text: College not offering courses I need to graduate this spring. (degree, best) - Colleges and Universities -Higher education - City-Data Forum
  College not offering courses I need to graduate this spring. (degree, best)
  31 posts, read 292,381 times
  I am supposed to graduate May 2014. My college released the final list of spring courses on Monday and two of the required courses I need to graduate are not being offered. I e-mailed my adviser about the issue and she confirmed that they are not being offered, and we set up a meeting for next week because she would prefer to speak about it in person.
  I don't know what I should do at this point. How could they require courses and not offer them? I know for a fact that other people in my major and concentration need these courses, so I'm not alone. It's possible I will be able to take the courses as independent studies, but there's no guarantee. Could the college very likely keep me from graduating?
  This could also interfere with my post-graduation plans. I'm planning to enroll in a teacher certification program in fall 2014 and this could potentially hinder my plans. I'm not panicking at this point, but I'm just frustrated with the college and my department.
  331 posts, read 944,977 times
  Many Universities only offer upper-level courses during certain semesters due to staffing constraints. At the beginning of your undergrad or before your last 60 credit hours you should have met with an adviser and discussed your class plan. Many programs have a set schedule you should stick to so you do not end up in your situation. I hope you get it worked out but this is not uncommon.
  It is possible that those courses will be offered at other colleges in the area. If they are, make sure that your college will accept the credits before taking the courses. Another option may be online classes, either through your college or another accredited college. Again, make sure that you will receive the credits.
  I have been following the set schedule from the beginning. These particular courses are not to be taken until your final semester which is why I waited until now to take them, only to discover they are not offering them.
  578 posts, read 1,154,906 times
  While there is a set schedule, there are just some classes that aren't offered at some times of the year, and if you don't pay attention ... well, another semester.
  Do you know why the classes aren't offered? When we had budget cuts, I believe we got some leeway if the class got cut due to not enough attendance.
  I can look into it, if it really comes down to desperation. I know for a fact the community college near my own college does not offer these courses as they are upper level.
  It's not that I haven't been paying attention. I've had no issue until this semester because I have always taken the courses they recommend in the appropriate semesters. I've done everything I've been told. We are facing a possibility of budget cuts (not to my major), but I think the main reason is because a certain number of students is required to keep a class from being cancelled. I'm not sure what exact number that is, but I know of at least ten other people who need these two courses to graduate. If you look at the previous semesters of courses, these two courses have always been offered in the spring only for at least the past three springs.
  I'm more upset that the department is offering courses that no one actually needs towards any concentration, but are not offering required courses.
  Last edited by eriwriter; 10-03-2013 at 07:40 PM..
  >These particular courses are not to be taken until your final semester which is why I waited >until now to take them, only to discover they are not offering them.
  If really not your fault (and especially if because of a department problem with staffing) your department may be receptive to a petition to replace these courses with something similar. (Or independent study, as you suggest).
  I recommend a talk, in person, and by appointment with a department head or degree coordinator. Being calm and non-confrontational is your best bet.
  You may be able to get a waiver and take other courses in their place from the Academic Dean. It isn't all that uncommon in these situations, especially if your advisor is on board.
  Sometimes courses aren't taught as the instructor isn't available. They may be teaching other courses, be on sabbatical, or there are space or other issues. It happens.
  1,420 posts, read 2,748,144 times
  I'm planning to enroll in a teacher certification program in fall 2014 and this could potentially hinder my plans.