Frequently Asked QuestionsThe University is a big institution with many services. When students have questions, how do they figure out who to talk to?  CLA Student Services (CLASS) is always a good place to start. CLASS includes the Student Information Office, CLA Student Communities, and the Career and Community Learning Center (CCLC). If another University resource would be more appropriate, your student will be directed accordingly. The University is big, but doesn't have to be confusing.
What are academic advisers and will my student have one?Academic advisers work to help students define their educational goals, connect with resources, design a plan for graduation, and pursue their plan. Whenever your student has a question about the University, the academic adviser in his or her student community is an excellent place to start. If advisers cannot answer a question they will know where to find the answer. For complex questions like, "What should I major in?" advisers offer a broad range of services and expertise to help students identify and pursue their academic interests.
Before orientation, students are assigned to a college academic advising office, or student community, based on preliminary interests the student has indicated. For example, a student interested in fine arts might be placed in the Arts Student Community; a student who wants to pursue a career in the health sciences may be placed in the Health and Natural Sciences Student Community. Following an informational college meeting where an adviser explains degree requirements and the various advising resources, each student will have a half hour individual appointment with his or her assigned academic adviser. Students are encouraged to maintain frequent contact with their adviser and are expected to meet at least once every semester of their first year. If their academic interests change, students can transfer to a different student community.
What are the liberal arts?The origins of the liberal arts can be traced back to the writings of Aristotle and Cicero. Both advocated a model of education that positioned individuals to make independent choices about their values, their work lives, and their social contributions. The liberal arts began as the most broadly-based and continuously innovative form of education available, and it has continued that tradition to the present day. Liberal arts graduates are well equipped to solve problems, to think critically, and to communicate effectively in many fields vital to today's rapidly changing world. Because the hallmark of a liberal arts education is adaptability, our graduates are prepared for the challenge of the future and the practical necessity of life-long learning.
How can I track my daughter's or son's progress?We encourage parents to be supportive of students and to talk with their daughter or son about their progress at the University. We also recognize that college is an important time for students to realize their independence and a sense of personal responsibility. Due to confidentiality laws we are unable to share personal academic information with parents unless the student has formally instructed us to do so. Although students may choose not to share all aspects of their academic life with their parents, students and parents alike often find the University experience is an exciting time for mutual growth and discovery.
How do undecided students know what they should be doing?Many first-year students are not sure about a major. The University experience is an important time for students to explore and discover new interests, strengths, and possibilities. We have a wealth of resources available to help students determine which academic path will best serve their interests and goals.
Academic advisers are experienced in helping students identify meaningful and practical pursuits that pertain to their own goals and aspirations. The Career and Community Learning Center (CCLC) also provides resources and assistance for students exploring majors. This office offers interest inventories, an extensive library of materials, and an excellent staff of career counselors who provide courses, workshops, and individual appointments.
Why is there a second language requirement?The liberal arts have long recognized the educational, cultural and professional advantages of study in a second language. In addition to the value of enhanced cultural understanding and awareness, second-language study has increasingly become a necessary component in preparing students for a globally driven economy and society. The ability to communicate effectively in another language not only broadens career options, it also opens a world of new possibilities.
What are the individualized degree options?Individualized degree programs provide a way for students to design a flexible, non-traditional program suited to their individual objectives. CLA offers two individualized degree options. An Individually Designed Interdepartmental Major (IDIM) for the B.A. degree enables the student to combine courses from three or more CLA departments focused on a unifying theme. The Bachelor of Individualized Studies (B.I.S.) allows the student to combine three areas of concentration rather than focus on a single major. The Individualized Degree Programs website provides additional information on these degree options.
Is CLA a good preparation for careers in the health sciences?Yes. CLA offers several majors that can be combined with health science prerequisites. This is an excellent preparation for the health sciences, including medical school as well as many other graduate programs and career pursuits. CLA advisers can help students coordinate plans for an undergraduate degree with requirements for admission to the health science program of their choice. In addition to planning course work and helping students stay on track for timely graduation, CLA advisers refer students to a wide range of events and opportunities on campus. The Health and Natural Sciences Student Community website is an excellent source for more information about CLA majors and the health sciences.
Is CLA a good preparation for a business career?Any CLA major provides excellent preparation for a business career. By fulfilling CLA degree requirements, the student acquires key skills desired by today's employers, including speaking, writing, creative and critical thinking, and second language skills. In addition to problem-solving skills and intellectual adaptability characterizing liberal arts graduates in general, business organizations also rely on mnay of the specific kinds of expertise provided by CLA majors. These include: communication (communication studies/ English), economics (economics, statistics, math), human relations (psychology) and more. CLA majors interested in additional training can also complete a business minor and attend many business-related events and opportunities on campus.
Are scholarship opportunities available through CLA?Both the college offices and departmental offices can assist students in finding scholarships or referring students to the appropriate contacts. Scholarship listings can be found on the Honors-CLA Division Scholarship Information page and at Grant and Scholarship Resources.
Should my student study abroad?Most students who study abroad report the experience was an important if not the most important part of their undergraduate career. The University of Minnesota's Learning Abroad Center offers an extensive range of study abroad opportunities for students. The Learning Abroad Center emphasizes outstanding programs that fulfill college requirements, keep students on track for graduation, and are affordable to students (in some cases, study abroad costs are even less than University tuition).
What is the best time for my student to study abroad?Study abroad options now include a range of academic opportunities that are appropriate for all levels of undergraduate study. The Learning Abroad Center offers first step meetings in which students receive an introduction to the different types of opportunities available and learn how to plan for a study abroad experience.
What career opportunities are there for CLA graduates?Because of their adaptability, critical skills, and powers of communication, our undergraduates succeed in all types and at all levels of business. CLA graduates can be found in corporations, non-profits, government agencies, and more. CLA also provides excellent preparation for graduate study (law, business, health sciences, and others). For more information, the college's Career and Community Learning Center (CCLC) can answer career-related questions and lists the many career-related services they provide to students.
Do you have a question that does not appear here?Ask CLAIRE! Our parents advisory team -- known as CLAIRE -- can answer your questions via e-mail.
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Ask CLAIRE
to get CLA Information, Resources, and Explanations
Telephone:
(612) 625-3846
Address:
Office of the Assistant Dean
106 Johnston Hall
101 Pleasant Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55444
Hours:
8:00 - 4:30 Monday -Friday
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