Overview
As you prepare for your discussion(s) with your academic advisor(s), use the following information and links to complete your Course Planning Form. Carefully reviewing this information and completing the form will help you thoroughly review your course options and make the most of your time with your advisor(s).
This page highlights advice and recommendations from the College's advising team, as well as the types of courses you should review when completing your form. For specific instructions on how to find and fill out the Course Planning Form, visit the New Student Forms page.
Search for courses
When looking for specific courses based on the types below, you'll need to utilize the Course Descriptions Course Schedules (CDCS) website to view available offerings. Visit the CDCS Guide page for instructions on how to use the tool to search for courses.
You can take 19 credits maximum during your first semester. Most courses in the College are four credits, but you can check the Course Description Course Schedules website. However, first-semester transfer students may submit a petition to be considered for a course overload in their first semester. If you are interested in submitting a petition, you can ask your advisor(s) during your discussions.
Be mindful of when courses are offered. Some classes are offered only once each academic year. While MATH 141 and 161 are offered each semester, courses such as CHEM 131 and most introductory (101) language courses are offered only during the fall semester.
Review course placement information before meeting with your advisor(s). Review the Course Placement page to better understand what courses you may already have credit for and should discuss with your academic advisor(s).
For incoming first-year students: we recommend taking at least one small course during your first year. WRTG 105, CASC 142, and language courses are examples of small courses, though there are many others, as well. If you have questions, you can ask your advisor(s) for their recommendations during your discussions.
Types of courses to explore
Firstly, the course options you include on your Course Planning Form should grow out of your interests, your curiosity, and your goals. Interesting courses outside of your intended program of study can offer a gateway to new interests.
We challenge you to choose three courses that you find especially interesting outside of your intended program of study and take at least one during your first semester. You have plenty of time!
These courses will allow you to delve into your area(s) of interest and work towards completing a major, minor, or cluster. You should plan on taking at least one course from your intended major during your first semester. Use the Advice by Subject Area page to explore recommended courses for any intended program(s) of study.
These courses, designed especially for first-semester students, can help you explore a wide breath of academic and extracurricular interests, and challenge you to explore perspectives different from your own. Use the button below to learn more about each of these types of courses.
- CASC 104: Designing Your Life
- CASC 120: Exploring Intercultural Competence
- CASC 142: Strategies for Academic Success
- CASC 145: Navigating the Academy
- CASC 153: Rising Leader Class (open to first-year students only; application required)
- CASC 170: International Student Success Seminar (open to international students only)
You should complete your primary writing requirement (PWR) during your first year at Rochester.
Please note: only half of your incoming class will be able to register for their writing course in the fall semester. The remainder will need to complete their writing course in the spring semester.
Most students complete this requirement by taking either:
- WRTG 105: A single-semester writing course offered on a variety of topics
- WRTG 105E: A single-semester writing course that provides additional support for students concerned about meeting the demands of college-level writing
- WRTG 105A and WRTG 105B: Two two-credit courses that distribute the work of WRT 105 across two semesters
All sections of WRTG 105, WRTG 105E, and WRTG 105A&B aim to help you become an effective academic writer. Sections are taught by instructors from across the disciplines and offer diverse topics for students to pursue well-established or new interests.
To learn what writing course you are best suited for, complete the required Writing Self-Placement Survey. You can find instructions for finding and completing the survey on the Placement by Examination page.
Transfer students: you can also petition to fulfill your PWR by transferring in a course from your previous institution. Use the button below to learn more about this option and how to complete the petition.