Advising for new or first year students
Welcome to the faculty of Science, Applied Science and Engineering (SASE) at UNBSJ. Our entire faculty is determined to provide you with every possible opportunity to have a successful first year. First year university is a big step and you will need to use new resources and information to negotiate some of the hurdles ahead.
COMING SOON! First Year Registration Guidebook for SASE students (.PDF file)
Do I have to attend an advising session?
Yes. All new students entering SASE for their first year at UNBSJ MUST BE ADVISED by the Undergraduate Academic Advisor before they may register for courses. You will not be able to register for courses without this approval. At the advising sessions, the advisor will discuss course registration as well as strategies for having success in first year university.
There are several ways to be advised:
- Group Advising Sessions - RECOMMENDED OPTION. Upcoming dates - Monday, June 18th, 6 pm, Oland Hall 104 & Tuesday, July 10, 6pm, Oland Hall G31. Group advising offers you the opportunity to sit with a number of incoming students and participate in a presentation on the 1st Year at UNBSJ . These sessions often generate a number of interesting questions due to the group discussion format. Students may stay after the session to register courses in our computer labs with assistance from student volunteers. Preregistration is not required for these events. It is recommended that you arrive at least 15 minutes beforehand for online account approval.
- Individual Advising Session - appointments may be made for one on one advising appointments by going to the UNBSJ online scheduling system. First go to the webpage, create an account with your student id number, view the SASE schedule page and select an open time slot. Selecting the time slot will send an email to both you and the Undergraduate Advisor reminding you of the appointment.
- Online Advising / Advising via Skype / Telephone - this is reserved for students who cannot conveniently attend a group or live individual session. To make arrangements, contact Scott Thomas the Undergraduate Academic Advisor.
Important resources for new students
- UNBSJ Orientation Week
- UNBSJ Student Services
- UNBSJ Residence Services
- UNBSJ Financial Services
- UNBSJ Registrar's Office
How do I register for courses?
- Activate your MyUNB Portal Account (requires Student ID and login ID - provided in acceptance letter)
- Review the SASE First Year Registration Guidebook for course list
- Check prerequisites and corequisites and select any additional electives
- Register online with MyUNB Portal
- Review your weekly class/lab schedule by going through MyUNB Portal / Eservices / Academics / View My Timetable
PLEASE NOTE - Register ALL COURSES at once - both Fall AND Winter sessions. Changes may be made later if required.
Registration for new students for the 2011-2012 academic year will begin in May - specific date TBA.
For further information contact Scott Thomas.
How do I complete my degree?
To earn a Bachelor of Science degree, a student must successfully complete the required courses and elective courses listed under their major in the Academic Calendar. Most programs are designed to be completed in 4 years.
Full-time students usually take a total of five lecture courses per term plus any additional lab courses. Students typically select a major subject to study before their second year and then take a total of four years to complete a BSc degree. Full-time students may choose to take less than five courses per term which will extend the time it takes to complete the BSc degree. Selecting less courses than the normal load may impact scheduling or financial conditions, students should always seek advice prior to these decisions.
The first and second years of your degree contain specific prerequisites that you are strongly advised to follow. Prerequisites are courses (high school or university) that must be successfully completed in order to take the current course. At your mandatory advising session your advisor will give you your recommended list of course selections. The complete list of courses required for each program is also listed in the Academic Calendar or you can view major checklists.
Required courses must be completed as listed. Electives allow a student to choose from a broader selection of courses within their major or from a more open pool (Humanities, Languages, Social Sciences and Sciences and even some Business courses). Please note – there are also some courses that are NOT permitted for a BSc degree. Read course descriptions carefully and always check your course selections with your advisor.
Advising for active first year students
First Year Students who are currently active in their degree with the Faculty of Science, Applied Science and Engineering and in need of advising assistance should contact Scott Thomas. In the second term of the first year, a group advising session for 2nd year biology major course selection will be announced. This session will occur during a Biology 1205 Biological Principles II class.
Individual advising appointments must be booked in advance.
Please include your name, student number and your career/educational goals when contacting your advisor.
Students in need advice for personal issues, financial issues or study skills coaching may contact the resources at Student Services.
Due to asthma and allergies please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, after shave and other scented products to any advising session.
