Advising and Registration Information

New Student Orientation (NSO FALL  2008)

PLNU Fall New Student Orientation will convene  August 21 through August 24, 2008.

NSO materials will be mailed to you.  Information is also available on the NSO web page. Check the website for regularly for updates.

New and Readmitted Student
CLASS  Registration

Registration for classes for new transfer and readmitted students is completed in collaboration with faculty members in the department of the student's major.  Beginning May 12, 2008, transfer and readmitted students can contact the Academic Advising Office to start the process. Faculty members will contact students to assist with selection of course work that will position students for completion of degree requirements at PLNU. 

Using the academic information you provided such as: official college and/or high school transcripts, alternate credit sources (e.g., AP , CLEP, etc.), and the program requirments for your academic major, faculty will develop a purposeful course schedule and register the student for classes.  Changes to your schedule can be addressed during NSO Academic Department Meetings. 

Advanced Placement (AP) Scores and Spring Class Schedules

Upon receipt of official AP scores ne student class schedules will be adjusted as needed based on qualifying scores. Students are responsible for sending AP scores to the PLNU Records Office for evaluation. Contact the PLNU Records Office for more information regarding AP test scores.

Frequently Asked Questions
 

 1. How do new students register for classes? 

New students must first complete and return all confirmation materials to the Admissions Office for processing. Students currently enrolled in college courses are strongly encouraged to send “in progress” transcripts to the Admissions Office. Once your confirmation materials are received, the Academic Advising Office begins the process of reviewing your personal profile, final high school/college transcripts, Advanced Placement (AP), SAT/ACT scores, and your selected major. 



New student class schedules are developed based on departmental recommendations each major. Because your classes are recommended by faculty, you have the best schedule possible for achieving your educational goals. Schedule changes and or major changes can be addressed with faculty during NSO at your Academic Department Meeting.  Changes to your class schedule can be made during the first week of classes using an add/drop form.  Forms are available in the Academic Advising Office.  Students are advised to meet with department chairs before making changes as they may impact graduation goals and/or financial aid.

2. how soon can i select classes and use the online registration feature on the student portal?

Continuing students choose classes and participate in “Online Web Registration” via the student portal. This event occurs mid-semester (fall and spring), and is preceded by three important activities: Department Chapel, Advising Chapel and Advising Week.

Department and Advising Chapel are both excellent opportunities for interaction with faculty and students in your academic major. Department Chapels occur at the beginning of the semester. 

Advising Chapel occurs during mid-semester and always preceeds Advising Week.  During Advising Week, faculty advisors are available to meet individually with students to review academic plans for the upcoming semester and target goals for graduation. Students must be "electronically cleared" by their advisor to participate in online registration. Once you have been cleared to register by your advisor, you will be assigned a time on the portal to begin registration. Assignments are based on number of units completed therefore, seniors register first, followed by juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. The online feature allows you to continue to register online for several weeks after your assigned time. 

3. How and when do I get an advisor?

New students are assigned to a faculty advisor by the academic department of their chosen major after the second week of the fall and spring semesters. You can view this information online in the student portal, or you can contact the Academic Advising Office after the second week of classes.

4. What if I have not chosen a major?

With more than 40 majors available at PLNU, it is not uncommon for new students to defer selecting a major. Undeclared students continue to work toward General Education graduation requirements while developing a broad-based cultural background and essential skills for personal and professional growth.  

Undeclared students at PLNU are encouraged to explore a variety of General Education courses at the university during the freshman and sophomore year. However, an academic major must be selected by the end of the sophomore year. In addition to course work exploration, the Career Services Office offers the Strong's Career Interest Inventory and Myers Briggs Personality Assessment to assist students in selecting an academic major.

5. Is it important that I chose a major AS A FIRST-TIME FRESHMAN?

That depends on the major you are considering. For example, if you are considering a major in one of the applied sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, math or nursing), in order to graduate in four years, you will need to select your major upon entrance into the university and begin to work toward completion of the program requirements the first semester that you attend PLNU.

Majors should be decided upon as soon as possible, and the Academic Advising Office is here to help you decide. During your first semester, and anytime thereafter, you may make an appointment with the director of Academic Advising to discuss a major that is consistent with your educational, career and spiritual goals. It is also recommended that you make an appointment with the director of Career Services for career and personality assessment.