It includes the resources students will use to understand policies and processes governing their degree study and their transition to academic coursework. The program guides students to gain independence and become self-reliant and self-directed learners who are capable of utilizing the academic and personal resources and tools are available to them.
1. This Open Access Textbook will guide students through their English language to academic degree studies. This textbook is used for three seminars in the Portland State University Undergraduate Pathways Program: Introduction, Intermediate and Final. Key elements include culture and expectations in an American university, transferring academic skills from ESL to content-specific academic courses, and helpful exercises to be academically successful. Transition with Purpose: Pathways from English Language to Academic Study Michele Miller and Anne Greenhoe
2. Transition with Purpose: Pathways from English Language to Academic Study By Michele Miller and Anne Greenhoe
4. We extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to our reviewers. Your feedback was invaluable in creating the final version of this textbook. Thank you to Megan McLaughlin and Akiko Ota for their initial review of part one. Special thanks to Kate Batten for her initial review and subsequent editing of part one. Her sharp eye and astute observations were invaluable in completing this book. Thanks also to Shannon West for her contributions to the Pathways Program and for her organization, creativity, and vetting of the materials in this textbook. Her energy and insights helped to shape the structure and the content of the seminars. Additionally, we thank Katie McCurdie, Amber Bliss-Calderόn, Errin Beck, and Amanda Franzoni for their initial review of the outline for part two. We also wish to thank the Portland State University Library for the PDXOpen publishing grant and Karen Bjork for being our liaison and guide through the Open Access publishing process. Part One: Program and University Policies and Procedures: Michele Miller, Academic and Pathways Program Advisor, Portland State University Part Two: Transition with Purpose to the University: Anne Greenhoe, Instructor and Curriculum Designer, Portland State University Using This Textbook Part one of this textbook is a guide for moving from ESL study to academic study at Portland State University*. It includes the resources students will use to understand policies and processes governing their degree study and their transition to academic coursework. Part two focuses on how academic skills are used across various disciplines and is comprised of activities and assignments designed to practice these skills. In seminars, students will use both sections simultaneously. *While much of the content of this book relates specifically to Portland State University, it is our hope that the structure of the text and the activities within it may inspire adaptations to fit the needs of other colleges and universities.
5. PART ONE: Program and University policies and Procedures Overview of Pathways Program .............................................................................................................. 7 General Overview ................................................................................................................................ 7 Progression through Pathways Program .............................................................................................. 8 Introduction to Pathways Program and Seminars .............................................................................. 10 Pathways Program Guidelines and Policies: All Pathways Seminars.................................................... 12 Academic Coursework Enrollment Guidelines ................................................................................ 12 Meeting Portland State University’s Undergraduate English Language Proficiency Requirement .... 13 Academic Standing ............................................................................................................................... 13 IELP Grades.................................................................................................................................... 13 IELP Academic Standing System ..................................................................................................... 14 IELP Academic Transcript ............................................................................................................... 15 PSU Academic Standing ................................................................................................................. 16 PSU Academic Transcript ............................................................................................................... 18 Pass/No Pass Grades (P/NP) .............................................................................................................. 20 IELP level 4 and 5 Classes ............................................................................................................... 20 How to Change Grade Options ...................................................................................................... 21 Repeat Policy ................................................................................................................................. 22 Calculating Grade Point Average (GPA) ................................................................................................ 23 University Structure .............................................................................................................................. 27 University Mission and Values ....................................................................................................... 27 University Organization ................................................................................................................. 27 Academic Affairs: Basic Structure ................................................................................................... 28 Admission Type and Class Standing ...................................................................................................... 30 Understanding Admission Type ......................................................................................................... 31 Viewing Admission Type in Banweb ............................................................................................... 31 Viewing Class Standing in Banweb ................................................................................................. 32 Transfer Students .............................................................................................................................. 33 Class Standing and Standing in Major and Degree .............................................................................. 35 Academic Plan Template .................................................................................................................. 36 PSU Website ...................................................................................................................................... 37
6. Banweb ......................................................................................................................................... 38 PSU Office of the Registrar................................................................................................................. 39 Degree Requirements ........................................................................................................................... 40 Degree Requirements Introduction.................................................................................................... 40 Overview of Bachelor Degrees ........................................................................................................... 41 Major Requirements.......................................................................................................................... 42 Undergraduate Programs: Degree Maps ............................................................................................ 42 Introduction to University Studies (UNST) .......................................................................................... 46 UNST Themes .................................................................................................................................... 48 Transfer Students and University Studies ........................................................................................... 49 Mathematics and Statistics Placement Test ....................................................................................... 50 Academic Advising................................................................................................................................ 53 Advising Resources ............................................................................................................................ 53 Advising and Career Services.......................................................................................................... 54 Academic Advising While in the Pathways Program ........................................................................... 55 Preparing to Meet with Your Major Academic Advisor ....................................................................... 56 Choosing Your First Academic Classes .................................................................................................. 57 Course Catalog .................................................................................................................................. 62 Schedule Planner Through MyPSU/Banweb ....................................................................................... 65 Course Planning Guide....................................................................................................................... 67 Practice Searching for Classes Online ................................................................................................. 68 Code of Student Conduct and Responsibility ........................................................................................ 72 Policy Preamble ................................................................................................................................. 73 Getting Involved ................................................................................................................................... 78 College, School and Department Activities ..................................................................................... 79 Preparing for Your Next Term of Study ................................................................................................. 79 Pre-Registration (IELP) and Registration (PSU) ................................................................................... 79 IELP Pre-Registration Form Preview ............................................................................................... 80 Pathways Program Participation and PSU Class Registration Agreement ........................................ 83 Step-By-Step Registration .................................................................................................................. 86 Managing Your Time with Google Calendar .......................................................................................... 93
7. Tuition Differential: IELP and PSU classes............................................................................................. 97 PSU New Student Orientation .............................................................................................................. 99 Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) ............................................................................................. 101 How to Read Your DARS Report: .................................................................................................. 101 PART TWO: Transition with Purpose to the University ....................................................................... 103 Section 1: Preparation of Goals ........................................................................................................... 103 Activity 1: Peer Share and Learn: Academic Classes ....................................................................... 104 Activity 2: Statement of Purpose .................................................................................................... 105 Activity 3: Statement of Purpose..................................................................................................... 108 Activity 4: Write a Statement of Purpose ........................................................................................ 109 Activity 5: Transferrable Skills ......................................................................................................... 110 Activity 6: Advising and Career Services (ACS) Scavenger Hunt ....................................................... 111 Activity 7: Write a Resume .............................................................................................................. 112 Activity 8 General Education Requirements and Themes in University Studies (UNST) .................. 114 Activity 9: Assignment Analysis ...................................................................................................... 116 Section 2: Getting Involved in the University ...................................................................................... 119 Activity 10: Getting Involved in PSU: Activities................................................................................ 120 Activity 11: Getting Involved in PSU: Attend an Activity in Your Major Department ........................ 122 Activity 12: Getting Involved in PSU: Observe a Class in University Studies .................................... 124 Activity 13: Action Plan for UNST Classroom Observation .............................................................. 126 Activity 14: Getting Involved in PSU: Advisor Conference ................................................................127 Academic Advising Appointment Form ............................................................................................ 129 Activity 15: Getting Involved in PSU: Attend a Workshop Offered by Advising and Career Services 130 Activity 16: Getting Involved in PSU: Request a Syllabus ................................................................. 132 Section 3: Collaborative Learning Support Activities............................................................................ 133 Activity 17: Mining a Syllabus: Time Management .......................................................................... 134 Activity 18: Peer Discussion: Learning Experiences In and Out of the Classroom ............................. 137 Activity 19: Email Etiquette ............................................................................................................. 138 Activity 20: Critical Incidents: What Would a Self-Sufficient Student Do? ....................................... 139 Activity 21: Self-Fulfilling Prophecies .............................................................................................. 143 Section 4: Writing Your ePortfolio ...................................................................................................... 144
8. Activity 22: Introduction to ePortfolios ........................................................................................... 145 Activity 23: Benefits of an ePortfolio ................................................................................................147 Activity 24: Student Perspectives on ePortfolios ............................................................................. 148 Activity 25: Activities at Portland State University .......................................................................... 150 Activity 26: Reflection on Your Statement of Purpose .....................................................................151 Activity 27: Reflection on Self-Fulfilling Prophecies......................................................................... 152 Activity 28: Reflection on Participating in Major Activities ...............................................................153 Activity 29: Reflection on Academic and Career Advising Activities ................................................ 154 Activity 30: Midterm Reflection for Intermediate Seminar .............................................................. 155 Activity 31: Midterm Reflection for Final Seminar ........................................................................... 156 Activity 32: Last Day Review for Introduction Seminar ..................................................................... 157 Activity 33: Last Day Review for Intermediate Seminar ................................................................... 158 Activity 34: Last Day Review for Final Seminar ................................................................................ 159
9. OVERVIEW OF PATHWAYS PROGRAM GENERAL OVERVIEW The Pathways Program promotes and supports student academic success during the transition from the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) to degree study at Portland State University (PSU). The Pathways Program: creates a positive connection with students’ academic departments. reviews important PSU policies and guidelines governing degree study. improves students’ understanding of PSU and major expectations. promotes academic success by transferring skills among disciplines. supports students academically and culturally as they begin their academic classes at PSU. All international students, who intend to earn an undergraduate degree (bachelor’s or post- baccalaureate) at Portland State University and who have not earned the required scores on an English language proficiency test, are required to participate in the Pathways Program. Completion of the Pathways Program satisfies PSU’s English language proficiency requirement. A language proficiency test score is not required of students who complete the program. Students are expected to earn a 2.7 grade point average (GPA) in their level 4 and 5 classes, including the Pathways seminars, to officially meet the university’s language proficiency Students who do not complete the Pathways Program will be required to submit a language proficiency test score to be able to move to degree study at PSU. Students who earn the required language proficiency test score while in the Pathways Program will be able to begin full-time academic study in the next term and will be waived from required participation in the program. For more information about PSU’s English language proficiency requirements, refer to the information provided by PSU International Admissions. While Pathways students will follow a general academic program, each student’s path and academic plan will be unique and based upon his/her individual circumstances and goals.
10. PROGRESSION THROUGH PATHWAYS PROGRAM The following charts present the general progression as students move through the Pathways 9-MONTH PATHWAY Students in the 9-month program will take three Pathways seminars: Introduction, Intermediate and Final. Students who are consistently in the same level across all skill areas in their first term in the program (level 4) will participate in the 9-month program. First term: all IELP classes (level 4); Pathways Introduction Seminar Second term*: two level 5 classes/one or two PSU classes; Pathways Intermediate Seminar Third term*: two level 5 classes/one or two PSU classes; Pathways Final Seminar Next term: full-time academic study at PSU *Admission to PSU is required to continue in the second and third terms of the Pathway. 6-MONTH PATHWAY Students in the 6-month program will take two Pathways seminars: Introduction and Final. Students who are in mixed levels (levels 4 and 5) in different skill areas will participate in the 6- month program.
11. First term: all IELP classes (mixed level 4 and 5 classes); Pathways Introduction Seminar Second term*: complete level 5 classes/one or two PSU classes; Pathways Final Seminar Next term: full-time academic study at PSU *Admission to PSU is required to continue in the second term of the Pathway. The following charts illustrate the difference between the two pathways and shows the progression through the program.
12. INTRODUCTION TO PATHWAYS PROGRAM AND SEMINARS The IELP to PSU Pathways Program is designed to provide support to students as they transition from ESL coursework to university academic coursework and degree study. Students will participate in the Pathways Program for two or three terms, depending upon the level of their IELP classes (see charts on previous page). Each term that students participate in the Pathways Program, they will enroll in one of the following Pathways seminars: Pathways Introduction, Pathways Intermediate or Pathways Final. Each seminar is a 2-credit IELP course. The Pathways Program curriculum focuses on connecting students with resources and reinforcing academic skills necessary to be academically successful in their chosen major and in their undergraduate degree program. The program guides students to gain independence and become self-reliant and self-directed learners who are capable of utilizing the academic and personal resources and tools available to them. The content of the Pathways seminars features two distinct concentrations: program and university policies and processes academic skills development and skills transference among disciplines In addition to English language proficiency, international students will benefit from the following activities and preparation in order to have an academically successful university understanding the U.S. educational system navigating the university structure and understanding campus resources understanding cultural differences in academic settings understanding institutional rules and services meeting with professors and advisors practicing and understanding interdisciplinary skills The Pathways Program curriculum was developed in part based upon feedback from PSU students, faculty and advisors and was informed by a literature review of student development Source: Greenhoe A., Miller, M. (2016-2018). IELP Pathways Research. Unpublished research, Portland State University, Portland, OR. Class time for each Pathways seminar will consist of brief readings, activities and assignments that are designed to increase understanding of university academic expectations, policies and guidelines and degree completion requirements. Additionally, students will learn about and practice transferring skills across different academic disciplines and explore co-curricular
13. opportunities across campus. Throughout the course of the program, students will use the PebblePad ePortfolio platform to create and curate a learning portfolio that includes academic planning and self-reflection. While students will be using English to develop their knowledge and skills in the Pathways classes, English language is not the academic discipline being studied. Students are strongly encouraged to bring a laptop computer or tablet to class, as many of the materials used in the seminars will be viewed and accessed online. Following is a brief description of each of the Pathways seminars. PATHWAYS INTRODUCTION SEMINAR This seminar will introduce students to the policies and procedures governing their degree study at PSU. Students will be guided through the steps to select and register for academic classes in which they will enroll in their next term of study, including meeting twice with university academic advisors and learning to use online resources. Using the PebblePad ePortfolio platform, students will create a one-year academic plan and set academic and personal goals. Effective time management and planning strategies are introduced. PATHWAYS INTERMEDIATE SEMINAR This seminar will provide support to students as they take their first PSU academic classes. Strategies and exercises, designed to promote critical thinking skills and how to apply these in their classes, with an emphasis on transferring skills learned in ESL classes to academic classes, will be introduced. Students will use their experiences in PSU academic classes as a platform for individual reflection and group discussion. Using the ePortfolio created in the Pathways Introduction Seminar, students will monitor and track their academic progress. There will be an emphasis on continuing to build academic skills and connecting with their major departments. Students will meet individually with an advisor in their major in order to select their academic courses for their next term of study. Registration for the next term of study is reviewed and conducted during the term. PATHWAYS FINAL SEMINAR In this seminar, students will review and reflect upon the academic goals and plan established in the Pathways Introduction seminar, with a focus on applying academic skills for success in the PSU classes that they are taking concurrently with ESL coursework. Students will continue to use their experiences in PSU academic classes as a platform for individual reflection and group discussion, continuing to develop and curate their ePortfolios. Students will prepare for full-time academic study at PSU, including participating in PSU academic department activities, attending PSU New Student Orientation, and participating in the IELP to PSU Transition
14. PATHWAYS PROGRAM GUIDELINES AND POLICIES: ALL PATHWAYS SEMINARS Students must demonstrate satisfactory academic performance in all classes (IELP core skills classes, Pathways seminars and PSU academic classes) in order to advance through the Pathways Program and enroll in PSU academic classes while in the program. Satisfactory academic performance typically means completing each course with a C grade (73%) or better. ACADEMIC COURSEWORK ENROLLMENT GUIDELINES Pathways Program students are expected to enroll concurrently in IELP and PSU academic classes for one or two terms, depending on their Pathways Program placement (6-month or 9- month). Authorization to enroll in PSU academic classes is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress in IELP classes. The grade point average (GPA) requirement for enrolling in academic classes is as follows: Authorized to enroll in 1 PSU academic class: Minimum requirement: 2.0 term GPA; 2.0 GPA in each class Authorized to enroll in 2 PSU academic classes: Minimum requirement: 3.0 term GPA; 3.0 GPA in each class* *Students who meet this requirement may elect to take one academic class; they are not required to take two academic classes. REPEATING CLASSES Students who fail one or more IELP class, including Pathways seminars, while in the Pathways Program, will repeat the class(es) in the following term, as per standard IELP academic guidelines. Failing one or more IELP class will delay a student’s transition to academic Students who fail a core IELP class will move into the next sequence of the Pathways Program seminars (Intermediate or Final) in their next term of study. However, they will not be permitted to enroll in PSU academic classes in the next term. Students who fail a Pathways seminar will repeat the seminar in their next term of study. They will not be permitted to enroll in PSU academic classes in the next term.
15. MEETING PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY’S UNDERGRADUATE ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT Completion of the Pathways Program satisfies PSU’s English language proficiency requirement. Submission of a language proficiency test score is not required for students who successfully complete the Pathways Program. All students who intend to study for an undergraduate degree (bachelor’s degree) at Portland State University and have not submitted a language proficiency test score that meets PSU’s requirement, will participate in the Pathways Program. Students are expected to earn a 2.7 GPA in their level 4 and 5 classes while in the Pathways Program to meet the university’s language proficiency requirement and move to all-academic coursework. Students who do not participate in and successfully complete the Pathways Program will be required to submit a language proficiency test score to be able to study at PSU, even if they have completed level 4 and 5 IELP academic preparation classes (core skills). ACADEMIC STANDING Students enrolled in IELP classes have two transcripts and are subject to the IELP Academic Standing System and the PSU Academic Standing System. It is important to understand the details contained in each transcript, as well as how the two are similar and different. 1. IELP transcript: available only by request from the IELP office or the Pathways Advisor 2. PSU transcript: available online through the student’s PSU Banweb account IELP GRADES IELP classes are credit classes through the PSU Department of Applied Linguistics. All IELP classes appear on both transcripts with the course prefix LING. Grades earned in IELP classes will always show as A-F on the IELP transcript. All grades are counted and calculated in the IELP grade point average (GPA). Grades earned in level 4 and 5 IELP academic preparation classes are calculated in the PSU grade point average and are counted in both the PSU term and cumulative GPA. Level 4 and 5 classes are graded A-F in the PSU transcript unless students intentionally change the grade option to Pass (P)/No pass (NP). P/NP grades have no grade points associated with them and do not impact the PSU GPA. Credits are still earned with the P/NP grade option. Grades for Skills Enhancement Classes (SECs) and Pathways seminars always show as P/NP on the PSU transcript unless the student changes the grading option to A-F, according to the university’s posted grade option change deadlines.
16. IELP ACADEMIC STANDING SYSTEM The purpose of the Academic Standing System is to ensure students are successful in their classes and to identify students who may be struggling academically and need additional support. There are five categories of academic standing: Academic Excellence: Passing grades earned in all classes and term GPA 3.7 or above. Good Academic Standing: Passing grades earned in all classes and term GPA 2.0 or above. Academic Warning: One or more failing grades; failing a class for the first time -OR-term GPA below 2.0. Academic Probation: One or more failing grades for the second time; failing one or more classes for the second time -OR-term GPA below 2.0 in two consecutive terms. Academic Dismissal: One or more failing grades for the third time; failing one or more classes for the third time -OR- term GPA below 2.0 in three consecutive terms. Students who are academically dismissed may not continue to study in the IELP and must transfer to another language program or return home. This decision may be appealed through the IELP Academic Standing Committee.
17. IELP Academic Standing System Good Academic Standing requires students to earn a GPA of 2.0 or above for each term (term GPA) and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above. IELP ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPT Students may view or obtain their IELP Academic Record, also known as a transcript, by making a request at the IELP front desk. Alternatively, students may view their transcript with their Pathways Advisor. Following is an example that shows that all grades appear as A-F in an IELP transcript. The same classes are used in the example of the PSU academic transcript, appearing on page 18, in order to demonstrate how grades earned in the same term appear as Pass (P) or No Pass
18. IELP transcript example: PSU ACADEMIC STANDING Guidelines for satisfactory academic progress for undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students are established by the PSU Scholastic Standards Committee. The Scholastic Standards Committee (SSC) is a Faculty Senate committee comprised of teaching, research, and non- teaching faculty across campus. The SSC has the authority to place any student on academic warning, probation, or dismissal according to the following guidelines:
19. 1. Grade changes or removal of incomplete grades do not change academic standing status. 2. Academic standing in the current term may be changed by engaging the repeat policy, however repeating courses will not retroactively change the status of a past term. 3. Students who are academically dismissed from PSU are not permitted to register either full-time or part-time. 4. When evaluating undergraduate academic standing, only PSU undergraduate credit is considered. 5. Students on academic warning or probation, who receive only grades of I, X and/or NP, will lose academic standing, meaning that they will progress to the next level in the academic standing system. PSU UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC STANDING PPOLICY Good Standing When the term GPA is 2.00 or higher and the cumulative Portland State GPA is 2.00 or higher, students are in good academic standing. Good Standing is not recorded on the academic transcript. Academic Warning Students with 12 or more attempted credits (including PSU and transfer work), whose cumulative PSU GPA falls below 2.00, will be placed on Academic Warning. A registration hold will also be applied to the student record until completion of a mandatory workshop facilitated by Advising and Career Services. Students who are placed on Academic Warning are limited to a maximum of 13 credits in future terms unless an Academic Advisor approves a larger course load. Academic Probation Students on Academic Warning will be placed on Academic Probation if they do not meet one of the following requirements: 1. Raise their cumulative PSU GPA to 2.00, thereby returning to Good Standing 2. Earn a GPA for the given term of 2.25 or above, thereby remaining on Academic Warning and subject to the same requirements in the next term. Students who are on Academic Probation are limited to a maximum of 13 credits per term unless approved for more by an Academic Advisor. Academic Dismissal Students on Academic Probation will be dismissed at the end of the term if they do not meet one of the following requirements: 1. Raise their cumulative PSU GPA to 2.00, thereby returning to Good Standing 2. Earn a PSU GPA for the given term of 2.25 or above, thereby remaining on Academic Probation and subject to the same requirements for the next term.
22. Pass/No Pass Grades (P/NP) IELP LEVEL 4 AND 5 CLASSES Level 4 and 5 classes in the IELP are automatically graded A-F and show as A-F in your PSU academic record. Skills Enhancement Classes (SECs) and Pathways Seminars taken while in levels 4 and 5 are automatically graded P/NP. The grades earned in levels 4 and 5 are part of your undergraduate PSU transcript and university GPA. Classes taken P/NP are excluded from GPA calculation. Students may change A-F grades to P/NP, and SEC classes and Pathways seminars from P/NP to A-F, according to the university’s add/drop/grade option change P/NP grades do not have a grade point average associated with them, but they are counted as credits attempted/credits earned. The maximum number of P/NP credits allowed during a student’s entire degree study is 45. Please note that: P/NP grades earned in levels 0-3 IELP classes are not counted in the maximum number of P/NP credits. Earning a P grade does not improve or lower your PSU GPA. Earning an NP grade does not improve or lower your PSU GPA. Both F and NP grades reflect that a student failed the course. For students who change one or more of their level 4 or 5 classes to P/NP for the PSU transcript, the actual grade earned for the class (A-F) is still recorded in their IELP transcript and record. The actual grade is also counted in the IELP GPA and is used to calculate the level 4 or 5 GPA for Pathways Program completion purposes. Students may change their grade option from A-F to P/NP for their level 4 and 5 classes, and to change P/NP to A-F for Skills Enhancement Classes and Pathways seminars. Students who wish to change one or more classes to P/NP must do so according to the university’s policies, procedures and deadlines. In general, students are discouraged from changing level 4-5 grades to P/NP, except in very specific circumstances and in consultation with their Pathways Advisor. If you are considering changing a level 4 or 5 class to P/NP, it is strongly recommended that you discuss this with your Pathways Advisor prior to making the change.
23. The deadline to change grade option in fall, winter and spring terms is the end of week 7 of each term. The deadline to change grade option in summer term is the end of week 5. See the PSU Registrar’s website for the academic calendar and deadlines. IELP classes are part of the PSU undergraduate GPA only. Students who will enroll in graduate courses at PSU will have a separate GPA for graduate study. HOW TO CHANGE GRADE OPTIONS Use the PSU Special Registration Form to change grade options. Complete the top portion of the form with your contact information and complete Section III with the course information. Note that instructor approval is NOT required to change grades to A-F or P/NP. Submit the completed form to the Registration and Records window in the Registrar’s Office or send it by email to registrar@pdx.edu.
24. 1. If you fail a level 4 or 5 class (D, F or NP grade), you will repeat the class in the next term of study. a. Upon completing the class a second time, you may replace the failing grade with the passing grade earned the second time. The failing grade will be removed from your PSU GPA but will remain on your transcript. b. You may have a lower GPA in the term that you failed the class. However, at the end of the following term, your GPA will increase when the failing grade is excluded and only the passing grade is included in the calculation. c. A Notice of Repeated Course Form must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office in order for the failing grade to be excluded from the GPA calculation. The form may submitted at any time during your degree program. d. When repeating a course and replacing the grade, the course must be graded A-F both times. Courses taken P/NP cannot replace a failing grade. 2. There is a limit to the number of credits you may take P/NP. A student may take 45 credits of P/NP credits during their degree study. a. If you select P/NP for all level 4 and 5 classes, 32 of the 45 credits will be used for IELP classes. Only 13 credits will remain for the remainder of your degree study at PSU. b. It is more important to be able to use the P/NP option during degree study than during IELP study. Using a large number of P/NP credits for IELP classes will greatly limit the number available for use later at PSU. REPEAT POLICY Following is the PSU Repeat Policy. The Policy and form can be found on the Registrar’s website.
27. TERM 1 CALCULATION: B- = 2.67 x 3 credit hours = 8.01 quality points C = 2.00 x 3 credit hours = 6.00 quality points A = 4.00 x 2 credit hours = 8.00 quality points C- = 1.67 x 3 credit hours = 5.01 quality points D+ = 1.33 x 4 credit hours = 5.32 quality points Add the number of quality points for term 1: 8.01 + 6.00 + 8.00 + 5.01 + 5.32 = 32.34 quality points. Add the number of credit hours for term 1: 3 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 4 = 15 credit hours. Divide the total quality points by the total credit hours: 32.34 / 15 = 2.15 GPA TERM 2 CALCULATION: C+ = 2.33 x 4 credit hours = 9.32 quality points A- = 3.67 x 5 credit hours = 18.35 quality points B- = 2.67 x 3 credit hours = 8.01 quality points B = 3.00 x 4 credit hours = 12 quality points Add the number of quality points for term 2: 9.32 + 18.35 + 8.01 + 12 = 47.68 quality points. Add the number of credit hours for term 2: 4 + 5 + 3 + 4 = 16 credit hours. Divide the total quality points by the total credit hours: 47.68 / 16 = 2.98 GPA CUMULATIVE GPA CALCULATION: Add the quality points for all terms: 32.34 (term 1) + 47.68 (term 2) = 80.02 quality points. Add the credit hours for all terms: 15 (term 1) + 16 (term 2) = 31 credit hours. Divide the total credit hours for all terms by the total quality points for all terms: 80.02 / 31 = 2.58 GPA
31. SCHOOLS AND COLLEGE OFFERING UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS AT PORTLAND STATE College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) College of the Arts (COTA) College of Urban and Public Affairs (CUPA) Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science (MCECS) OHSU-PSU School of Public Health School of Business Administration (SBA) School of Social Work (SSW) SCHOOLS OFFERING ONLY GRADUATE PROGRAMS: Graduate School of Education (GSE) Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) Within the American system of higher education, many university instructors are also referred to as professors and hold terminal degrees in their field of study. For most areas of study, a doctoral degree is the terminal degree. One exception to this general rule is the Master of Fine Arts degree (MFA). When beginning their teaching or research careers, most professors begin as an assistant professor, then progress to associate professor and finally to full professor as they build their teaching and research portfolios and gain tenure. Teaching professionals who do not hold a doctoral degree are often categorized as instructors and are not formally addressed by the title of professor. There may be different ranks of instructor, depending upon the college or university’s policies and procedures. Assistant, associate and full professors generally teach and/or research full-time. Non-tenured teaching faculty (NTTF) may hold degrees at any level (doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s) and most often teach full-time. NTTF are not eligible for tenure. Adjunct professors and instructors are typically engaged to teach on a part-time basis. Path in the countryside
32. ADMISSION TYPE AND CLASS STANDING Knowing and understanding your admission type and class standing is necessary to be able to successfully manage several different aspects of your academic career. Your class standing determines when you will be able to register for classes each term and the classes that you will be able to take, including your University Studies (UNST) requirements. Year Standing Credits earned Course level University Studies First Freshman 0-44 100-200 Freshman Inquiry (FRINQ) Second Sophomore 45-89 100-200 Sophomore Inquiry (SINQ) Third Junior 90-134 300-400 Junior Clusters Fourth Senior 135-180 300-400 Senior Capstone The number of credits with which you are admitted, and your student admission type determine your class standing in your first term of study. After your first term of study, your admission type will remain the same, but your class standing will change as you earn more Credits may have been earned at another university (transfer credits) or at PSU through the IELP (institutional credits). Credits earned through the IELP are counted in a student’s credit total for academic standing, but they do not exempt students from the University Studies requirement for each year of study that is based solely upon admission type. For example, if a student is admitted to PSU as a freshman with no previous university study, the student will be required to fulfill the Freshman Inquiry (FRINQ) course through University Studies, even if the student has earned credits in the IELP that place them in a higher class standing. University Studies is more fully explored in a later section. Highway with long view and cloudy sky
33. UNDERSTANDING ADMISSION TYPE Admission type is determined at the time that students are admitted to PSU. This code and type is permanent and issued only one time. Following are the most common admission types: (GED) -Students admitted using a recognized GED examination. Mostly domestic, but some International students take the GED as well (Pre-High school Grad-No College) - Undergraduate students admitted before secondary school graduation and do not have college level transfer credit (Pre- High school Grad with College) - Undergraduate students admitted before secondary school graduation but have college level transfer credits (High school Grad 0-11 College Cr) - Undergraduate students admitted with proof of secondary school completion and fewer than 12 transferable college credits (High school Grad 12-29 College Cr) - Undergraduate students admitted with proof of secondary school completion and fewer than 30 transferrable college credits (Transfer 30-44 hours) - Undergraduate students admitted with 30-44 transferrable college (Transfer 45-89 hours) - Undergraduate students admitted with 45-89 transferrable college (Transfer 90-134 hours) - Undergraduate students admitted with 90-134 transferrable college (Transfer 135+) - Undergraduate students admitted with 135 or more transferrable college Post-Bac (General)-PB - Post-Baccalaureate students who will pursue a second bachelor’s degree or Undergraduate level certificate VIEWING ADMISSION TYPE IN BANWEB You will need to know your admission type and class standing for academic planning purposes in the Pathways Program. 1. Go to MyPSU on the PSU home page 2. Go to Log in to Banweb 3. Go to Student Services 4. Go to Student Records 5. Go to View Unofficial Academic Transcript (Transcript Level: = All Levels; Transcript Type: =Self Service – Web Display)
35. TRANSFER STUDENTS If you are a transfer student with credits transferred from a different institution (either from within the U.S. or overseas), there are additional steps that you must take to ensure that you will be able to register for the correct classes. Each transfer student’s situation is different and you will need to work with the Office of International Admissions to have your credits from previous courses evaluated. It is possible that not all credits will be accepted by PSU, so it is important to determine how many credits PSU will accept as well as their PSU course equivalencies. In some cases, it may be necessary for academic departments to be part of the transfer evaluation. TRANSFER CREDIT EVALUATION Students who have earned credit at another college or university should initiate a Transfer Credit Evaluation with the Office of International Admissions as soon as possible. Transfer Credit Evaluations can be conducted ONLY with official transcripts. PSU may accept credits completed at another college or university toward your degree requirements and it is extremely beneficial to know the classes that PSU has accepted BEFORE you begin selecting PSU academic classes. In most cases, you do not want to repeat a course that you have already taken elsewhere. If PSU does not have a direct equivalent to a course that you have taken at another college or university, you may request a Transfer Credit Evaluation through your major department. In this case, advisors and/or professors in your major will review detailed information about the course(s) taken. If the content of the course(s) is similar to a course at PSU, and if you acquired the same knowledge, PSU may accept the other course in place of a PSU course. It may be necessary to obtain syllabi or course descriptions from the university where the course was previously taken. This can often take weeks or months of additional time. In some cases, and when possible, it may be helpful to go to the college or university in person to obtain the necessary documentation.
36. Additional information for students with transfer credit from the PSU Office of International a. Students can be admitted as undergraduate students based on unofficial transcripts, but an official transfer credit evaluation can only be initiated after OFFICIAL transcripts are submitted. b. Students who are admitted based upon submission of unofficial transcripts are instructed to submit official transcripts in their admission letter. c. When official transcripts are received by International Admissions, the transfer credit evaluation for undergraduate students will begin automatically. d. Transfer credit evaluations for students applying for post-bac admission status are not automatic. A PSU academic advisor must specifically request a transfer credit evaluation for post-bac students. e. Transfer credit evaluations may take up to several weeks to complete, depending on the institution(s) where students completed previous work. f. Transcripts must be sent directly to PSU from the university where the courses were taken. g. Additional information about official documents h. Additional information and FAQs UNIVERSITY STUDIES REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS Details about University Studies (UNST) themes and courses are presented in a later section. The following information applies only to students who have earned more than 29 transfer A student who has earned more than 29 credits at another university, either in the U.S. or in another country, will be classified as having earned “transfer” credit for UNST purposes and may be exempt from one or two years of University Studies requirements. 30-59 credits = waived out of FRINQ; must complete 3 SINQs 60-74 credits = waived out of FRINQ; waived out of 1 SINQ; complete 2 SINQ For MCECS majors: For each FRINQ or SINQ credit waived, students must earn an equal number of Arts and Letters/Social Science elective credits. Maximum waiver credits are 27 (all FRINQ and SINQ). 6 IELP credits may count as Arts and Letters elective credits.
37. CLASS STANDING AND STANDING IN MAJOR AND DEGREE Class standing is primarily used to determine when students can register according to the university’s registration schedule. It may have little or no relevance to how many additional credits will be needed to earn a degree in a particular major. For example, you may be a junior in university class standing, but a freshman in your major. University-level transferrable credits These are credits earned at another college or university that PSU will accept as general elective credits, but do not fulfill degree requirements. Example: Physical Education courses or courses that do not have similar content to PSU classes Degree-applicable credits These are credits earned at another college or university that PSU will accept as part of the courses/credits required for a PSU degree in a specific major. Example: Math 251, Writing 121, Art 120 Not all university-level transferrable credits are degree-applicable credits. Example: You have a high number of transferrable credits and thus upper class standing, but if none of those credits can be applied to your degree requirements in your major, you may be considered a “freshman” in your major. Steep steps leading to street level
38. ACADEMIC PLAN TEMPLATE Use this template to complete your academic plan. You can then save the PDF and update it each term that you are in the Pathways Program.
43. OVERVIEW OF BACHELOR DEGREES There are several types of bachelor degrees and each type requires a specific number of credits in a specific distribution of academic areas. Degree requirements and major requirements may overlap in some cases. The number of total credits needed for degree completion is generally 180, however some majors may have higher credit completion requirements. Most of the information outlined in the following section can be found on these advising pages on the PSU Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) o 28 total credits (may be more depending on foreign language placement) o 16 credits in Arts & Letters (4 of these credits must be in Fine & Performing Arts) o 4 credits in Sciences/Math (excluding Math 100 or lower) o 8 credits in Social Sciences/Sciences/Math (excluding Math 100 or lower) **International students whose first language is not English automatically meet the foreign language requirement, either by submitting an English language proficiency test score, or by successfully completing the Pathways Program. More information about the BA Foreign Language requirement can be found on the World Languages & Literatures website. Bachelor of Science (B.S.) 28 total credits: o 12 credits in Sciences (not including Math/Statistics; 8 of the 12 credits must be coursework with a lab or fieldwork) o 12 credits in Arts & Letters/Social Sciences o 4 credits in college-level Math/Statistics (excluding Math 100 or lower) Bachelor of Music (B.M.) Students must complete a program of music and applied music as prescribed by the Music Department. Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Students must complete the specific program as prescribed by the Fine Arts department.
47. coursework is comprised of elective courses required for a BA degree and six courses within University Studies. University Studies (UNST) courses are required for all majors and for degree completion at Portland State University. These general education courses develop the connection of all subjects studied as part of an undergraduate degree. It is this integration and interdisciplinarity that are at the core of a liberal arts education. More information about UNST coursework is outlined below and can be found on this UNST webpage. University Studies provides students with integrated and connected learning experiences that lay the foundation for lifelong intellectual development. Extending through all four years, the program teaches students how to think critically, communicate effectively, and gain a broad awareness of the human experience to instill a deep sense of responsibility to oneself, their peers and their community. Source: PSU Advising and Career Services presentation to IELP, 2016
48. INTRODUCTION TO UNIVERSITY STUDIES (UNST) The source for the following information is the University Studies landing page on the PSU website. Nearly all institutions of higher learning require students to complete a general education program in addition to their major field of study. Portland State University's nationally recognized approach to education is based on an extensive review of current research. Strong evidence shows that tightly structured clusters of courses with an interdisciplinary thematic approach help to create a more effective education program. Using mentored inquiry sections, extending the program throughout the four years, and integrating carefully articulated goals further increase the program’s effectiveness. The University Studies general education program is designed to provide those environmental factors and learning opportunities that are known to enhance learning, satisfaction, and retention for students. University Studies begins with Freshman Inquiry, a yearlong course introducing students to different modes of analysis and provides them with the tools to succeed in advanced studies and their majors. At the sophomore level, students choose three different Sophomore Inquiry courses, each lead to a thematically linked, interdisciplinary cluster of courses at the upper level. Finally, all students are required to complete a Capstone course, which consists of teams of students from different majors working together to complete a project that addresses a real problem in the Portland metropolitan community. Placement within the University Studies sequence is based upon the student’s admission type. Students who earned university credit at another college or university before matriculating at PSU may be exempted from some UNST requirements based upon the number of credits earned and accepted as transfer credits. Credits earned in IELP classes are included in calculating class standing, however credits earned in IELP classes are NOT included when determining UNST placement and requirements. For example, a student admitted as a freshman with no previous university study who studies in the IELP for 3 terms may earn 50 or more credits. The student will have sophomore standing but their UNST placement will be in FRINQ. View this VIDEO for more details about University Studies
52. MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS PLACEMENT TEST ALEKS Math Placement Exam Students with majors specified below are required to complete the ALEKS Math Placement Exam. For the university’s purposes, the only exception is if a student has completed a college- level math course (level 100 or above) at a college or university within the past 12 months. For the purposes of the Pathways Program, all students in the Pathways Introduction Seminar are required to complete the math placement exam as a required, graded class assignment. Becoming familiar with an online testing system such as ALEKS is beneficial to all students, regardless of their major. All students in any of the majors listed below must complete the Math Placement Test (ALEKS) BEFORE meeting with an academic advisor in their major area of study. Students who have not completed the Math Placement Test will not be ready to meet with their PSU academic advisor, and their advisor will not be able to fully assist them in recommending academic courses to take in the next term. Majors requiring the Math Placement Exam Business Administration (all SBA majors) Civil Engineering Computer Engineering Earth Science Electrical Engineering Environmental Science Health Studies Mechanical Engineering Pre-Health Professions* *Pre-Health Professions tracks include students planning to pursue pre-nursing, pre-medicine, pre-dental, pre-dental hygiene, pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy, pre-occupational therapy, pre- veterinary, pre-naturopathy, pre-clinical lab science, pre-radiation therapy and/or pre- chiropractic programs.
57. ACADEMIC ADVISING WHILE IN THE PATHWAYS PROGRAM The relationship that you develop with your academic advisor(s) is one of the most important of your academic career. Your advisor will make recommendations to keep you on track and moving toward your academic goals to attain your degree. While you are in the Pathways Program, you will have two advisors: Pathways Program advisor in the IELP Academic advisor in your major Your major advisor will make recommendations to you about the academic classes that you should take while you are in the Pathways Program. Your Pathways Program advisor will review your proposed classes and schedule and they will make the final determination of classes that you will register for each term while in the program. Additionally, your Pathways Program Advisor will review your grades and academic plan each term, make adjustments as needed, and make final decisions about your course registration. After you fully matriculate to academic degree study at PSU, you may work with just one advisor until the time that you complete your degree, or you may work with multiple advisors. As previously noted, some academic departments conduct all advising through professional advisors. Other departments may have professional advisors for lower-division (LD) students (first- and second-year students) and then faculty advisors for upper-division (UD) students (third- and fourth-year students) and students fully admitted to professional programs. While in the Pathways Program, academic advising is structured as follows: TERM 1: PATHWAYS INTRODUCTION (6-MONTH AND 9-MONTH) Meet with your major advisor in small groups, usually during class time Pathways Program Advisor monitors and approves schedule and registration for the next term TERM 2: PATHWAYS INTERMEDIATE (9-MONTH) Make an individual appointment with your major advisor to meet one-on-one in his/her office Pathways Program Advisor monitors and approves schedule and registration for the next term TERM 3: PATHWAYS FINAL (6-MONTH AND 9-MONTH) Individual advising appointment with major advisor as-needed (not required) Academic advising during PSU New Student Orientation session Pathways Program Advisor monitors and approves schedule and registration for the next term
58. PREPARING TO MEET WITH YOUR MAJOR ACADEMIC ADVISOR Your academic advisor in your major will be able to provide information and answer questions about courses required for your major and courses needed to meet the requirements of your degree. Your major advisor will assist you in planning for your next terms of study and in creating a plan for completing your undergraduate degree. Pathways Introduction: You will meet with an academic advisor in a small group with other students with the same major, most likely during class time. The purpose of this first advising session is to meet your advisor, gain a general understanding of the expectations for your major and learn his/her recommendations for the academic courses you will take in your next term of Pathways Intermediate: You will schedule an individual appointment with an academic advisor in your major. In this way, you will learn how to make an appointment with an advisor for your major and where advising for your major is located. Additionally, this appointment may be a required assignment for your pathways seminar. Preparing for this meeting and using the time with your advisor in a productive way is important for both of you. It is recommended that you prepare at least three questions to ask your advisor. If this meeting is an assignment for your seminar and requires a signature or other verification, it is appropriate to request the signature or verification at the end of the appointment. It is not acceptable to inform your advisor that the advising appointment is only to fulfill a required assignment for class. Examples of questions to ask your major advisor: 1. What are the academic classes you should consider taking in your next term of study? 2. What university studies courses will you take and when will you take them? 3. How do you know which university studies courses to choose? For example, is there a FRINQ or SINQ theme that is recommended for your major? 4. Is there a GPA requirement in your major for graduation? 5. Is there an admission process for your major to be able to take upper-division (300-400 level) classes? 6. Are their student groups to join in your college/school/major? 7. What is your advisor’s advice for being academically successful in your major? 8. Other questions that pertain to your individual circumstances
59. Pathways Final: Students in the Pathways Final Seminar are in their last term of study in the program and are preparing for full-time enrollment in academic classes in their next term of study. Portland State University requires that all students beginning full-time undergraduate academic study attend a New Student Orientation session before beginning full-time Your Pathways Program advisor will coordinate your registration for a PSU New Student Orientation. At the Orientation, you will meet other American and international students in your major, participate in a review of general education and degree requirements, and meet with an academic advisor in your major. You will complete registration for the next term of study at the Orientation. While in the Pathways Final Seminar, you have the option of making an individual appointment to meet with your advisor before attending New Student Orientation, but it is not required. Upon transitioning to all academic coursework, it is strongly recommended that you meet with your major advisor at least one time each term. CHOOSING YOUR FIRST ACADEMIC CLASSES Helpful Terms Pre-requisite: course that must be completed before being eligible to take a particular course Co-requisite: course that must be taken at the same time as another particular course Recitation and lab: supplemental course to be taken at the same time as the primary course Mentored inquiry: supplemental course to be taken concurrently with UNST classes Sequential courses: courses that must be takin in a particular order Bulletin and catalog: publications that show listings of courses, degree requirements, etc. GUIDELINES FOR CHOOSING YOUR FIRST ACADEMIC CLASSES 100 or 200-level classes No online classes No UNST classes (except UNST 194: College Success), unless an exception is granted Completion of Independent Research Writing required to take WR 121 Completion of level 5 listening/speaking required to take COMM 220 Choose classes that interest you; explore new things Remember that only about 30% of the classes required for your degree will be in your major
61. The university’s class schedule for the next term is generally made available online in about week 5 of each term. The exact date of availability can be found on the Registrar’s website. NOTE: Although Pathways Program students will be able to view classes in the online class schedule, you will only be able to ADD or DROP classes according to the priority registration schedule managed by the Office of the Registrar and the registration time line established by the Pathways Program advisor. Additionally, approval from the Pathways Program advisor is required in order to register for academic classes. Consequently, you may register on a date later than when registration is first available to you. It is recommended that you spend some time exploring the online class schedule to become familiar with the various details of viewing and understanding the information presented. For example, the following are various codes used to describe specific details about classes:
62. Within the course schedule in Look-Up Classes to Add, you can look up classes by department: By doing a non-specific search by subject, you will see all course offerings in that department: Click on “View Sections” to see the course information for each section.
63. After selecting a class, you can look at the course description: Course description:
65. 1. Go to the OAA website You will be able to look at courses offered within a department and courses offered within a college/school 2. To view courses by department, select “Courses” from the left menu at the bottom
67. SCHEDULE PLANNER THROUGH MYPSU/BANWEB You are encouraged to practice looking at a variety of classes that you are interested in taking and do not focus solely on classes for your major. Remember that in addition to courses in your major, you must complete degree elective courses and general education/UNST courses in order to complete your undergraduate degree. Online resources: Schedule Planner Information Sheet (a quick how-to guide) Schedule Planner Tutorial Schedule Planner Information Video Step-by-step instructions: 1. Go to myPSU on the PSU homepage or access the myPSU app on your mobile device 2. Click on the “Classes” button 3. Click on the “Academic Planning” button 4. Click on the “Schedule Planner” option 5. You will be prompted to log in to Banweb 6. Complete the steps using the screenshots below NOTE: Using the schedule planner does not register you for classes. It is for planning purposes only. 1. Add Course
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