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Q: When and where are grades sent?
A: Grades are no longer mailed at the end of a semester. Students have access to their grades through the MyPack Portal. If they wish to have a paper copy mailed to them, they would need to request this through Registration & Records.

Q: Am I entitled to receive information about my student's grades?
A: The answer to this question is both "yes" and "no." As FYC advisors we encourage students to have an open, honest discussion with their parents regarding their grades. If you have concerns, we encourage you to talk with your student directly. As advisors, we will happily meet with you and your student together to talk about your student's academic progress. Due to FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), also known as the Buckley Amendment, we have a responsibility to uphold these federal privacy laws and are limited in what we can share with a parent or guardian without the student's consent. Learn more about the Buckley Amendment with this link or contact the Office of Legal Affairs at 919-515-2002.

Q: Will students be informed of academic problems before grades are issued?
A: Instructors are encouraged to issue ACADEMIC PROGRESS REPORTS to students throughout the semester, most especially to those students who are having difficulty in that course due to poor test grades, attendance, or homework. Not all instructors issue these reports; therefore, not receiving one is no guarantee of a passing grade. These reports are sent via e-mail to the student and the academic advisor has access to this information. Advisors typically contact students who receive these reports in order to make sure the student is aware of the benefits and availability of tutoring, supplemental instruction, and professor office hours. Students are also encouraged to maintain regular contact with their professors throughout the semester and to make performance in the course a topic of discussion.

Q: What would happen if my son or daughter failed a course in their first year?
A: NC State has a policy of forgiveness called the First Year Course Repeat Policy. The Academic Regulations state "This policy is necessary because new students lack familiarity with the University, and as a result, they are more likely to make errors in their choice of courses and total course load" (NC State University Undergraduate Catalog, page 43). The policy allows students to repeat up to two courses in which they received less than a C- and have the grade they earn on the second attempt replace the grade made on the first attempt in cumulative gpa and credit hour totals. Students should be aware that the grade they earned on the first attempt will remain on their transcript. They should also check with their advisors on the specific rules and regulations of this policy.

Q: What does "Academic Warning" on a grade report indicate?
A: Any student whose grade point average (GPA) falls below 2.0 is placed on Academic Warning by the University. This designation should serve as a warning that students need to make changes in their academic behavior in order to avoid potential consequences such as suspension, inability to matriculate into major of choice, loss of merit scholarships, etc. In addition to the University requirement of having an initial meeting with their advisor, students in First Year College are also expected to work with their advisors to determine the factors that contributed to their poor academic performance and to develop a contract with strategies aimed at addressing these factors. The Academic Warning designation on the transcript is not permanent providing that the student pulls his/her total gpa above 2.0 in subsequent semesters.

Q: Can my son or daughter be suspended after the fall semester?
A: NC State does not suspend students after the fall semester. However, once students are placed on Academic Warning they could face suspension at the end of the spring semester if they do not raise their total gpa. As of Spring 2001, the policy set by the Provost's Office remains as follows on the Continuation of Undergraduate Enrollment page.

Q: Will my son or daughter be behind by choosing to start their college career in First Year College?
A: First Year College advisors work closely with students to help them select courses that will count towards a variety of major(s). Students should be aware that initial placement into English, mathematics and science is determined by standardized test scores and would be the same regardless of their major. Advisors can help students to understand the consequences of this placement. They also encourage students to select General Education Requirements that will be acceptable to the greatest number of majors available at the University. If students follow the advice of their advisors and take appropriate classes and course loads they will not be behind due to starting their college career in First Year College. In fact, our Assessment has shown that our students graduate as fast or faster than a matched cohort of university students.

Q: What are the advantages of First Year College?
A: First Year College is the ideal place for students who want to gain experience and exposure before making a career/major decision. Due to First Year College's design, students will have close contact with their academic advisor. This person is an expert in University policies and procedures and can act as a resource person for students. This personal attention, combined with the insider information, the most popular and distinctive feature of First Year College. Other advantages include the FYC Village Living and Learning Community (twice selected as the university's Village of the Year by the Inter-Residence Council) and the USC 101/102 course where students come together in a small class with their advisors on a weekly basis to learn about all the university has to offer.

Q: How long may my son or daughter stay in First Year College?
A: Students who enter First Year College will remain for one academic year. Most First Year College students will matriculate into the major of their choice by their third semester. However, depending on intracampus transfer requirements and personal circumstances, some students remain in First Year College beyond this point. First Year College encourages students to transfer by the end of their third semester to avoid potential delays to graduation. Students must matriculate by the completion of 60 credit hours (usually the end of the second year) per the university's Progress Toward Degree regulation.

Q: What are USC 101 and 102?
A: "USC" is the abbreviation for "University Studies Course". Part of the unique design of First Year College pairs advisors and their advisees in this weekly, one-credit hour, graded-course. It is a yearlong exploration course that provides students with an opportunity to explore majors and careers and learn more about themselves. It also allows students the opportunity to interact with their advisors on a weekly basis. It is required of all First Year College Students.

Q: What is the main purpose of USC?
A: The USC course has four main goals or themes:

Transition
Academics
Self-discovery
Career/Major Exploration

With regards to transition and academics, the course aims to keep students in weekly contact with their advisor/instructor, help facilitate the creation of a peer support network, and relate information critical to their understanding of NC State and to their academic success. With regards to self-discovery and career/major exploration, these classes are designed to give students a firm foundation on which to base their career decisions. Students are introduced to a variety of career development instruments that will promote an understanding of their skills, values, interests, and personality type. Students will also explore the options for majors and careers through a number of in and out-of class activities, including interaction with professionals and visits with members of the various colleges on campus. USC 102 is a continuation of 101, building on the knowledge and insight learned during the first semester. Students begin to think critically about the parallels between what they are discovering about themselves and what they are learning about the majors and careers on campus. In the second semester the course moves from knowing the mechanics of the University to exploring what it means to think and behave like a university student. Students continue to be exposed to the information provided by the individual colleges and are encouraged to interact individually or in groups with their college(s) of interest.

Q: Will my son or daughter receive a grade for USC 101 & 102?
A: Yes. There courses are one-credit, letter-graded courses based on the plus/minus grading system - just like any other course at the University. The grade earned in this course will count toward the student's grade point average. In most colleges this course counts as free elective credit or may take the place of the introductory freshman course within a particular college. Your son or daughter can expect to have reading and writing assignments as part of this course. There are also required out-of-class activities.

Q: I have read about "out-of-class or CO-curricular" events as part of the USC 101/102 curriculum. What are these activities?
A: While classroom instruction is a large part of a student's curriculum at the University, we believe that much of what a student learns in college is not limited to the confines of a classroom. In the First Year College, we look at the entire living and learning environment at NC State as a student's curriculum, for it all contributes to what they are learning about themselves and the world. We try to expand on a student's experience with a variety of programs, both formal and informal. Examples of events and activities include the Major's Fair, Career Panels, Academic Networking and Forums. You can explore the Forum series in more depth by visiting the FYC Forum web page.

Q: When and how do students declare their major?
A: Your son or daughter's advisor will work with them throughout their first year as they begin to narrow their choices on a major. Once they have made a choice and met the qualifications to transfer into a particular department/college, their advisor will guide them in the process. Once they have transferred, they will be assigned a new advisor within their new major.

Q: What is the First Year College residential community?
A: In keeping with our belief that learning is not limited to class time, the First Year College includes a residential component, the FYC Village. Students who choose to live on campus are automatically placed in the FYC Village which encompasses Tucker and Owen Residence Halls. In addition to the new undergraduates in the building, there will also be a group of upperclass students including Resident Mentors and Resident Advisors. Their role is to work within the hall to act as a resource - both socially and academically--and to promote a sense of community. Students living in the residential community will also be close to their advisor as the administrative offices and classrooms for First Year College are located just across the street in the FYC Commons.

Q: On forms that ask for my college and curriculum, what do I write?
A: Each major and department on campus has an official abbreviation (the "curriculum code") which appears on schedules and transcripts. FYC is the curriculum code for the First Year College. You should write "FYC" for your college and curriculum.

Q: When will students first meet their academic advisor?
A: Students typically meet their academic advisor for the first time at New Student Orientation during the summer.

Q: What about parking/dining/housing/other services?
A: While many of your questions about these areas will be answered during Orientation, you may want to preview the information before Orientation by reviewing the FAQ on the Parents & Family Services home page or by reading the Student Services section of the NC State web site.

This page last updated by mmrust - December 15, 2011 9:59 AM

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