Changing Programs

Many times a student will realize after beginning coursework on a given program at TC3, that the program is not the right fit for that student. Often the student will visit the advisor to explore the option of changing to a new program.

The advisor can make sure the student considers the following issues when pursuing a program change:

Why is the student leaving the current program?
Why is the student attracted to the new program?
Does the student understand the main objective of the new program (employment vs. transfer)?
How do current and past coursework fit into the new program (use the “what if” option in Academic Plan on IQ Web to explore this)?

As the advisor, you can help the student decide if he or she really should be changing out of the original program. You may wish to consult the program web pages, audit sheets or tip sheets (all available on the advising web site under academic programs) for the programs the student is considering. You might also want to contact the program chair for the new program, or encourage the student to do so.

Often, a more extensive discussion with a counselor will be needed. If so, please refer the student to the Counseling, Career and Transfer Services office in room 216. The student can fill out a Change of Program Form with the counselor after discussing the various program options.

The student will need to process the program change form at the Enrollment Services Center (room 215). At that time, the student will be assigned a new advisor, and the previous advisor will be asked to forward the advisement folder to Enrollment Services so it can be completed and sent on to the new advisor.

Be sure to document your discussion with the student in IQ web, using the “advisor notes” feature. This will make it easier for the new advisor to know what factors led to the program change.

At the time of a program change, some students may benefit from requesting a GPA recalculation. The Recalculation policy provides students with a one-time opportunity to discount coursework from their academic record. Its purpose is to help the student meet the 2.0 GPA and earned/attempted ratio requirements for graduation.

The GPA recalculation policy may only be used once for any given student. It is particularly useful when a student changes programs and has a large number of “D” or “F” grades in courses which do not apply in the new program.

Tompkins Cortland Community College

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	Standards for Academic Progress Earning Multiple Degrees Add/Drop/Withdraw Waivers of Required Courses Grading/GPA Definitions and Policies GPA Recalculation Policy Transfer Credits Dual Credit/AP Credit/CLEP Exams Financial Aid Regulations Course Loads Applying for Graduation Changing Programs Types of Degrees	Changing Programs Many times a student will realize after beginning coursework on a given program at TC3, that the program is not the right fit for that student. Often the student will visit the advisor to explore the option of changing to a new program. The advisor can make sure the student considers the following issues when pursuing a program change: Why is the student leaving the current program? Why is the student attracted to the new program? Does the student understand the main objective of the new program (employment vs. transfer)? How do current and past coursework fit into the new program (use the “what if” option in Academic Plan on IQ Web to explore this)? As the advisor, you can help the student decide if he or she really should be changing out of the original program. You may wish to consult the program web pages, audit sheets or tip sheets (all available on the advising web site under academic programs) for the programs the student is considering. You might also want to contact the program chair for the new program, or encourage the student to do so. Often, a more extensive discussion with a counselor will be needed. If so, please refer the student to the Counseling, Career and Transfer Services office in room 216. The student can fill out a Change of Program Form with the counselor after discussing the various program options. The student will need to process the program change form at the Enrollment Services Center (room 215). At that time, the student will be assigned a new advisor, and the previous advisor will be asked to forward the advisement folder to Enrollment Services so it can be completed and sent on to the new advisor. Be sure to document your discussion with the student in IQ web, using the “advisor notes” feature. This will make it easier for the new advisor to know what factors led to the program change. At the time of a program change, some students may benefit from requesting a GPA recalculation. The Recalculation policy provides students with a one-time opportunity to discount coursework from their academic record. Its purpose is to help the student meet the 2.0 GPA and earned/attempted ratio requirements for graduation. The GPA recalculation policy may only be used once for any given student. It is particularly useful when a student changes programs and has a large number of “D” or “F” grades in courses which do not apply in the new program.
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