Academic Advising - Ask an Advisor

Ask an Advisor

The following are questions that students frequently ask concerning their academic career. If you have any further concerns, you have the opportunity to e-mail The Center for Academic Advising by clicking here. We're also always here to help by calling (609)-652-4504 during regular office hours.

How many credits are required for graduation? back to top
For a B.A. degree, a student needs a minimum of 64 (+/- 2) credits in Program/Cognate courses and 64 (+/-2) credits in General Studies and At-Some-Distance courses. For a B.S. degree, a student needs a minimum of 80 Program/Cognate credits (+/-1) and 48 General Studies/At-Some-Distance (+/-1) credits.
All students must complete a minimum of 128 credits to graduate, with a cumulative GPA of no less than 2.0.

What is the 25% rule? back to top
Based on the 128-credit minimum for graduation, all students must take 25% of their credits in General Studies (“G” courses).

How many general studies courses in each category (GAH, GEN, GIS, GNM, GSS) can I take? back to top
Students may apply a maximum of 16 credits in any one “G” category to a B.A. degree. They may apply a maximum of 12 credits in any one “G” category to a B.S. degree.

Is it possible to count a course without a “G” acronym as a General Studies course? back to top
To request an exception to the General Studies requirements, including the quantitative reasoning, the writing, or the general education outcomes requirement, submit a letter stating the reasons for the request to Dr. Jan Colijn, Dean of General Studies, in F-107.

What is my writing requirement? My quantitative reasoning requirement? My general education outcomes requirement? back to top
All students must complete four writing courses (one W1 and three W1 or W2 courses), three quantitative reasoning courses (one Q1, one Q2, and one Q1 or Q2), and, for those students matriculating Fall 1999 or later, an A (arts) course, an H (historical consciousness) course, a V (values) course, and an I (international/multicultural) course. Some of these requirements may be fulfilled with transfer coursework. See the curriculum requirements page for more information.

Can substitutions be made for required program courses? back to top
Substitutions to program requirements can be made only if your preceptor, in consultation with the faculty in your program, approves them in writing

Who needs to take a Freshman Seminar? How do I find them in the schedule book? back to top
All incoming students with fewer than 16 credits must complete a Freshman Seminar. Freshman Seminars can be recognized in the schedule book by their course number which will always begin with “10.” (e.g., GAH 1024, GEN 1011)

How many credits do I need to take to be considered "full-time"? back to top
Students need to take only 12 credits to be considered full-time. Students who drop below 12 credit hours may be in danger of losing their health insurance, car insurance, or student housing.

How do I declare or change my major? back to top
Generally speaking, you should declare your major before the end of your sophomore year. Come to D-108 and get a change of preceptor/declaration of program form. Have the form signed by any faculty member in your program, and return it to D-108. Or print the form. (link to: change of preceptor form)

If you are changing your major, you may also want to change your preceptor to someone in your new major who can advise you more readily on program-specific requirements.

What is a preceptor? How do I get one? Can I change my preceptor? back to top
Your preceptor is your faculty advisor, and is generally someone who teaches in your major or a closely aligned discipline. You are assigned a preceptor when you matriculate at Stockton

If you do not have a preceptor or would like to change your preceptor, come to D-108 to obtain the change of preceptor/declaration of program form. You can ask any faculty preceptor to take you on as a preceptee; all you need is their signature on the form. Return the signed form to D-108. We will send a note to your old preceptor asking him or her to forward your records to your new preceptor.

Do I need to meet with my preceptor before I can register? back to top
All students are encouraged to meet with their preceptors on a regular basis. Two Preceptorial Advising Days are set aside each semester for this purpose, although you may arrange to meet with your preceptor at any mutually convenient time. Early and thoughtful planning with your preceptor can save frustration and costly mistakes down the road.

I tried to register, but a “hold 26” (or 27) has been placed on my records. How can I get this removed? back to top
A “hold 26” is a probation hold; all students with a cumulative GPA of less than 2.0 must meet with an advisor in the Center for Academic Advising to have this hold removed.

A “hold 27” is a precepting hold; you must meet with your preceptor or find a new preceptor and meet with him or her for this hold to be removed.

How do I add a course/withdraw from a course? back to top
Courses may be added on a “space available” basis during the first week of each semester. The necessary form can be obtained from the Office of Student Records, and must be signed by the instructor of the course you are adding. You may drop a course by completing a course withdrawal form, also available from the Office of Student Records. Check the semester schedule for relevant deadlines.

Is it possible to retroactively withdraw from a course? back to top
The forms to request a late withdrawal can be picked up in the Student Records Office (D-121). However, such withdrawals are generally granted only in extenuating, documentable circumstances (e.g., serious illness, accident, family crises, etc.)

I am not happy with the grade I received in a course. What is the procedure for contesting a course grade? back to top
Students seeking a grade change should contact the course instructor directly. If the instructor agrees that a change is appropriate, a form for this purpose can be obtained by the instructor from the Office of Student Records.

Can I take courses at other colleges and transfer them to Stockton? back to top
Students wishing to take courses elsewhere must obtain the appropriate permission form from the Center for Academic Advising. The form must be signed by your preceptor, the appropriate divisional dean, the Center for Academic Advising, and, for summer courses, the Dean of General Studies. Please note that no student who has completed 64 or more credits can transfer further coursework from a two-year college. Likewise, all students must complete their last 32 credits at Stockton.

What is a course overload? How can I take one? back to top
Students wishing to enroll in more than 20 credits per semester (8 per summer session) must obtain an overload form from the Office of Student Records. This form must be signed by your preceptor and the Center for Academic Advising

What do I do if I need to take a semester or year off? back to top
You may take a semester off without filing any forms. If you plan to take two or more consecutive semesters off, you must apply for a Leave of Absence with the Office of Student Records. The Leave of Absence is valid for up to one year. If you wish to extend it, you must contact the Office of Student Records. Failure to do so will necessitate reapplying to Stockton as an “incoming” student.

I am having trouble in one or more of my courses. How can I find a tutor? back to top
The Writing Skills Center is located in J-105. Their phone number is 652-4441. The Math Skills Center is in J-108. Their number is 652-4879. Also, speak with your course instructor, who may be able to refer you to a tutor.

I'd like some help with some personal issues. Is there anyone who can help? back to top
The Counseling Center offers personal counseling, and help with decision-making skills and test anxiety. The Center is located in Suite 110 of the West Quad building. Call 652-4722 for an appointment

I suspect that I may have a learning disability. Who do I contact at Stockton for help? back to top
Fran Bottone coordinates services for students with disabilities. The Learning Access Program is located in Suite 110 of the West Quad building.. Call 652-4400 for an appointment.