Newcomer Tips
The Freshman-Sophomore Advising Center provides the following tips to Kansas University underclassmen:
Four steps to graduating in four years
¢ Complete an average of 15 to 16 credits of course work each semester that apply toward degree requirements. You need 30 hours to be a sophomore, 60 to be a junior and 90 to be a senior.
¢ Meet the grade-point and course requirements defined by your intended school or department
¢ Make a decision about and declare your major by the end of your sophomore year (60 credit hours.)
¢ Meet regularly with your academic adviser to review degree progress.
Career and academic pathway
Freshman year
Self-exploration
Goal: Learning more about your own personal values, preferences, characteristics, motivation, talents, strengths and weaknesses.
Activities:
¢ Enroll in PRE 210, a career exploratory class.
¢ Meet with a career counselor at University Career Center, 110 Burge Union, and take a value or interest inventory to start your exploration process.
¢ Explore the resources at the career center, including books such as “What Color Is Your Parachute” and “Occupational Outlook Handbook.”
Sophomore year
Career exploration
Goal: Broadly explore career possibilities by investigating the general expectations of various professions, considering personal characteristics such as values, preferences and talents, and envisioning your future.
Activities:
¢ Conduct an informational interview with a professional in a field that interests you. For more information on such interviews, see the career center staff.
¢ Create opportunities to learn more about different fields of work through volunteer experiences.
¢ Visit with advisors from different academic departments. Departments also may offer career seminars in their field.
¢ Attend the Career and Employment Fair in February, sponsored by the career center. Talk to employers and consider a summer internship or a summer job in your area of interest.
Students offer must-have tips Roommates have to learn to adapt Healthy eating habits prove challenging Adjusting to new surroundings takes time Organized living groups Music scene causes buzz downtown Career center helps students find jobs KU on Wheels helps students cross campus Newcomer Tips Personality, finances figure in where to live Programs connect many KU students with community Center for Community Outreach programs Campus involvement appeals to many Camping out for tickets creates memories ‘Faith journey’ awaits Crime declines on campus Recreation center offers fitness plans Advising center helps with students’ transition Office provides resources for disabled students Library workshops gaining students