If you are a high school graduate entering SIUC as a freshman, you can complete all degree requirements in the normal four years (or possibly less). Prior exposure to computers is not a prerequisite. However, the department does honor the Advanced Placement Test in Computer Science given by the College Board. Additionally, the department can grant proficiency credit, particularly for the first course (CS 202), through examinations given by the department's Undergraduate Program Director.

If you are transferring from a community college, you can complete the departmental requirements in five or six semesters. Less time may be required depending on time of entrance and prior preparation. More precise estimates may be given in individual cases. It should be noted, however, that an associate degree in data processing may not significantly reduce the number of semesters required.

A transfer student need not have taken calculus prior to entrance into the program, but it is desirable that the student have had suitable precalculus courses. Indeed, Math 111 (Precalculus) or its equivalent (Math 108 and Math 109) is a prerequisite to CS 215. Math 150 (Calculus I) is required of majors in the B.S. degree only.

The Computer Science Undergraduate Program Director will meet with new admitted and transfer students to review your career objectives and help you outline a course of study to meet your goals. The Director is available for assistance to CS undergraduate majors at any time throughout their program of study. To make an appointment, call the Computer Science Main Office at 536-2327.

Additionally, an Undergraduate Orientation seminar is conducted each fall semester. The seminar offers you an opportunity to gain familiarity with changes in the curriculum and an opportunity to ask questions regarding the curriculum, course offerings, advisement, registration, and departmental issues.

There are some Computer Science students who must meet with the Undergraduate Program Director. They are:

1. Students who are on academic probation
2. Students who have less than a 2.00 average in the major
3. Students deemed to be academically "at risk"
4. Graduating seniors (with Major Check forms)

New Freshmen or Transfer Students:

Once admitted to the University and after the initial meeting with the Undergraduate Program Director, new freshmen and/or transfer students must make an appointment with an advisor in the College of Science Advisement Office. To see an advisor, call 536-5537 or stop by Neckers A185 at least two days in advance to make an appointment. This will allow the advisor time to review your transfer credit and set up the MATH placement testing, if needed.

Current Students:

The first two weeks of fall and spring semesters, the College of Science Advisement Office is open for walk-ins all day. If you have problems or questions, drop in at your convenience. No appointment is necessary. After the second week, there are two or three walk-in hours every day for problems and questions. If you need to see an advisor, call 536-5537 or stop by Neckers A185 to see when these times are available.

Make advisement/registration appointments early. During the second week of each semester, the College of Science Advisement Office begins making advisement/registration appointments for the next semester. Registering early can make a difference in obtaining the classes you want.

SalukiNet:

SalukiNet is a web-based information system available to all SIUC students. You can use it to register, obtain class schedules and grades, inquire about financial aid, and much more. All you need is your 9-digit SIUC student ID number and your 4-digit PIN (new students are initially assigned a random PIN and are normally informed of it in writing at the time of admission or registration). You are strongly urged to change your PIN as soon as possible in order to maintain the privacy of your records. SalukiNet is available at http://salukinet.siu.edu/ More information on SalukiNet and Web Registration is available at http://registrar.siu.edu/

Adding and Dropping Classes:

Classes can be added during the first week of each semester. If you foresee any problems with a class, see your advisor for assistance.

If you find yourself overloaded, classes can be dropped until the end of the second week without affecting your record. Between the second week and the eighth week, classes can be dropped with a "W" (withdrawal) grade. This does not affect your grade point average. If you are having problems, talk to an advisor as early as possible.

Career Services:

At the beginning of your junior year, you should register with University Career Services to begin the job search process at http://careerservices.siuc.edu.

Graduation:

An application for graduation must be completed and submitted during the first two weeks of your last semester. You may obtain an application form from the Office of Graduation and Special Events, Woody Hall A117 or print the form at http://registrar.siuc.edu/pdf/GraduationApplication.pdf.