FAQ
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH THE
DISCOVERY ADVISORS
This is the page where you can ask questions to current DAs via the Internet.
You should expect a response to your query within 24 hours.
Navigation:
Academic Advising / Scheduling (course selection and registration)
How to schedule an appointment with an advisor about my grades and class options? Need advice and options of how to fix my grade?
One way to set up an appointment with a Discovery Advisor is to scan the QR code found on our flyer around campus. Another way, is to email discovda@binghamton.edu requesting an appointment. One last way to sign up is to go to the DA Biography page, and email a DA from the list you would like to meet with, asking to set up a meeting.
My son wanted the learning community English class but was closed out. What is the best way to find out id a seat opens up?
Your best option would be to email the department and petition in the class to see if the will allow more students to enroll in the class. Otherwise, you would have to check BUBrain and enroll in the class when a spot opens up during the registration period.
I am an undeclared sophomore. I am currently enrolled in an anthropology class, ANTH 378, only to receive a W writing credit. I know that I am not going to pursue an anthropology major. If I pass/fail this class, will I still receive the W credit?
If you pass fail a class you will receive the W credit. If a student wants to pass/fail a C, W, or J, they will fulfill the requirement as it is these are not Gen Eds but rather Harpur requirements.
If it says I have credit for Spanish 115 on my DARS, what Spanish class(es) should I take to fulfill my Harpur requirement for foreign language? Also, if I choose to start a new language instead, would I just have to take 2 semester of any elementary level language?
Based on what you have listed, you have achieved the Introductory level of one language. To achieve the foreign language requirement, you can either take SPAN 211: Intermediate Spanish I, or take two semesters of a different language. If you have further questions relating to your foreign language requirement, please attend our office hours 5-8 pm Sunday- Thursday in the CIW Library, Hinman Library, or C4 Discovery Center. You can also contact Harpur Advising for further clarification.
How do summer online classes work exactly? Is there a certain timeframe that we need open during the day or do we just have due dates and do everything on our own time?
Summer classes are a great opportunity to get ahead on coursework here at Binghamton. There are two summer sessions offered and courses vary in each. Be sure when you register for summer classes, the location listed is DI LEARN, indicating there is no required attendance at Binghamton University. From my experience, most summer classes give a syllabus at the beginning of the summer semester to inform students of all due dates and instructors set the due time for each assignment (usually midnight of the day listed). I was able to complete my work and have a part time job because the instructor allowed us the flexibility, and told us in advance of all assignments so I could allocate time appropriately. In addition to assignments, some courses will require exams. There is usually a window of time (up to 24 hours) to complete them. I highly recommend you contact the listed instructor of classes you may be interested in taking.
Academic Guidance (i.e. major, minor)
Can you apply as a Non-declared major for Freshman in Engineering and then declare in Sophomore year?
Declaration of a major requires permission and consent from the department, in this case, the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science. One is free to choose whatever major to pursue as long as they fulfill and meet any initial requirements that the department and/or major entails.
Is failing a course better than withdrawing a course? If not, how to pick the GPA if have a low score of this course? Are there any replacement classes? Any options?
It is better to withdraw from a course than receiving an F. A failing grade will earn you 0 credits and will count towards your GPA, while withdrawing from a class will appear on you transcript as a "W", but will not affect your GPA. The best way to approach this question is on a case-by-case basis, because each student is different. If you withdraw from a class, you may retake it in the future. With withdrawals, there are other things to consider including your full time student status. Now, each circumstance will affect your GPA differently, so your best course of action is to meet with a Discovery Advisor who can talk with you, and if necessary, refer you to the proper department for further advice about withdrawals/ future courses.
Say if I received a low final grade like a C or D and I want a better grade in that course. Am I allowed to take the course again next semester to replace that grade?
The answer to your question depends on what school you are in. In Harpur for example, yes you can retake it but you cannot receive credit for the same course twice. Only the first letter grade will count for credit and will be calculated in your GPA. If the course was originally designated as pass/fail, neither the first nor the second grade will be factored into your GPA. Both course registrations and grades will appear on your transcript. Please note that repeated coursework does NOT count toward full time enrollment if the course was initially passed.
It's slightly different with the other schools. Please check with the advising websites or offices listed below.
SOM- Academic A, room 142
http://www2.binghamton.edu/som/undergraduate-programs/academic-advising/
Watson- LSG-552
http://www2.binghamton.edu/watson/advising/
CCPA- University Downtown Center, Room 407
http://www2.binghamton.edu/ccpa/human-development/current-students/advising-and-mentoring/index.html
Decker- AB 114
http://www2.binghamton.edu/dson/undergraduate-students/contact.html
Academic Management (time management, study techniques, and note-taking skills)
Hello, I was at the Hinman Library earlier. Does the Discovery Center help with PowerPoint presentations, both the mechanical and verbal part of it?
Yes, we can help you with your presentation skills. The public speaking skills lab also have trained interns to help you with your public speaking skills, they are located in Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center, Room 101B and their website is http://www2.binghamton.edu/public-speaking/index.html
Hello, I'm trying to find a tutor for Calculus 1 and I'm having a difficult time trying to figure out who to contact to accompllish this. I don't know if this is the right person to contact. I was wondering if you could please direct me to someone who can help me find a tutor. Thank you veyr much.
You sign up for tutoring through The Center for Learning and Teaching (CLT). You pick a tutor online by following the directions on this webpage http://www2.binghamton.edu/clt/tutoring.html. Tutoring takes place in the CIW library on a weekly basis and is usually in a group setting.
Campus Resources (extra-curricular opportunities)
What is the process behind becoming a CIW tutor?
You have to sign up with Kellie in the CIW Library. Generally, you need an A in the class you wish to tutor. More information can be obtained speaking with Kellie.
Is the CIW tutor a volunteer or paid position?
The Center for Learning and Teaching (CIW Library) tutors are in a paid position. They are well trained students that have excelled in their subjects. There are also internship opportunities available through the CLT, which would earned student credit as an internship. You can contact the Director of the CLT, Lisa Bennett, for more information.
Other
Where can I find the mailing address for my student while she is residing at school?
An example mailing address for a CIW resident would be the following:
The BU box number and mailbox combination can be found on the housing assignment page in BU Brain. Mail for students living in all the residential communities should be addressed using the following format:
CIW Student Example:
Student's Name
Student's BU Box ####
Binghamton University
4400 Vestal Parkway East
Binghamton, NY 13902
You can find your BU Box number from the following link: https://sds.binghamton.edu/nsh/
I am interested in becoming a discovery advisor, and I was wondering how many hours a week DAs typically work. Please let me know.
The amount of hours that the DA's work varies depending on the time of the semester, but typically a DA will work no less than 10 hours a week.
My name is Juliette and I am a transfer student for this spring semester (2013). I'd like to know what are the requirements of becoming a DA. Thank you!
DAs need to be at least sophomore standing to apply for the internship in the spring, which the deadline for this spring has passed. They must be in good standing with regard to judiciary aspects and they must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 from BU. They should look to apply for the CDCI internship next fall.
Where is you BU mail box located if you live in Hillside, Glimmerglass?
Your BU Mailbox for all Hillside residences is in the small square hut behind Belmont, and in between Catskill and Palisades. There's always a bunch of take-out menus and other flyers inside as well :D
If you have a package too large for your mailbox, you will be notified via email and the package will be held in the New Union Basement
-Former Filmore resident
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Last Updated: 11/1/12
