Academic Planning Sessions: JUMP and GRAD Sessions

Sessions are scheduled one month in advance and can fill up quickly during peak periods. Dates for the following month's sessions are usually posted at our Service Counter (QLC 113) on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Seating is limited; sign up early to reserve yours! 956.8755 ext. 1

The time in an individual appointment with an academic advisor is ideally spent addressing questions pertinent to your specific situation, and concerns regarding larger issues related to your overall educational and academic goals.

JUMP and GRAD Sessions are excellent mechanisms to do long-term academic planning. You can sign up in advance; both advisors and students have time to complete a thorough review of the academic record before meeting to discuss academic progress and to work on educational planning. JUMP and GRAD Sessions are scheduled all year around except for a few weeks at the end of each semester when we work exclusively on certifying students for graduation or taking academic actions for the four Arts & Sciences colleges. There are anywhere from three to eight sessions offered per week depending on the time of the academic year.

The JUMP and GRAD Sessions share these common goals:

An understanding of graduation requirements

Identification of remaining requirements

Demonstration of knowledge of graduation requirements by completing an academic plan to project a graduation date.

It's like getting the study questions for a test ahead of time (graduation requirements), devising a study schedule for maximum results (educational plan), and knowing that if you complete your work successfully, you'll pass (graduate)!

What's the difference between a JUMP and a GRAD Session?

JUMP Sessions are for any student wishing to do some long-term academic planning. Pre-planning allows you to develop a realistic couse schedule and project a graduation date. It serves as the basis for comprehensive educational planning that incorporates research and internship opportunities, co-curricular and leadership activities, and allows for participation in meaningful study abroad or national student exchange programs. JUMPs are strongly recommended for all students, and are mandatory for students in the following categories:

Interdisciplinary Studies majors
ROTC students
Students requiring verification of academic progress for
- receipt of V.A. (G.I. Bill) benefits
- declaring a second major or concurrent degree
- scholarship organizations
- consideration for extension of Financial Aid
- employers

There are three parts to a JUMP Session: an instructional segment, an advising appointment with an advisor in your academic major, and a follow up appointment with an advisor. The instructional segment can be completed in a one hour in-person group meeting, or online through a series of self-paced tutorials (approximately one hour of uninterrupted time).

For more information on JUMP Sessions, click here.

GRAD Sessions are mandatory group workshops for all Arts & Sciences Seniors. A GRAD Session should be attended one to two semesters prior to graduation. A completed Goldenrod Form, signed by the major departmental advisor, and a completed A&S Degree Program Requirement Sheet must be turned in at QLC 113 before signing up for a GRAD Session.

In addition to assessing the progress to completion of your degree and and completing a GRAD Plan, students in the GRAD Session complete all paperwork necessary to file for graduation. A representative from the Career Services Office also does a short presentation on preparing for the job search.

Procedure for GRAD Session sign up:

Download the Goldenrod Form here, or pick one up at QLC 113. Meet with your major advisor to complete the Goldenrod form.
Complete your GenEd core and college program requirements check by filling out the worksheet in your program sheet. For a tutorial on completing your Core Check, go to our Tutorials page.
Bring your completed Goldenrod and Core Check to QLC 113 to sign up for a GRAD Session