NEW UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES
In order to enroll in coursework, students will need have access to the Gorilla User System (GUS), a web-based, real-time, interactive information portal specifically designed to allow users to securely access academic and administrative information. Some examples of the services available for students are the Enrollment System, Advisement, Personal Information, Unofficial Transcript, Grade Reports, Financial Assistance updates, Tuition payment, and Online Parking Permit. To use GUS, you must have a GusPIN. To apply for a GusPIN, bring a photo ID to the help desk (109 Whitesitt) or use the on-line password generation http://www2.pittstate.edu/ois/AcademicSvcs/gus.html
Freshmen
All new students are strongly encouraged to participate in Pitt C.A.R.E.S. (Campus Advisement, Registration and Enrollment Services) to help ensure a smooth transition to the University. Students who are members of the most recent high school graduating class are required to attend C.A.R.E.S. Pitt CARES is offered in the summer for students planning to enroll for the fall semester and in January for students planning to enroll for the spring semester. Advance registration is required. Additional information about Pitt CARES including specific dates the program will be offered is available from the Office of Admission.
During Pitt CARES, each student receives information about the programs and services available at PSU and meets with an academic advisor to choose classes and enrolls in coursework for the upcoming semester.
A student who is enrolling as a freshman, but who is not required to attend a Pitt CARES session, may enroll during open enrollment. Open enrollment begins immediately after early enrollment for current PSU students and new transfer students has occurred, usually late November for a spring semester and late April for a summer or fall semester. The enrollment process begins in the Office of Admission where students are provided each an advisement folder, new student checklist, and departmental contact information. The student then makes an appointment to meet with an academic advisor in his or her major area of study.
During the advising appointment, the student can expect to discuss course sequencing and selection, as well as planning for future semesters. Online enrollment in coursework may occur during the advising appointment or the advisor may provide an advisement number to the student to access the Gorilla User System (GUS) to enroll.
Transfer Students
Students transferring to Pittsburg State are encouraged to participate in Transfer Pitt C.A.R.E.S. (Campus Advisement, Registration and Enrollment Services). Transfer CARES is offered in April for students enrolling for the summer or fall semesters and in November for students enrolling for the spring semester. Transfer Pitt CARES allows new transfer students to enroll earlier than new students not participating in this program. Advance registration is required. Additional information about Transfer Pitt CARES, including specific dates the program will be offered, is available from the Office of Admission.
During Pitt CARES, students receive information about the programs and services available at PSU and meet with an academic advisor and enroll in coursework for the upcoming semester. During the advising appointment, the student can expect to discuss course sequencing and selection, as well as planning for future semesters. Online enrollment in coursework may occur during the advising appointment or the advisor may provide an advisement number to the student to access the Gorilla User System (GUS) to enroll. A transfer student may also enroll during open enrollment (see Freshmen – other above for details).
Readmission
The student who has been away from the university for three or more semesters should first contact Office of Admission to be readmitted to the university. Upon readmission, the student may enroll during open enrollment. Open enrollment begins immediately after enrollment for current PSU students and new transfer students has occurred. The enrollment process begins in the Office of Admission where students are provided an advisement folder, new student checklist, and departmental contact information. The student then makes an appointment to meet with an academic advisor in his or her major area of study.
During the advising appointment, the student can expect to discuss course sequencing and selection, as well as planning for future semesters. Online enrollment in coursework may occur during the advising appointment or the advisor may provide an advisement number to the student to access the Gorilla User System (GUS) to enroll.
Non-degree Seeking (undergraduate)
An undergraduate student who has been admitted as non-degree seeking may enroll during opening enrollment. Open enrollment begins immediately after enrollment for current PSU students and new transfer students has occurred. Advising and enrollment will occur in the Office of Admission.
Continuing Students
A current student wishing to enroll for the upcoming semester may enroll during early enrollment week. Early enrollment occurs in April for students enrolling for the summer and/or fall semesters and in November for students enrolling for the spring semester. Students are assigned a specific enrollment day based upon the number of college credit hours passed and may enroll on that day or any day thereafter.
A student seeking to enroll is encouraged to contact his/her advisor in advance of the assigned enrollment date to discuss course sequencing and selection and plan for future semesters. An advisement number is required to access the online enrollment system in GUS. Online enrollment in coursework may occur during the advising appointment or the advisor may provide an advisement number to the student to access the Gorilla User System (GUS) to enroll.
Late Enrollment
An admitted student who wishes to enroll in coursework, but who was not enrolled prior to the end of open enrollment, may seek special permission for late enrollment from the instructor of each course the student is seeking to take. Once permission is granted by the instructor via the GUS system, the student should go to the Registrar’s office to be enrolled. Payment for the coursework will be due immediately. Late fees will apply.
Schedule Changes
A student who has enrolled for an upcoming semester and wishes to add, drop or change sections of a course may do so during open enrollment (through the first week of classes for the fall and spring semesters) as long as the advisor has provided the student with a current advisement number or by contacting the Registrar’s office, 103 Russ Hall, 620-235-4200.
Once open enrollment is closed, it is necessary for the student to gain permission from the instructor(s) of each course to add a class. See Late Enrollment above.
Schedule of Classes
The schedule of classes becomes available to students in March for the Summer and Fall semesters and in October for the Spring semester. The schedule is available online only and can be accessed at http://www.pittstate.edu/office/registrar/.
Selecting and Changing Academic Major
Degree seeking students must select an academic major or declare exploratory studies upon initial enrollment in the university. It is strongly recommended that students have a declared major prior to attaining 60 credit hours.
A student may change majors in one of three ways: 1) consulting with an advisor in the department of the major to be declared, 2) making a request to change major to the Registrar’s office, or 3) using the Change My Major option in the GUS system. A new advisor will be assigned to the student in the new major area of study. Courses previously taken may or may not be accepted as part of the new degree program as determined by the department in which the new major will be taken.
Academic Advising
Each student is assigned an academic advisor by the chairperson of the student’s academic department at the time the student initially enrolls at the University. Students are required to consult with their academic advisor and to obtain an advisement number prior to enrolling for courses each semester or the advisor may choose to enroll the student (distribution of advisement numbers is at the discretion of each academic advisor).
The Office of First Year Programs has responsibility for students in the Exploratory Studies program and will assign advisors to students who have chosen to postpone the selection of a degree program while exploring the opportunities available and working to meet the general education requirements.
Students who wish to change advisors but retain the same department should request the assignment of a new advisor from the department chairperson.
Responsibilities of Advisors
The following responsibilities of advisors and advisees at Pittsburg State University was developed by the University Advising Council and approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs on November 11, 2005.
Pittsburg State University ensures a high quality of academic advising by maintaining that all academic advisors should:
1. Post appropriate office hours and always make time for students a priority during these hours and at other times as available.
2. Assist students in understanding all degree requirements including institutional, departmental, course sequencing and other pertinent information.
3. Never give out an advisement number without adequate contact with, and advisement of, each individual student.
4. Be proactive throughout the advisement process by initiating contact with advisees to communicate requirements and deadlines and to discuss their educational plan.
5. Learn to access and use enrollment information on the GUS system.
6. Project that you genuinely care about students by serving as a resource to help them clarify life, career and academic goals.
7. Know about and make referrals to support services as appropriate.
8. Be aware of policies, requirements, resources and materials necessary for students’ academic progress and achievement.
Responsibilities of Advisees
Successful academic advising requires active participation in the advising process by both the advisor and the student. As such, students seeking academic advisement should:
1. Make, keep and be on time for appointments with academic advisor at least one time each semester.
2. Review the online course schedule, program guides and course catalog to prepare a tentative schedule to discuss with your advisor prior to initiating contact.
3. Have alternative courses in mind, after all some courses do close.
4. Learn to access and use enrollment information on the GUS system.
5. Ask questions when you do not know and follow through on referrals made by your advisor.
6. Get to know your advisor and let him/her get to know you. This person is a valuable resource and can be of benefit to you not only while you are at PSU, but also afterwards once you enter the job market or graduate school.
7. Remember that it is also your responsibility to be aware of graduation and degree requirements. Do your very best and accept responsibility for your academic decisions.
8. Be aware of policies, requirements, resources and materials necessary for your academic progress and achievement.
Student Identification Card
After enrolling in courses for the first time, students are required to obtain a student identification card, called the Gorilla Card. The Student Financial Assistance office will verify that a student has obtained a Gorilla Card prior to finalizing a student’s financial aid. For additional information on the Gorilla Card, visit http://www.pittstate.edu/audiences/current-students/gorilla-card/.
Verification of Enrollment for Financial Aid
Disbursement of funds from financial aid and scholarships to a student’s tuition/fee and housing (if applicable) accounts can occur only after the student has verified enrollment via the GUS system. Verification access in GUS becomes available approximately 14 days prior to the beginning of the fall or spring semesters. Summer verification will be available approximately 7 days prior to the beginning of the summer term.
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