Frequently Asked Questions 
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Frequently Asked Questions
- I
took an Introduction to Psychology course at another school before
transferring to Northeastern. Do I need to take General Psychology here?
That
depends. Check with the department program advisor on any transfer
courses. Some schools, like NEIU, have a separate 100-level
introductory course for non majors, and a 200-level general course for
majors. Other schools have a single course, of either title, used for
both purposes. In the latter, case the course is probably equivalent.
- Do I have to take 202 before ANYTHING else in the department?
No.
PSYC 202 Statistics and Research Methods I, is the prerequisite for the
CORE 300 level courses, only -- not the other electives.
- I have all A's and B's in my psychology courses from other schools. I don't have to take 202, do I?
Those
are apples and oranges. The meaning of a prerequisite is to require,
prior to a later course, the acquisition of particular background or
preparatory knowledge and skills that will help you do the subsequent
higher level work.
- Do I have to see my advisor before each time I register?
No.
However, it is recommended. The department does require at least one
meeting per year, in addition to the declaration process, between each
major and their advisor.
- It says I am still not a declared major on my (x) form. Why?
The
recent transition between computer systems lost a number of
declarations this past year. See the program advisor in S313G and
another form will be forwarded to the Records Office.
- "It" says the class I want is closed. What should I do?
Check
with the instructor on the first day of class. With the large number of
students who over book themselves in registration, the only real class
count is the number of bodies actually arriving in a classroom. Before
the semester begins we have absolutely no way of knowing how many
people REALLY are in or want each class.
- I took five psychology courses at my community college, and the department only accepted two of them. Why?
Because
(1) the majority of your major/minor must be done at the school
awarding the degree; (2) the majority of the courses must be upper
division, research-based, and following prerequisites; and (3) many
community college courses, even while often using the titles we use,
are really interdisciplinary survey-type views of subject areas, and
are not equivalent. However, you have benefitted from getting an
overview of a subject, the credit hours do count (as electives to your
degree).
- "They" screwed up my
registration! I'm sure I registered for X, Y, and Z classes, but now
the system says I am not registered. The Records Office says you have
to fix it!
No we don't, and they didn't say that. Nice
try. Consult with "they" again and listen for the exact facts. Your
registration may not have gone through for a variety of reasons. Some
examples are: you did not validate; you did not make the first tuition
payment; you may have a hold on your account for various reasons (such
as: probationary status, you owe tuition, parking or library fines; you
haven't taken the mandatory placement tests, etc. Your major department
has no control over any of these matters, has not placed the hold on
your account, and cannot lift same hold. See the respective office and
take the necessary steps to return to being a student in good standing.
- The TTRS says I have an "advisor's hold" and won't let me register until I see an advisor. What should I do?
That's easy. See your advisor.
Incidentally,
for the Spring 1998 term, the psychology department has not placed any
"advisor" holds on majors. However, the computer registration system
(out of department control) still places system advisor holds on
students with less than 30 credit hours. Generally, these are freshmen,
most of whom have not yet even declared a major. In some rare cases
they have. Whatever the case, you are advised to see a faculty advisor.
If you wish to self-advise, simply sign a waiver in the department
office and take the full responsibility upon yourself to be aware of
all academic/degree requirements, prerequisites, sequencing of courses,
professional career preparation, etc., and then go ahead on your own.
- My
advisor is NEVER in his/her office! As a result, I can't do anything.
It's his/her fault that I didn't get the classes I want.
"Never?"
Did you consult the list of office hours on that instructor's door, or
the department office? Make an appointment with your advisor to ensure
that he/she is available for your advisement session.
- I got a "D" (or whatever) in my course last semester, and I need a better grade! what are you going to do about it?
The
grade you "need" may be different than the grade you earned.
Nevertheless, on rare occasions mistakes may happen. Consult the
Student Handbook to learn the steps of the Grade Appeal Process. Be
sure you can document and justify your information.
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