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Home > Current Students > Undergraduate Students > Advisement & Academic Services > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

We have divided up our FAQ into categories for you to sort through.  While this list is in no way comprehensive of all the questions you may have, please feel free to contact us in Admission & Student Affairs with your unique question.  If you need assistance beyond these responses, please make an appointment with an academic advisor in Viterbi Admission & Student Affairs.
 
 
 
 
Whom to See for Advisement
 
Who is my advisor and how do I make an appointment?
You have the option of meeting with one of many advisors.  Our "Who is my Advisor?" page explains all of the options in relation to your major or unique situation.
How can I change my major from one type of engineering to another?
It is best to make an appointment with an academic advisor in the Viterbi Admission & Student Affairs Office.  In that appointment we can discuss how your completed coursework will apply to various majors and help decide which is the right path for you.
I’m in an engineering major but I don’t think I want to do engineering anymore. What should I do?
In order to properly understand your situation and discuss all of your options, be sure to make an appointment with an academic advisor in the Viterbi Admission & Student Affairs Office.  We can also refer you to the appropriate advisors in other schools and academic units across the university.
I’m in a non-engineering major but I’m considering switching to engineering.  How do I do that?
We recommend visiting our "Exploring Engineering" page so that you may learn about all of the possibilities within the Viterbi School.  In addition, be sure to make an appointment with an academic advisor in the Admission & Student Affairs Office.
How do I complete a minor with my engineering major?
Every student who is interested in pursuing a minor with their engineering curriculum may find themselves in a unique situation.  With over 100 minors across the University, we understand that academic advisement needs to be taken on a case-by-case basis.  Please be sure to make an appointment with an advisor in the Admission & Student Affairs Office as early as possible in your collegiate career to talk about your personal options.  In additon you can refer to our Double Majoring or Minoring section in Academic Policies & Procedures.
 
 
 
 
Academic Policies & Procedures
 
How do I calculate my GPA?
Please refer to the Grading Policy section of our Academic Policies & Procedures page for GPA calculation information.
How do I get my STARS report updated?
You may access your STARS report anytime through OASIS.  STARS reports are updated automatically every semester in early October and early February.
    In your request, be sure to give us your name and USCID!
How many classes may I take on a Pass/No Pass (P/NP) basis?
Please refer to the Other Enrollment Options section of the Academic Policies & Procedures page for Pass/No Pass information.
What should I do if I'm considering a Leave of Absence (LOA)?
Please refer to our Leave of Absence section of the Academic Policies & Procedures page for Leave of Absence Information.
How does advanced placement (AP) and international baccalaureate (IB) exam credit apply toward my USC engineering degree?
The following documents outline the details associated with both AP and IB exams.
 
How do I file an extension for time to complete an incomplete (IN) grade in a class?
Please refer to our section on Incompletes in the Academic Policies & Procedures page.
I’ve been gone for a long time, what do I do if I want to come back to USC?
Please read the Reactivation Procedures provided by the Articulation Office.
 
Students considering reactivation can be in very unique situations, and in order to fully understand your situtation and help explain all of the options available to you we recommend making an appointment with an academic advisor in the Viterbi Admission & Student Affairs Office.
How can I get help if I’m struggling in one or more of my classes?
We have put together a list of resources and helpful tips for you at our Help with Classes page.
 
How can I transfer in a course during the summer?
Please refer to our Transferring Coursework section in the Academic Policies & Procedures page.
How does freshman forgiveness work?
Please refer to our Freshman Forgiveness section in the Academic Policies & Procedures page.
How do I register if I am on Academic Probation?
Please refer to the Academic Probation section in the Academic Policies & Procedures page.
How do I file a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal since I am not eligible for financial aid?
Please refer to the SAP section in the Academic Policies & Procedures page
 
 
 
Unique Viterbi Programs
 
Where can I find information about Overseas Studies Programs?
Please refer to the Engineering Overseas Program page.
 
Can I join the Engineering Honors Program?
Please refer to the Engineering Honors Program page.
What student organizations are there in engineering, and how can I get involved?
Please refer to the Engineering Student Organization page.  Almost all of the individual organizations have websites and/or contact information so you can get involved.  In addition, the Engineering Student Council may have valuable insight into joining student organizations.
 
 
 
Graduation and Graduate School
 
How do I register for a graduate level course as an undergraduate?
Please refer to the Specific Registration Concerns section of our Academic Policies & Procedures section.
How do I arrange to take a graduate level class now and reserve it for graduate credit?
Please refer to the Specific Registration Concerns section of our Academic Policies & Procedures section.
If I haven’t finished my degree, can I still walk/participate at Commencement in May?
Please refer to the Graduation page.
Do I need tickets for Commencement?
Please refer to the Graduation page.
 
 
 
Scholarships, Research and Work
 
What types of scholarships are available for current students and how do I apply for them?
If you are a continuing student, please refer to our Scholarship page for more information and the application.
 
How do I get more funding through my Trustee or Presidential scholarship?
Please contact the Academic Recognition Program office.
How can I get involved in research?
There are many ways in which undergraduates can get involved in research.  Please refer to our Undergraduate Research section for more information.  In addition, you are encouraged to approach your department and/or professors and ask them how you can get involved with their research.
 
How can I get an on-campus job if I don’t have work-study funding?
In addition to kiosks and bulletin boards on campus, these web sites may have postings:
 
How do I find out about summer internships?
Please refer to the Viterbi Career Services website which includes specific information on finding internships and cooperative education jobs.