Within the context of a liberal arts education, CASSAS assists students to clarify their life and career goals, develop meaningful educational plans, and prepare for productive lives, enlightened citizenship, and life-long learning.

Academic Planning Sessions: JUMP and GRAD Sessions

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.

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.

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 online workshops for all Arts & Sciences Seniors. A GRAD Session should be completed 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 with your graduation plan at QLC 113.

For more information on what you need to do to register for a GRAD Session, click here.