Frequently Asked Questions
Adjusting to College and campus life can be a tumultuous experience but your departmental advisors can be a great help. Below are some frequently asked questions from students in your department. If you have a question about the University or departmental policies and procedures, make sure you make an appointment with your academic advisor
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What courses count towards my major Grade Point Average (GPA)?
Any upper-division biology course you take (even if it's above and beyond the minimum number of units required) will be counted in your major GPA. Your major GPA does NOT include any pre-major course work (Chemistry, Math or Physics). -
What is the Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA)?
The MCWA is a university-wide assessment of your college level writing proficiency. Students who receive a B or better in their second semester freshman composition course (ENGL 102) have satisfied their MCWA. If you receive a C or lower, you will need to meet with your departmental advisor to determine addition coursework needed to satisfy your MCWA. Remember, that your upper-division writing emphasis courses require a satisfied MCWA for registration. -
How many community college transfer units can I count towards my degree?
The Maximum number of community college units that you can transfer towards your degree is 64. However, all credits transferred to the university may not be applicable to your major requirements. Meet with your departmental advisor to determine which transfer course work will apply towards your degree. -
How many units do I need to graduate with a degree from the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology?
You need a minimum of 120 units to graduate with a B.S. or B.A. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology or a B.S. in Biology. Students who choose to work towards a double degree must earn a minimum of 150 units as well as satisfy the major requirements for both degrees. For more information on double degrees or double majors contact your departmental advisor. -
What are upper-division units and how many do I need for my degree?
Upper-division units are units earned from courses numbered at the 300 and 400 level. For example, taking ECOL 335 (Evolution) will earn you four upper-division units. All degrees in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology require a minimum of 42 upper-division units to graduate. -
Do I have to maintain a minimum GPA to graduate from the University of Arizona?
University of Arizona Academic Policy states that you must have a 2.0 or higher in BOTH your cumulative GPA and major GPA to obtain your degree. If you have questions regarding your cumulative GPA vs. your major GPA contact your departmental advisor. -
What is a GRO?
GRO stands for Grade Replacement Opportunity. GRO will help you factor low or failing grades out of your cumulative and major GPAs. Grades received in courses repeated for GRO credit will replace the grade received in the same class in the previous occurrence. However, GRO WILL NOT remove a low or failing grade from your college transcripts. University policy only allows 10 units of course work to be repeated for GRO credit and only students with fewer than 60 UA units are eligible for GRO. Also, medical schools will use all grades (including GRO courses) when they calculate your GPA. -
What is a degree check and Degree Candidacy?
All students planning to graduate from the University of Arizona must file for Degree Candidacy. Degree Candidacy can be filed up to one year before you intend to graduate from the UA. In order to file for Degree Candidacy, you must first make an appointment with your departmental advisor to do a senior degree check to make sure that all of your general education and major requirements are or will be fulfilled by your graduation date. After your departmental advisor confirms that all academic requirements are fulfilled they will submit your application for degree candidacy and a degree candidacy fee of $35.00 will be placed on your bursars account. Degrees are not awarded until final degree candidacy audits are conducted by the College of Science graduation services and all outstanding balances on your bursars account are paid. -
What is an Advisement Report?
An Advisement Report is a dynamic document that shows all course work completed at UA or course work that has been transferred in from other institutions. Your Advisement Report lists course work already taken to satisfy your general education and major requirements and outlines departmental approved courses that are still required to finish your degree. The requirements for declared minor degrees as well as second majors can also be seen on your Advisemesnt Report. Your Advisemesnt Report also shows your academic progress including cumulative GPA, major GPA, total number of units towards your degree and the total number of upper-division units completed. -
Where can I get a copy of my Advisement Report?
You can find your Advisement Report in the UAccess student center under "Academic Requirements". You will need your UA NetID as well as your personal identification number (PIN) to enter the secure site. -
Where do I send transcripts from other colleges?
The Registrar's Office handles all transcript requests and processing from other institutions. -
What are the procedures for taking a course at another institution and transferring it back to UA?
Students taking a course at another Arizona institution can use the AZ Course Equivalency Guide to find what courses at other institutions will transfer in as specific UA courses. Students taking a course at an institution outside of Arizona can get the course pre-approved for transfer by filling out the Transfer Credit Preapproval Form and returning it to the Administration Building, Room 210. After completion of any courses outside of UA, an official transcript must be sent to the Office of the Registrar so the credit can be evaluated and added to your program of study.
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