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Advising FAQs
What is a PIN?
This is your personal identification number (PIN) for registration. You will get this number from your advisor each term (or year, depending on your program), and must have it to register for classes. It is your responsibility to contact your advisor for a PIN before registration begins. The purpose of a registration PIN is to ensure that you are checking in with your advisor on a regular basis and are on track to graduate.
What is the Baccalaureate Core?
The Baccalaureate Core (Bacc Core) Curriculum represents what the OSU faculty believes is the foundation for students' further understanding of the modern world. Informed by natural and social sciences, arts and humanities, the Bacc Core requires students to think critically and creatively, and to synthesize ideas and information when evaluating major societal issues. Importantly, the Bacc Core promotes understanding of interrelationships among disciplines in order to increase students' capacities as ethical citizens of an ever-changing world. These are course requirements that all OSU undergraduates must complete. The Bacc Core requirements and courses that satisfy them will be listed in the advising guide obtained from your advisor. The Bacc Core requirements are waived for post-bacc students.
Is there any flexibility in meeting the Baccalaureate Core requirements?
The University requires that you complete the Bacc Core requirements, but you may select from many different courses to satisfy these requirements, including transfer courses. Some courses may also fulfill requirements for your major or minor, depending on your program. Be sure to discuss the best selection of courses with your advisor.
Do I really need to have all of the prerequisites before taking a course for which they are required?
Yes, usually. If you have not taken the prerequisites but feel that you have the adequate background to successfully complete the course, discuss this with your advisor. The usual procedure is for you to send an email request to the course instructor, providing an explanation of past coursework that you believe prepared you to take their course. The instructor will decide if she/he will allow you to take the course without the prerequisites.
What if I have transfer credits?
If you have any prior college coursework you are transferring to OSU, you will receive an Advanced Standing Report (ASR). Please see the next Q/A for more information about ASRs.
In general, OSU accepts most college-level courses from regionally accredited colleges in transfer. Courses not meeting specific degree requirements will count as elective credit. OSU also accepts AP, CLEP, International Baccalaureate, military and some community college professional/technical credit (up to 12 quarter credits). Students wishing to have transfer courses reevaluated for degree requirements may submit the request via a course petition form. You can obtain more information from your advisor about the course petition process. More detailed information about transfer credit is available on the OSU Admissions website.
What is an Advanced Standing Report?
Several weeks after you are admitted, the OSU Office of Admissions will prepare an Advanced Standing Report (ASR) to confirm how your transfer courses have been evaluated and applied. If you have transfer credits, you will be able to view your ASR on Student Online Services (described later in this orientation). Your advisor will be able to recommend first term coursework even if your ASR is not yet complete.
ASRs are not provided to post-bacc students; instead, your advisor will work with you to determine which past coursework may be applied to your degree requirements.
