Advising - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Registration FAQs can be found on the Registration Services Office's dedicated registration webpage. For other commonly asked questions, please see below!
 

How do I declare a major? 

When should I declare a major? 

What classes do I need to take for my major? 

What are prerequisites and how do I know if my class has a prerequisite? 

How often should I meet with my advisor? 

Do I have to meet with my advisor? 

What if I have questions my advisor is not able to answer? 

I am thinking about changing colleges - what is the process? 

Is there a way to plan out my classes for the next semester and semesters after that?

Can I change advisors?

 
How do I declare a major? 
Majors can be declared by filling out the online major declaration form. Some major programs like to have a short meeting with students before signing off on the major declaration form, but the department coordinator will let you know if that is the case. 
 
When should I declare a major? 
Students are encouraged to declare a major as soon as they know which major program they would like to pursue. Students in the CAS are required to declare a major by the end of their sophomore or second year. 
 
What classes do I need to take for my major?
The classes required for each major are provided in the course catalog
 
What are prerequisite classes? How do I know my class has a prerequisite?
A prerequisite is a course that you need to take in order to be well prepared for the course you want to sign up for. These are important to note as courses with prerequisites begin with the assumption that you have already acquired a particular set of knowledge. Finding out if the course you want to take has a prerequisite is easy! Just review the course catalog (navigate to the department or program page offering the course using the "A-Z Index" at the top, and choose the "Courses" tab, where any prerequisites will be clearly indicated.)
 
How often should I meet with my advisor?
You should meet with your advisor at least once a semester before registration to select courses for the next semester. It is a good idea to email your advisor to set up a time to meet. It is best to come prepared with courses you would like to take and any questions about courses or college life you may have. Your advisor is here to help you! You should feel free to discuss any question you may have about academics, like course registration, dropping and adding, professors, majors, study abroad, internships, etc.
 
Do I have to meet with my advisor?
Yes, yes you do! Your advisor has the PIN you need to register for classes and you need a different PIN each semester, so you will have to get the PIN from your advisor. Some advisors may opt to give you the PIN via email after chatting about your course plans, which is only fine if you have no questions or concerns about your academic progress. But if you do want to discuss your progress, it is a good idea to set up a meeting!
 
What if I have questions that my advisor is not able to answer?
Your advisor should be able to refer you to someone that can help. If they cannot please contact the CAS Advising Center via inadvise@lehigh.edu or by visiting our office in 120 Williams Hall.
 
I am thinking about changing colleges - what is the process? 
Start by talking to your advisor. Be sure to let him/her know why you want to switch. Try to identify a major you would like to switch to before you meet. 
Requirements of changing colleges: Students have to:
  • have earned 24 credit hours total, with at least 12 credit hours at Lehigh;
  • be in good academic standing
  • fill out have signed the college change petition
To switch to the College of Business students will also need to attend an information session hosted by Business and have credit for or have taken both ECO 001 and MATH 021 or 081 or 075+076 and passed with a C- or better. Detailed information can found on the Business College website.
After meeting the requirements students can fill out a college change petition form which is available online and start by submitting it to their home college for review and approval.  
 
Is there a way to plan out my classes for the next semester and semesters after that?
Yes, and this is an excellent idea as it will help you plan your time and give you a sense of what is next. Please check out the Academic Plan Draft Guide as well as the suggested course schedules and rosters that can be found on the course catalog and the CAS website. Use these as a template for your plan. You can also use a new suite of tools that includes a course planner available in your Student Services tab in your student Banner called Registration Tools. 
 
Can I change advisors?
Yes and it’s easy – reach out to the department office of your major and request a new advisor! If you are not yet declared in a major you may request an advisor change by emailing inadvise@lehigh.edu.