Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the important deadlines I need to be aware of for the Fall 2008 semester?
• What if I am undecided about my major?
• How/When do I declare a major?
• What classes do I need for my major/minor?
• How and when will I register for my classes?
• How many classes can I take?
• Can I take more than 19 credits a semester?
• What are DEC requirements and why does Stony Brook require them?
• Can I search by just DEC category when making a schedule?
• What should I do to fulfill the skill 3 language requirement?
• How/When can I apply for graduation?
• How do I prepare to attend medical school after I graduate?
• How do I prepare to attend law school after I graduate?

What are the important deadlines I need to be aware of for the Fall 2008 semester?

The important deadlines to keep in mind are:
September 15 by 4:00PM-Last day to drop or withdraw from the university without a “W” (withdraw) recorded on student record. Student is liable to pay pro-rated tuition and all fees.
September 15 by 4:00PM- Last day for students to process a swap. Tuition Liability may apply if student reduces credit load. (Tuition schedule here).
September 15 by 4:00PM- Last day to add classes. End of late registration. Petition required after this date.
September 15 by 4:00PM- Last day to change status to or from full-time or part-time status.
November 3 by 4:00PM- Last day to change a class to and from P/NC, Last day to withdraw from class. (“W” will be recorded. Full-time students must remain full-time with a minimum of twelve (12.0) credits.
November 3 by 4:00PM- Last day to withdraw from University.

Information regarding the Winter Session 2009 can be found here.

For more deadlines and events, students can also view the Academic Calendars located on the Registrar’s website here.

You should first consult with an academic advisor before making any changes to your schedule.

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What if I am undecided about my major?

Start exploring by taking at least one elective course each semester, one that might even fulfill a DEC requirement. You should take only 100-level and 200-level courses in your first semester. You do not need to declare a major until you have earned 45 credits toward your degree, but it is important to find some direction during your first year. The Career Center is a good resource to help explore your major and career options. You may also want to consider taking CAR110, a course designed to help you select a major. You can also schedule an appointment with an advisor in the Academic and Pre-Professional Advising Center. Click here for a list of majors and minors.

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How/When do I declare a major?

Students are required to declare a major upon earning 45 credits. The student will need to bring a Major/Minor Declaration form to the prospective majors department to be signed. The student then returns the form to the registrar’s office. This is also the same procedure for changing, adding, dropping a major and minor. Major/Minor Declaration forms are available in the bins outside the Academic and Pre-Professional Advising Center, and also on the Registrar’s website here. Please be aware that majors within the College of Business and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences require a separate application process.

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What classes do I need for my major/minor?

Students can view this information in the 2007-2009 Bulletin online located here. However, it is recommended that students meet with an advisor in their major/minor department to ensure they are on track with major/minor requirements. The Undergraduate Program Director contact information sheet is available in the bins outside the Academic & Pre-Professional Advising Center and here.

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How and when will I register for my classes?

The SOLAR system allows you to enroll in courses, place yourself onto wait lists for specific closed courses, confirm enrollment or course changes, and receive a complete schedule summary including class times, locations, and instructors. The full listing of courses and course descriptions are on-line via Stony Brook’s SOLAR system at www.stonybrook.edu/solarsystem.

Continuing students will also use the SOLAR system to register each semester. Be sure to check SOLAR for your enrollment appointment each semester, which is found under “Student Records & Registration” on your SOLAR main page. This will give you a date and time that you will be able to begin registering for the upcoming semester. For further help you can visit the online demo here.

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How many classes can I take?

Full-time students enroll in four or five classes (an average of 12-16 credits). Full-time students must maintain a minimum of 12 credits, and part-time can take up to a maximum of 11. Students can register for a maximum of 17 credits until one week prior to the start of classes, when the limit will be raised to 19 credits.

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Can I take more than 19 credits a semester?

Yes, if your GPA is over a 3.0 your credit limit will automatically be raised to 23 credits just before the start of the semester. If your GPA is between a 2.5 and a 3.0 you can obtain the petition to overload at the Academic & Pre-Professional Advising Center. You will not be able to overload if it is your first semester at Stony Brook, if you have an “Incomplete” or Q grade on your transcript, or if you have below a 2.5 cumulative GPA.

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What are DEC requirements and why does Stony Brook require them?

The DEC is a liberal arts foundation for your study at Stony Brook, and gives you exposure to many different fields and disciplines, including the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The DEC includes various categories from A through K (i.e., CHE 131-E means that Chemistry 131 is a DEC E class.), which all need to be completed to graduate. Note that DEC requirements differ for students in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. DEC categories A and C require you to earn a C or better in each course, while the remaining DEC categories require a D or better in each course.

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Can I search by just DEC category when making a schedule?

Yes. On the class search page on SOLAR, click on the pull-down menu next to “Rqmnt Designation”.

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What should I do to fulfill the skill 3 language requirement?

The skill 3 language requirement is required for all students with a major in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Journalism, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, and the College of Business. You will fulfill this requirement upon successful completion of a 112 or 101 level language course. You must earn a C or better to satisfy the requirement. You can also fulfill this requirement if you received a grade of 85 or higher on a foreign language Regents exam taken in high school or by taking a Challenge Exam, offered by the Academic & Pre-Professional Advising Center. Click here more for information about the Challenge Exam.

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How/When can I apply for graduation?

Students are able to apply for graduation as soon as they earn 102 credits. To apply for graduation, click on the Degree Progress/Graduation link on your SOLAR main page.

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How do I prepare to attend medical school after I graduate?

The specific courses you take will depend upon the score you earn on the math placement exam. You should also attend the various information sessions during the academic year to learn more about medical school and other opportunities in the health professions. More information is available here.

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How do I prepare to attend law school after I graduate?

Law school does not require a specific undergraduate major or curriculum. More information is available here.

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