March 29, 2019
Everything you need to know about the new credit cap as
advising begins Monday
Just a reminder to yesterday's email that beginning with the Fall 2019 registration period that opens Monday, April 15, the new cap on the number of credits Barnard students will be able to take each semester is 19. Students may add an additional four credits (up to 23) during early registration and the shopping period, but you must grant approval for them to remain permanently above 19 credits.
In the past, Barnard students have voiced concerns that not having an enforced credit cap resulted in too many students registering for 30-40 credits, meaning students with later registration times were shut out of courses. This new policy will enforce the College’s credit cap, meaning more courses will be available to students during the registration
periods. The Committee on Instruction has been working on this new policy this academic year and the faculty ratified it at the March faculty meeting.
As you begin your advising this Monday, here are a few FAQs outlining the changes that will impact your advising this Spring semester:
Q: What is the new cap on credits?
A: Nineteen credits. The minimum number of credits a student is required to take to be considered full-time is 12 credits, per Federal law. The Barnard maximum is 19 credits. The ideal course load is between 15 and 16 credits.
Q: What if your advisees want to take more than 19 credits?
A: Have a
conversation with them about the advisability of taking more than 19 credits for their particular needs. Have them consider carefully the amount of time and attention they can give to any particular course, and remind them that a course-load of 15-16 credits is ideal. You will be able to grant or deny permission when registration closes in September. In the meantime, if you have concerns or questions, or seek further guidance, please contact the student’s Class Dean. You may also refer the student to their Class Dean directly. A conversation or group advising session may be necessary.
Q: What happens during the early registration period?
A: As you work with your advisees this spring to plan their courses for the Fall 2019 semester, keep in mind that they should aim to
register for 19 credits, or up to 23 credits with your approval. All Barnard and Columbia students have been able to join up to three waitlists, and this continues to be the case. If they get admitted from a waitlist, they will temporarily be registered for more than 23 credits, but will be prompted to drop a class. They will need to make a decision which classes to drop to end up with 19 credits maximum by the end of the registration period (September 13, 2019).
Q: What if your advisees have more than 23 credits and don’t drop any classes?
A: Their Class Dean will contact students to let them know that they need to make adjustments.
Q: What if they don’t drop to 19 credits by the end of the registration
period (September 13, 2019)?
A: The Registrar’s Office will drop them from any credits above 19 unless you have approved the additional credits.
Q: What process should the students be following with me as their adviser?
A: Urge them to see you during the early registration period (during April for fall 2019), and then again at the start of the fall semester. At the end of the registration period (September 13, 2019), a process will be in place for you to indicate your approval of their final schedule at 19 credits (or more, with your permission). More details about this part of the process will be forthcoming before September.
Q: What if I wish to deny
their requests for more than 19 credits?
A: Use your best judgment as to whether a student’s request for more than 19 credits is a good idea. If you are uncertain, you can speak to the Class Dean, and can also suggest scheduling a joint meeting with the advisee, the Class Dean, and you.
Q: If juniors or seniors want to graduate in a timely fashion but are a little behind in credits, can they register for more than 23 credits?
A: They should seek advice from you and their Class Dean. If both of you determine that they can handle the work-load and they are granted permission to register for additional credits beyond 23, they will need to submit an approval form to the Registrar’s Office. Each
student’s case is unique, and a conversation about a student’s individual situation may be required.
Q: What if students say they really like the “shopping period,” and like trying out a lot of different classes?
A: Explain that too many students have been registering for upwards of 30 credits, which means other students have been shut out of courses. We are trying to help manage the “shopping period” so that all students have equal opportunity to register in a reasonable number of credits. It’s important to help your advisees make deliberate, careful choices during early registration.
Q: What if my advisees are double majors - can they register for 23 credits in a
semester?
A: Students can work with you and their other major adviser to find a solution that works. If they need more credits, and you both think they can handle that course load, you have the authority to approve the request.
Q: What kinds of courses would I likely deny if they put a student over 19 credits?
A: Many advisers might deny a graduate-level course, for example, especially if students are first years or sophomores. Advisers may also deny courses that duplicate requirements, or would not fulfill any general education or major requirements.
Q: What kinds of courses would I likely approve over 19 credits?
A: Many advisers feel comfortable approving 1-credit courses that seem appropriate, such as dance, theater, music, short courses, etc.
Q: What reasons for denying might I share with my advisees?
A: You may share your concerns about their overall stress, the number of reading-intensive courses, or too many courses that seem similar to one another. You may also say you’re concerned about the amount of time and attention they can give to any particular course if they are enrolled in too many. Talk to your advisees honestly about how much they can take on in any given semester, thinking about a mix of courses that also have different ways of assessing their work, such as final papers and final exams. Have them consider what their mid-semester or
end-of-semester will look like.
Q: What if I can’t decide what to do?
A: Reach out to the Class Dean. Call the Dean of Studies’ Office at 212-854-2024 to identify the appropriate dean and schedule a conversation or group advising meeting (either by phone or in person).
More information about the advising process will be provided when you return in September for the Fall semester. In the meantime, if you have any questions, observations, or concerns, please contact Saskia Hamilton (shamilto@barnard.edu).