It's Registration Time! What do I do?

It's nearly time for Spring 2009 registration and ever since open planning began in October, I've seen more than my fair share of LGS scholars run around trying to not only meet the requirements for their majors and minors, but also meet the LGS requirements in order to stay in the program. Programs like LGS and the Honors College can be a bit difficult to plan for as advisers may not always be aware of what classes a student needs to take and what he or she has already taken.

Here's a few things for LGS scholars to remember when planning their schedules:

• Language Requirement
  All LGS scholars need to complete Level IV of a language or higher. There are many languages offered by the Department of Languages and International Studies that can meet this requirement, as well as open up new opportunities for students. If a student went up to Level IV in high school, he or she may be exempt from this requirement, but it is best to check with the program director, Dr. Bartkowski, in order to be sure.



• All LGS Scholars must take one LGS class per semester
  The first semester of Freshman year is the exception, but as we are entering the Spring semester, all LGS students should be signing up for at least one LGS class. There are classes offered at the Freshman, Sophomore and Junior levels; I'll go over all of the classes offered a bit later in another post.



• LGS classes fulfill General Education Requirements
  Most freshman are encouraged to take General Education classes rather than classes for their major in order to "get them out of the way." My advice is to not do this if you're in LGS! Many of the classes in LGS will fulfill General Education requirements, so students should start taking classes for their major rather than take General Education classes right away.



• LGS classes may fulfill requirements for your major
  Some of LGS' classes may apply to your major. Check with your adviser or major requirements in order to be sure.



• Internships and Study Abroad are highly encouraged
  LGS offers a number of internships for its students as well as a number of study abroad opportunities. While these are highly encouraged, they are not required of LGS scholars. All students should certainly look into these opportunities if they have the room in their schedules.

I hope that all LGS scholars keep these requirements in mind while planning their schedules and that their registration goes smoothly. Stay tuned for a blog entry on what classes students should take in Spring 2009!