Academic info from Dean Diane Anderson, Academic Affairs
General requirements: 32 credits, completion of a major, division
requirements, 20 courses outside your major, PE, swim test,
language requirement...what does this mean to you this term?
Here are Rules of Thumb that might help.
• Rule of 0 -- CR/NC term – First term there are no traditional
recorded grades, BUT shadow grades used later by departments for
majors and other decisions.
• Rule of 1 – Most courses are 1 (or 1.5 credits), equivalent to 4
credits elsewhere. Take one FYS seminar! Take one W course!
Take one NSEP! Not a firm rule, just a recommendation.
• Rule of 2 -- For most of you, do NOT take more than 2 of
anything during the first term: ex. 2 writing, two labs, two in a
dept. or division, etc.
• Rule of 3 – The FIRM rule for graduation is three courses in each
of three divisions and 3 writing intensive courses, spread across at
least 2 divisions. Start now!
• Rule of 4 -- This term, take four credits across four courses, in
most cases, plus PE/PE dance, unless you are an athlete; there are a
few exceptions, usually in STEM fields.
• Rule of 5 – Think VERY carefully about taking 5 courses in a
term, especially before you have been here for a semester. If this is
your inclination, discuss it with your advisor, your SAM, and a
Dean.
August 2015
Dean Anderson's Inside Scoop: 10 Useful Tips
1. E-mail is the official means of communication at Swarthmore: USE
IT, RESPOND TO FACULTY AND DEANS!
2. Don't address professors and staff with "Hey". When in doubt, ask
someone how they would prefer to be addressed, including pronouns.
3. When you have no idea where to start reaching out in the Dean's
Office, start with your class dean.
4. Obtain books assigned for classes! If there is a problem, see Dean
Henry.
5. Be ready to study harder and more, to strive to learn instead of for
grades, but to still sleep and eat and exercise. You are smart enough to
figure out how to do this. If this is a problem, ask us for help.
6. Take good academic risks, be open to learning how to study smarter
and more strategically. Faculty will respect you if you have an
excellent work ethic; grades are less important than hard work. If you
do this, faculty and deans will write you great letters of
recommendation for internships, jobs and graduate school.
7. Read the syllabus, early and often! When you go to class or meet with
professors, be prepared and ready with questions.
8. 3rd MOST IMPORTANT!!!!!!! By the time you graduate you should
have 4 people on campus, faculty and staff, who know you well and
can write glowingly of your accomplishments, challenges, and
character. START to find these people and form these relationships
NOW!
9. 2nd MOST IMPORTANT!!!!!! Ask for help! SAMs, RAs, Faculty,
Staff, Deans, CAPS, etc…
10.MOST IMPORTANT!!!!! Go to class, do your work, turn it in on
time. If you can't do this, see someone in the Dean's office because we
can help. If you do this you will graduate in 4 years and life will be
beautiful!
August 2015