Orientation for New Students

FIRST YEAR STUDENTS

We want to provide some suggestions as to the types of courses you should consider taking during your first quarter here.

1. Mathematics provides the basis for work in all of the Engineering fields. Plan on taking the pre-calculus qualifying examination offered during summer advising or at the beginning of the quarter to confirm your entry level into mathematics courses.
2. English Composition courses are an invaluable aid in honing your skills in thinking clearly and writing well. If you haven't satisfied the Entry Level Writing requirement, doing so should be your top priority. If you have met the Entry Level Writing requirement, consider taking other courses stressing more advanced work in composition during your first year: University Writing Program (UWP) 1 or 3, Comparative Literature 1, 2, 3 or 4 and Native American Studies 5.
3. Chemistry - To enroll in Chemistry 2A or 2AH, all students (including those with Advanced Placement examination credit or transfer units for any courses in chemistry or mathematics) must pass both the Chemistry Diagnostic Test and the Precalculus Qualifying Examination with satisfactory scores. Both exams are administered during the UC Davis Orientation program and during the orientation week of any quarter in which Chemistry 2A or 2AH is offered. Students who have not passed both exams will be administratively dropped from Chemistry 2A and 2AH. If you do not achieve a satisfactory score on the Chemistry Diagnostic Test, you have two options. First, you may retake the test. The Learning Skills Center will provide you with the results of your test and details regarding self-directed study materials you may use to prepare to retake the test. The second option is to enroll in Sacramento City College's Chemistry 41C (listed in the Class Schedule and Registration Guide as WLD 41C before the Chemistry courses). This course is given at UC Davis during fall quarter specifically for UC Davis students who require extra preparation for Chemistry 2A. WLD 41C provides 3 units of credit toward minimum progress and verification of full-time status, but provides no units toward graduation or grade point average. You may not enroll in WLD 41C if you have passed the Chemistry Diagnostic Test or if you have not yet taken the Chemistry Diagnostic Test.

It is strongly advised that you meet with your departmental staff advisor to review the suggested first quarter schedule tailored to your specific Engineering major.

During the first pass in the registration system, you can enroll in a maximum of 17 units. You can add more units to your schedule during the second pass. You can also adjust your schedule during the first 10 days of the quarter.

To make normal progress toward obtaining a baccalaureate degree you should average 15 units each quarter. We recommend that your first quarter schedule consist of courses totaling about 15 units. You should plan on completing at least 45 units by the end of the year, and an additional 45 units at the end of each subsequent year.

The faculty will expect you to spend at least two hours in out-of-class preparation for every hour that you spend in class. For example, a 15 unit course load implies 45 hours of work on your part every week. You should consider this workload as you plan your first quarter.

The Dean's Assembly for new students who did not attend UC Davis Orientation will be held at the beginning of Fall Quarter. You should consult the Class Schedule and Registration Guide for the exact date, time and location. We look forward to meeting you at the Assembly.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

If you have not completed lower division courses required as preparatory subject matter in your major, then enrolling in these courses should be a high priority. Also consider taking upper division courses in your major for which you have the stated prerequisites (courses you must have completed before enrolling).

All transfer students must complete two upper division General Education courses (courses numbered 100 and above) regardless if they have satisfied IGETC prior to transferring to UC Davis.

During the first pass in the registration system, you can enroll in a maximum of 17 units. You can add more units to your schedule during the second pass. You can also adjust your schedule during the first 10 days of the quarter.

To make normal progress toward obtaining a baccalaureate degree you should average 15 units each quarter. We recommend that your first quarter schedule consist of courses totaling about 15 units. You should plan on completing at least 45 units by the end of the year, and an additional 45 units at the end of each subsequent year.

The faculty will expect you to spend at least two hours in out-of-class preparation for every hour that you spend in class. For example, a 15 unit course load implies 45 hours of work on your part every week. You should consider this workload as you plan your first quarter.

Advising at UC Davis takes place on two levels, in your major department and at the College of Engineering Undergraduate Advising Office. You should plan to meet with an adviser in your major department very early in the quarter. By reviewing your transfer work, the departmental adviser will be able to tell you where you stand with respect to major requirements and to advise you about your plans in the major. It is very important that you bring copies of all transcripts to these meetings to ensure that all information needed to make an evaluation is available to the staff adviser. It is also a good idea to visit the Undergraduate Advising Office sometime during your first year to ensure that transfer credit is properly noted in your official record.

The Dean's Assembly for new students who did not attend UC Davis Orientation will be held at the beginning of Fall Quarter. You should consult f the Class Schedule and Registration Guide for the exact date, time and location. We look forward to meeting you at the Assembly.