The First-Year Academic Advising Center
Advising FAQ's

Q:  How does advising work?
A:  For your first two semesters you will be advised through The First-Year Advising Center.  After completing your first two semesters, you will then be assigned an academic advisor based on your major.  This will usually be a faculty member who has received training in advising. 

Q:  Where is my advisor located?
A:  The First-Year Advising Center is located on the second floor of the Prince building. 

Q:  Can I retake the foreign language placement test?
A:  No. In extreme cases of computer and/or internet issues, a student may be allowed to resubmit a language placement test. Guidelines and frequently asked questions regarding the foreign language placement test are available.

Q:  Can I retake the math placement test?
A:  As a general rule, only one submission for the math placement test is recognized. Occasionally, students feel that their result is not indicative of their strength in mathematics. In these extreme cases, a student may be allowed to retake the test. Before retaking a test, please send an e-mail to mathplacement@coastal.edu to receive permission.

Q:  How do I know what classes I need to take?
A:  The curriculum requirements are found in the CCU Catalog, on the CCU website, and in handouts given to you at orientation.  Your advisor will also have this information available to you.

Q:  How many classes do I take each semester?
A:  Four classes (12 credit hours) is considered full-time.  Students generally take about five classes (15 credit hours) per semester in order to graduate in four years.

Q:  How often do I see my advisor?
A:  Generally a student can meet his/her advisor as often as necessary.  Students see their advisor a minimum of two times during the semester.  However, typically a student can expect to see his/her advisor four or five times a semester.  Students will also receive several electronic communications from their advisor during each semester.

Q:  What if I want to speak with someone in my declared major?
A:  The First-Year Advising Center can help you set up a meeting with someone in your major.  The advisors in the First-Year Advising Center are also all trained to help answer basic questions about any major on campus. 

Q:  Do many students work while attending college?
A:  Yes, many of our students work part-time.  If you are enrolled as a full-time student, you should limit your work hours to no more than 20 per week.  On campus jobs are a great way to earn a little extra money and remain connected to what is going on.

Q:  Can I take classes at home during the summer?
A:  CCU does allow you to take classes at another school to transfer back here.  However, you do have to follow specified guidelines and complete the appropriate paperwork.  Discuss this option with your advisor before enrolling elsewhere.

Q:  What will classes/professors be like?
A:  Unlike high school, in many of your college classes you will not have homework every night or even every week that will be collected and graded by your instructor.  Often, your entire grade for a grade will be based on just a few exams/projects.  Therefore, every grade counts!  You are responsible for keeping up with when things are due. Your instructor may or may not remind you of these things.  Don’t count on late work or extra credit.  In many classes, there is no such thing.  You CAN do college level work, but you must accept responsibility for this from day one.

Q:  Do I have to attend every class?
A:  Class attendance is a vital part to academic success.  When you miss a class you miss the material covered that day plus you give the impression that you do not consider the class important.  Blowing off class to go to the beach is a bad idea.  Class attendance is the number one predictor of success for the vast majority of college students.

Q:  How will I meet people?
A:  Get involved.  CCU has a ton of opportunities for you to take advantage of.  Clubs, student organizations, student productions, Student Government, Greek organizations, intramural sports, etc. are all great ways to meet people.  Plus, students who get involved are generally happier and do better in their classes.