Frequently Asked Questions

• Why do I need to be advised?
  Academic advising is required for all students to ensure proper selection of courses needed for both the FAU Core requirements and the requirements of their individual academic program. Students are advised through the Freshman Academic Advising Services office (FAAS) until they earn 30 credits (or 60 credits if they do not have a major).
  

• I've been told that I have a UN Hold on my registration.
  What do I do?
  Don't panic. The UN Hold is place on all freshmen to prevent them from registering before being advised. All you have to do is schedule an appointment and speak to an advisor. Students receive UN hold when they enter FAU and during their first semester at FAU.. Entering freshmen will have their UN Holds removed during advisement and registration sessions at orientation or when mail-in registration is completed. If you have questions, contact the Freshman Academic Advising Services office at the above telephone number or click on Contact Us and send us a detailed e-mail with your questions.
  
  
• What are core courses and why do I have to take them?
  All entering freshmen or transfer students with less than 30 credits must fulfill the University core requirements to earn a degree. While the core classes do not necessarily relate to the major, they do provide a solid base of knowledge which all students should possess. The core consists of 6 hours of writing, 6 hours of mathematics, 9 hours of social science, 9 hours of humanities, and 6 hours of science. There may also be a foreign language graduation requirement, which varies depending on the major. For more information, click on the Description of Core quick link or consult the FAU Undergraduate Catalog.
  
  
• What is the Gordon Rule, and how does it apply to me?
  This rule requires students entering college or university study for the first time after October 15, 1982, to complete, with grades of "C" or higher, 12 semester hours of writing and 6 semester hours of mathematics as a requirement for admission to the upper division. The 12 semester hours of writing must be in courses requiring a minimum of 24,000 words collectively of writing. The Gordon Rule requirements are satisfied through certain core courses.
  
  For more detailed information regarding Gordon Rule Requirements and the course satisfying this rule, please refer to the FAU Undergraduate Catalog.
  
  
• How do I register for classes?
  If you are an incoming freshman, you must complete the mail-in registration packet that you will receive following your acceptance to FAU. A schedule will be created for you and mailed to you. In subsequent semesters, you must meet with an advisor before registering (otherwise you will still have an UN Hold). After you discuss your academic plans with the advisor, you will be eligible to register for classes. You will sign up for classes by using the internet registration system, OASIS. The advisor will review the procedures for using the system.
  
  
• What do I do if I feel overwhelmed or think I'm failing a class?
  Speak to an advisor. Advisors can give you practical advice on balancing your workload, getting through classes, and succeeding at FAU. They are also excellent sources of information about resources on campus where you might be able to find additional assistance.
  
  
• What is freshman warning?
  If you have a GPA of less than 2.0 following you first semester, you will be placed on Freshman Warning. Freshman Warning is a notice that you must raise your academic performance in short order. If you fail to raise your GPA above 2.0 after the following semester, you will be place on academic probation. If, after the semester following that, your GPA is still less than 2.0, then you will be suspended from FAU for one semester. However, you have ample time to correct your course before such action is taken. See an advisor!
  
  
• How do I declare or change my major?
  Talk to an academic advisor. He or she will inform you of any new requirements you may need to complete. Changing your major while you're below 36 credits is a very simple matter. You may not change your major if your GPA fall below 2.0.
  
  
• How can I contact the Freshman Academic Advising Services office if I have more questions?
  Glad you asked. Our office is open Monday through Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. You can reach an advisor by phone at 561.297.3064 or at 1.800.226.3336. You can also send a question via e-mail at freshmanadvising@fau.edu and an advisor will respond back to you. If you know the advisor's name, click here to get to our advisors list, and you can e-mail the advisor directly.