Key resources – for courses and requirements.
Now that you’ve registered for fall 2009 courses, you can begin to actively consider significant tools and connections for your liberal arts degree.

KEY ONLINE TOOLS
To use APAS and Grad Planner, go to One Stop Quick Links, and log-in with your x.500 id and password (as with U of M email).

APAS (Academic Progress Audit System)
- View/print degree requirements, current enrollment, and completed (plus transfer) coursework; 
- Read details of Liberal Education Cores and Themes, as well as other requirements;
- Try “major-shopping” to compare particular requirements, before officially declaring a major or minor;
- Verify accuracy of APAS before and after registration each term;
- Check with your adviser for any clarifications.
Note:  Transfer, AP, or IB credits should show up over the summer.  Check this in your APAS, and let your adviser know if you have questions!

GRADUATION PLANNER
- Select and take note of courses for next semester and/or year;
- Edit/save your favorite course choices for each term until graduation;
- Visualize and compare multiple registration options or plans;
- Insert personal notes, for questions or items to-do by a certain date/year;
- Compare course requirements and timelines for various majors or minors;
- Discuss your “Graduation Planner” and any questions with your adviser.

KEY CONNECTIONS
Your courses do more than merely satisfy degree requirements.  You may find eye-opening connections that truly benefit your future.  Be prepared to learn more in each class than you simply see on paper.  Ask yourself these questions now… your adviser is glad to talk with you too!

- What kind of work do you expect to do in your classes?
- How do you think each class may relate to (or be different from) another course you are taking?
- Will some courses connect to a major or minor area of interest?
- Will some courses introduce you to a subject or field of study that you currently know little about?
- What skills do you hope to develop (and strengthen) that can help lead you towards personal or professional goals?

ATTENTION!
If you sense the need to change your current registration, be aware of drop/add due dates now.  Ask your adviser for any questions.

CONNECT – LEARN – ACT
As you connect with new classes, be sure to ask questions about what you’re learning… and then use APAS and Grad Planner to help compare, choose, and act upon opportunities for upcoming semesters.  Have a great summer!

Next week, get some tips on MAJORS…