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The First-Year Handbook has both a print version which you have received along with other information regarding registration details, and an electronic version. After you receive the Handbook and registration information you should call 1-866-203-5288 or 253-535-7585 at your earliest convenience, to schedule a registration appointment time. Most first-year students will register on campus in June, but we want to assure you that if you cannot come to campus, we will register you by phone. Also, if you cannot attend during our special registration times in June, we are pleased to accommodate your schedule throughout the summer.
How to Select Courses
To select your Fall semester classes you will need to consult the course schedule (www.plu.edu/acad/schedules/fall2003.pdf); make an initial decision about which set of Core requirements you will complete; think about which First-Year Experience courses you are interested in (www.plu.edu/acad/schedules/fall2003.pdf); and consider whether there are any departmental or program requirements which you need to consider. Information about all these topics is available in this handbook.
How Many Courses Should I Take?
Typically, you should expect to register for 12 to 16 credit hours during your first semester. Most PLU courses are 4-credit courses. Many PE activity courses are 1 credit, and some departments offer 2, or 3 credit courses as well. During your first year you will likely complete 32 credits.
Your course load in the Fall may involve fewer hours than you may take in future semesters. PLU courses, will, of course, be more challenging than your high school classes or even running start courses you may have completed. The first semester is also a time of transition as you join the PLU community; adjust to living in a residence hall; and begin to grow and change as an independent adult.
What General Requirements Do I Need to Fulfill?
Many of your classes this year will meet general university requirements (www.plu.edu/print/catalog/gur.html or see the GURs section of this website) and first-year experience requirements (see the GURs section of this website or www.plu.edu/print/catalog/gur.html). As first glance these requirements may seem confusing or inapplicable to your future. There are, however, many good reasons for these requirements. For example, while you might already have an idea of which major you want to pursue, your choice might change when you get to college and experience all of the various courses and programs available. In addition, college is more than just preparing you for a job, but it also should help you become liberally educated, which means that you finish your formal college education with a passion for continuing to learn and an appreciation of all the world has to offer.
Can I Fit My Class Schedule Around Other Activities?
Your registration counselor will help you plan a class schedule which takes into consideration your participation in co-curricular activities such as sports, music, or student government and if you need to have a part-time job. Your counselor will also help you be aware of any special requirements which might affect your choices.
While it is great if you have an idea about what courses you want to take or which majors interest you, it is not a requirement. Your registration counselor will all help you consider your schedule and your future.
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