Frequently Asked QuestionsThe University is a big institution with many services. When students have questions, how do they figure out who to talk to?
 CLA
Student Services (CLASS) is always a good place to start. CLASS
includes the Student Information Office, CLA Student Communities, and
the Career and Community Learning Center
(CCLC). If another University resource would be more appropriate, your
student will be directed accordingly. The University is big, but
doesn't have to be confusing.
What are academic advisers and will my student have one?Academic
advisers work to help students define their educational goals, connect
with resources, design a plan for graduation, and pursue their plan.
Whenever your student has a question about the University, the academic
adviser in his or her student community is an excellent place to start.
If advisers cannot answer a question they will know where to find the
answer. For complex questions like, "What should I major in?" advisers
offer a broad range of services and expertise to help students identify
and pursue their academic interests.
Before orientation,
students are assigned to a college academic advising office, or student
community, based on preliminary interests the student has indicated.
For example, a student interested in fine arts might be placed in the
Arts Student Community; a student who wants to pursue a career in the
health sciences may be placed in the Health and Natural Sciences
Student Community. Following an informational college meeting where an
adviser explains degree requirements and the various advising
resources, each student will have a half hour individual appointment
with his or her assigned academic adviser. Students are encouraged to
maintain frequent contact with their adviser and are expected to meet
at least once every semester of their first year. If their academic
interests change, students can transfer to a different student
community.
What are the liberal arts?The
origins of the liberal arts can be traced back to the writings of
Aristotle and Cicero. Both advocated a model of education that
positioned individuals to make independent choices about their values,
their work lives, and their social contributions. The liberal arts
began as the most broadly-based and continuously innovative form of
education available, and it has continued that tradition to the present
day. Liberal arts graduates are well equipped to solve problems, to
think critically, and to communicate effectively in many fields vital
to today's rapidly changing world. Because the hallmark of a liberal
arts education is adaptability, our graduates are prepared for the
challenge of the future and the practical necessity of life-long
learning.
How can I track my daughter's or son's progress?We
encourage parents to be supportive of students and to talk with their
daughter or son about their progress at the University. We also
recognize that college is an important time for students to realize
their independence and a sense of personal responsibility. Due to
confidentiality laws we are unable to share personal academic
information with parents unless the student has formally instructed us
to do so. Although students may choose not to share all aspects of
their academic life with their parents, students and parents alike
often find the University experience is an exciting time for mutual
growth and discovery.
How do undecided students know what they should be doing?Many
first-year students are not sure about a major. The University
experience is an important time for students to explore and discover
new interests, strengths, and possibilities. We have a wealth of
resources available to help students determine which academic path will
best serve their interests and goals.
Academic advisers are
experienced in helping students identify meaningful and practical
pursuits that pertain to their own goals and aspirations. The Career and Community Learning Center
(CCLC) also provides resources and assistance for students exploring
majors. This office offers interest inventories, an extensive library
of materials, and an excellent staff of career counselors who provide
courses, workshops, and individual appointments.
Why is there a second language requirement?The
liberal arts have long recognized the educational, cultural and
professional advantages of study in a second language. In addition to
the value of enhanced cultural understanding and awareness,
second-language study has increasingly become a necessary component in
preparing students for a globally driven economy and society. The
ability to communicate effectively in another language not only
broadens career options, it also opens a world of new possibilities.
What are the individualized degree options?Individualized
degree programs provide a way for students to design a flexible,
non-traditional program suited to their individual objectives. CLA
offers two individualized degree options. An Individually Designed
Interdepartmental Major (IDIM) for the B.A. degree enables the student
to combine courses from three or more CLA departments focused on a
unifying theme. The Bachelor of Individualized Studies (B.I.S.) allows
the student to combine three areas of concentration rather than focus
on a single major. The Individualized Degree Programs website provides additional information on these degree options.
Is CLA a good preparation for careers in the health sciences?Yes.
CLA offers several majors that can be combined with health science
prerequisites. This is an excellent preparation for the health
sciences, including medical school as well as many other graduate
programs and career pursuits. CLA advisers can help students coordinate
plans for an undergraduate degree with requirements for admission to
the health science program of their choice. In addition to planning
course work and helping students stay on track for timely graduation,
CLA advisers refer students to a wide range of events and opportunities
on campus. The Health and Natural Sciences Student Community website is an excellent source for more information about CLA majors and the health sciences.
Is CLA a good preparation for a business career?Any
CLA major provides excellent preparation for a business career. By
fulfilling CLA degree requirements, the student acquires key skills
desired by today's employers, including speaking, writing, creative and
critical thinking, and second language skills. In addition to
problem-solving skills and intellectual adaptability characterizing
liberal arts graduates in general, business organizations also rely on
mnay of the specific kinds of expertise provided by CLA majors. These
include: communication (communication studies/ English), economics
(economics, statistics, math), human relations (psychology) and more.
CLA majors interested in additional training can also complete a
business minor and attend many business-related events and
opportunities on campus.
Are scholarship opportunities available through CLA?Both
the college offices and departmental offices can assist students in
finding scholarships or referring students to the appropriate contacts.
Scholarship listings can be found on the CLA Scholarship Information page and the University Scholarships page.
Should my student study abroad?Most
students who study abroad report the experience was an important if not
the most important part of their undergraduate career. The University
of Minnesota's Learning Abroad Center
offers an extensive range of study abroad opportunities for students.
The Learning Abroad Center emphasizes outstanding programs that fulfill
college requirements, keep students on track for graduation, and are
affordable to students (in some cases, study abroad costs are even less
than University tuition).
What is the best time for my student to study abroad?Study
abroad options now include a range of academic opportunities that are
appropriate for all levels of undergraduate study. The Learning Abroad Center
offers first step meetings in which students receive an introduction to
the different types of opportunities available and learn how to plan
for a study abroad experience.
What career opportunities are there for CLA graduates?Because
of their adaptability, critical skills, and powers of communication,
our undergraduates succeed in all types and at all levels of business.
CLA graduates can be found in corporations, non-profits, government
agencies, and more. CLA also provides excellent preparation for
graduate study (law, business, health sciences, and others). For more
information, the college's Career and Community Learning Center (CCLC) can answer career-related questions and lists the many career-related services they provide to students.
Do you have a question that does not appear here?Ask CLAIRE! Our parents advisory team -- known as CLAIRE -- can answer your questions via e-mail.
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Ask CLAIRE
to get CLA Information, Resources, and Explanations
Telephone:
(612) 625-3846
Address:
Office of the Assistant Dean
106 Johnston Hall
101 Pleasant Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55444
Hours:
8:00 - 4:30 Monday -Friday
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