Students who have participated in Truman's STEM transfer students orientation ofen come with great questions. We've assembled a long list of them, here, along with our best attempt answering them.
If you have a question that's not addressed by this FAQ, send us an email or give us a call at 66.0785.7252. We'll bend over backward to get you an answer.
Questions
Classes & Registration
Q. Do I have to see an advisor every time I want to register for classes? Answer...
Q. How late into the semester can I add classes? Answer...
Q. How do I find out who my academic advisor is and how do I find out how to contact them? Answer...
Q. Why can't I take 18 credit hours? Answer...
Q. To graduate magna cum laude, can you get a C in any class? What are the requirements? Answer...
Q. What masters programs are available at Truman? Answer...
Q. How do you get on waiting lists for specific classesAnswer...
Q. Would you recommend a double major/minor in a related subject even if it will be a substantial class increase? Answer...
Q. How does a liberal arts school differ from a typically university, not by definition but from experiences and surrounding personal exploration? Answer...
Q. What would you do if a required class is full? Or you can't get into a class that has openingsAnswer...
Q. Are foreign language classes offered during the summer? What classes are offered during the summer? Answer...
Q. How do I get a course syllabus via TruView? Answer...
Student Success
Q. Where do you get tutors? Answer...
Q. I have 2 friends that are very concerned whether they can handle the academic expectations at Truman. They are both very intelligent and capable of doing well here. What would you say to them? Answer...
Q. Are there any scholarship provisions for transfer students only? Answer...
Student Services
Q. Where does a student get a student ID? How much does it cost? Is it for one's entire Truman career or do student's get a new one each year? Answer...
Q. Where do I turn in my housing contract and medical history form if I haven't already? Answer...
Q. Where is the bookstore and what are its hours? Can I order online? Are there any areas to go if a student has not gotten their books? Answer...
Q. I never had a locker, how do I get my bloody mailbox open? Answer...
Q. Where is the health center and when is it open? Answer...
Co-Curricular Information
Q. When does the gym open? Answer...
Q. If we want to join any sports what do we have to do and who do we have to meet? Answer...
Q. How do you get more information about the equestrian club? Answer...
Q. Where do you go to find out what plays are being put on and when auditions are? Answer...
Q. How do I get an on campus job? Answer...
Q. Are there any atheist organizations on campus? Answer...
Computers
Q. Do we need to get our computers certified or checked out? Answer...
Q. Where can you print things? Does it cost money? Answer...
Q. Are the library and its computers open for use yet? Answer...
The Transferring Process
Q. Is it difficult socially to transfer to Truman? Answer...
Q. If there is a class that Truman is making me take and I think I took the same class at my previous school, is there a way to get out of that class? Answer...
Q. Why aren't we assigned to an academic advisor from the start of the process (while we are choosing classes, etc.)? Answer...
Q. When will our transfer credit be evaluated? Answer...
Q. Why did the admission committee deliberate for so long on my file? Answer...
Q. Must a transfer student take a language course? Answer...
Kirksville Life
Q. What is the best way to get around the city? Answer...
Q. What bars can you get into if you're under 21? Answer...
Q. If we have a prescription, can we get it filled? Answer...
Q. How do you mail packages or letters and where can you get stamps? Answer...
Q. What's the winter like here? Answer...
Q. How is it living in the middle of nowhere? Answer...
Answers
Classes & Registration
Q. Do I have to see an advisor every time I want to register for classes?
A.
You will have to meet with your advisor at least once a semester in order to pick up your RAC (Registration Access Code), the code you need in order to register for classes online. This code changes each semester. Typically your advisor will want to sit down with you to discuss what classes you plan to take the following semester before giving you your RAC. It's a good idea to meet with your advisor at least this regularly to talk about how classes (and your life) are going, because your advisor is probably the faculty member who knows you best. This will be very important when you're ready for strong letters of recommendation for internships, competitive scholarships, and jobs.
Q. How late into the semester can I add classes?
A.The first week of classes is the free add/drop period. You can add a class during that time without be charged an additional fee. A $50 fine will be assessed for any course dropped or added after this period. In practice, you don't want to add a course much later than the second week of the semester as you will have missed too much of the course to catch up. The list of important add/drop dates can be seen here.
Q. How do I find out who my academic advisor is and how do I find out how to contact them?
A. Your advisor's name should have been printed at the top of your schedule that you received in your welcome packet. You can also find out who your academic advisor is via TruView. When logged in, click on the "Student" tab then look in the left hand column. There is a section titled "Academic Profile" and your advisor should be listed there. You can look up your advisor's email and phone number by using the directory search at the top of Truman's homepage. If you do not have an advisor yet, contact that Residential College Program Office or the Registrar's Office.
Q. Why can't I take 18 credit hours?
A. Having eighteen or more credits in a given semester is considered having an overload of courses. Students can get special permission to take more than 17 hours by filling out an Overload Form and having it approved by the Vice President. Permission is granted on the basis of the student's academic ability (e.g., current GPA) and other evidence that convinces the University that the student is capable of academic success with such an overwhelming commitment to classes during that semester.
Q. To graduate magna cum laude, can you get a C in any class? What are the requirements?
A. Graduating magna cum laude just requires that students have a 3.75-3.89 GPA overall. There are no requirements about the specific grades included in that GPA. Students that have a 3.5-3.74 GPA graduate cum laude and students with a 3.9 GPA and above graduate summa cum laude.
Q. What masters programs are available at Truman?
A. Truman has six masters programs: Music, English, Education, Accounting, Biology, and Communication Disorders.
Q. How do you get on waiting lists for specific classes?
A. Although there are no University-wide procedures for waiting lists, here are some general guidelines. First, contact the professor by email, phone, or during their office hours. Some professors manage their waiting list themselves and others delegate the responsibility to the department office. If the professor doesn't keep a waiting list, go to the department office where that class is housed and talk to the department secretary about adding your name to the waiting list.
Q. Would you recommend a double major/minor in a related subject even if it will be a substantial class increase?
A. All students are required to have at least 124 total credit hours in order to graduate with a Bachelor's degree from Truman. Often, if a student just takes the courses to fulfill all of the Liberal Studies Program requirements and the requirements of their particular major, they do not reach the 124 total hours required to graduate. For this reason, a lot of students choose to complete a minor and sometimes even a double major in a related subject. Your academic advisor would be a good person to talk with if you are curious about the benefits of a double major or a minor.
Q. How does a liberal arts school differ from a typical University, not by definition but from experiences and surrounding personal exploration?
A. The Liberal Studies Program is the heart of Truman's curriculum and is intended to serve as a foundation for all major programs of study offered by the University. Truman's mission is to "offer an exemplary undergraduate education, grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, in the context of a public institution of higher learning." Therefore, Truman is providing the kind of education in the liberal arts and sciences that has historically been offered only at private colleges. The program is a blend of two intellectual traditions in higher education: one that emphasizes the traditional thought and learning of the culture as reflected in the classical works produced by it, and the other that emphasizes personal investigation and freedom of discovery. The philosophy behind the Liberal Studies Program is based upon a commitment that Truman has made to provide students with essential skills needed for lifelong learning, breadth across the traditional liberal arts and sciences through exposure to various discipline-based modes of inquiry, and interconnecting perspectives that stress interdisciplinary thinking and integration as well as linkage to other cultures and experiences. This is the "definition" but it also provides some insight into how your experience will differ at a liberal arts institution. Another key factor of a liberal arts school is that diverse interests are valued and there is a broad range of opportunities for involvement. For example, theatre productions are open to students of every major as well as music ensembles. Students in any major can engage in undergraduate research. Overall, students are encouraged to have diverse interests and to pursue them here.
Q. What would you do if a required class is full? Or you can't you get into a class that has openings?
A. See the answer to question 7. Also, the two main reasons you couldn't get into a class that appeared to have openings is because some seats in certain classes were set aside for incoming freshmen or because your transfer credit hours were not added to the system yet. Without your transfer hours being in the computer, the system doesn't know that you have a prerequisite for a course or that you have junior status, etc. When you enroll for the following semester these things should no longer be an issue.
Q. Are foreign language classes offered during the summer? What classes are offered during the summer?
A. This can differ each year, but a typical summer semester might only offer Spanish. You can view past summer course schedules via TruView by searching the open course list. This should give you an idea of what classes are typically offered during the summer.
Q. How do I get a course syllabus via TruView?
A. Each professor has the option of using Blackboard for their class. To access Blackboard you first need to log in to TruView then click on the "Blackboard" tab across the top. Blackboard will then come up and you will see a list of courses on the right. If one of your courses is not listed there it typically means your professor has chosen not to use Blackboard. Professors will often post course syllabi on Blackboard.
Student Success
Q. Where do you get tutors?
A. Some classes "come" with a tutor. The professor will make an announcement as to when the tutor will be available (many math, science and business classes operate this way). If your class doesn't have a "designated" tutor, make an appointment to visit with the professor during their office hours and ask if they could recommend a tutor. They may have a recommendation for group or semi-private tutoring. You can also check with department offices to see if/when tutoring for common classes is available. The STEP Office, in cooperation with the Student Center for Success, is available to help find and pay for private tutors for science, math, and computer science classes.
Q. I have 2 friends that are very concerned whether they can handle the academic expectations at Truman. They are both very intelligent and capable of doing well here. What would you say to them?
A. The Admission Committee uses a very individualized review process when making an admission decision. A student will typically not be granted admission unless their academic background demonstrates that they are prepared for Truman. Also, Truman does have a great academic reputation; however, the environment at Truman is very cooperative. Students are helping other students, the faculty members are very accessible, and there are a lot of supporting resources available. If a student truly wants to be successful at Truman, the resources are available to help them do so.
Q. Are there any scholarship provisions for transfer students only?
A. There are scholarships available for transfer students. Transfer students wishing to be considered for the competitive transfer student scholarships needed to have applied and been accepted by April 15th for fall enrollment and by November 15 for spring enrollment. For more details of Truman's transfer scholarships, or if you have been awarded a scholarship already and want information on the scholarship renewal process, please visit this website.
Student Services
Q. Where does a student get a student ID? How much does it cost? Is it for one's entire Truman career or do student's get a new one each year?
A. The Student ID Office is located in SUB Suite 2000 of the Student Union Building. There is no charge for your first ID. If you lose your ID there is a charge for a replacement. However, if your ID breaks, they will replace it for free. Students typically keep the same ID for their entire Truman career unless a major change is made to the ID.
Q. Where do I turn in my housing contract and medical history form if I haven't already?
A. Housing contracts are typically turned in to your SA (Student Advisor). They ultimately go to the Residence Life Office. The medical history form needs to be turned in to the Student Health Center.
Q. Where is the bookstore and what are its hours? Can I order online? Are there any areas to go if a student has not gotten their books?
A. The Truman State University Bookstore (operated by Barnes and Noble Booksellers) is contracted by the university and is considered he official campus bookstore. It is located in the lower floor of the Student Union Building. They are open 8am-6pm Monday-Thursday, 8am-5pm on Fridays, and 10am-4pm on Saturdays. You can order your books online via their website. There is an independent bookstore (Patty's University Bookstore) located just north of campus between Truman's Visitor Center and Kum & Go Convenience Store. Their hours are 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm Saturday.
Q. I never had a locker, how do I get my bloody mailbox open?
A. The mailboxes in the residence halls can be a little tricky. The person working the hall desk should be able to show you how to open your mailbox.
Q. Where is the health center and when is it open?
A. The Student Health Center is located in the McKinney Building. The Student Health Center is in the east side of the buiding. You can find their contact information on the Student Health Center website. The Student Health Center has walk-in clinics on Monday and Friday mornings from 8am-11am during the fall and spring semesters. Students are seen by providers on a first come first serve basis. Generally, you can make an appointment and be seen within 48 hours.
Co-Curricular Information
Q. When does the gym open?
A. Truman's Student Recreation Center is open Monday-Thursday from 6:30am-11:00pm, Friday from 6:30-9:00pm, Saturday from 9:00am-7:00pm and Sunday from 11:00am-7:00pm during the regular academic calendar.Hours change during semester and interim breaks. You can find additional information about hours, classes, and programming at the Student Recreation Center on their website.
Q. If we want to join any sports what do we have to do and who do we have to meet?
A. The Student Recreation Center coordinates intramurals. This website has all the information about participating in intramural activities. If you are interested in playing a varsity sport, you will need to contact the coach to find out aboutwalk-on tryouts. Not all varsity sports hold these tryouts. The athletics website provides information about who coaches each sport. This website has information about Recreational and Club Sports.
Q. How do you get more information about the equestrian club?
A. For more information on Truman's Equestrian Team, you can visit their website. Truman also has a Horseman's Association if you are interested in just casual riding.
Q. Where do you go to find out what plays are being put on and when auditions are?
A. The Theatre website lists all the productions that are being put on this year. The website will also typically advertise when auditions are being held. Flyers are usually put up around campuscloser to the audition times.
Q. How do I get an on campus job?
A. One of the best ways to look for an on campus job is by using the Career Center's eRecruiting website. You will need to call the Career Center to obtain a password before creating an account. You may also just check with different offices and departments on campus.
Q. Are there any atheist organizations on campus?
A. The closest thing would be Truman's Freethinkers' Society.
Computers
Q. Do we need to get our computers certified or checked out?
A. Truman requires that any Windows PC that is connected to the network have Clean Access installed. Follow this link for more information about how to install this software. Information Technology Services (ITS) is located in McClain Hall Room 111. If you are having any difficulties connecting your computer to the network, call the Help Desk at 785-4544; you can also take your computerover to ITS as they are able to provide limited services and support.
Q. Where can you print things? Does it cost money?
A. The computer labs on campus (large labs in the library and Violette Hall) have printers for student use. Every student on campus starts with a printing budget of $20 per semester that will roll over to the Spring but restarts each Fall. You can check your printing balance here using yourTruView username and log in.
Q. Are the library and its computers open for use yet?
A. The library's regular hours for the Fall Semester are Monday-Thursday 7:30am-1:00am, Friday 7:30am-9:00pm, Saturday 11:00am-6:00pm, and Sunday 1:00pm-1:00am.
The Transferring Process
Q. Is it difficult socially to transfer to Truman?
A. It depends on you! What we've heard from other transfer students is that the sooner you get involved in your courses and some social activities, the better the transition goes. It is especially important for students living off campus to make the effort to remain on/return to campus for club meetings, workshops, lectures, sporting events, etc.
Q. If there is a class that Truman is making me take and I think I took the same class at my previous school, is there a way to get out of that class?
A. The easiest option is probably filling out a substitution form. These can be picked up in the Registrar's Office. This form basically requests a course be substituted to fulfill a certain requirement. If the course was taken at a different institution you will need to provide more information about the course, a catalog description or preferably a syllabus. The form must be discussed with and signed by your advisor. Then the form goes to the Registrar's Office and through an approval process. Not all substitutions are approved.
Q. Why aren't we assigned to an academic advisor from the start of the process (while we are choosing classes, etc.)?
A. The registration packet that was sent to all transfer students (not including international transfer students) included a cover letter with the contact information for the Head Transfer Academic Advisor, Debbie Nothdurft, or the Dean of the Residential College Program, Marty Eisenberg. The letter directed students to contact them if they had questions about classes, registering, etc. The International Student Office coordinates registration for international transfer students.
Q. When will our transfer credit be evaluated?
A. The registration packet that was sent to all transfer students (not including international transfer students) included a copy of evaluated transcripts and degree worksheets showing how previous credit is transferring. This credit should all be on the system by the end of the week, beginning of the next week at the latest. You can view your credit on TruView under the "Student" tab by clicking on "View my Transcript."
Q. Why did the admission committee deliberate for so long on my file?
A. It is impossible to address this question directly without knowing the particular situation. In general, the Admission Committee cannot deliberate on a file until every piece of the application is received, including all college transcripts. The committee tries to provide the student with a decision within three weeks. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact Kelsey Aurand de Razo in the Admission Office at 785-4327.
Q. Must a transfer student take a language course?
A. Here's the very detailed and long answer: All students who seek a Bachelor's degree at Truman must satisfy the foreign language requirement of elementary proficiency. Satisfaction of this requirement is defined as successful completion of the second semester of the foreign language or equivalent proficiency as demonstrated on waiver exams (not placement exams) in one of the foreign languages offered at Truman. Students placing into a foreign language at a level higher than that required by their degree program may fulfill their foreign language requirement in any of the following ways: 1) take a course in which they are placed, even though it is at a higher level than required, and by successfully completing this course fulfill the foreign language requirement; 2) take the appropriate on-camppus waiver examination in a language offered at Truman, and by passing this examination fulfill the foreign language requirement although no credit will be granted; 3) take the CLEP exam for French, German, or Spanish, and if an appropriate score is earned, the student may waive the foreign language requirement. Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Science in Linguistics degrees must achieve intermediate proficiency (completion of the fourth semester) in one of the foreign languages offered at Truman.
Kirksville Life
Q. What is the best way to get around the city?
A. It is easiest to navigate Kirksville in an automobile. If you don't have ready access to a car, KirkTran provides fixed-route public transportation throughout town. You can find their route and schedule on their website. There is great "boutique" shopping downtown on the square. Most people are able to find household staples and groceries at Walgreens, Hy-Vee (corner ofBaltimore and Illinois), and WalMart (Baltimore and Hwy 6 at north end of town). There are some walking/biking/multipurpose paths around town with more in development; you can download a map of these paths, as well as several other maps of interest here.
Q. What bars can you get into if you're under 21?
A. Most bars will let people who are 18-20 in until 9:00pm. However, there are a lot of restaurant/bar combos in Kirksville that may not have a time at which people under 21 are required to leave (for example, Ruby Tuesday). Toon's also has a certain night of the week that people under 21 can stay late into the evening.
Q. If we have a prescription, can we get it filled?
A. You can get a prescription filled at any of the local grocery/drug stores (Hy-Vee, Walgreens, Walmart) or pharmacies (Rider, Elliott, Med Depot). Student Health Services can prescribe and fill prescriptions for oral contraceptives. They can prescribe just about anything else, but they do not fill other prescriptions, generally.
Q. How do you mail packages or letters and where can you get stamps?
A. If you live on campus, letters can be mailed at the front desk of your residence hall. Stamps are available at the Cashier's Window in McClain Hall. Packages can be mailed at the Post Office located on Jefferson Street just north of campus.
Q. What's the winter like here?
A. Winters are generally mild with the average temperature in the coldest month, January, being around 23 degrees. We occasionally get snow, but more often get rain/freezing rain. The average annual snowfall is 21 inches; usually we don't get more than 1-3 inches at a time. The wind blows, but generally it isn't too strong. Winters tend to be gray and overcast.
Q. How is it living in the middle of nowhere?
A. There tends to be so much happening on campus that students find plenty of things to do. The Lyceum Series brings cultural events to campus that are free to students. Click here to find a list of the events coming this year. The Student Activities Board also plans events for students, which typically includes a concert each semester as well as a comedian and other special speakers and events. More information can be found on their website. Students sometimes go down to Columbia on Saturdays if they really want more stores and restaurants, etc.