??? Frequently Asked Questions ???
Who is my Academic Advisor? The FCS Academic Advisor is Mrs. Rose Myers-Bradley. Her office is in Klehm Hall 1044. She can be contacted at 217-581-5310 or rmyersbradley@eiu.edu. Her job is to help you plan your schedule for each semester. She is also available to assist students with any academic advisement problems and can direct students to other resources they may need. Students are cautioned to remember that the advisor is just that--an advisor. It is the student's responsibility to keep himself/herself informed about the requirements, policies and regulations. Advisement files are sent to Mrs. Bradley after students declare the FCS major and have met the FCS admission criteria.
What is the Academic Advising and Assistance Center? The Academic Advising Center is located at 2100 9th Street Hall, 217-581-2313. This center is for all beginning freshmen and all students with undeclared majors, and pre-business students. In addition to serving these specified groups, the Center serves all undergraduate students by providing assistance concerning academic policies and procedures. The Center will counsel both currently enrolled students and prospective students. The Center is a RESOURCE that can offer help to all students as they make decisions about current academic programs and as they relate to future career goals.
What is the Academic Assessment and Testing Center? Academic Assessment and Testing is located at 2100 9th Street Hall, 217-581-5986. The staff of this center sponsors a Test Taking Skills workshop each semester. Included in this are topic such as: Test Anxiety, Studying for Tests, and Taking Tests. Watch the Eastern New and bulletin boards for specific dates or call the Testing center.
What is academic probation and/or warning? Academic probation/warning means that your cumulative GPA is below 2.0. You should always check your grades on the PAWS system after each semester especially if you have had some problems with any courses. If on probation or warning, freshman and sophomores must earn a GPA of 2.10 or higher during the following semester. Juniors and seniors must earn a GPA of 2.25 or higher during the next semester.
How do I apply for graduation? When an FCS major reaches 60 semester hours, they are encouraged to apply for graduation through the PAWS system.
Following are details that you need to know before completing the online forms:
- Major: Family and Consumer Sciences
- Degree: Bachelor of Science
- Option (one of the following): Dietetics, FamilyServices or FCS in Business. If the option you have selected is FCS in Business, the area of concentration will be one of the following:
- Hospitality Management
- Merchandising
- Consumer Studies
The FCS in Business area must declare the Business Administration minor. Other minors should also be declared if appropriate.
PREPARING FOR GRADUATION
A degree audit will be mailed to you from the Dean' s office two to three weeks after you apply for graduation. Requirements for receiving a Bachelor's degree and other graduation requirements remaining will be listed on the checklist. If you do not agree with the audit or have a question, see your academic advisor immediately.
Where can I go for additional information on career planning and placement? Career planning should begin for students from the first day at EIU. Some avenues to utilize include the Placement Office - making an appointment with a counselor at 581-2412 and attending Student Association of Family and Consumer Sciences membership meetings. Also discuss careers with faculty members. Read articles and books about careers. Become acquainted with the myriad of resources on careers available to you in Booth Library; ask a librarian for assistance in the reference room. Use one or more shadowing experiences to help in making career decisions. Also, there is a Career Library in Placement Services. In addition, SIGI is available (a career decision-making software package) in the Counseling Center.
Career Services offers assistance to students in: choosing a major or career options; career library resources; workshops/seminars on effective resume/cover letter writing, interviewing skills, and job search techniques; on-campus interviews, 4 to 5 career fairs hosted annually;and online registration placing your resume on the web for referrals to employers. Fall/Spring hours are M - F 8am to 4:30pm with evening hours by appointment only. Summers hours are 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday. Contact Linda Moore, for more information on campus interviews at (217) 581-2412 or (217) 581-6396 or email her at lmmoore@eiu.edu.
Students MUST register with Career Services (1301 Student Services Building) for all campus interviews. Sign up at Career Services two weeks prior to the interview at 1301 Student Services Building or call 581-2411. Upcoming interviews of interest are mailed to all department chairs for posting. Vacancies are listed with Placement Services and will be posted in various departments.
Where do I go to change my name and/or address? Be sure your local and home phone number and addresses are correct each semester. You will need to notify the Records Office and the Housing Office concerning any changes. Notification can be made to the Housing Office. Students need to go to the Records office in person to make the necessary changes. Please do nso as soon as possible so that we are able to contact you in case of an emergency.
Where can I go for questions regarding Commencement? For information about cap and gown orders, diploma covers and the Commencement ceremony can be found at http: www.eiu.edu/~commence.
Can I take a class as a community college over the summer? If you wish to take a course over the summer, check with your academic advisor BEFORE you register to make sure the course will transfer with credit. Log into the EIU Records Transfer equivalency page for further information.
How do I drop a class? See your academic advisor BEFORE dropping a class because this could affect your graduation date. If you decide to drop a class, you can do so through your PAWS account.
What is the Electronic Writing Portfolio and who has to complete one? The Electronic Writing Portfolio (EWP) is a graduation requirement for all students following a 2000 or later catalog. Students submit essays to their EWP each year after completion of an approved writing intensive course. Go to EWP for details on how to submit portfolios and a listing of writing intensive courses.
What is the FCS admission criteria? Criteria for admission to the School of Family and Consumer Sciences major includes the completion of 15 semester hours of work taken at EIU or at another institution of higher education and a minimum of 2.0 cumulative grade point average.
Where can I find answers about my financial aid? Please contact the Financial Aid office at 217-581-3713 or go to Office of Finacial Aid Website.
What is the foreign language requirement? The foreign language graduation requirement is met by the completion of two years of the same language in high school (with an average grade of "C" or better) or the completion of the second level of a language at the college level. Questions should be addressed to the Records Office website or call 217-581-3511.
How can I figure my grade point average? Students can check their grades and cumulative GPA on PAWS at the end of each term. Click here for GPA Calculator.
Where can I find information about Graduate School? For information on Master's (Graduate) programs click here or call 217-581-2220.
Master's in Family and Consumer Sciences - Contact Dr. Lisa Taylor
Master's of Arts in Gerontology - Contact Dr. Jacquelyn Frank
If I am an International Student, where should I go first? Inquiries regarding international student enrollment need to contact International Programs at +001 (217)-581-2321.
Where do I find information about FCS Internships? Dr. Lisa Brooks is the FCS Internship Coordinator. Her office is located in Klehm Hall 2012 and her phone number is 581-6958. Click here for the Internship webpage.
What is KONu (Kappa Omicron Nu)? This is an honor society that recognizes and encourages excellence in scholarship, research and leadership in Family and Consumer Sciences. Invitations to eligible undergraduate and graduate students are mailed in the early part of Fall and Spring semester.
Where can I find information about off-campus courses? Go to the School of Continuing Education website or call 1-800-446-8918.
Where do I start if I am interested in pursuing a teaching certificate after I graduate with a bachelor's degree? Jeff Duck in the College of Educatin and Professional Studies hangles post-baccalaureate teacher cerfitication. Please call him at 217-581-2524 or email.
Where do I get information for the Proficiency Examination? See current catalog for the latest information on proficiency exams.
NOTE: Not all courses have proficiency exams available. Successful completion of a proficiency exam meets the requirement and semester hours of credit for that course.
Procedure for completing a proficiency exam - The student must
- Pick up application in the Registrar's Office, Old Main 1220
- Contact the instructor(s) of the course(s) to make arrangements to take the exam.
- Obtain approval from the chairperson in the department the course is offered.
- Pa the non-refundable fee of $10.00 per semester hour of credit to be earned.
What is the Reading Center? Reading Center Website - it is located at 1320 Buzzard Hall and the phone number is 581-7989. They offer assistance to those who recognize a need for guidance and practice with essential reading and study skills. Help is give to students in developing flexibility in reading rate, improving comprehension, increasing speed and in practicing efficient study habits. Individual and group testing is conducted by faculty and graduate assistants.
What do I do if my Alternate PIN number doesn't work for registration? Contact your academic advisor or the registration office for assistance at 217-581-3831.
Should I repeat a class? If you fail a required course, you must repeat it as soon as possible. You may also choose to repeat a course in which you received a D. For other information regarding repeating courses, speak with your academic advisor or consult your catalog. You must repeat courses that are pre-requisites for other courses as soon as possible.
What scholarships are available? The School of Family and Consumer Sciences scholarship applications will be linked on the FCS home page in September of each fall semester. Recipients will be notified early in the fall semester and an awards ceremony is held in November to present their awards. Students receive money from the Foundation Office and it generally goes right into the student's account if a balance is still due.
What is SAFCS (Student Association of Family and Consumer Sciences)? The Student Association of Family and Consumer Sciences is a student member section on campus of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. One of the largest student affiliates in the nation, it provides networking opportunity with professionals in the field. Meetings related to options are held monthly; additionally, special functions at the local and state level are available. See the graduate assistant in charge of student organizations in Klehm Hall Room 1435 or visit their website for membership information.
What should I do if I forget to return my textbooks? Contact Textbook Rental Services at 217-581-3626.
Where can I obtain a copy of my transcript? Transcripts can only be obtained from the Registrar's Office. Call 217-581-3511 or go to their website.
Where do I send my transfer credits? The Registrar's Office handles all transfer coursework. Mail transcripts to : Registrar's Office, Eastern Illinois University, 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920.
Who can help me if I don't understand my tuition bill? Contact the Cashiers Office at 217-581-3715.
Where can I go for tutoring? Many departments on campus offer tutoring for students having difficulty in some of their courses. For further information regarding tutoring, contact your instructors or see an advisor in the Academic Advising Tutoring Schedule. Sometimes the problems students encounter are not as large as they initially appear. All instructors schedule regular office hours so they are available for students that may have questions. Please feel free to make an appointment to meet with your instructor when necessary. Pursue this as soon as you recognize you need help---waiting only amplifies the problem.
What and where is the Writing Center? The Writing Center is located in 3110 Coleman Hall (217-581-5929). It is a tutoring service for all EIU students. While they DO NOT proofread papers, they will answer questions, offer suggestions and help make the work of writing a little easier. Students may call the center for an appointment or just walk in. Students that are aware of weaknesses in their writing and wish to improve can come in for a "checkup" and regular tutoring sessions; or, if they have a question about a specific writing assignment, they can also use the center. Students are especially welcome to come into the center to work on papers; they have study carrels, hot coffee, dictionaries and help the minute you need it. Students receive individual help and no grades. The center is open Monday through Thursday form 9am to 3pm and 6pm to 9pm and on Friday from 9am to 1pm and some evenings.
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