Participate in CalSO
The Cal Student Orientation Program (CalSO) is the best place to begin your relationship with campus advisers. Orientation activities for freshmen and new transfer students can introduce you to life on campus and help you chart a sensible academic plan for the first semester. If you are unable to attend one of the summer programs, be sure to attend one of the mini-orientation workshops offered during Welcome Week.
Visit College advisers
College advisers are generalists who can help you with course selection, long- and short-term program planning, exploration of majors, and tracking your progress toward degree completion. Visit your College adviser at least once a year. L&S Undergraduate Advising is geared especially for their students. Be sure to read Smart Start: Planning Your First Two Years in the College of Letters & Science, Earning Your Degree: A Guide for Students in the College of Letters & Science (pdf), and Planning Your Years @ Cal.
Use the Athletic Study Center
The Athletic Study Center (ASC), a unit within the Division of Undergraduate Education, offers a broad range of support services to student athletes. The ASC was established in 1984 to provide academic advising and tutorial support for students at Cal. The programs assist student athletes in adjusting to life at Cal, establishing good study habits and developing sound academic plans.
Consider using Student Life Advising Services (SLAS)
SLAS is an advising and counseling service. It is available to all students but emphasizes outreach to first-generation and underserved populations. Advising covers both academic and career matters. SLAS is one of a handful of services that students can choose to personalize their experience at Cal.
Take a Freshman Seminar
To experience small, professor-taught classes during your first year, select a freshman seminar in the Freshman & Sophomore Seminars program.
Use "controlled" exploration when selecting courses
- You can create a plan to explore several majors simultaneously and still make degree progress with the help of a College adviser. Use your first year to learn more about the wide variety of academic programs available. Don't decide on a major until you've explored all the possibilities. Remain flexible when selecting courses to meet basic requirements; you may discover a subject you never knew existed. See Smart Start to explore different options in L&S.
- As a freshman, you enter in undeclared status and are expected to declare a major by the time you have completed 60 units. The earlier you identify your major, the sooner you can take courses in your major; however, it is not always possible, or in your best interest, to declare a major before you have explored other disciplines and career goals. Also, each major has its own entrance requirements. Use your first year to become familiar with prerequisites and GPA requirements for several majors.
- If you are uncertain or conflicted about your interests and goals, consider visiting a professional counselor or attending career assessment workshops offered by Counseling and Psychological Services or the Career Center.
Consider a class in a foreign language department
Please note that many foreign language departments offer courses taught in English that fulfill breadth requirements and are often less crowded than those taught in impacted courses in other departments. Furthermore, majoring in the arts & humanities requires in-depth understanding of other cultures that is deeply enriched by knowledge of the corresponding foreign language. Foreign language study enhances study abroad, satisfies a language requirement, and might be considered for a minor or double major. Knowledge of foreign languages can offer a solid liberal arts major an edge in being admitted to professional or graduate school.
Expand upon a skill or an aptitude
For example, if you are good at languages, consider learning a new one that interests you.
Don't overlook peripheral interests
That is, take a class that focuses on personal interests or activities that you have done in the past for pure enjoyment.
Visit the Student Learning Center
The Student Learning Center offers tutoring assistance and other services.
Seek assistance from the Disabled Students' Program
Students seeking disability related services from the Disabled Students' Program (DSP) need to establish eligibility for academic accommodations.
Make a habit of visiting with your professors and graduate student instructors (GSIs)
Visit your instructors during their office hours and ask questions about class material and assignments.
Visit the Career Counseling Library
Located in the courtyard of the Tang Center, the Career Counseling Library offers access to programs such as MyRoad, a computerized guidance program that helps you explore and research college majors and careers.
Read your General Catalog thoroughly
The General Catalog describes all degree options.
Get help with academic setbacks
If you have setbacks in your freshman year, you are not alone. Academic probation does happen, and personal adjustment issues can arise. A low grade in one or more courses may not ultimately damage your chances for admission to graduate school; however, it's important to improve your academic performance consistently. Setbacks at the freshman and sophomore levels may be easier to overcome than those that occur when you're in advanced standing. You should carefully use the Pass/No Pass grading option. Ask for help if you have concerns about your academic record. Most importantly, seek help as soon as possible. Two resources to consider are L&S Advising and Counseling and Psychological Services.
Use the summer before your sophomore year wisely
- Take summer courses to build your knowledge in one or more subjects.
- Enroll in classes that explore new areas of interest.
- Secure an internship or job that is directly related to an interest or career goal. Visit the Career Center for more information.
