Frequently Asked Questions
The following is a list of common questions that our new students ask. If you have a question that you do not see here, please contact your academic advisor. Your academic advisor is your go to person on campus. If you ever need anything and don't know where to turn, your academic advisor is a great place to start. Making academic and transfer decisions without consulting your advisor is risky business. Advisors have the most current and thorough knowledge regarding your programs (majors/minor) requirements, the college's policies, procedures, and the requirements that apply to you in your specific situation.
What is the academic plan?
An academic plan is a student's intended course schedule for an upcoming semester or for multiple semesters to meet their academic requirements to graduate. Student’s should schedule an appointment with their academic advisor to adjust the academic plan for the upcoming academic period registration.
What does registration mean?
Registration is when a student's course sections are secured in Workday for an academic period. Registration appointments are found in your Announcement under Registration Window by selecting "View My Registration Appointments".
Keep in mind, registration appointments are not actual appointments with advisors but rather, a date in Workday that students can begin registering in their specific course sections by securing a seat.
How do I register for a class?
Directions can be found on the Workday web site. The preferred method of registration is to register from your academic plan.
What is a normal load for a full-time student?
A normal load for a full-time student is 12 or more hours. The average student will take 15 hours during the fall and spring.
Who is my advisor?
You can determine who your advisor is by going to myFHSU in Workday. You will login and under the "Academics" tab you will see Advisor information. Click on this link to see your Academic Advisor and their email. You can email your advisor from this page.
Can I change my advisor without changing my major?
Yes. You need to visit with the department chair of your major. The chair will help you through the process.
Can I change my major?
Yes. To change an undergraduate major, you should contact the academic department of the major you wish to declare.
Where can I get help with study skills?
Academic Success Programs can assist your academic coaching and tutoring. You can contact them in the Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success on the First Floor or by at: success@fhsu.edu.
How do I drop a class?
Students can drop a class through Workday. Acceptance is based on the time frame for withdrawing from courses. Students receiving financial aid have additional responsibilities and should contact the Financial Assistance Office in Picken Hall, Room 202, 785-628-4408 and Student Fiscal Services in Picken Hall, Room 317, 785-628-5558. Fee refunds for course withdrawals will be calculated in accordance with the Course Drop/Withdrawal Policy. There may be a delay in release of tuition refunds for financial aid recipients until the office of Financial Aid and/or Student Fiscal Services office reviews eligibility requirements relating to the withdrawal.
How do I add a class?
Students can add an open class through Workday. Acceptance is based on the time frame for adding courses and class maximum registration. The course add becomes official for the student on the date the request is submitted in Workday. Payment is due on the date listed in Workday.
What do I do if I have an illness or family emergency which keeps me away from classes?
The Office of Student Affairs will send notes to instructors when students are ill at their parental home or hospitalized for several days. Notes are not sent when a student is ill in Hays or when only one or two days of classes are missed. The Office of Student Affairs has a system for getting information about serious illness or personal/family emergencies to instructors and academic advisors. It should be noted that the Office of Student Affairs does not provide "excuses" for being absent from class - only an instructor may excuse an absence. You can notify Student Affairs by calling 785-628-4277.
How do I determine my GPA?
The grade point average is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credit units in which grade points are recorded.
What is the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy and how can I get a copy?
In order for students on federal aid to continually receive loans, grants and/or work study, satisfactory academic progress must be met. A student must generally maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA or a 3.0 cumulative graduate GPA and make pace towards by completing at least 67% of the classes attempted during their undergraduate or graduate work. In addition, students have a limit on the number of hours they can attempt while receiving aid. This policy also includes funding from the State of Kansas and various scholarships. Students placed on financial aid suspension will not be eligible for aid until university standards are met or the student has an appeal approved. For further explanation, refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy available in the Financial Assistance Office and on the Financial Assistance Office web site.
Is there any way to improve a grade if I am not satisfied with it?
Yes, a student may attempt to improve a grade in a FHSU course only by repeating the course. All grades remain on the student's transcript, and the grade for the last registration in the course will be used in determining grade points. The grade in the course being repeated will also contain a notation RP (Repeated) on the transcript. The complete policy can be reviewed online in Improving a Grade (Repeat Policy).
Where do I find my graduation requirements?
Through consultation with your academic advisor as well as through the University Catalog and myFHSU worklet , you may find the graduation requirements for your major(s). The degree analysts in the Registrar's Office review academic progress for students as they progress through FHSU.
What is academic progress?
Academic progress is an outline of the courses required to meet your graduation requirements for your program of study. This can be accessed through your myFHSU worklet under the Academics tab.
Where can I find out about employment while I am a student?
Student Employment offers part-time jobs on campus and available jobs can be located through Workday by searching Find Student Jobs.
Career Services provides students with a variety of potential employment opportunities. Career Services offers part-time jobs on and off campus as well as summer employment and internships. Their jobs can be located at http://www.fhsu.edu/career/students/. Career Services can be a valuable resource when it comes to finding a job after graduation.