CAS Pre-Registration Tutorial
WELCOME TO THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
(Bolded information represents voice-over by Don; Unbolded information represents what will
be seen on screen.)
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The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest academic unit at the University at Buffalo
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Offers 49 undergraduate academic majors
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Offered by 31 academic departments
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Majors fall under four academic groups:
1.
Humanities
2. Arts
3. Social Sciences
4. Natural Sciences and Mathematics
(We are pleased to welcome you as a member of the College of Arts and Sciences. As the
largest academic unit at the University at Buffalo, the College of Arts and Sciences offers
49 undergraduate majors in 31 academic departments. Each major falls within one of
four academic groups: Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences and
Mathematics. You may click on the groups in the pie chart to discover the departments
that fall under each group.)
Pie chart (4 Major Academic Groups in CAS)
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES STUDENT ADVISEMENT AND SERVICES
275 Park Hall
716-645-6883
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm by appointment
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Provides advisement services to all majors within the College
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Nine professional advisors will provide assistance with:
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Your academic and personal goals
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Course scheduling
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General education requirements
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Interpretation of DARS reports
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Major and minor choices with the College including the special major
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Recovering from academic difficulty
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Researching internship, research and volunteer opportunities
YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR IS HERE TO HELP YOU SUCCEED AT UB!
Please check our website at casadvising.buffalo.edu
(The College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisement and Services Center provides
advisement services to undergraduate students in all of the 49 academic majors within the
College. Our professional advisors are happy to meet with students to discuss their
academic and personal goals. Our programs and services include assistance with all aspects
of students’ academic lives, and we help individuals facing academic difficulties to plan for
a successful recovery. In other words, your academic advisor is here to help you succeed at
UB!)
BENEFITS OF CAS ON-LINE PRE-ADVISEMENT TUTORIAL
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Prepare you for your scheduling appointment with your academic advisor
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Provide important information needed to make successful transition to UB
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Help you to improve your study and time management skills
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Inform you of important university policies, campus resources and other valuable
information
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Will stay active on webpage for easy referral
(This on-line pre-advisement tutorial will provide you with the information needed to make
a successful transition from high school to university life. It will prepare you for your
advisement appointment, course selection and registration for your first semester at UB. It
provides valuable information on improving your study skills and becoming a good time
manager. You will learn about graduation requirements, important university policies,
campus resources, and other information that a new student must know. It should take you
approximately 30 minutes to complete. This program will stay active on our website so that
you may refer to it at any time.
At the end of each section of this program, you will be required to answer a question that
demonstrates your understanding of the material. You must answer these questions
correctly before proceeding to the following section.)
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I COMPLETE THE CAS ON-LINE PRE-REGISTRATION
TUTORIAL?
Step 1.
You will be required to provide your full name, name of high school and intended major and
submit this information to our office. The submission will indicate to us that you have
successfully completed this program.
Step 2.
Please call our office (716-645-6883) to make either an in-person or phone appointment with
your advisor. During this appointment you will discuss your academic goals and choose
appropriate courses for your fall semester. Your advisor will register you in your courses and you
will receive a copy of your fall schedule. Registration for Fall 2008 begins on April 1st.
(Note: To ensure the best course selection, it is important for you to make this advisement
appointment as soon as you complete this tutorial.)
Step 3.
Attend the summer orientation session to which you are assigned.
(Upon completion of this program, you will be required to provide fill out a confirmation
form affirming that you have read and understand that you are responsible for all the
information provided in this tutorial. The submission will indicate to us that you have
successfully completed this program.
Your next step is to call our office (716-645-6883) to make either an in-person or phone
appointment with your advisor. During this appointment you will discuss your academic
goals and choose appropriate courses for your fall semester. Your advisor will register you
in your courses and you will receive a copy of your fall schedule.
Note: To ensure the best course selection, it is important for you to make this advisement
appointment as soon as you complete this tutorial.)
Attend the summer orientation session to which you are assigned.
Again, we welcome you to the University at Buffalo and the College of Arts and Sciences
and hope that your years here with us are satisfying, successful and fun!)
MAKING THE TRANSITION
The transition from high school to college is a challenge, regardless of how solid a student you
are. Things in college are different in every way! Here are some examples.
School Counselors
VS.
Professional and Faculty Advisors
Consult and collaborate with parents,
teachers, school administrators, school
psychologists, medical professionals
and social workers
Valuable resources for assisting
university students in attaining
their educational goals and adjusting
to academic rigors of university life
Implement strategies to help students
be successful in educational system
Assist student to become
independent, self-confident decision
makers and active and responsible
learners
High School Teachers
VS.
University Professors
Assign homework and usually give
students grades or “bonus points” for
this work
Assign homework and make the
assumption that students have done
the work and expect students to ask
questions
Constantly remind students of
upcoming work and exams
Distribute syllabus at beginning of
semester and expect students to
keep up with assigned work
Provide students with more
individual assistance
Expect students to take ownership
of their own learning experience
The High School Classroom
VS.
The College Classroom
Class sizes are relatively small; therefore teachers can give students more
individual attention
Class size can range from as few
as 24 students to 100 or more!
Teachers monitor attendance daily
Professors may not take attendance;
however, they are likely to know if
you have not attended and your
performance could suffer
Class attendance is mandatory
It is your responsibility to go to
class and get the information
Generally your guidance counselor
schedules your classes and ensures
you are meeting your graduation
requirements
After the first semester, you are
responsible for making an appointment to see an advisor about
scheduling your classes and satisfying degree/graduation requirements
In college, you are responsible for attending class, knowing school policies and
requirements, and managing your schedule. Faculty and staff are available to help you
when you have questions, but no one will seek you out as they might have in high school.
You are expected to take the initiative!
Study Skills and Time Management
(This section will include a podcast with a student discussing the importance of good
study skills and time management.)
Each hour spent in university classroom = At least 2 hours doing homework/
studying outside of class!
Yes, College is a full-time job!!!
Time management:
 Involves taking charge or control of your life and time.
 Includes goal setting, planning, organizing, conserving time and resources,
and maintaining peak efficiency.
 Get a daily planner and use it!
 Good time management is essential for a successful college experience.
For more information on developing time management and study skills, visit the
Counseling Services website: www.student-affairs.buffalo.edu/shs/ccenter.shtml
What can you do to make a smooth transition?
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GO TO CLASS
Always refer to your syllabus to keep on track
Know when to ask for help
"In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we
die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility."
Eleanor Roosevelt
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Ready .. Set .. Graduate!
In order to graduate you must meet the following requirements:
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You must have completed a minimum of 120 credit hours. At least 30 of these credits
must be completed at UB (residency requirement).
You must have at least a 2.0 GPA
You must have completed all of your general education requirements
You must have completed all of your major requirements
File for degree at http://src.buffalo.edu/pdf/applicationfordegree-2005.pdf
COMPLETING YOUR GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requirements Include:
UB’s general education program focuses on a
broad array of knowledge, skills, and issues
that are particularly important for all college
graduates. It is designed to compliment your
major and better prepare you to face the
challenges of an ever-changing world.
1. Writing Requirement
2. Library Skills Workbook
3. World Civilizations*
4. Mathematical Science
5. Natural Sciences
6. American Pluralism*
7. Social & Behavioral Sciences
8. Language Requirement
9. Humanities
10. Arts*
11. Depth Requirement
*Note: Students who entered UB with 24 or more transferable credit hours from an institution of
higher education other than UB are exempted from the World Civilizations, American Pluralism,
and Arts requirements. (AP credits are not included in this total.) These credits must have been
earned prior to enrollment at UB.
COMPLETING YOUR MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Your Major
In addition to completing your general education requirements, you must complete the
requirements of your academic major(s). At UB you can select from over 100 baccalaureate
degree options derived from over 80 different academic disciplines. Selecting a major, changing
a major, or deciding to pursue double or joint majors, or combined degrees are all significant
steps in your educational career. Your major provides depth of study in a particular area of
specialization and prepares you for particular careers or for advanced study.
Double Major
A double major is the awarding of one degree with two majors; the requirements for both areas
must be completed (e.g., BA Philosophy, BA Psychology)
Joint Major
A student may elect to work toward a joint major by combining the subjects of two departments
(e.g., Geography and Economics, Physics and Mathematics). A joint major does not require
completion of all of the requirements of each major; rather, it is composed of requirements from
each major as determined by the student and the directors of undergraduate studies in each
department. Joint majors must link majors leading to the same degree.
Double Degree
The double degree is the concurrent awarding of two different baccalaureate degree types (BA,
BS, BFA, MusB). A minimum of 150 total credits must be completed.
Special Major
The Special Major Program provides capable students that are at least in sophomore standing
with an opportunity to create their own academic major program. Students with a minimum GPA
of 2.0 may initiate and develop their own programs under the guidance of two faculty members
and an advisor. The academic program to be designed must be unique; that is, the program may
not duplicate the major content in any degree-granting academic department, nor may it be
designed to avoid the requirements of existing departmental majors.
Minors
A minor is a secondary field of study that consists of approximately six courses. The minor
offers students a means to complement the major, explore a subspecialty, and/or broaden career
alternatives. For a complete list of minors log on:
Certificate Programs
Certificate Programs consist of a group of courses that focus upon an area of specialized
knowledge or information. Talk to your academic advisor to learn more about how these
programs can enhance your studies at UB. Examples of certificate programs are: computing and
network management, entrepreneurship, international trade, and paralegal studies.
ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
As a condition of enrollment, you are responsible for reviewing, understanding, and abiding by
the university’s regulations, procedures, requirements, and deadlines as described in official
publications, including the university’s undergraduate catalog, UB Web sites, and official
university e-mail communications. In addition, you are required to affirm your knowledge of,
and adherence to, UB’s Student Conduct Rules, University Standards and Administrative
Regulations prior to your first semester at UB.
Drop, Add and Resign Periods
Once you have registered for a course, you are responsible for attending and completing each
course and paying your tuition. During the first two weeks of classes, you may drop and/or add
courses to your schedule. Once you drop a course, it disappears from your schedule completely.
It’s important to remember that adding a course during the second week of classes results in
missing at least a week of course material. Therefore, it is best to make your drop/add decisions
as early as possible.
You have until the end of the first week of classes to drop courses without financial penalty.
After the end of the drop/add period, you may resign a course until the end of the 11th week of
classes. When you resign a course an “R” will appear on your transcript indicating that you
were once registered in the course. It is wise to talk to your academic advisor before resigning a
course to assure there will be no academic or financial penalties.
To check on various University deadlines, refer to the on-line academic calendars.
Grading at UB
College grading procedures are very different from high school. In most high schools, teachers
give frequent tests. However, in college the final grade in each course is generally determined by
a limited number of exams and perhaps one or more papers or projects during the semester along
with a final exam at the end. Professors specify the grading criteria in the course syllabus
(outline), which they distribute at the first class.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Your UB grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the grade points (quality points x
credit hours) assigned to each grade by the credit hours attempted. For example, earning a "B"
grade in a 4.00 credit hour course would yield (4.00 x 3.00)/ 4.00 = 3.00 QPA. You can
calculate your own GPA by using the GPA Calculator
Mid-Semester Grade Evaluations (For First-Semester Students Only)
For first-semester students only, the University asks professors to submit mid-semester grade
evaluations with satisfactory/unsatisfactory indicator codes. This process provides a means for
enhanced communication between students and faculty. If you receive any unsatisfactory
indicators, you will be notified via e-mail. Upon receipt of this e-mail, you need to
IMMEDIATELY take the initiative to speak with your professors and advisor to understand how
to improve performance. Before resigning from a course, you should always make an
appointment with an academic advisor to discuss the situation.
Obtaining Final End of Semester Grades
At the end of each semester, you have two options to obtain your grades. You can either SEE
your grades online through MyUB or HEAR your grades on the telephone via the BIRD system.
The University does not mail grades to students.
Course Repeat Policy
You may repeat the course in which you perform poorly. When a student repeats a course, the
credits earned only count once for purposes of satisfying degree requirements and calculating the
student’s grade point average (GPA). When a course is repeated, the grade that is counted in
calculating the GPA is the grade earned the second time, even if that grade is lower. All courses
taken and all grades earned appear on the student’s transcript with a note indicating that it has
been replaced. It is always a good idea for a student to consult with an academic advisor before
repeating a course.
Pass/Fail Grading
Pass/Fail is an instructor-designated option for courses that do not lend themselves to letter
grades. Failure in the course (grade of F) results in the grade being calculated in the GPA.
Example: UBE 101 is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Grading
S/U grading is a student’s option, not the instructor’s. S/U grades must be requested by the
student before the end of the second week of classes. Students cannot select S/U grading for any
course that is required, or is a prerequisite, for their major(s) or general education requirements.
A student must earn a letter grade of C- or better in order to receive a satisfactory grade. Please
consult an advisor before requesting S/U grading for a course.
Incomplete Grades
A grade of incomplete (“I”) may be given to students who have not completed all of the assigned
work in a course if they have a passing average and there exists a well-defined means by which
the course requirements can be completed. A default grade is given along with the “I” (i.e.,
“I/C”, I/F”). The grade of “I” must be removed within a period of 12 months or the default grade
will be granted. Students should meet with the instructor and academic advisor to inquire how
they should proceed. Students should not re-register for a course in which they have a grade of
Incomplete.
ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Academic Standards Review
To maintain academic standards and determine eligibility for continued enrollment, financial aid,
and participation in university activities, the University at Buffalo regularly reviews the
academic records of all undergraduate students.
Academic Good Standing
A student is in academic good standing if the student’s cumulative UB GPA is 2.0 or greater and
one of the most recent two consecutive semester GPAs at UB is 2.0 or greater. A student in
academic good standing is eligible for all university activities.
*****Insert TIP BOX: If you were awarded a scholarship, you may be required to maintain a
GPA higher than 2.0. Please check with your advisor.
Academic Probation
A student is on academic probation and not in academic good standing if his/her:


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UB cumulative GPA is 2.0 or greater, but his/her most recent two consecutive
semester GPAs are less than 2.0
Cumulative UB GPA is less than 2.0 after two or more semesters of study at UB
Students who continue to be on probation will be reviewed for dismissal
Academic Integrity
A student is expected to behave honestly and responsibly when submitting work towards the
completion of class requirements. Instances of suspected or alleged academic dishonesty by a
student will be resolved according to university procedures.
Examples of academic dishonesty include:

Previously submitted work
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plagiarism, cheating
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falsification of academic materials
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misrepresentation of documents

selling and purchasing academic assignment.
Academic dishonesty on the part of a student could result in any of the following university
sanctions:

failure in the course with citation of academic dishonesty
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suspension from the university
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expulsion from the university
It is important that you review the academic integrity video provided by the Vice Provost of
Undergraduate Education.
CAMPUS RESOURCES
A college degree is not a sign that one is a finished product but
an indication a person is prepared for life.
Reverend Edward A. Malloy, Monk's Reflections
"Study abroad is a great experience and a great way to see how people in other countries live. People
look at you as an adventurous person who isn’t afraid of a little change and who is willing to take the
chance to try something new. I know all of my friends were amazed that I had the courage to study
abroad, and I’m sure others, including future employers, will look at it in this same way."
KRISTA TERWILLIGER
KOREA UNIVERSITY
SOUTH KOREA
INSERT: STREAMING STUDY ABROAD VIDEO- REMOVE ABOVE PICTURE?
Academic Resources
Study Abroad
UB offers approximately 400 study abroad options so the world is yours for the taking.
There is much more to studying abroad than just taking classes in a foreign country.
The Thomas J. Edwards Learning Center
Study skills development, time management assistance, test-taking tips and free tutoring
in English and mathematics.
The Methods of Inquiry Program
Offers GSE 155, a course in theory and strategies related to learning and comprehension.
Life and Learning Workshops
A series of free workshops devoted to academic and personal support. Topics range from
study skills and resume building to ballroom dancing and healthier eating.
The Blake Academic Success Center
Helps with first-year transitional issues, offers a quiet study location, tutoring, book
loaning, and classroom use.
Personal Resources
The Office of Student Life
Home to services and opportunities from leadership workshops to wellness resources,
Student Life is committed to providing students with an enriched learning environment.
The Office of Counseling Services
Offers personal counseling, workshops, consultation and crisis intervention to assist
students in resolving personal difficulties and in acquiring those skills, attitudes and
resources necessary to both succeed in the college environment and pursue productive
and satisfying lives.
Career Services
Assists students in the areas of self-assessment, career exploration, and job search
techniques with the goal of helping them achieve lifelong career satisfaction and success.
Getting Involved
The Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (CURCA)
Offers undergraduate students and distinguished faculty the opportunity to engage in
research projects that ignite the intellect and enliven the learning process.
The Student Association (SA)
The voice of the student population of the University at Buffalo and home to dozens of
student clubs and government assemblies. SA offers low-cost movies and other events for
students. Coincidentally, SA is the largest student government of the SUNY system.
Preparing for your advisement appointment
Upon completion of this orientation program, you will need to call our office (716-645-6883) to
make an appointment with your advisor. During this advisement appointment, you will discuss
the following topics:
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Advanced Placement (AP)
International Baccalaureate (IB)
College-Level Examinations Program (CLEP)
UB accepts AP, IB, CLEP and other alternative credits towards completion of requirements
when appropriate scores are achieved. If you have taken any exams of this type, be sure to:
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Arrange to have the scores reported to UB
Note this information on your Orientation Data Form
Inform your academic advisor when discussing your class schedule
Transfer Credit
What is TAURUS? http://taurus.buffalo.edu/
TAURUS is UB’s transfer articulation website. It displays course articulations approved by UB
faculty and shows how transfer courses match UB courses and requirements.
College-level credit may be transferred. If you have received credit through any institution of
higher education, be sure to:
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Arrange to have an official transcript sent to UB
Note this information on your Orientation Data Form
Inform your academic advisor when discussing your class schedule
UB IT Name and Password
You should have already received your UBIT Name and password from the Office of
Admissions. You will need this logon and password to gain access to all UB technology.
Email
Your UBIT Name is also your UB email address
You will need to activate your UB email account. You may do so by logging in to the UB IT
network on your own, or you may wait until you come to campus for a New Student Orientation
program this summer.
Why is it important to activate your UB email? https://ldap.buffalo.edu/newuser.html
Your mailbox (inbox) is inactive when your UBITName account is created. You must activate it
to receive email. All email messages sent to inactive mailboxes are discarded. Important
messages from your professors, university offices, friends, family, and others are discarded until
you activate your mailbox.
You will "get connected" to UB's technology by completing the Information Technology
Orientation online, either before the summer Orientation program or while you are here.
MYUB
It can be confusing to navigate the technology highway at UB. That's why UB created MyUB, a
one-stop online destination for all resources at UB. By now, you may have already visited the
MyUB Website. There is a vast number of resources available on this one website. It is strongly
recommended that you become VERY familiar with how to navigate the MyUB site and we
encourage you to start using MyUB long before you arrive on campus.
In order to log on to MyUB you will need your UBITName and Password.
Learn to use the university's web based personal portal for accessing resources and information vital to your
success.
MyUB Tutorial (Flash Version)
http://advising.buffalo.edu/help/myub/flash.php
DARS
UB DARS (University at Buffalo Degree Audit Reporting System) is an automated system
that generates a report of each matriculating student's UB and transfer coursework matched with
the student's degree requirements. It takes the guesswork out of deciphering University
requirements, general education programs and major requirements.
UBLearns
UBlearns is a web based course management and delivery application using the e-Learning
software platform known as "Blackboard". Faculty use UBlearns to post course documents and
PowerPoint presentations, or host class related discussion boards or post links to web sites that
relate to information relevant to their course. They may even use UBlearns to give assignments
and tests.
REGISTERING FOR COURSES
Block Scheduling
Your advisor will attempt to place you in a block of first-semester courses with other students in
your academic major. This means you will be taking several courses (both general education and
major courses) with the same students. This will allow you to become acquainted with other
students with similar interests and goals and allow you to share class notes and set up study
groups.
UB 101
Your advisor will recommend you enroll in UB 101: a one-credit hour seminar course designed
to assist first-year students in making the transition to UB, providing them a framework for their
success as students.
CAS 101
Students who are uncertain about a major can "sample" the many choices available in the
College of Arts and Sciences via CAS 101, "Trends in Arts and Sciences". A two-credit hour
course, CAS 101 presents information on the various disciplines represented by the College,
such as faculty research, creative activities as well as an overview of each academic program.
Discovery Seminars (UE 141)
UB's Discovery Seminar Program offers a small class experience for first- and second-year
students, providing them with the opportunity to engage with a distinguished faculty member
around a thought-provoking and challenging topic.
Pre-Health and Pre-Law Advisement
UB has an advising office dedicated to assisting students who are interested in careers in the
health professions, e.g., medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, chiropractic. UB
also has an advising office to assist students who are interested in becoming attorneys. These
advisors help students with course planning, preparation for entrance exams, and the
professional school application process.
Your Academic Advisement Appointment (Student Podcast)
After you complete this online program:
 Call our office at 645-6883 to set up time to talk to your academic advisor.
 Be prepared to discuss degree requirements and your academic interests.
 Be prepared to create your first-semester course schedule.
In order to register for the following semester:
 You will be required to participate in a mandatory advisement session.
At this meeting be prepared to:
 Discuss academic goals.
 Build your schedule for the following semester.
 Register for the following semesters courses with the assistance of your advisor.