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Multicultural Student Services

FAQ

  • 1. What is the signed graduation plan?

    This is a tool for all multicultural students that is designed to help you plan your education semester-by-semester with a specific outline of the classes you will take from your current semester until graduation. This plan should include all General Education (University Core) classes, all major classes, all minor classes, and other requirements such as Study Abroad, Internships, or Student Teaching. It should be signed by your college academic advisor for your major to be considered complete. This is a powerful tool to help you progress towards graduation that you will review regularly with your major and MSS advisors.

    2. Is there a standard graduation plan form and where do I get them?

    The MSS Office has a standard form you can use. You can pick it up at the front desk of 1320 WSC, or you can download it as a printable PDF on the MSS website. You can also follow this link: Graduation Plan.

    3. Who fills the graduation form out, me or my advisor?

    You should be the primary person filling out your graduation plan. The BYU website has many resources to help you plan your classes, such as AIM , MyMAP, Progress Reports, MAPs ,etc. If you need further assistance in selecting classes for your major or fitting in your General Education classes, you can also see your College Advisement Center. You can find office locations and contact information for these centers here on the Academic Advisement Centers page. These advisors can answer questions about course load feasibility, major requirements, and suggested sequencing. Finally, you can also consult with your MSS Advisor.

    4. Where can I get help for my graduation plan if I don’t have a major yet?

    If you do not have a major, you can receive advisement through the University Advisement Center, located in 2500 WSC. This is the open major advisement center. They can help you plan your next semester or two while you work towards choosing a major. It is your responsibility to be actively researching options in this process.

    5. What if I want to get into a limited enrollment major but am not yet accepted?

    Submit a graduation plan with that major, but have a parallel up plan ready to discuss with your advisor in case you are not accepted into the program.

    6. What if my Major Advisor didn’t even look at my graduation plan and just signed it?

    If you have concerns about your plan, go prepared with specific questions. If you still do not receive the answers you need, visit with your MSS advisor.

  • 1. What if I change my graduation date?

    Meet with your MSS advisor to discuss your individual situation and fill out an updated graduation plan.

    2. What if I change my major?

    Most students change their major a couple of times during their college experience as they learn more about themselves and fields that interest them. If you are considering changing your major, it might be helpful to meet with the College Advisement Center over that particular major to learn more about their requirements. Students must select and declare a major by the time they have 60 earned BYU credit hours (excluding language exam credits). Once a student has 75 earned BYU credit hours (excluding language exam credits), they will need to petition for special permission to change their major.

    3. Where can I go or what should I do to explore major options?

    Many majors offer a 1-credit introductory course to their programs. Taking this may help you realize career options that result from pursuing that major, what you can expect from the program, and what you will learn. You can also explore majors through the “Plan MyMAP” section of “MyMAP” by clicking on the “Explore Other Majors/Minors” tab to the far left. You can meet with an advisor in the University Advisement Center (specifically for undecided majors) in 2500 WSC. You can visit their website here. BYU offers two 1-credit courses that may help undecided students: STDEV 115 Life Planning and Decision Making and STDEV 117 Career Exploration. You can also meet with a MSS advisor for additional help and support.

    4. What should I consider when looking at a minor?

    Ask yourself: Will a minor help me get into graduate school or in my career? Will pursuing a minor delay my graduation? Minors that further your academic and future success are a good investment of time. However, if your graduation will be delayed by a major, it is important to weigh the possible benefits with the disadvantage of the delay.

    5. Is it really bad if I withdraw and have a ‘W’ on my transcript?

    It depends. It may be better to withdraw from the class once you realize that you are unprepared or overwhelmed rather than to continue and receive a very low or failing grade. However, if you make a habit of withdrawing regularly, it will reflect poorly on your academic decisions. Also, if you withdraw from a class and it decreases your credit hours below the credit requirement for a scholarship, the scholarship will be rescinded. Please discuss your options with your MSS advisor BEFORE you withdraw from any of your classes.

    6. I am really struggling in a class - what should I do?

    It depends on your individual situation. If you are having difficulty managing your time, memorizing important information, or developing good study habits, you could try visiting the Career and Academic Success Center in 2590 WSC or see their website. You can go to free workshops to help you develop these skills. In addition, you could consider finding a tutor through the Y-Serve Center for Service and Learning by going to this website and clicking “Find a Tutor”.

    7. Why isn’t there a BYU Poly Club (Or other ethnic club)?

    Clubs exist as a result of student interest and a desire to run and lead the program. If you would like to participate in a club that doesn’t exist, you can become the leader for a new organization through BYUSA (BYU Student Association) here. You will need to submit a proposal for the club you would like, including: a mission and purpose, an idea of the types of events/activities you will host, a plan for the leadership organization, and the sponsorship of a full-time advisor. If you would like to be part of a club that doesn’t yet exist, chances are someone else feels the same. Please see instructions here. Good luck!