Frequently Asked Questions
APPOINTMENTS
How do I schedule an appointment to meet with an academic counselor?
Appointments are scheduled by calling (949) 824-4334 or by visiting REC 305.
What if I want to see a specific counselor?
Although you may request a specific counselor appointments are generally scheduled during the 1st available time slot.
Are peer academic advisors available for appointments?
No, but our peer academic advisors are available each day for a walk in. Hours are posted in the lobby of REC 305.
ENROLLMENT
I want to add a course but it is after the 2nd week deadline. Can I still add the course?
You may submit an online enrollment exception request to add the course. Please note that you may be asked to provide verification from the instructor that you have been attending the course. Changes after the deadline are never guaranteed.
I want to drop a course but it is after the 2nd week deadline. Can I still drop the course?
You may submit an online enrollment exception request to drop the course. Please note that approval to drop the course is not guaranteed. All requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
I want to change my grade option but it is after the 2nd week deadline? Can I still make this change?
Requests to change grade option are generally approved through the end of 6th week. Following that, only those requests with extenuating circumstances are approved. Please note that all major required courses must be taken for a letter grade.
CHANGE OF MAJOR
How do I change my major to engineering?
In order to change to an engineering major, the change of major requirements must be met.
All students wishing to change their major must attend a Change of Major workshop. The date/time for upcoming workshops can be found in the Undergraduate Student Affairs Office in REC 305.
I am currently an engineering major but I want to change to a different engineering major. What are the steps?
You should follow the plan of study for your intended major. Once you have met the change of major requirements, you may submit a change of major request.
PROBATION/SUBJECT TO DISQUALIFICATION/APPEALS
What does it mean to be on probation?
If your quarterly GPA, your overall GPA or your engineering GPA fall below a 2.0, you will be placed on a 1 quarter academic probation. In order to return to good academic standing, all of these GPAs must be raised to at least a 2.0 within 1 quarter.
What does it mean to be subject to disqualification?
If your quarterly GPA falls below 2.0 for 2 consecutive quarters or below a 1.5 for 1 quarter, you are subject to disqualification and will be required to sign a 3 quarter academic contract. You may be required to sign a continuing contract which permits you to remain in engineering or you may be required to sign an exit contract which permits you 3 quarters to change your major.
I violated my contract, now what?
If you violate the terms of a continuing contract and wish to remain in engineering, you are required to submit a letter of appeal that details the reasons for your performance and your plan to return to good academic standing. The appeal will be reviewed by the Associate Director and a decision will be made based on the feasibility of success in engineering. If you have decided to exit engineering, you do not need to appeal and can simply sign a new exit contract.
If you violate the terms of an exit contract and wish to remain at UCI, you are required to submit a letter of appeal that details the reasons for your performance and your plan to change your major within 1 quarter. The appeal will be reviewed by the Associate Director and a decision will be made based on the feasibility of entering a new major within 1 quarter.
When will I be notified of a decision on my appeal?
Decisions are made within 2 weeks of submission of the appeal letter. Decisions are given via email.
PETITIONS
How do I enroll in a course if the prerequisites were not completed at UCI?
How do I request a course substitution, course review or general change to my program of study?
How do I request an update to my degree audit?
UNIT CAP
How do I enroll in more than 20 units during the academic year?
If you have at least a 3.0 overall GPA, you may request authorization for excess units. Request can be made in person or online.
How do I enroll in more than 10 units during summer session?
If you have at least a 3.0 overall GPA, you may request approval to enroll in additional units during summer session. Please contact your academic counselor who will then provide a letter of approval to the Summer Session office.
WITHDRAWING
Withdrawal forms can be picked up at REC 305. Due to the office telecommuting, please email ugengr@uci.edu or an academic counselor regarding withdrawing from UCI.
How do I withdraw from UCI?
If you wish to withdraw from the current quarter, submit a Withdrawal form to REC 305 for signature. Once the signature has been obtained, the withdrawal form must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office.
If you wish to withdraw for the following quarter, submit a Withdrawal form to REC 305 for signature. Once the signature has been obtained, the withdrawal form must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office.
READMISSION
How do I readmit to Engineering?
If you withdrew from Engineering and UCI and were in good academic standing (2.0 overall GPA), you may contact the Undergraduate Student Affairs Office for readmission. Once you have been readmitted, you will be required to pay a readmission fee in order to enroll in courses. You must discuss course enrollment with a counselor in order to be sure you are taking the appropriate courses.
What if I was not in good academic standing when I withdrew from UCI?
If you were not in good academic standing when you withdrew, you will be required to provide documentation of having completed courses while away from UCI. Generally speaking, students must have continued their education with a 3.0 GPA or higher to be considered for readmission.
What if I want to readmit to another major outside of Engineering?
Please contact the academic unit that offers your intended major.
PART-TIME ENROLLMENT
How do I request part-time enrollment (10 units or below)?
Part-time study may be requested for the following 3 reasons: occupation, health or family responsibilities. Documentation is required. If you qualify for part-time study, submit an Undergraduate Petition for Reduced Fee Part-time Study form to the Undergraduate Student Affairs Office in RE 305.
What if I need to take more than 10 units after submitting a part-time study form?
Part-time study must be cancelled in order to enroll in more than 10 units. Submit an Undergraduate Petition for Reduced Fee Part-time Study form requesting to cancel the part-time study to the Undergraduate Student Affairs Office in REC 305.
UNAFFILIATED ENGINEERING
I have recently been assigned by Undecided/Undeclared to Engineering. Now what?
First, welcome to Engineering! All students assigned to Engineering during week 6 of Spring quarter will be contacted by an Engineering counselor in order to discuss each student’s intended Engineering major. A plan of study will be created with each student with recommended courses for summer and the upcoming year. Once students have been initially contacted, they may schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor.
RESOURCES
Does Engineering offer tutoring?
Yes, Engineering offers free tutoring and mentoring for each of our departments through the Office of Access and Inclusion (OAI) mentor program. Our mentors are available to discuss the program in general or to assist students with their math, science, and engineering courses. Schedules for the mentors are available here and in the Undergraduate Student Affairs Office in REC 305
What other tutoring resources are available on campus?
The math, physics and chemistry departments all offer free tutoring. Schedules are available on their respective departmental websites.
FACULTY ADVISING
What is faculty advising?
Faculty advising takes place once a year and is offered by the departments. During this advising session, faculty will present on the different opportunities available in the departments as well as discuss each major and any upcoming changes to the programs of study. This is a great opportunity for students to learn more about their chosen field. Faculty advising is required for each student.
What if I miss faculty advising?
Each department has designated ways to make up a missed advising session. If you missed faculty advising, a hold will be placed on your enrollment until you have completed the make-up assignment. Please contact your academic department for more details.
ACADEMIC/FINANCIAL HOLDS
Why do I have a hold on my record?
First, you must identify which department placed the hold. Once you’ve done that, you should contact that respective department in order to determine what must be done to resolve the hold. If you have a financial hold, you must contact Financial Services.
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
Please review the Academic Misconduct policy from the Office of Academic Integrity and Student Conduct.
COURSE ENROLLMENT
To enroll in classes, log on to your WebReg account, review the Adding Course Tutorial and WebSOC to learn how to add a course and review the courses available.
FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal privacy law that gives parents certain protections with regard to their children's education records, such as report cards, transcripts, disciplinary records, contact and family information, and class schedules. As a parent, you have the right to review your child's education records and to request changes under limited circumstances. To protect your child's privacy, the law generally requires schools to ask for written consent before disclosing your child's personally identifiable information to individuals other than you.
WHEN CONCERNS ARISE
Recognizing that sometimes issues arise:
How would I report an issue with a Faculty member?
If you have an incident with a faculty member, you are invited to contact the Department Chair and/or Associate Dean of Student Affairs. In your email, please provide the faculty’s name, the course (if applicable), the date and a brief synopsis.
How would I report an issue regarding my Counselor?
If an issue arises with your Academic Counselor, you are invited to contact the Director of Undergraduate Student Affairs and/or the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Student Affairs. In your email, please provide the name of the counselor, the date (if there is a specific incident you are referring to), and a brief synopsis of what occurred. If necessary, you will be invited to a meeting with them to discuss the issue further.
What do I do if I don’t trust the process in the School?
We are sorry you would feel that way, but understand your concern. If you are unsure that you will be treated fairly, the campus has an Ombudsman that acts as a confidential, impartial, independent and informal channel for dispute resolution. The Ombudsman would listen to your concern and then talk to the people involved within the school to attempt to resolve the situation. The Ombudsman can be reached at 949-824-7256. Visit their website to learn more about this important office: https://ombuds.uci.edu.