Academic Counseling FAQs
How do I change my major?
The proper office/advisement to change your major is based on your Cumulative GPA and your earned hours. The chart below will provide guidance.
| CLASSIFICATION | CUMULATIVE GPA | OFFICE TO REPORT TO INITAITE CHANGE |
| Freshman/sophomore | (0-59 hours) 0.00-4.00 | Academic Success Center - Lee Hall |
| Junior Senior | (60+ hours) 0.00-1.99 | Academic Success Center - Lee Hall |
| Junior/Senior (60+ hours) | 2.00 - 4.00 | Academic Dean's Office (of *new* major) |
NOTE: If you are transferring into University College, formally known as general studies, you must have your transcript evaluated in University College, located in DeClouet Hall, Room 104, before your change of major can be initiated.
NOTE: If you are changing your major to Nursing, that must be initiated in V.L. Wharton Hall Rm. 254.
NOTE: If you are transferring into music or music education, you must pass an audition through the music department in Angelle Hall before your change of major can be initiated.
How do I drop a class?
Students with less than 60 credit hours or a less than 2.0 GPA go to Lee Hall, Room 115, to see an advisor.
Students with more than 60 credit hours and a 2.0 GPA or higher go to their academic dean.
If you are registered with our online RN-to-BSN program, you should email name, ULID, and drop request to rn2bsnadvisor@louisiana.edu
If you are registered with one of our other online UNDERGRADUATE programs, please email your name, ULID, and drop request to lana@louisiana.edu
How do I know who my advisor is?
Log into ULINK and view your Academic Profile. If no information is listed, please use the advisor locator list to contact the advising center for your department.
**Please Note: First Time Freshman may not have an advisor assigned until the second week of classes.
Will I have the same advisor all four years?
Advisors are assigned to students based on their primary major. If you switched your major recently, it’s possible you were reassigned to another advisor who specializes in your new major.
How do I verify that my application and/or official transcript(s) have been received?
Please email admissions@louisiana.edu, transfer@louisiana.edu, or call 482-6473.
Can I attend another school for a year or two and be guaranteed that all my credits will transfer?
Only accredited community college and university credits are accepted. UL Lafayette does not accept credits from vocational, special program or business schools. You can contact the Transfer Coordinator, via email, at transfer@louisiana.edu to help you plan an anticipated transfer.
I am undecided about my major. Who should I see for assistance?
Please visit the Major & Career Exploration Center, located in Agnes Edwards Hall Room 104 (formerlyy Conference Center) or the Academic Success Center and meet with an Academic Advisor who will be able to assist you. They are located in Lee Hall room 115.
What is the difference between double majors and dual degrees?
Double majors complete the major requirements of a second major in lieu of a minor; their general education requirements are those of the primary major. To do this, you should speak with an advisor in both departments; you will also need to visit the office of the Dean to fill out a form and write a letter detailing your plans.
For a dual degree, you must complete all the requirements for both degrees (although some may still overlap). You should see advisors in both majors, and the Deans of both colleges to make your plan and have it approved.
I have questions and my advsior is not availalbe. Who should I talk to?
If you have under 60 credits earned, you may talk to one of the advisors in the Academic Success Center located in Lee Hall room 115. If you have 60 credits or more, please contact the head of your major or the Assistant Dean of your College. All contact information can be found on your major department's website.
I have questions about financial aid. How do I learn more?
You can reach out to the Office of Student Financial Aid; P. O. Box 41206, Lafayette, LA 70504; (337) 482-6506 | finaid@louisiana.edu
When is a student placed on Academic Probation?
Students who earn less than a 2.0 overall GPA will be placed on academic probation. While on academic probation, students must maintain a 2.0 semester GPA to avoid being placed on suspension. If you need more details, please click here.
May I appeal an Academic Suspension?
Yes, you may. To appeal an Academic Suspension, you must compose a letter of appeal to your academic dean's office. The letter must include all current contact information, reason for the appeal, corrective course of action, and any supporting documentation. Contact information for each academic college is as follows:
B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration
(337) 482-6491
College of the Arts
Contact: Mrs. Lori Crain, Assistant Dean
(337) 482-1426 or lorid@louisiana.edu
College of Education
(337) 482-6681
Note: Students are required to bring a copy of their transcript to the appointment.
College of Engineering
Contact: Ms. Marilyn Boutte
(337) 482-6563 or marilyn.boutte@louisiana.edu
College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions
482-6808
Contact for questions: Mrs. Cheri Domengeaux; cheri@louisiana.edu
College of Liberal Arts
Contact: cola@louisiana.edu
Ray P. Authement College of Sciences
(337) 482-6986
Note: Appeal letter is to be addressed to Dean Azmy Ackleh.
University College
(337) 482-6829
May I appeal a Financial Aid Suspension?
Yes. If you are placed on Financial Aid Suspension, you have two options:
• Attend Without Financial Aid: Pay for tuition on your own with a minimum of six hours in fall, spring or
Summer terms, earn 2.00 GPA and complete at least 67% of registered courses. If you have exceeded
your maximum hours you cannot regain your eligibility with this option.
• Appeal: In order to be eligible to appeal, you must be enrolled at least half-time for the semester you
are appealing, have a current FASFA and you must not have any holds that prevent course registration.
How do I withdraw from a class after the Schedule Adjustment ends?
For the most part, you do not have the option to drop a single class after the deadline. However, you may appeal to the Academic Dean of your College. You need to present documentation of extenuating circumstances. These might include prolonged medical problems, a death in the immediate family, natural disaster, or military obligations.
May I repeat a class and how does that work?
Yes, you can repeat classes, but all completed coursework will be used to calculate a student's overall grade point average (GPA). Repeated courses will be marked with a repeat indicator on the student's academic transcript, "I" for final attempt and "A" for all previous attempts.
What is a WX and a WM?
A grade of WX will be assigned for late schedule adjustments processed after the 14th class day (7th for summer). A grade of WX is calculated like a grade of W and will be shown on the student’s transcript. A grade of WM is assigned for course drops due to military reasons. Student seeking tuition refund due to military reasons must submit an appeal to the Fee Committee.
What is a Late Schedule Adjustment (LSA)?
Late schedule adjustments are to be used solely to correct administrative error. To have the course removed from the student’s schedule and tuition/fees adjusted accordingly, late schedule adjustments must be received in the Registrar’s office according to the following schedule:
• SPRING/FALL CLASS DAY 5-12 (SUMMER CLASS DAY 3-5): This is the time after the schedule adjustment period and prior to the 14th class day (7th for the summer). Regular late schedule adjustment cards will be processed, only if the card is in the Registrar’s Office during this time.
• AFTER THE SPRING/FALL 14TH CLASS DAY (7th FOR SUMMER): A late schedule adjustment can be processed ONLY for administrative errors during this time. A letter to the registrar from the student’s academic dean must accompany the late schedule adjustment card explaining the administrative error. If the LSA is approved, a grade of WX will be given for the class and any tuition and fees associated with the class will be refunded (see explanation above for WX). Otherwise, a regular grade of W will be given (no refund in tuition).
Can I adjust my schedule once classes have started?
ULink allows a student to adjust his or her class schedule from the time he or she first schedules until the last day of Schedule Adjustment. Schedule Adjustment period: Fall/Spring - the first four days of classes; Summer - the first two days of classes.
What is a typical course load?
A typical course load is 12-16 credits based on your major and you must take into consideration if you are employed while attending school.
What is Degree Works and how do I access it?
Degree Works is a web-based, academic planning and degree audit tool that enables students to track their progress towards a degree. Students can use this tool to determine which courses are needed to complete a degree program. Degree Works displays all degree requirements in an easy-to-read, understandable degree checklist. You may access it through ULINK under the Academics Tab. For training and access details, please click here. If you have questions, please contact degreeworks@louisiana.edu.
I need to request a transcript?
The Registrar’s Office handles transcript requests. You may order electronic , pick up in person in Martin Hall, Room 171, with a valid driver's license or form of identification, or mailed transcripts by ysing the grade transcript request form and indicate mail as delivery service.
Who has access to my academic record?
Pursuant to the Family Educational and Privacy Act (FERPA), you have a right to privacy regarding your educational record, meaning that access to your academic information is limited to University officials who need this information to perform their job duties. If you would like to grant another person access to your educational record (i.e. a parent), you must sign a Release of Information form. If you do not have a signed and dated FERPA release form on file, your advisor will be unable to answer parent questions beyond general academic policies. You may download a copy of the FERPA release form here.
How do I graduate with honors?
The requirements as specified in that degree program, and all other requirements for a University of Louisiana baccalaureate degree, (including the University core), there shall be designated those students who are to be graduated in the following class of honors
a. Cum Laude: a candidate having a cumulative average of not less than 3.5 (3.500-3.699).
b. Magna Cum Laude: a candidate having a cumulative average of not less than 3.7 (3.700-3.899).
c. Summa Cum Laude: a candidate having a cumulative average of not less than 3.9 (3.900-4.000).
d. Special Recognition at graduation: those candidates whose cumulative average ranks them as first, second, or third in their class.
How do I calculate my GPA?
The grade-point average (GPA) is determined by dividing the student’s total number of quality points by the total number of quality hours. Quality hours are all credits for which a letter grade was earned. This excludes transfer credit, AP and IB credit, and courses taken for a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) grade type. Quality points are the sum of each course grade (on a 4-point scale) multiplied by the course credit hours. Example: B in ENGL 101, a three-credit course, is worth 12. quality points (B = 3.0 quality points x 3 credits = 12 quality points).
What must I do to keep my TOPS scholarship?
For continued eligibility, the Financial Aid Office recommends all students receiving TOPS renew their FAFSA every year.
• Students must be enrolled for full-time hours on the 15th day of class to receive payment for TOPS for that semester. You can be paid if you are less than full-time under special circumstances. You should check with a financial aid counselor before assuming you will be paid for less than full-time enrollment.
• Students must earn 24 credit hours each year (Fall/Winter Session/Spring/Spring Intersession/Summer) and maintain the required GPA for their TOPS Award
• GPA minimum 2.0 cumulative at the end of each fall, intersession or summer semester
The following GPA’s will be checked at the end of each Spring semester:
Opportunity Recipient Below 48 hours earned 2.3 GPA
Opportunity Recipient with 48+ hours earned 2.5 GPA
Performance or Honors Recipient 3.0 GPA
Where can I get tutoring for my classes?
Individual Tutoring (One-on-One) is FREE to all UL Lafayette students and is offered at The Learning Center located in Lee Hall Room 209.