General Engineering Advising Newsletter

Fall 2023 Course Enrollment Information

Full-time status = 12 hours
Full-time status is important to avoid jeopardizing some types of financial aid, on-campus housing, NCAA eligibility, and visa status. Start the semester with more credits as a safeguard should you need to unexpectedly drop a course. Taking a 4-hour course? Start with at least 16 hours. Taking a 3-hour course? Start with at least 15 hours. Cadets may have 18-19 credits due to additional requirements. 

Change of Major Courses
The College of Engineering change of major requirement courses are your first priority during course registration.  

Checksheets/Graduation Requirements
All majors are composed of degree core, major requirements, pathways to general education, and electives. Visit the College of Engineering Checksheet website for links to the checksheets for your date of entry year. We also have a resource on how to read a checksheet.

Zero Hour Labs
Some courses require enrollment in a 0-hour lab in addition to the lecture such as CS 1114, CS 2114, PHYS 2305, and PHYS 2306. Please use the Add/Drop system to add any 0-hour labs you need. Watch our Hokie Hacks video for instructions.

Major Restrictions
Some engineering courses are major restricted, which means you cannot take the course if you do not declare a restricted engineering major by the start of the semester. Check course restrictions on Timetable of Classes > search for the course > CRN > Course Restrictions.

Force-adding
This is an administrative process and is usually only granted for a missing prerequisite due to pending transfer credit. GE advisors do not have the ability to force-add but you can submit a force-add request.

Pathways
Pathways to General Education is the current general education program. Requirements for Pathways concepts 1F, 1A, 4, 5F, 5A, and 6D are traditionally fulfilled through courses required for a restricted engineering degree. You must choose courses or use transfer credit to fulfill the requirements for Pathways concepts 2, 3, 6A, and 7, however, some restricted engineering majors have specific course requirements which will also fulfill one or both of your Pathways 3 requirements. Review the pathways chart on page 2 of your checksheet. 

If you earned an Associate of Science or Associate of Arts and Sciences degree from a Virginia Community College, your general education requirements are satisfied unless your intended engineering major requires a specific course for the Pathways requirement. This does not apply if you earned an Applied Associate degree.

Getting Around Campus

• Campus Maps
• Blacksburg Transit (bus system)
• Alternative Transportation
• Parking Services
• Living Here

Don’t forget to allow at least 15 minutes in between classes for travel time!

Being a Successful Hokie Engineer

Classes are your top priority. Go to class. I know it seems simple, but every class you miss lowers your chances of achieving the best grades possible. If you need to miss class due to illness or an emergency, reach out to your professor as soon as you can.

While you are in class, put your phone down and pay attention. Take every step to eliminate distractions which means you may need to take notes with paper and pen. 

Create weekly and semester schedules. It takes excellent time management to balance all of your academic and personal responsibilities. Create a weekly schedule as well as a semester schedule. Click the links to get started or you can review written instructions on our time management modules.

Review each Canvas course page. Your professor may not utilize the Canvas calendar, so review each course page carefully for required assignments and due dates as well as the course policies for attendance and grading policy. Check Canvas regularly for any updates.

Submit all assignments. Non-submits = 0. Missed a due date? Contact your professor immediately, but keep in mind they may or may not accept late assignments.

Study hours. You may have studied very little or not at all in high school, but in college the majority of learning occurs outside of your class lectures. 

For every 1 hour of lecture in a course, you should be studying outside of lecture for at least 3 hours for STEM courses and 1 - 2 hours for non-STEM courses. For example: MATH 1225 (4-hour course) + study time (4x3 = 12 study hours) = 16 total hours per week should be scheduled for MATH 1225. Study time = homework, completing and taking notes on readings, completing practice problems, as well as attending office hours, review sessions, and tutoring. More on study hours.

Knowing how to study effectively is just as important as the number of study hours. Consider using the metacognitive problem solving technique and the frame routine!

Get help. A sign of strength is reaching out for help when you need it. Seeking tutoring resources and meeting with your professor during office hours is normal in college if you need help understanding the course material. 

College can be stressful so it is important to seek out wellness resources if you need help securing basic needs and services, improving your sleep, or obtaining mental health support.

Managing your Virginia Tech Email Account

Email is an official communication method so plan to read and review your VT email daily to avoid missing important information from your professors, other university officials, and university departments. 

Organize the account. Create folders for emails you need to save for future reference. Delete emails you no longer need. 

Use your VT email account for academic and career purposes only. Avoid using this account for online shopping or other purposes to reduce the number of emails you have to manage. 

Review our email module for more tips.

Emailing University Officials

Always email university officials from your VT account with proper etiquette, including a greeting, your full name, and a closing. Remember, standard response time to email is 24 - 48 business hours. Business hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

You are welcome to email outside of business hours, including Saturdays and Sundays, but please be patient as you may not receive a response until standard business hours have resumed.

Last Day to Drop a Fall 2023 Course without Grade Penalty

Dropping a course means you will discontinue enrollment and it will no longer be listed on your transcript. Canvas course page changes will occur within 24-48 hours of dropping a course.

Connect with your advisor if you have questions regarding dropping a course and your progress towards a degree, especially if you plan to drop MATH 1214 or an engineering change of major requirement course as it could impact your graduation timeline.

Also, if dropping a course causes you to fall below full-time status (12 credit hours), be sure to see if any of these apply:

• You are receiving financial aid (loans, grants, scholarships). Please contact Financial Aid with your questions.

• You are a GI Bill recipient. The Office of Veterans Affairs will discuss any impacts. 

• You were admitted to Virginia Tech on a student visa and you are physically located in the United States. This means full-time status is required for your immigration record. You should contact your General Engineering International Student Advisor in Cranwell International Center before dropping below full-time status.

The deadline to drop a fall 2023 course without grade penalty is 11:59 p.m. on October 3. If you want to drop a course, you are responsible for doing so on Hokie Spa. If you need help dropping a course, please watch 1:38 - 1:50 of our class registration video for instructions.

Have you tried to drop a course using Google Chrome, but the registration system just spins? Open an incognito window to access the registration system!

Last Day to Resign the Fall 2023 Semester without Grade Penalty

You will need to complete and submit the withdrawal/resignation form but please reach out to your assigned advisor if you are considering resignation.

The deadline to resign from the fall semester without grade penalty is October 23 at 5:00 p.m., however, your tuition refund is based on your official resignation date. Go to Fall 2023 > Refund Rules and Amounts > Withdrawals & Resignations table for details.

Academic Planning

Academic Plan
An academic plan (sometimes called a graduation plan or plan of study) allows you to outline all of the courses needed to fulfill the graduation requirements of your intended major. The academic planning webpage guides you through the steps to complete your plan. If you choose to create a plan, you are welcome to email it to your advisor for a formal review.

You can also attend the upcoming academic planning workshop for GE students on Wednesday, October 4, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in McBryde 209 to learn how to develop a customized academic plan for graduation and use tools like Hokie GPS! Registration is not required.

Checksheets (Graduation Requirements)
All majors are composed of the following components: degree core, major requirements, pathways to general education, and electives. All courses listed on the checksheet are required for the degree. You can view each major’s requirements using checksheets. Please be sure to use the checksheet labeled for your date of entry year.

Double Major
You must complete requirements for both majors in the same semester to receive a diploma for your primary major and a certificate for your secondary major. In our most recent graduating class, 4% of engineering students earned a double major.

Second Degree/Dual Degree
You must complete the requirements for both majors, but you may complete the second degree in a later term. You must also complete an additional 30 credits in-residence at Virginia Tech  over the minimum required for your first degree. You will receive a separate diploma for each degree. In our most recent graduating class, no engineering student completed a second degree.

Minors
A minor is a group of courses that permit you to pursue a subject of interest. A minor will require at least 18 credit hours, but some minors require more. Minor checksheets are located on the Checksheets page > Minors. If you have several Pathways requirements left to complete, you may consider a Pathways minor.  In our most recent graduating class, 37% of engineering students earned a minor.

Academic advising is a collaborative process between students and advisors. It is important you take time to prepare for the request period by completing our Course Registration Self-Check Form or our Course Registration Worksheet to determine your spring course list. 

If you need more help:

The General Engineering Advising Team is hosting one last group advising session to discuss spring 2024 course registration. The date and time for the session is on the General Engineering Student Events calendar.

Schedule a one-on-one appointment with your assigned advisor using Navigate. Review our scheduling guide if you need help. Bring your potential course list! An advising appointment for Course Request is not mandatory.

Have a quick question? Stop by our virtual Evening Express Advising (drop-ins, no appointment required) for answers outside of standard appointment hours. You will receive an email and Canvas announcement with the date and time.

You are always welcome to email your questions to your assigned advisor along with your completed Course Registration Worksheet or the link to your Course Registration Self-Check Form output document.

Spring 2024 Add/Drop (Course Registration Phase 2)

Remember, you were not guaranteed to receive all the courses or specific CRNs you requested during Course Request (phase 1), so here’s what to do to finalize your schedule:

1. View your Course Request Results

Spring 2024 Add/Drop starts at 8:00 p.m. Eastern on November 24 but your request results (assuming you submitted a request) are available now.

View your results one of two ways:
Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Registration (Add/Drop) and Schedule > Add/Drop - Register for Classes or;
Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Hokie Scheduler > Current Schedule tab at the top of the page

2. Make schedule adjustments

Add/Drop is a marathon, not a race. Seat availability fluctuates; you may need to monitor the system persistently throughout the entire period (November 24 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern - January 22 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern). The spring 2024 semester begins on Tuesday, January 16.

Add and drop courses in real time one of two ways: 
Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Registration (Add/Drop) and Schedule > Add/Drop - Register for Classes or;
Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Hokie Scheduler > Fall 2023 > Current Schedule. Review our Advising Minute video for more information.

You may have heard of force-adding. Force-adds are typically not considered for instructor preference or time convenience. A common reason to request a force add is due to unprocessed transfer credit for pre-requisite courses completed at another institution. Check out our new force-add video for details.

3. Advising Tips 

Switching sections of the same course? Use the Conditional Add/Drop feature outlined on Slide 22 of the university’s registration tutorial.

On Hokie Scheduler, you must have the Virtual box checked on the Select Campuses page to view online courses.

Some courses require enrollment in a lecture and a 0-credit lab (such as PHYS 2305, PHYS 2306, CS 1114, and CS 2114), but Hokie Scheduler may not give you both lecture and lab CRNs when searching for a schedule. Use the Timetable of Classes to find the other CRN. 

Declaring a degree-granting engineering major at the end of fall 2023? The scheduled decision date for the change of major process is by 5:00 p.m. on January 8. Check the comments and major restrictions on the Timetable of Classes to determine when you can add major restricted courses.  

4. Tutorial Links

Registration (Add/Drop) Tutorial
Hokie Scheduler Video Tutorial
Hokie Scheduler Screenshot Tutorial
Adding Zero-Credit Labs Tutorial
Conditional Add/Drop Tutorial
Searching for Pathways Courses Tutorial
Force-Adding Courses Video

Winter 2024 Courses

Here are a few considerations if you plan to take an optional winter course:

Search the Timetable of Classes to confirm the course you want to take is being offered and its modality. MATH 1225, MATH 1226, and PHYS 2305 are historically not offered in winter at Virginia Tech.

Check the winter 2024 tuition and fee table to understand the financial commitment before enrolling in the course. There is no request period for winter courses. Add a course using Hokie Scheduler or the Add/Drop system on Hokie Spa by 11:59 p.m. on December 26.

Review the winter 2024 academic calendar for important dates and deadlines associated with the session. Winter courses are fast paced so be sure you can commit the necessary time to successfully complete the course.

If you enrolled in a winter course but changed your mind, submit the Student Withdrawal/Resignation Form by December 26 to discontinue enrollment. This process is not the same as course withdrawal. 

Spring 2024 Add/Drop (Course Registration Phase 2) 

Remember, you were not guaranteed to receive all the courses or specific CRNs you requested during Course Request (phase 1), so here’s what to do to finalize your schedule:

1. View your Course Request Results

You can follow either click path to review your results:

Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Registration (Add/Drop) and Schedule > Add/Drop - Register for Classes or;
Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Hokie Scheduler > Current Schedule tab at the top of the page

2. Make schedule adjustments

Add/Drop is a marathon, not a race. Seat availability fluctuates; you may need to monitor the system persistently throughout the entire period. The spring 2024 semester begins on Tuesday, January 16 but you can add and drop courses until 11:59 p.m.on January 22. 

Add and drop courses in real time one of two ways: 

Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Registration (Add/Drop) and Schedule > Add/Drop - Register for Classes or;
Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Hokie Scheduler > Fall 2023 > Current Schedule. Review our Advising Minute video for more information.

You may have heard of force-adding. Force-adds are typically not considered for instructor preference or time convenience. A common reason to request a force add is due to unprocessed transfer credit for pre-requisite courses completed at another institution. Check out our new force-add video for details.

3. Advising Tips 

Switching sections of the same course? Use the Conditional Add/Drop feature outlined on Slide 22 of the university’s registration tutorial. We also have a Conditional Add/Drop tutorial video.

On Hokie Scheduler, you must have the Virtual box checked on the Select Campuses page to view online courses.

Some courses require enrollment in a lecture and a 0-credit lab (such as PHYS 2305, PHYS 2306, CS 1114, and CS 2114), but Hokie Scheduler may not give you both lecture and lab CRNs when searching for a schedule. Use the Timetable of Classes to find the other CRN. We also have a Adding Zero Credit Labs tutorial video.

If you did not receive a seat in a course you requested or you try to add a course but receive an hour or major restriction error, read the course comments and restrictions for further instructions by going to the Timetable of Classes > Spring 2024 > search for the course > click on the CRN of interest. This is especially true for CS and CEE courses. You may need to enable pop-ups on your browser. Details about viewing course comments and restrictions are in this video (timestamp 18:24 to 21:37)." 

Declaring a degree-granting engineering major at the end of fall 2023? The scheduled decision date for the change of major process is by 5:00 p.m. on January 8. Check the comments and major restrictions on the Timetable of Classes to determine when you can add major restricted courses.  

4. Tutorial Links

Registration (Add/Drop) Tutorial
Hokie Scheduler Video Tutorial
Hokie Scheduler Screenshot Tutorial
Adding Zero-Credit Labs Tutorial
Conditional Add/Drop Tutorial
Searching for Pathways Courses Tutorial
Force-Adding Courses Video

Determining your Spring Semester GPA Goal

Follow these steps if you need help determining your spring semester GPA goal to meet a certain overall GPA goal at the end of the spring semester.

1. Download our semester and overall GPA calculator.
2. Enter your current quality points in cell H3 and GPA hours in cell I3. Go to Hokie Spa > Transcripts and Certifications Menu > View Unofficial Transcript > Transcript Totals (Undergraduate) to find these values.
3. Enter the number of credit hours you plan to enroll in at Virginia Tech this spring in cell I17.
4. If needed, update cell I18. The default is a 3.0 as this is the Engineering student GPA guarantee for entry to a degree-granting major.
5. Review the spring semester GPA goal in cell I21.

Change of Major/Declaring an Enginerring Major Process

The process of moving out of GE and into a degree-granting Engineering major is referred to as change of major or declaring an engineering major. You are eligible to apply to a restricted Engineering major once you have completed the following change of major courses:
ENGE 1215
ENGE 1216
(Or ENGE 1414 in place of ENGE 1215 and ENGE 1216)
ENGL 1105
MATH 1225
MATH 1226

You also need a minimum of 12 GPA hours (A-F courses taken at VT) and at least a 2.0 overall VT GPA to apply.

The Engineering student GPA guarantee for acceptance into your first-choice engineering major is a 3.0. Aerospace Engineering and Computer Science (as well as Data-Centric Computing and Secure Computing which are also in the CS department) are our most competitive majors and historically do not accept Engineering students below the 3.0 GPA guarantee.

The End of Fall 2023 application opens December 11 on Hokie Spa > Change of Major Application but you need a VT GPA to apply, so you may need to wait until December 18 when your final fall grades post on Hokie Spa to submit your application. You will receive a decision email by 5:00 pm Eastern on January 8. Review the change of major webpage or our Advising Minute video.

Not sure if you are eligible? Complete this form for help determining your eligibility for the end of fall application period. Are you eligible? Go to Hokie Spa > Change of Major Application and submit your application!

Minors

Virginia Tech has approximately 150 minors.  A minor is a group of courses, fewer than the number required for a major, for students to take who wish to develop expertise or pursue an interest in some subject in addition to their major. You are not required to earn a minor. Minor checksheets outline the requirements to earn the minor.

Adding an Engineering minor

The College of Engineering (COE) offers four restricted minors and six non-restricted minors. You are not required to pursue a minor but if you plan to do so, you must officially add the minor by completing the COE minor application. Review the Minors webpage for details, including a link to the application and application dates.

Declaring a non Engineering minor

If you are interested in pursuing a minor in a different college, review the minor application processing information to determine when you can add the minor. Questions? Start with your assigned GE advisor!

Spring 2024 Add/Drop (Course Registration Phase 2)

Remember, you were not guaranteed to receive all the courses or specific CRNs you requested during Course Request (phase 1), so here’s what to do to finalize your schedule:

1. View your Course Request Results

You can follow either click path to review your results:

Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Registration (Add/Drop) and Schedule > Add/Drop - Register for Classes or;
Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Hokie Scheduler > Current Schedule tab at the top of the page

2. Make schedule adjustments

Add/Drop is a marathon, not a race. Seat availability fluctuates; you may need to monitor the system persistently throughout the entire period. The spring 2024 semester begins on Tuesday, January 16 but you can add and drop courses until 11:59 p.m.on January 22. 

Add and drop courses in real time one of two ways: 

Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Registration (Add/Drop) and Schedule > Add/Drop - Register for Classes or;
Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Hokie Scheduler > Fall 2023 > Current Schedule. Review our Advising Minute video for more information.

You may have heard of force-adding. Force-adds are typically not considered for instructor preference or time convenience. A common reason to request a force add is due to unprocessed transfer credit for pre-requisite courses completed at another institution. Check out our new force-add video for details.

3. Advising Tips 

Switching sections of the same course? Use the Conditional Add/Drop feature outlined on Slide 22 of the university’s registration tutorial. We also have a Conditional Add/Drop tutorial video.

On Hokie Scheduler, you must have the Virtual box checked on the Select Campuses page to view online courses.

Some courses require enrollment in a lecture and a 0-credit lab (such as PHYS 2305, PHYS 2306, CS 1114, and CS 2114), but Hokie Scheduler may not give you both lecture and lab CRNs when searching for a schedule. Use the Timetable of Classes to find the other CRN. We also have a Adding Zero Credit Labs tutorial video.

If you did not receive a seat in a course you requested or you try to add a course but receive an hour or major restriction error, read the course comments and restrictions for further instructions by going to the Timetable of Classes > Spring 2024 > search for the course > click on the CRN of interest. This is especially true for CS and CEE courses. You may need to enable pop-ups on your browser. Details about viewing course comments and restrictions are in this video (timestamp 18:24 to 21:37).

Declaring a degree-granting engineering major at the end of fall 2023? The scheduled decision date for the change of major process is by 5:00 p.m. on January 8. Check the comments and major restrictions on the Timetable of Classes to determine when you can add major restricted courses.  

4. Tutorial Links

Registration (Add/Drop) Tutorial
Hokie Scheduler Video Tutorial
Hokie Scheduler Screenshot Tutorial
Adding Zero-Credit Labs Tutorial
Conditional Add/Drop Tutorial
Searching for Pathways Courses Tutorial
Force-Adding Courses Video

Navigating Campus

The Blacksburg campus includes over 200 buildings and 2,600 acres! Be sure to allow at least 15 minutes of travel time between classes. Did you know the Hokie Express (HXP) line on Blacksburg Transit (BT bus system) makes a loop around campus?

Other helpful resources:
-Campus Maps
-Blacksburg Transit (BT bus system)
-Alternative Transportation
-Living at Virginia Tech
-Mental Health and Wellness
-Dining Center Hours and Menus

Finalizing your Spring 2024 Schedule

Tuesday, January 16 is the first day of the spring semester but you can add and drop courses until 11:59 p.m. on January 22 in real time one of two ways:
        Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Registration (Add/Drop) and Schedule > Add/Drop - Register for Classes or;
        Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Hokie Scheduler > Spring 2024 > Current Schedule.
Review our Registration (Add/Drop) video for more information.

Registration System Tips

Switching sections of the same course? Use the Conditional Add/Drop feature outlined on Slide 22 of the university’s registration tutorial. We also have a Conditional Add/Drop tutorial video.

On Hokie Scheduler, you must have the Virtual box checked on the Select Campuses page to view online courses.

Some courses require enrollment in a lecture and a 0-credit lab (such as PHYS 2305, PHYS 2306, CS 1114, and CS 2114), but Hokie Scheduler may not give you both lecture and lab CRNs when searching for a schedule. Use the Timetable of Classes to find the other CRN. We also have a Adding Zero Credit Labs tutorial video.

If you did not receive a seat in a course you requested or you try to add a course but receive an hour or major restriction error, read the course comments and restrictions for further instructions by going to the Timetable of Classes > Spring 2024 > search for the course > click on the CRN of interest. This is especially true for CS and CEE courses. You may need to enable pop-ups on your browser. Details about viewing course comments and restrictions are in this video (timestamp 18:24 to 21:37).

Tutorial Links

Registration (Add/Drop) Tutorial
Hokie Scheduler Video Tutorial
Hokie Scheduler Screenshot Tutorial
Adding Zero-Credit Labs Tutorial
Conditional Add/Drop Tutorial
Searching for Pathways Courses Tutorial
Force-Adding Courses Video

Advising Tips

Checksheets outline what is necessary to earn a specific degree from Virginia Tech based on the date of entry year. See our Checksheets/Degree Requirements Canvas page for details.

The College of Engineering change of major requirement courses are your first priority: ENGE 1215, ENGE 1216, ENGL 1105, MATH 1225, and MATH 1226. ENGE 1414 substitutes for ENGE 1215 and 1216. See the change of major webpage.

Completing the current general education curriculum, Pathways to General Education, is a graduation requirement. See our Pathways Canvas page for more information.

VCCS Associate Degree and Pathways

If you earned an Associate of Science or Associate of Arts and Sciences degree from a Virginia Community College, your general education requirements are satisfied unless your intended engineering major requires a specific course for the Pathways requirement (i.e. Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean Engineering require ECON 2005; Construction Engineering and Management requires ECON 2005 and ECON 2006).This does not apply if you earned an Applied Associate degree.

Full-time status is important to avoid jeopardizing some types of financial aid, on-campus housing, NCAA eligibility, and visa status. Start the semester with more credits as a safeguard should you need to drop a course. Taking a 4-credit course? Start with at least 16 credits. Start with at least 15 credits if your highest credit level course is three. Cadets may have 18-19 credits due to additional requirements.

Force-adds are typically not considered for instructor preference or time convenience. A common reason to request a force add is due to unprocessed transfer credit for pre-requisite courses completed at another institution. Check out our new force-add video and the force-add webpage for details.

Being a Successful Hokie Engineer!

Classes are your top priority. Go to class. I know it seems simple, but every class you miss lowers your chances of achieving the best grades possible. If you need to miss class due to illness or an emergency, reach out to your professor as soon as you can.

While you are in class, put your phone down and pay attention. Take every step to eliminate distractions which means you may need to take notes with paper and pen. 

Create weekly and semester schedules. It takes excellent time management to balance all of your academic and personal responsibilities. Create a weekly schedule as well as a semester schedule. Click the links to get started or you can review written instructions on our time management modules.

Review each Canvas course page. Your professor may not utilize the Canvas calendar, so review each course page carefully for required assignments and due dates as well as the course policies for attendance and grading policy. Check Canvas regularly for any updates.

Submit all assignments. Non-submits = 0. Missed a due date? Contact your professor immediately, but keep in mind they may or may not accept late assignments.

Study hours. You may have studied very little or not at all in high school, but in college the majority of learning occurs outside of your class lectures. 

For every 1 hour of lecture in a course, you should be studying outside of lecture for at least 3 hours for STEM courses and 1 - 2 hours for non-STEM courses. For example: MATH 1225 (4-hour course) + study time (4x3 = 12 study hours) = 16 total hours per week should be scheduled for MATH 1225. Study time = homework, completing and taking notes on readings, completing practice problems, as well as attending office hours, review sessions, and tutoring. More on study hours.

Knowing how to study effectively is just as important as the number of study hours. Consider using the metacognitive problem solving technique and the frame routine!

Get help. A sign of strength is reaching out for help when you need it. Seeking tutoring resources and meeting with your professor during office hours is common in college if you need help understanding the course material. 

College can be stressful so it is important to seek out wellness resources if you need help securing basic needs and services, improving your sleep, or obtaining mental health support.

Academic Plan

An academic plan (sometimes called a graduation plan or plan of study) allows you to outline all of the courses needed to fulfill the graduation requirements of your intended major. The academic planning webpage guides you through the steps to complete an academic plan. If you choose to create a plan, you are welcome to email it to me or meet with me for a formal review. Please allow at least five business days for feedback.

If you are in a ROTC program, you may be required to complete a military plan of study for your service branch (Air Force, Army, Navy, Navy - Marine Option). Citizen-Leader Track students may be required to create a plan as a course requirement. Your military plan may require an academic advisor’s signature. For more information about creating your plan, review the Corps of Cadets Engineering Plan of Study website.

Checksheets (Graduation Requirements)

The best resource to determine what is necessary to earn a degree from Virginia Tech is your checksheet. This is where you find the total number of credit hours, specific courses, Pathways, and other requirements. Our How to Read a Checksheet webpage helps you understand how to interpret a checksheet.

Double Major

Considering a double major? You must complete requirements for both majors in the same semester to receive a diploma for your primary major and a certificate for your secondary major. Approximately 3% of engineering students earn a double major.

Second Degree

Thinking of earning a second degree or dual degree? You must complete the requirements for both majors, but you may complete the second degree in a later term. You must complete an additional 30 credits in-residence over the minimum required for your first degree. You will receive a separate diploma for each degree. In the Class of 2023, one engineering student completed a second degree.

Minors

A minor is a group of courses that permit you to pursue a subject of interest. A minor will require at least 18 credit hours, but some minors require more. Minor checksheets are located at Checksheets page > Minors. If you have several Pathways requirements left to complete, you may consider a Pathways minor. In the Class of 2023, 37% of engineering students earned a minor.

Summer Courses

Summer courses are optional. Students are responsible for completing registration as well as payment of additional tuition and fees. 

Virginia Tech hosts three summer sessions - two six-week sessions and one 12-week session. Course registration for summer is completed in one phase, Add/Drop, which is scheduled to begin on March 12. Online, in-person, and blended courses are offered. Once available, you can view the summer timetable of classes and the summer 2024 tuition and fee rates.

You also have the option of completing courses at another institution and transferring the credit to Virginia Tech. You are responsible for paying the necessary fees and tuition, as well as completing all admissions and course registration requirements. Review the transfer policies.

Transferring credit from the Virginia Community College System (VCCS)? Pre-approval is not required, but you must follow the VCCS transferring credit steps. 

If you are transferring credit from an institution not in the VCCS, pre-approval is required. Complete the transfer credit process for non VCCS institutions. There is also a transferring credits process for institutions outside of the United States. 

If using transfer credit to meet an engineering change of major course requirement, you will need to submit proof of transfer credit by the applicable deadline if your credit is not showing on Hokie Spa. 

Questions? GE advisors will host a virtual session regarding summer courses on February 22 at 3:00 p.m. on Zoom.

Last Day to Drop a Spring 2024 Course Without Grade Penalty

February 26 at 11:59 p.m. is the last day to drop a spring course. Dropped courses are removed from your transcript. Students are responsible for dropping courses on Hokie Spa. Take a look at our class registration video (1:37 – 1:51) for instructions.

A grade of D- or higher is considered passing in the A-F grade system; however, some courses have a higher grade requirement due to prerequisites or degree requirements. Connect with your assigned advisor if you plan to drop an engineering change of major requirement course or if you have questions regarding impact on degree progression.

If dropping a course causes you to fall below full-time status (12 credit hours), give careful consideration if any of the following apply:

-You are receiving financial aid which requires full-time status (loans, grants, scholarships, work study). Please contact Financial Aid with your questions.

-You are a GI Bill recipient. The Office of Veterans Affairs can discuss any impacts. 

-You were admitted to Virginia Tech on a student visa and you are physically located in the United States as full-time status is required for your immigration record. You should also contact Cranwell International Center before dropping below full-time status.

Last Day to Drop a Spring 2024 Course Without Grade Penalty

February 26 at 11:59 p.m. is the last day to drop a spring 2024 course. Dropped courses are removed from your transcript. Students are responsible for dropping courses on Hokie Spa. Take a look at our class registration video (1:37 – 1:51) for instructions.

A grade of D- or higher is considered passing in the A-F grade system; however, some courses have a higher grade requirement due to prerequisites or degree requirements. Connect with your assigned advisor if you plan to drop an engineering change of major requirement course or if you have questions regarding impact on degree progression.

If dropping a course causes you to fall below full-time status (12 credit hours), give careful consideration if any of the following apply:

-You are receiving financial aid which requires full-time status (loans, grants, scholarships, work study). Please contact Financial Aid with your questions.

-You are a GI Bill recipient. The Office of Veterans Affairs can discuss any impacts. 

-You were admitted to Virginia Tech on a student visa and you are physically located in the United States as full-time status is required for your immigration record. You should also contact Cranwell International Center before dropping below full-time status.

-You live on campus. After you have dropped the course in the registration system, go to StarRez > Online Forms and complete the Part-time Status Form. It will be reviewed by Housing and Residence Life in 24 to 48 hours. Email housing@vt.edu with any questions.

Transfer Credit

Take a moment to review Hokie Spa > Grades Menu > Transfer and Other Additional Credit to ensure all of your expected credit has been processed by the Registrar’s Office. Missing credit?

AB, CLEP IB, and Cambridge Scores
Send official score reports from the testing agency to the Office of the University Registrar using the Virginia Tech school code 5859. Virginia Tech will not accept transcripts from other institutions to award credit for these exams. 

Dual Enrollment and Prior Institution Transcripts
Official transcripts from high school, prior colleges, and universities should be sent to the Office of the University Registrar electronically through Parchment or by mail:

Office of the University Registrar
Student Services Building, Suite 250, Virginia Tech
800 Washington St, S.W.
Blacksburg, VA 24060-0134

If you completed dual enrollment, your high school transcript cannot be used to award transfer credit at VT. If you completed courses at multiple colleges or universities, you must send copies of the transcripts from each institution for credit to be awarded.

Verify Your Credit
Patiently monitor Hokie Spa > Grades Menu > Transfer and Other Additional Credits for processing. Depending on the time of year, it may take up to 30 working days for your credit show on Hokie Spa.

Last Day to Drop a Spring 2024 Course Without Grade Penalty

February 26 at 11:59 p.m. is the last day to drop a spring 2024 course. Dropped courses are removed from your transcript. Students are responsible for dropping courses on Hokie Spa. Take a look at our class registration video (1:37 – 1:51) for instructions.

A grade of D- or higher is considered passing in the A-F grade system; however, some courses have a higher grade requirement due to prerequisites or degree requirements. Connect with your assigned advisor if you plan to drop an engineering change of major requirement course or if you have questions regarding impact on degree progression.

If dropping a course causes you to fall below full-time status (12 credit hours), give careful consideration if any of the following apply:

-You are receiving financial aid which requires full-time status (loans, grants, scholarships, work study). Please contact Financial Aid with your questions.

-You are a GI Bill recipient. The Office of Veterans Affairs can discuss any impacts. 

-You were admitted to Virginia Tech on a student visa and you are physically located in the United States as full-time status is required for your immigration record. You should also contact Cranwell International Center before dropping below full-time status.

-You live on campus. After you have dropped the course in the registration system, go to StarRez > Online Forms and complete the Part-time Status Form. It will be reviewed by Housing and Residence Life in 24 to 48 hours. Email housing@vt.edu with any questions.

Quick Tips:
-Have you tried to drop a course using Google Chrome but the registration system just spins? Open an incognito window to access the registration system.

-Verify course drops on Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu >Classic Student Schedule. 

How to Submit your Fall 2024 Course Request 

Course Request (phase 1 of registration) started a few days ago. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Complete our Course Registration Self-Check Form or our Course Registration Worksheet to determine your course list.
2. Create your preferred class schedule manually using the fall timetable of classes (CRNs begin with 8 or 9) or go to Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Hokie Scheduler to use an automated tool. Review the "How can I use Hokie Scheduler for course registration?" FAQ at the bottom of the list. 
3. Submit your preferred CRNs on Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Course Request by 11:59 p.m. on April 2. You are not guaranteed to receive a seat in all requested courses or preferred CRNs.    
4. Need to make changes after submitting? You can modify your request until 11:59 p.m. on April 2. 

You can also watch our new video tutorial for instructions.

Prerequisite Error and Force-Adding

To request or add a course, you must be currently enrolled in the prerequisite at Virginia Tech or have credit for the pre-requisite showing on Hokie Spa.

Did you try to request a course but received a prerequisite error? Are you planning to complete a summer course at another institution and that summer course is a prerequisite of a course you want to take at VT this fall? 

You cannot add the fall course on your own using the registration system until your transfer credit for the prerequisite is showing on Hokie Spa > Grades Menu > Transfer and Other Additional Credit. The transfer credit will not show until you have the transfer institution send an official transcript showing a C or better in the approved course equivalent.

While you are waiting for your official transcript to be sent to Virginia Tech and processed, you can submit a force-add request in August during Add/Drop. There is no force adding during the request period.

Force-adding is an administrative process which allows the department offering the course to place students into courses they cannot add themselves. A common reason for a force add is unprocessed transfer credit for pre-requisite courses students have taken at other institutions. You will need to provide proof of credit (an unofficial transcript showing C or better in the approved course equivalent) to submit the request. Take a look at our force-add video and the force-add webpage for instructions.

Getting Advising Help with Course Registration

An advising appointment for the request period is not mandatory, but there are several ways you can get help with registration. 

Since academic advising is a collaborative process, please make sure you share one of the following with your advisor: the link to your Self-Check Google Doc (emailed to you after you complete our Course Request Self-Check Form) or your Course Registration Worksheet.

One-on-One Advising Appointment
Schedule using Navigate. Check out our video on how to schedule an appointment or our how to schedule an advising appointment webpage. Change of plans and need to cancel your appointment? Please do so in Navigate or by emailing your advisor. This allows another Hokie to meet with your advisor during this peak advising season.

Evening Express Drop-in Advising
When offered, stop by our virtual Evening Express Drop-in Advising (no appointment required) during the request period. Watch this video about Express Advising to learn more! Details on the dates and times will be shared by email when drop-in advising is available.

Email
You are always welcome to email questions!

How to Submit your Fall 2024 Course Request

1. Complete our Course Registration Self-Check Form to determine your course list.
2. Create your preferred class schedule manually using the fall timetable of classes (CRNs begin with 8 or 9) or go to Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Hokie Scheduler to use an automated tool. Review the "How can I use Hokie Scheduler for course registration" FAQ at the bottom of the list. 
3. Submit your preferred CRNs on Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Course Request by 11:59 p.m. on April 2. You are not guaranteed to receive a seat in all requested courses or preferred CRNs.    
4. Need to make changes after submitting? You can modify your request until 11:59 p.m. on April 2. 

Don’t forget about our new course request video!

Prerequisite Error and Force-Adding

You must be currently enrolled in the prerequisite at Virginia Tech or have credit for the pre-requisite showing on Hokie Spa to request or add a course.

Did you try to request a course but received a prerequisite error? Are you planning to complete a summer course at another institution and that summer course is a prerequisite of a course you want to take at VT this fall? 

You cannot add the fall course on your own using the registration system until your transfer credit for the prerequisite is showing on Hokie Spa > Grades Menu > Transfer and Other Additional Credit. The transfer credit will not show until you have the transfer institution send an official transcript showing a C or better in the approved course equivalent.

While you are waiting for your official transcript to be sent to Virginia Tech and processed, you can submit a force-add request.

Force-adding is an administrative process which allows the department offering the course to place students into courses they cannot add themselves. A common reason for a force add is unprocessed transfer credit for pre-requisite courses students have taken at other institutions. Take a look at our force-add video and the force-add webpage for instructions. Force-adding mostly occurs during Add/Drop.

Getting Advising Help with Course Registration

You are not required to consult with an advisor prior to submitting your course request, but there are several ways you can get help with registration. Since academic advising is a collaborative process, please make sure you bring one of the following to your meeting: the link to your Self-Check Google Doc (emailed to you after you complete our Course Request Self-Check Form) or your Course Registration Worksheet.

One-on-One Academic Advising Appointment
Schedule using Navigate. Subject to availability. Check out our video on how to connect with your advisor or how to schedule an advising appointment webpage. Change of plans and need to cancel your appointment? Please do so in Navigate or by emailing your advisor. This allows another Hokie to meet with your advisor during this peak advising season.

Email
You are welcome to email your questions to your assigned advisor. Don’t forget to send the link to your Self-Check Google Doc (emailed to you after you complete our Course Registration Self-Check Form) or attach your completed Course Registration Worksheet to the message.

Summer Courses

Summer courses are optional. Students are responsible for completing registration as well as payment of additional tuition and fees. Missed our Summer Classes info session? Watch the recording.

Virginia Tech hosts three summer sessions - two six-week sessions and one 12-week session. Online, in-person, and blended courses are offered. Course registration for summer is completed in one phase, Add/Drop, and registration is open. Learn more about summer at VT. You can view the summer timetable of classes as well as the summer 2024 tuition and fee rates.

Did you enroll in a Virginia Tech summer course but change your mind? Complete the Student Withdrawal/Resignation Request before the first day of the summer session. This is not the same process as applying the W grade policy.

Students also have the option of completing courses at another institution and transferring the credit to Virginia Tech. You are responsible for paying the necessary fees and tuition, as well as completing all admissions, pre-requisite, co-requisite, and course registration requirements. Review the transfer policies.

Transferring credit from the Virginia Community College System (VCCS)? Pre-approval is not required, but you must follow the VCCS transfer credit steps.

If you are transferring credit from an institution not in the VCCS, pre-approval is required. Complete the transfer credit process for non VCCS institutions. There is also a transferring credits process for institutions outside of the United States.

If using transfer credit to meet an engineering change of major course requirement, you will need to submit proof of transfer credit by the transfer credit survey deadline if your credit is not showing on Hokie Spa. 

Fall 2024 Add/Drop: Phase 2 of Course Registration

Fall 2024 Add/Drop is scheduled to open at 8:00 p.m. on April 19 and close to continuing Hokies at 11:59 p.m on May 24. It is scheduled to reopen to continuing Hokies at 12:01 a.m. on August 5 and close for the final time at 11:59 p.m. on August 30.

Remember, Add/Drop is a real time system where you can add and drop courses. Seats are available on a first come, first served basis. Monitor the registration system diligently throughout both Add/Drop periods for open seats as availability changes frequently so it is important to be patient and persistent.

If You Missed Fall 2024 Course Request

Plan to add your courses one-by-one in real time during Add/Drop. 

1. Complete our Course Registration Self-Check Form to determine your course list.
2. Add courses in real time during Add/Drop with one of the following methods:
   1. Create your preferred class schedule manually using the Add/Drop system on Hokie Spa. Watch our How to Complete Add/Drop video for instructions.
   2. Go to Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Hokie Scheduler. Use this automated tool to generate a schedule and register for courses. Review the "How can I use Hokie Scheduler for course registration" FAQ and or the university’s Hokie Scheduler video for instructions.

If You Submitted a Fall 2024 Course Request

The results of your request will be available prior to April 19 on Hokie Spa. Remember, you were not guaranteed to receive seats in the courses or CRNs you requested, so Add/Drop is your opportunity to adjust and finalize your schedule in real time. If you requested a course, but did not receive a seat or you want to change sections of a course, monitor the registration system consistently for an open seat throughout both Add/Drop periods. CRNs begin with 8 or 9.

This is how to view your results on Hokie Spa and modify your schedule:

Using the Add/Drop System

1. Go to Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Registration (Add/Drop) and Schedule > Add/Drop - Register for Classes > Summary window on the lower right side of the screen. 
2. Add and drop courses as needed starting on April 19. Watch our How to Complete Add/Drop video for instructions.

Using Hokie Scheduler

1. Go to Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Hokie Scheduler > Current Schedule link at the top of the screen.
2. Add and drop courses as needed starting on April 19. Review our Hokie Scheduler video or the Hokie Scheduler screenshot tutorial for instructions.

Registration Tips

Some courses such as CS 2104 and CS 2505 are scheduled to open to GE students on a certain date during Add/Drop. Go to the timetable of classes > search for the course > review the text in the Comments section for the date.

Other courses are restricted to students in certain majors or those who meet certain criteria such as a set number of earned hours. You cannot add the courses until you meet the restrictions and there are open seats. You can add major-restricted engineering courses once you officially complete the change of major process. The decision emails will be sent by 5:00 p.m. on May 20. You will add courses with hours restrictions once your spring grades post on May 12 and you meet the hours threshold.

If you are completing a prerequisite course this summer, you will most likely have to force-add the course in August once you have proof of credit and Add/Drop is open. Contact your assigned academic advisor with questions.

Helpful tutorials- Adding Zero-Credit Labs, Conditional Add/Drop, Searching for Pathways Courses, How to Complete Add/Drop video, Hokie Scheduler video, Hokie Scheduler screenshot tutorial.

Fall 2024 Add/Drop: Phase 2 of Course Registration

Fall 2024 Add/Drop is scheduled to open at 8:00 p.m. on April 19 and close to continuing Hokies at 11:59 p.m on May 24. It is scheduled to reopen to continuing Hokies at 12:01 a.m. on August 5 and close for the final time at 11:59 p.m. on August 30.

Remember, Add/Drop is a real time system where you can add and drop courses. Seats are available on a first come, first served basis. Monitor the registration system diligently throughout both Add/Drop periods as seat availability changes frequently so it is important to be patient and persistent.

If you missed course request

Plan to add your courses one-by-one in real time during Add/Drop. 

1. Complete our Course Registration Self-Check Form to determine your course list.
2. Add courses in real time with one of the following methods:
    

a. Create your preferred class schedule manually using the Add/Drop system on Hokie Spa. Watch our How to Complete Add/Drop video for instructions.

b. Go to Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Hokie Scheduler. Use this automated tool to generate a schedule and register for courses. Review the "How can I use Hokie Scheduler for course registration" FAQ and or the university’s Hokie Scheduler video for instructions.

If you submitted a course request

The results of your request are now available on Hokie Spa. Remember, you were not guaranteed to receive seats in the courses or CRNs you requested, so Add/Drop is your opportunity to adjust and finalize your schedule in real time. If you requested a course, but did not receive a seat or you want to change sections of a course, monitor the registration system consistently for an open seat throughout both Add/Drop periods. CRNs begin with 8 or 9.

This is how to view your results on Hokie Spa and modify your schedule:

Using the Add/Drop System

1. Go to Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Registration (Add/Drop) and Schedule > Add/Drop - Register for Classes > Summary window on the lower right side of the screen. 
2. Add and drop courses as needed starting on April 19. Watch our How to Complete Add/Drop video for instructions.

Using Hokie Scheduler

1. Go to Hokie Spa > Course Registration and Schedule Menu > Hokie Scheduler > Current Schedule link at the top of the screen.
2. Add and drop courses as needed starting on April 19. Review our Hokie Scheduler video or the Hokie Scheduler screenshot tutorial for instructions. 

Registration Tips

Some courses such as CS 2104 and CS 2505 are scheduled to open to GE students on a certain date during Add/Drop. Go to the timetable of classes > search for the course > review the text in the Comments section for the date.

Some sophomore in-major courses such as CS 1944 are restricted to students in the respective engineering majors. This means you may have to wait until you officially complete the change of major process to add the course(s). The End of Spring 2024 change of major decision emails will be sent by 5:00 p.m. on May 20. The decision date for the End of Summer 2024 change of major cycle is forthcoming and will be posted soon to our End of Summer/August Change of Major page.

Finally, some courses have an hours restriction. If you do not meet the threshold, you will have to add the course once your spring grades post on May 12.

Helpful tutorials: Adding Zero-Credit Labs, Conditional Add/Drop, Searching for Pathways Courses, How to Complete Add/Drop, Hokie Scheduler, Hokie Scheduler screenshot tutorial, How to Force-Add.

Math Credit-By-Exam

The math department offers optional credit-by-exam for certain math courses at the end of each semester. Registration (April 22 - May 1) and payment of an exam fee is required. You cannot pursue this option if you previously audited or enrolled in the course at Virginia Tech. Students may earn a maximum of 12 hours through credit-by-exam.