FAQ
Why can't I register for Writing Seminar?
Students must take the Liberal Arts Qualifying Exam (LAQE) in order to register for Writing Seminar (0502-227). Students are given the opportunity to take the LAQE at fall orientation. Students who did not take the exam at orientation can call 475-6928 or stop by the Department of English to find out when future examinations will be offered.
What is the Liberal Arts Qualifying Exam (LAQE)?
The purpose of the Liberal Arts Qualifying Exam is to determine whether students may register directly for Writing Seminar (0502-227) or must take Basic Writing (0502-100) before taking Writing Seminar. The LAQE is a writing test in which the student is asked to write a 250 word essay of four to five paragraphs. Students may have fifty (50) minutes to write the essay. Students may take the LAQE only once, so they should endeavor to do their best on the exam.
How do I find out the results of the LAQE?
Students are assigned an English Composition Level (0-3) as a result of the Liberal Arts Qualifying Exam. Your English Composition Level may be found on SIS under Liberal Arts Courses or in the student's home department, the Office of Student Services, or in the Department of English of the College of Liberal Arts.
0 - Student has not taken Qualifying Exam and needs to do so.
1 - Student is required to take Basic Writing before taking Writing Seminar.
2 - Student is approved to register for Writing Seminar.
3 - Student is exempt from taking the Qualifying Exam.*
*Students who achieve either (1) a 560 or higher on the verbal section of the SAT, (2) a 23 or better on the English portion of the ACT, or (3) a 6 or higher on the SAT essay exam may automatically register for Writing Seminar.
Why can't I register for a Liberal Arts class that still has open seats in it?
This means that the course section has registration restrictions in effect. Seats may be reserved for a particular program, Concentration or Minor, which may either be temporary or permanent. Please check the Academic Planning Website for the course criteria for registration. If you do meet the criteria and are still unable to register, please contact the Office of Student Services in the College of Liberal Arts for assistance.
How can I get into a closed class?
In many circumstances, an instructor may be unable to accept additional students due to the size of the classroom and/or nature of the particular curriculum. As class enrollment can fluctuate during pre-registration and drop/add periods, continue to monitor SIS for openings that will permit you to register. Student Services can register you during drop/add period with written permission from the instructor.
How do I declare a Minor or Concentration?
Go to the Minor and Concentration website at: www.rit.edu/cla/minors_concentrations.php
We advise students to declare a Minor or Concentration at the end of their second year. This will facilitate the registration process in their 3rd and 4th years for courses restricted to Minors and Concentrators only.
How do I find my professor's office?
We can always assist you with directory information, but you can also check the RIT directory website at: http://inside.rit.edu/directories/
What is Tiger Tracks?
Tiger Tracks is a computerized degree audit program that allows students and advisors to evaluate all courses taken against any major requirements at RIT. Tiger Tracks can be utilized for checking general education requirements as well as major and minor requirements. Students transferring in credits from another school must have those credits evaluated by the College of Liberal Arts and their home department before they will be included in Tiger Tracks. Students may run their own Tiger Tracks audit from the SIS https://infocenter.rit.edu/ web site.
When should I seek advice from the Office of Student Services in the College of Liberal Arts?
Students should see an advisor when they have questions or concerns regarding:
- liberal arts curriculum requirements for your degree program
- choosing a concentration or minor
- registering for liberal arts courses
- liberal arts transfer credit or study abroad
- changing your program to a liberal arts major
- choosing liberal arts courses that will enhance your field of study
