Freshman Orientation Academic Overview Hi, my name is Jon Bonebrake and I'm one of
the academic advisors in the School of Engineering & Applied Sciences office.
You can find YOUR academic advisor by logging in to the HUB Student Center.
First let’s talk about the Orientation Data Form.
We use this form to make your schedule – so if you don’t include AP and recent college
transfer credit on it, we do not know about it.
We can’t take AP scores or college credit from a high school transcript.
Your AP scores must be sent via College Board, school code 2925.
If you took a college level course in high school you must send in official transcripts
from that college!
Contact the Registrar’s Office of that college and have an official transcript sent to:
Office of Admissions, University at Buffalo, 12 Capen Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260-1660.
Here are some Common AP Articulations, most requiring an AP score of 4 or 5 to equal UB
classes.
You can see the WHOLE list of AP equivalents by Googling UB AP CHART.
Click on the link and look for the PDF.
Once a schedule is made for you, we send out an email with LOTS of information in it.
If you forgot to include AP and college course information in your orientation data form,
there is an option to request A SCHEDULE CHANGE in that email.
Simply click the link in the email and follow the instructions.
We don’t promise that your request will be approved, but it’s good to ask!
Now that you know how your schedule is made, let’s talk about what a typical 1st semester
looks like!
All students have to take the UB Seminar.
Engineering students take EAS 199 and computer science/engineering students usually take
CSE 199.
The UB Seminar is “home base”.
You’ll learn about UB resources and perspectives on engineering and computer science.
You’ll build relationships with your professor, student leaders, and most importantly, each
other.
Quick note – Project Lead the Way credit does not substitute this class.
Calculus 1 is the starting point for first-semester Engineering and B.S.
Computer Science majors.
If you're not ready for Calculus 1 yet, we will place you into a pre-calculus class.
Now, to stay in MTH 141, you must take the ALEKS, Placement Exam to assess your readiness
for calculus.
It's a 30 question web-based test that takes 90 minutes to complete.
You need to score a 76 or higher to stay in Calculus 1.
You have three tries.
If you score below, we’ll place you into precalculus instead.
The DEADLINE to complete ALEKS is August 17th 2020 at 8AM.
Engineering students also take Chemistry 1 with a lab.
You might also see Problem Solving for General Chemistry on your schedule, too.
This is for students who did not take high school chemistry or who didn’t do well in
it.
Computer Science students have a different schedule, which you can see here with Introduction
to COMPUTER SCIENCE 1.
CSE 115 requires Calculus 1, so if you’re not ready for calculus we’ll have an alternative
class to replace it on your schedule.
Only engineering physics students will see Physics 1 on their 1st semester schedule.
This is calculus-based introductory physics.
Most other majors take it their second semester at UB.
Finally, you might see English Writing & Rhetoric on your schedule.
Here's the CHART for ENG 105 placement; it shows the scores you need to get WAIVED from
ENG 105.
IF you are waived from ENG 105, you’ll get to pick a Pathway to add to your schedule.
A pathway is a general education requirement, like an art or a humanities class.
YOUR SCHEDULE EMAIL will have information on how to select pathway courses; it includes
a video tutorial and instructions for registration.
More on this in a little bit.
That was a lot of information!
The most important take away from this is that you need to watch your email and read
it thoroughly when it arrives.
It has incredibly important information in it, including:
1.
Your schedule, 2.
The link to request changes, and…
3.
IF you have to choose a pathway class, instructions on how to do so.
Let’s switch gears and talk about more about the UB Curriculum and pathways.
The UB Curriculum is our general education program – classes like the UB Seminar, ENG
105 and pathways.
It also includes a capstone course for WHEN you’ve finished everything.
Here's a table breaking it down.
You can pause the video if you like.
As far as pathways ENGINEERING STUDENTS choose 4 pathway classes
and two Engineering classes that double dip with your major.
Your Diversity class and your major requirements in both list 3’s double-dip as pathway courses.
Computer Science majors choose 5 pathway classes and typically have ONE Computer Science class
to double dip in the THEMATIC pathways.
If you have to add a pathway class to your schedule and need help selecting your pathways
classes using the tool, contact your advisor.
One last thing and then I’ll review some of our most frequently asked questions.
Now that you’re going to college, you are going to notice some possibly new expectations
when it comes to schoolwork.
Your time is now your own – it is up to you to arrange your day and set goals for
yourself.
Instructors and staff are not going to ask if you’re doing your homework or if you
are ready for a test!
For example, let's say you're taking 15 credits of classes:
· That's 2-3 hours of study per week per class,
· Resulting in a range of 30-45 study hours per week.
· Think of school as your full-time job!
It's important to be organized and make sure you’re getting good quality study time for
each class.
We recommend that you get a planner of some kind or experiment with Google calendar to
keep yourself organized.
Never be afraid to ask for help if you are feeling overwhelmed or bogged down – your
friendly SEAS advisor has tips and tricks for staying on top of it all, so make an appointment
if you need help!
Finally, let’s review some FAQ's: What if I need to make changes to my schedule?
Change requests must be submitted through our online form.
Submit the ONLINE SCHEDULE CHANGE REQUEST FORM NO LATER than FRIDAY August 7th.
Here’s the direct link to the schedule change request form.
Each class in your schedule was recommended by your academic advisor based on a comprehensive
review of your academic history and the data you provided on the data form.
In most cases the same exact schedule was given to several other seas students so that
it will be easier for you to meet and study.
How can I change my major and do I have to change my schedule?
If you are changing between two engineering majors and it isn't Computer Science, Computer
Engineering, or Engineering Physics, you will not need to change your first-semester schedule.
Again, use the ONLINE FORM to request a change in your major.
Where can I find a checklist to make sure I am completing all tasks before classes begin?
You can use the new student checklist on the Orientation website, listed here.
The next video talks about resources in SEAS that are enormously helpful, including our
major flowsheets and the SEAS Portal.
Thanks for watching!