Academic Planning Steps: Create a Balanced Schedule

AIM FOR 14-16 CREDITS CONSISTING OF 3-4 CLASSES

  • Pay attention to prerequisites and course sequences for classes in your program of study.
  • Pay attention to delivery methods when selecting classes. Keep in mind that 10 minutes is usually sufficient time to travel from one in-person class to the next.
  • Instructors typically expect students to spend 2 hours working outside of class for every credit hour given to a class. For example, plan for 10 hours of work outside of class for a 5 credit hour course.

STRATEGIES TO CREATE A BALANCED SCHEDULE

Check your GUR progress: Use Degree Works or copy GUR credits from Transfer Equivalency Report (TER) to GUR Checklist

  • For GUR areas that remain unsatisfied, check for classes that interest you in the Viking Advisor or Browse Classes.
  • GURs are not required for students who have completed a DTA-Associate Degree from a Washington State two year college. If you have earned an AS-T Degree, look for an email from DegreeEval@wwu.edu with your remaining GURs. Questions? Email DegreeEval@wwu.edu in the Registrar’s Office.
  • Meet with Academic Departments to talk about how XX/TT transfer courses might apply to major or minor requirements.
  • Submit final transcripts to Western’s Admissions Office. If you have questions regarding your transfer credit articulation, email adm.creditevaluation@wwu.edu and include your name, W number and specific question.

Look up major and minor requirements found in the Programs of Study in the University Catalog

  • Identify major requirements using the Programs of Study or “What If” in Degree Works.
  • Check if any requirements will also satisfy any of your remaining GURs.
  • Identify the courses you will need to take early on in order to declare your intended major. Some majors require advanced planning to apply or declare.

Talk with an advisor about Math

  • Advisors can help you determine if you need to take math and what courses are required based on your academic goals.
  • Advisors can assist in determining if you need to take the ALEKS (MPA). ALEKS scores can be found in Web4U. Create several possible schedules consisting of GURs and Major Requirements using Browse Classes
  • A mix of subjects, combination of class sizes or variety in evaluation/grading styles can help provide balance to a schedule.

CONSIDER YOUR NEXT STEPS

Possible Next Steps Include:

  • Create and save multiple schedules, using the Plan Ahead tool
  • Take the ALEKS MPA
  • Meet with an Academic Department about XX/TT transfer courses
  • Request an override permission to take a class
  • Meet with Academic Department to apply for or declare major
  • Request final transcript and/or test scores
  • Meet with an advisor!