Information for Current Students

Before your first semester begins: 

• Review your courses syllabi 
• Familiarize yourself with the information and policies in UAlbany’s Undergraduate Bulletin 
• Keep up with important deadlines for financial aid and academics 
• Start adjusting your course schedule, if you need to, in early August 
• Speak with your academic advisor before dropping any classes 
• Finalize your class schedule and prioritize academics 
   

During the first half of your first semester: 

• Visit your academic advisor’s office, so you know where it is 
• Familiarize yourself with the University website 
• Meet with your professors during their office hours 
• Be mindful of appropriate etiquette for writing to or interacting with professors and other University employees 
• Assess your class performance and make any necessary adjustments to your schedule before the add/drop period ends (Note: If you drop below 12 credits, you will be considered part-time) 
• Familiarize yourself with the requirements of any majors you’re considering 
• Learn about controlled/restricted courses and how to follow-up or register for those classes 
• Explore student groups, organizations and events 
• Attend the Welcome Back Reception to learn about the resources available to you and to meet other students 
   

During the second half of your first semester: 

• Attend study skills workshops and final exam study sessions 
• Ensure that your transcripts from any courses taken at another institution or from AP exams have been received and the correct credits have posted 
• Check for any holds on your student account, which may interfere class registration 
• Know the eligibility requirements for remaining in good standing before the next semester begins 
• Start preparing for your final exams, presentations and papers 
• Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor and begin the process for registering for second semester classes 
• Meet with a peer mentor at least every other week 

During your second semester, be sure to: 

• Adjust your course schedule, as needed, to stay on track with your requirements and interests 
• Proactively make use of academic resources, such as advising, tutoring, etc. 
• Meet with the Office of Financial Aid review any questions you have about the FAFSA and/or your financial aid for next year 
• Plan for the summer by registering for summer courses at UAlbany, getting pre-approval for summer courses at another institution, seeking out a job or internship, and/or understanding the rules for undergraduate research registration 
• Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor and begin the process for registering for third semester classes 
• Check for any holds on your student account, which may interfere class registration 
• Attend a workshop to develop better study habits

In the fall, you’ll continue taking exploratory courses that will help you select a major.  

If you’ve already declared a major, use this time to fulfill general requirements and begin working on any pre-requisites for your major. Build on the foundations of your first year and start to enjoy the increased rigor of your intermediate courses. You’ve come a long way in one short year! 

If you have not yet declared a major, there’s no need to worry. It’s normal to be undecided as a sophomore. However, you must declare a major by the time you’ve accumulated 42 credits. Keep exploring your options and never stop moving forward. Ask your advisors, professors and other University professionals for advice. Research possible career choices. College is about finding yourself and you have plenty of resources available to help. 

Sophomore students should: 

• Be familiar with the course planning strategies for the majors you’re interested in 

• Attend meetings and workshops for your program (Project Excel, EOP, CSTEP, etc.) 

• Understand the requirements, application procedures and course planning strategies for majors that require professional licensure or graduate school, if you’re considering those pathways 

• Continue developing your study habits to ensure academic success in intermediate level coursework 

• Meet with your academic advisor at least once a month 

• Develop a rapport with your professors 

• By the end of your second year, we expect you to: 

• Have declared a major 

• Have balanced your major-related courses and general education requirements 

• Be aware of application deadlines and requirements for any alternative majors you have in mind (it’s always good to have a Plan B!) 

• Understand your remaining degree requirements 

• Have finalized your study abroad plans, if you are interested 

• Be considering internship and/or research opportunities, if interested 

• Understand semester limitations and plan for summer courses, if needed 

• Have completed Project Excel’s Financial Literacy requirements, if applicable 

As you continue to work toward, and continuously evaluate, your academic and personal goals, it’s time to start thinking about your path after graduation. 

• Remember to meet with your peer mentors and ask them for insight on getting through your junior year. 
• Continue meeting with your academic advisor and faculty members from your major’s department to ensure you’re on track for graduation. 
• Visit the Office of Career and Professional Development to learn more about internships, job searches, recommendations, resumes, graduate school applications, etc. 
• Attend job fairs to learn about possible opportunities and career paths. 

If you don't like the major you declared as a first-year or sophomore student, schedule some time to talk with your academic advisor. You may have more leeway than you think and you may be able to switch your major if you satisfy certain criteria. 

By the end of your second year, we expect you to: 

• Have completed all active membership project requirements 

• Know what you need to do in order to complete your general education requirements, your major requirements, your minor requirements, and any prerequisites for graduate school or professional licensure 

• Have checked that any study abroad course credits have been evaluated and posted to your record, if applicable 

• Be seeking out internships and/or research opportunities, if interested 

• Understand the requirements for graduating with honors and/or distinction 

• Have developed relationships with faculty members in your major’s department, as you may need recommendations