Advising FAQ

How do I find out who my advisor is?
You can look on Web Advisor to see which faculty advisor you have been assigned to.  Advisors in the Academic Advising Center are open to meet with all students.  However, you can request to meet with a specific advisor when you come to the Center for drop-in advising.

How many classes do I need to be full-time?
Twelve credits is considered to be a full-time load.  Most students achieve this by taking four 3-credit courses.

How do I change my major?
You can change your major by filling out a Change of Major/Minor form and submitting it to the Registrar's Office through your Chapman email account.  Some programs require the signature of the department chair - signed forms should be submitted to the Registrar's Office via fax, mail or in person.  Once you have submitted a form, you should go to the department and request a faculty advisor.

What is a minor?  Do I have to declare one?
A minor is a concentrated area of study in a department and lets a student develop a secondary area of knowledge in a subject related to a chosen major or personal interests.  Most minors require 18-24 credits, and are offered by almost every department.  Although a minor is not required for graduation, it's important to note that the completion of a declared minor will waive the Inter/Multidisciplinary Cluster under the 07/08 GE program.  For more information on how to fit a minor into your program of study, see an advisor.

Where do I go for pre-law advising?
Dr. Lori Cox Han, Chair of the Political Science Dept., is our pre-law advisor.  For more information, consult the pre-law website.

Where do I go for pre-med advising?
Dr. Virginia Carson in the Biological Sciences Department is our pre-med advisor.  For more information, consult the pre-med website.

How do I transfer courses from another College to Chapman?
Chapman has articulated courses with a number of schools across the country.  If you plan to take a GE or major course at another institution, it is highly recommended that you consult the articulation agreements on WebAdvisor and/or an academic advisor prior to enrolling.  Once you complete the course and a grade is posted, you must send an official copy of your transcripts to the Registrar's Office.

What should I do if I'm failing a course?
If you are not doing well in a course, your first plan of action should be to meet with the instructor and ask for advice on how to improve.  You are also encouraged to seek tutoring from the Center for Academic Success.  If this course of action does not help improve your grade, you may withdraw from the course.  Withdrawals can be done on WebAdvisor or in person at the Registrar's Office through the first ten weeks of a regular term (see the academic calendar for specific deadlines).  Failing to attend class does not constitute a withdrawal and will result in a grade of "FW," which is calculated as an "F" in the GPA.

What is academic probation?
Any student whose term or Chapman GPA drops below 2.0 will be placed on academic probation.  Students on academic probation may enroll in no more than 14 semester credits each term they are on probation.  In addition, students on academic probation are expected to consult with the Center for Academic Success for guidance and assistance with methods of improving their GPA.

What is academic dismissal?
Any student whose term or Chapman GPA has not reached at least 2.0 for two consecutive semesters is subject to academic dismissal from the university.  Students who wish to appeal an academic dismissal must demonstrate both extraordinary circumstances explaining the unsatisfactory academic performance and a likelihood of success if allowed to continue at Chapman.