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Home > Student Life > MSI Academic Advising > FAQ
Student Life: MSI Academic Advising FAQ
Can I change my faculty advisor? How do I do it?
The "Orientation Advisor" is not a permanent assignment. Students may seek advising from the faculty members of their choice at any time. There is no paper work involved.
Special Note: K-12 School Media program students MUST see Professor Karen Markey each term.
How do I handle wait lists, permission of instructor, and overrides when registering?
During registration, if a course is full, add yourself to the online wait list. Graduating students will have priority. If a seat isn't opened for you by the start of the term, attend the first class and e-mail the instructor. Instructors should send approvals to si.override@umich.edu. If you don't meet stated prerequisites, e-mail the instructor before registering (an override is not required). For SI 690 and 681/internship, contact Joanna Kroll (jckroll@umich.edu) for approval.
How do I process transfer credits?
Students can transfer credit from another institution after completing at least eight credit hours toward the MSI with at least a "B" average. The transfer courses
- must have been taken within the last five years, and you must have received a grade of at least a B;
- must be graduate level and not have been applied toward another degree or certificate; and
- must be from an ALA-accredited school if they are courses in library/information services.
To obtain the form for transfer credit, see Katy Ross in 403B West Hall (WH).
How do I handle drop/add?
You can drop and add courses online through Wolverine Access up to the third week of the regular term, and up to the second week of the first half-term session without receiving a "W" for withdrawal on your transcript (you can avoid the "W" up to the second week of the second half-term session also but you must drop in person at the Registrar's Office). After the third week, obtain a drop/add form from 403B WH, have it signed by the instructor and the SI Academic Advisor (Xiao-wen Zou), and hand-deliver it to the Registrar's Office (1210 LSA). You must drop classes before the last day of class to avoid receiving a grade that will affect your GPA.
How are cognate courses counted?
Every MSI student must complete at least three credit hours (maximum six) of external cognate coursework at the graduate level with a grade of B- or better.
Any Rackham approved graduate level course can count as an external cognate (see www.rackham.umich.edu/Programs/alphadept.html), and any cross-listed course can count as long as SI is not the home department. You don't need faculty approval for your external cognate credits. To take more than six external cognate credits, you need approval from Associate Dean Jeff MacKie-Mason.
How do I change my specialization?
You may request a change of specialization via an e-mail to Katy Ross at katross@umich.edu with a subject heading "Specialization change request."
In the e-mail include your name, ID number, current specialization, new specialization requested, and expected term of graduation. Specialization change requests must be made before your term of graduation.
How do I add a second specialization?
Meet with Xiao-Wen Zou (SI academic advisor) for an advising session to discuss a second specialization. We encourage you to meet with relevant faculty for advising on your decision as well.
How do I process disenrolling/withdrawal?
To withdraw from all classes/credits for a given term, you must complete a withdrawal form and have the approval of your academic unit. It is strongly recommended that you do this before the drop/add deadline of the designated term to avoid a "W" on your transcript and monetary penalties. Please meet with Xiao-wen Zou or Judy Lawson to discuss your situation.
If you decide to take a term off and have not registered for any classes, you don't need to submit any paperwork, but should notify the SI Academic Services Office of your intentions. Students not enrolling within a year (12 months) will have to apply for readmission to SI and Rackham.
How do I handle the TAPS (Tracking and Planning Sheets)?
The TAPS are designed to help you track the courses you take and plan to take. You should update your TAPS each term. If you enter SI in winter term, you may use the TAPS from the fall term before that winter term or after it. Your TAPS should be filled out and up-to-date for faculty advising and for graduation advising. You may also count new courses added to the next year's TAPS, but you are only held to the requirements on the TAPS for the academic year you entered SI.
What is the Tailored Program Statement?
Students who wish to complete the Tailored program must write a statement (2-3 pages double-spaced) outlining their academic and professional career goals. This plan should be updated each term with a faculty advisor during the advising period. As part of graduation application, submit the plan via e-mail to the Tailored Program coordinator, Professor Joan Durrance (durrance@umich.edu), for final approval and cc Xiao-wen Zou: zxwen@umich.edu. This statement will become part of the graduation audit.
How do I arrange an independent study?
You are allowed to take up to three credits as independent study with a professor who is willing to supervise your work. You may propose a topic or project to a faculty member and seek their input and approval. If the independent study is more than three credits, you will need to get approval from Associate Dean Jeff MacKie-Mason. The professor can e-mail approval for your independent study to si.overrides@umich.edu.
How many PEP credits do I need to graduate?
Students who started in fall 2008 or after are required to earn at least eight (8) and no more than 15 PEP credits in order to graduate. You can earn these PEP credits through designated courses or credit-based internships. Please review the PEP area of the Web site or contact Joanna Kroll at jckroll@umich.edu to learn more.
How do I request official SI letters?
If you need an academic letter written on official SI letterhead, such as an OPT letter, a letter regarding enrollment status, etc., please send your request to si.letters@umich.edu. Be sure to include your name, U-M ID number, and the exact information you need included in the letter. Please allow 2 business days for processing.
How do I waive a degree requirement?
View information on degree requirements . You are strongly encouraged to request course waivers during the first week of class or during the two-week faculty advising period. Any waiver approval must be sent to Xiao-wen Zou (zxwen@umich.edu) for the future graduation audit. Waivers do not reduce the 48 credits required for the degree.
What is your grading policy?
The method of grading graduate students is the letter-grade system (A, B, C), except for credit-based internships. Grades of "D," "E," or "U" cannot be used in fulfillment of degree requirements. In order to graduate, you must complete 48 hours of graduate coursework with a minimum cumulative GPA of "B" (a 5.0 equates to a "B") including all required coursework.
For additional information, see the MSI handbook (PDF) and the SI advising page.
Last updated: Oct 08, 2009
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