is usually done during the prior semester. The second step is registration or confirming the student's attendance and is done at the beginning of the term. Scheduling and registration are done using STINF. The student must have scheduled classes before a billing statement can be prepared and before registration (E/REG) is allowed.
Closed Sections - When a section becomes filled, no additional students will be admitted to the section unless approved by the chairperson of the department offering the course. Approval is given by the department chairperson using an automated option to override the section capacity.
Courses Offered - A courses offered search is available on STINF. Users may either use the "basic search" or "advanced search" to locate courses by departments, meeting times, on or off-campus sites, internet courses, etc. Course Descriptions are available on the internet at www.bloomu.edu/registrar.
Credit Load (Credits Allowed) - A full-time student may carry 12-18 credits a semester, with 16 credits considered normal. Superior students may schedule additional credits provided approval is granted by the student's advisor and department chairperson. First semester freshman students should normally carry no more than 16 credits. During the initial scheduling period, students may schedule a maximum of 5 three or 4 credit courses; after the initial scheduling period, student may schedule additional courses and credits.
Changing Majors - Students make change of areas of study (major) or, in the case of undeclared students, declare majors, at the Academic Advisement Office (216 Student Services Center, 389-4271). There are restrictions for entrance to some majors. In addition, approval from some departments is required before the change may be accepted.
Advisors - Each degree student has an advisor assigned by the department of the students major. To find the name of your advisor, check with the departmental secretary. Know your advisor's office location, telephone number and office hours. This information is available on STINF. To change your advisor, see below. A student who is "undeclared," that is a student who has yet to declare a major, is advised by the Department of Academic Advisement (216 Student Services Center, 389-4271).
Attending Class - Classes begin at 8:00 am the first day of the semester (see the important date's calendar for the specific semester dates). The appearance of a student's name on the first class lists does not constitute official enrollment in the course. Final class lists issued after the close of the schedule change periods will reflect those students who scheduled and are officially registered.
Pass-Fail Option - Forms with instructions will be available starting the beginning of every semester in the Registrar's Office. A Student has from the beginning of the current semester until the 2nd Friday of the same semester at 4:00 to have the form filled out and in the Registrar's office for processing. The pass-fail course must be a free elective. Any course necessary to meet the major, minor or general education requirements will be ineligible. A student may revoke a pass-fail option no later than three weeks after mid-term (see the Important Dates for the current semester). The form to revoke a pass-fail is also available at the Office of the Registrar.
Non-Degree Students - Non degree students are admitted and scheduled through the Office of Adult Advisement, (216 Student Services Center, telephone 389-4003). The office provides advisors and information about non-degree certificate programs. Refer to the non-degree schedule of classes for specific information about course and scheduling.
Academic Standing - A minimum grade point average of 2.00 is required for good academic standing for all students. For more information, go to bloomu.edu/academics and select "academic policies." Then select PRP 3446 - Undergraduate Academic Retention Standards.
Accommodative Services - Students with any form of disability who may need special considerations for registration and class scheduling are invited to contact the Accommodative Services Office (43 Student Services Center, 389-4491).
Advisement Areas - Contact the Academic Advisement Office (216 Student Services Center, 389-4271) for information about advisement areas and applications for declaring an advisement area. For a list of advisement areas, go to www.bloomu.edu and select "academics" and then "academic programs".
Advisement Session - Before scheduling or making schedule changes, the student should consult with his or her advisor. It's helpful to prepare for the advisement session by updating your curriculum guide sheet, securing a copy of the class schedule book, reviewing the catalog and planning a tentative class schedule. Arrange an appointment with your advisor. Sometimes a telephone call is all that is necessary. In addition, advisors often post "sign up" sheets on their office doors.
Advisor Change - To change your advisor, contact your department chairperson or, if your advisor is the department chairperson, contact the director of academic advisement.
Biographical Information - Students should report all changes of student biographical information in writing to the Registrar's Office, (150 Student Services Center, 389-4263). Information to be reported immediately includes changes of name, marital status, home address, home telephone numbers, religious preference, student ID (social security) numbers and expected graduation date.
CAPS - Curriculum Advisement and Progress System is a handy tool for students and advisors. CAPS is accessible through the Student Information System (STINF) and is available year-round for use. Through CAPS, a student may review academic progress for completing degree requirements for the major and determine which courses are needed for the next semester's scheduling or course requesting. A student may use CAPS to explore course requirements for other programs of study (majors) as well as view completed courses and their grades. Notice: The degree requirements for some CAPS checklists are not current, but some are being updated. Check with your advisor and department for current curricular requirements.
Career Concentrations - Contact the Academic Advisement Office (216 Student Services Center, 389-4271), for information about career concentration and applications for declaring a career concentration. Career concentrations are Audio Recording Technology, Chinese Community Services, Environmental Planning, Family and the Children, Gerontology, International Business, Organizational Relations, Outdoor Leadership, Physical Recreational Leader and Public Administration Management.
Clinical Experience - Students participating in Bloomsburg University clinical programs for medical imaging and medical technology must obtain the Clinical Experience forms from Dr. Judy Kipe-Nolt, program director (105 Hartline Science Center, 389-4130). Students in the Clinical Chemistry program obtain the Clinical Experience from Dr. Michael Pugh, chairperson, Department of Chemistry (230 Hartline Science Center, 389-4895).
Curriculum Guides - Each department provides a curriculum guide listing the requirements for each major. These single page sheets are helpful and are to be used in place of the CAPS checklist.
Developmental Courses - The Department of Developmental Instruction provides developmental courses and labs to enhance basic skill development in the following areas: mathematics, reading and study skills, and writing. For further information contact the Developmental Studies Office (40 Student Services Center, 389-4492). NOTE: Courses numbered 001-099 do NOT count toward the 120 minimum credits toward graduation.
Fee Payment - The Business Office sends billing statements and receives fee payments. Questions about the billing statements or fee payment should be directed to the Business Office, Waller Administration Building (570)-389-4013.
Grade Reports - Students obtain their grades from STINF on the internet. It is the student's responsibility to check STINF for Academic Probation or Academic Dismissal status. For transcripts, see "Transcripts" below. Mid-semester grade reports will be distributed to undergraduate degree students with 30 or fewer credits earned.
Graduation - Undergraduate Commencement will be held on the Saturday after finals week. All students planning to graduate must complete the "Application for Graduation" form and submit it to their department chairperson. This form is available on-line at http://www.bloomu.edu/forms/reg_bach_grad_app.pdf. Based upon submission of this application, the academic department will complete the audit of courses taken and verify that all requirements for graduation have been met by the end of the Semester. If necessary, the department chairperson or designee will notify expected graduates of course deficiencies. It is advisable to arrange a meeting with your advisor before semester scheduling begins to discuss plans to meet requirements. Undergraduate Commencement will be held on the Saturday after finals week (see the Important Dates for more accurate information and the graduation website for specific times and location). All information concerning the ceremony, tickets, cap and gown, etc., is posted on the commencement website http://www.bloomu.edu/graduation. Inquiries regarding graduation should be directed to Anita Lamar Hakim; Carver Hall, ahakim@bloomu.edu or 570-389-4276.
Independent Study - See "Internships."
Information Release - University guidelines regarding the release of information about you are as follows:
Unless the student completes the "No Information Release" request at the Office of the Registrar within 10 days of the first day of the semester, the following information can, as in the past, be made available for the campus telephone directory, athletic brochures, academic honorary lists, graduation lists, etc., and will be accessible as public information. Information released includes the student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous education agency or institution attended by the student. If you place a hold on the information, it will remain in effect until we are notified otherwise. You are referred to The Pilot, the student handbook, for specific information on this policy.
Internships and Independent Study - Certain courses, such as internships, independent studies, and some appointment course, identified in the class schedule will require either RO form #509- "Internship Application" or RO Form #510 - "Independent Study/Appointment Course." Students participating in Bloomsburg University internship programs must obtain the internship applications forms from the Academic Internships Office (236 Student Services Center, 389-4623). These courses may not be scheduled using STINF. Instead, obtain the appropriate form and complete it according to the instructions on the form. When the completed form is received at the Registrar's Office, the course will be scheduled. Students will need to check their preliminary schedule on STINF to confirm the scheduling of these courses.
Local Address Changes - Any changes pertaining to the student's local university address should be reported immediately to the Residence Life Office (Elwell Hall, 389-4089). Local address changes include residence hall rooms, and for students living off-campus, their local address and telephone numbers. Be sure you report your complete off-campus address including your apartment number.
Minors - In addition to a program of study (major), a student may elect to declare a minor. Declarations are made at the Academic Advisement Office (216 Student Services Center, 389-4271). Specifics about each minor are available at the same office or from the department offering the program. For a list of minors, go to www.bloomu.edu and select "academics" and then "academic programs."
Off-Campus Courses - Degree students who wish to enroll in off-campus and telecourses should contact the Adult Advisement Office (216 Student Services Center, 389-4003) for information about these offerings.
Passwords - Passwords are used to access the mainframe computer system and e-mail. Passwords are not used for STINF. Questions about passwords should be directed to (Technology Support Services, 11 Ben Franklin, 389-4357; e-mail: helpdesk@bloomu.edu). Students may check their passwords by selecting "biographical information" on STINF.
Prerequisites - STINF scheduling will automatically check student's records for prerequisites before allowing a course to be scheduled. Prerequisites appear in the class schedule and are available through STINF. Questions about prerequisites should be directed to the department which offers the course, not the Registrar. Department chairpersons have an automated option to override prerequisites for courses in their departments. This override may not be entered until the student's scheduling time according to the schedule timetable.
Repeating Courses - A maximum of four courses numbered 100 and above in which grades of C-, D+, D or E have been recorded may be repeated. The initial grade remains on the transcript and is part of the student's permanent record. Quality points are awarded for the grade of the repeated course only. The grade of the repeated course is part of the permanent record and is used to calculate the student's quality point average. Multiple repeats of the same course are considered as one repeat. A course taken at Bloomsburg University in which a grade of C-, D+, D or E has been earned and repeated at another institution of higher education is included in the permitted maximum number of repeats.
Scheduling Credits - The number of "scheduling credits" determines when a student will have access to scheduling using STINF. Scheduling credits for any semester goes by the number of credits earned to date. Credits attempted for the current semester are not counted. Credits earned include credits earned at Bloomsburg University plus any transfer credits posted.
Student Responsibility - It is the student's responsibility to insure all requirements are met in time for graduation. Close consultation with your advisor and/or department chairperson will help to insure timely completion of our requirements. Remember, developmental studies courses number 001-099 do not count toward graduation.
Student Schedule Copies - After scheduling, students should print a copy of their own class schedule using the "Schedule Display" option on the Course Scheduling menu. Never print from the scheduling screen option. Since students may access their schedules via STINF, the Registrar's Office will not provide any preliminary schedule copies to students.
Student Teaching - Student Teaching placements for the semester will occur in school districts within an approximate 35 mile radius of Bloomsburg University. A limited number of placements are available in Bucks and Lehigh counties. All students must submit current TB test results, Act 34 and Act 151 clearances, and professional liability insurance to be eligible for student teaching. Early childhood, elementary and secondary education majors must submit these documents to Ms. Joanne Kreisher, 1210 McCormick Center. Check with your department for deadlines.
Study Abroad - Students participating in Bloomsburg University study abroad programs must obtain the Study Abroad forms from the International Education Office (236 Student Services Center, 389-4973).
Teacher Certification Credits (Act 48) - Post-bachelor degree students taking college courses for Pennsylvania Act 48 Teacher Certification must complete the Act 48 Request Form available at the education department offices or the Registrar's Office. Return completed forms to the Registrar's Office, 150 Student Services Center.
Teacher Education Students - All teacher education majors must complete the admission process and be accepted into early childhood, elementary childhood, secondary, business or special education programs before they can schedule courses in their major, including student teaching.
Textbooks - Textbooks will be available at the University Store at dates announced by the store. Text refunds begin on the second day of the semester. During the first two weeks of the semester, refunds may be made upon presentation of the receipt and student ID. After the first two weeks and until sixty days from the start of the semester, textbooks are returnable with receipt, student ID and course withdrawal slip. For more information contact the University Store, 389-4175.
Time Conflicts - Students scheduling two sections meeting at overlapping times, except for courses by appointment, will need permission of the chairperson of the department of the second course to be scheduled. Permission to override a time conflict is given by that chairperson using an automated option override.
Transcripts - Official transcripts with complete semester grades will be available 5 days after finals week. Students must make written request to the Registrar's Office (150 Student Services Center, 389-4263). There is no charge for transcripts, but requests for five or more copies may require additional processing days.
Transfer Credit Approval - Students desiring to enroll at another college or university for the purpose of transferring credit to Bloomsburg University must first obtain approval from their advisor and department chairperson. A "Prior Approval for Transferring Credit" form is available at the Office of the Registrar (150 Student Services Center, 389-4263).
Tutorial Services - Tutorial assistance for all students is available in general education courses and in some limited higher level courses. This tutorial service is free of charge. Contact Coordinator of Tutorial Services (40 Student Services Center, 389-2720).
Withdrawal from Undergraduate Courses - A student may withdraw from a course by obtaining the Undergraduate Course Withdrawal Form (RO From #106E) at the Registrar's Office (150 Student Services Center, 389-4263). The student must obtain the signature, not the permission, of the instructor and return the withdrawal form to the Registrar before the deadline indicated in the Undergraduate Calendar. Students may withdraw up to three weeks after the mid-point of the semester with the grade of W. Students may not withdraw from a course after that date except under extenuating, documented and justifiable circumstances approved by the appropriate academic dean. Degree students may withdraw from a maximum of four courses during their degree program. Withdrawal from the university is an exception. Non-degree students are exempt from the four-course withdrawal limit.
Withdrawal from the University - A student withdraws from the University at the Office of the Registrar (150 Student Services Center, 389-4263). Withdrawals from the University must be made either in person or by written request prior to the start of the final examination period.
Veterans Benefits - Students eligible for financial benefits from the Veterans Administration must report to the Registrar upon entering the University and at the start of every term thereafter. For information, contact the Veterans Affair Office, Deb Pavlick (150 Student Services Center, 389-4269).
Areas of Study with Restrictions for Admission
Many degree programs at Bloomsburg University require certain standards for admission. These standards are summarized below for currently enrolled students seeking a change of major. For more complete information, the student should contact the individual department or the Academic Advisement Office (216 Student Services Center, 389-4271).
Business - The College of Business requests all students to contact the chairperson before declaring a major in business. Permission slips for each major (department) will be granted which the student will take to the Academic Advisement Office.
Liberal Arts
1. Communication Studies - A minimum grade point average of 2.25 is required.
2. Economics with a Business emphasis - A minimum grade point average of 2.00 and permission of the department are required.
3. English - Minimum of 15 credits completed and an English course other than Composition 1, Composition 2, or Honors Composition with a grade of B- or better.
4. Exercise Science - A minimum grade point average of 2.40 is required to enter. Apply at the department for permission.
5. Mass Communications - A minimum of 32 credits earned, minimum grade point average of 2.50 and permission from the department are required.
6. Psychology - Permission of the department is required.
7. Social Work - The department determines who is eligible to enter Social Work after a minimum of 45 credits are earned. Application is made at the department.
8. Sociology and Criminal Justice - Permission of department is required.
Professional Studies and Pre-Teacher Education
1. Interpreter Training - Permission of the department is required.
2. Nursing - Students apply at the department and applications are reviewed usually in November and February.
3. Teacher Education - All areas of education are restricted and have several different entry requirements. Interested students should contact the department of their choice of the Academic Advisement Office, 216 Student Services Center, as soon as possible. This pertains to early childhood, elementary education, secondary education and special education.
Science and Technology
Medical Imaging - A minimum grade point average of 2.0 is required.