How can I obtain verification of enrollment for insurance purposes?
Policy Regarding Confidentiality of Student Records
Please follow this link to view the official policy regarding confidentiality of student records.
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Declaration of Major Policy
Upon completion of 60 credits, any student not enrolled as a major in a degree-granting program will not be permitted to register until he or she has been admitted or provisionally admitted to a degree granting program.
The 60-credit rule will take effect at the end of the academic-year semester in which the student achieves a total of 60 or more completed credits.
This policy will be in effect for students admitted for the fall semester of 2002 and thereafter. Students in the Division of University Studies or in schools and colleges as undeclared majors admitted prior to fall 2002 will be notified of the policy, but not bound by it.
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Major Requirements
Requirements for each major are listed in the print version or the online version of the Undergraduate Bulletin. If accessing the online version, follow links to either Academic Programs, which links to degrees offered. Additionally, students can stop by the University Studies advising office (1810 Liacouras Walk, Suite 101) to obtain information for most Temple majors. Students can also meet with a University Studies advisor to determine how the courses they have already taken can satisfy requirements of a particular degree program.
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Academic Progress and Academic Standing
Student Financial Services is required by federal regulation to monitor student progression toward completion of degree and certificate programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. This Satisfactory Academic Progress Standard includes a quantitative and qualitative measure of progress. The quantitative measure requires that a specific number of completed credits are necessary each academic year to remain eligible for financial aid (refer to the Undergraduate or Graduate Progress Standards). The qualitative measure requires maintaining a GPA that meets the minimum standard necessary to maintain Academic Good Standing according to Temple University policy. For further details about satisfactory academic progress standards for financial aid, visit the Student Financial Services website.
Temple University reviews students academic progress at the end of each semester. Students are notified of any academic action taken. For more information about the Undergraduate Policy on Academic Warning, Probation, Dismissal and Reinstatement, please click here.
Grade reports are not automatically mailed out to students. Students can access grades via OWLnet. Once on OWLnet, students can request that a paper copy of the grade report be mailed.
Students can also access a copy of their Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) via OWLnet. DARS is a report that shows a student's academic history and progress towards completing Gen Ed and program requirements. DARS is updated periodically during the year to incorporate any changes in a student's academic history.
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Recommended Courseload
The first semester of college can be a challenging experience for students. It is important for the student to get off to a good start. Students may be living away from home or on their own for the first time. Outside responsibilities such as work or family commitments should also be considered when deciding on the course load. The time spent in the classroom is just one part of the college experience, as a student will spend more time outside of class reading, writing, researching, and socializing. Typically, full-time students aim at completing 30 credits each academic year, not only for financial aid purposes, but also to ensure degree completion in a timely manner. Depending on the student's circumstances, a student may decide not to attempt a 15-17 credit load in the first semester. A student's potential major is important to consider when deciding on the course load, since the sequence of some courses may require the completion of certain prerequisites.
If a student only takes 12-14 credits in the first semester, this does not necessarily mean that a student will not make academic progress. The experience of the first semester can help a student determine whether or not to pick up an additional course in the next semester.
Temple University's two six week summer sessions also offer an excellent opportunity for students to earn additional credits as needed or to focus on the one or two courses that may demand more attention. Unlike high school, attendance during the summer sessions does not have a negative connotation. Many college students take advantage of summer courses to make progress toward graduation. For information about taking summer courses at another university, click here.
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A Typical Roster for the First Semester
First Year Writing Course
Mathematics
Gen Ed or Pre-Professional Requirement
Gen Ed or Pre-Professional Requirement
Freshman Seminar Course
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Full-time Status
Students who register for between 12-17 credits are considered full time, for academic and financial aid purposes.
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Class Level
The university determines class level as follows. The number in parentheses represents the assigned class level:
- 1-29 Credits- Freshman (1)
- 30-59 Credits-Sophomore (2)
- 60-89 Credits Junior (3)
- 90+ Senior (4)
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Difference Between a Drop and Withdrawal
For the fall and spring semesters, the drop/add period takes place during the first two weeks of the term. During the summer sessions, the drop/add period ends on the third day of each session. When a student drops a course, it no longer appears on the student's academic record.
Unlike a drop, a withdrawal does appear on a student's record. The withdrawal period begins with the third week of the fall and spring semesters. Between the third and ninth week, a student may withdraw in consulation with an academic advisor. The notation of a "W" will appear on the student's permanent academic record, but does not affect the student's GPA. A student may only withdraw from a course once. During the summer sessions, the withdraw period is slightly different, since the semester is shorter. Students should consult the Summer Class Schedule or Academic Calendar to determine the withdrawal period.
There are important issues to consider when a student drops or withdraws from a course. Dropping or withdrawing from a course may affect one's financial aid eligibility since there are minimum semester and academic year credit requirements for financial aid eligibility. Students are advised to consult Student Financial Services before dropping or withdrawing from a course.
One strategy for making sure that one's roster is manageable is for the student to attend the first class of each course on the roster. Once the student has all of the syllabi from the courses, he or she can better evaluate the workload for the semester, taking into consideration obligations outside of school.
For more information about the registration timeline, please refer to the registration schedule on the website of the Office of Academic Records.
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New Student Orientation
During New Student Orientation, students become acquainted with their school or college. Orientation for the Division of University Studies students begins with a presentation about University Studies, academic requirements, and support services. An important part of the presentation involves the University General Education curriculum and how Gen Ed can be used in the major exploration process. Following the presentation, students meet with undergraduate peer advisors to review placement test scores, any transfer credit information, and to develop a schedule for the first semester. Students also meet with a University Studies professional advisor to review course selections and finally to register.
Listed below are questions to ask your student once he/she has completed New Student Orientation.
- Did you check your schedule to make sure you are registered for courses you selected?
- What is the name of the advisor you met with during orientation?
- If you have a certain major or program in mind, are you aware of the requirements?
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Verfication of Enrollment
Insurance companies usually request proof of a student's enrollment in college. Requests for verification of enrollment can be obtained via OWLnet, Temple's student information system.
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