Preparation

The ASC Orientation will provide practical advice about your academic program and describe the regulations with which you must comply in the course of your studies. We will cover, in detail, how to select and enroll in courses.  Before you come to the Orientation (or before your first advising appointment), please follow the preparation guidelines below.

What to Bring to Orientation (or your first advising appointment):

• General Catalog.
• List of majors and courses that interest you.
• Complete and bring the L&S Academic Orienteering Tutorial.
• Questions.

Please review the following detailed information:

General Catalog

The UC Berkeley General Catalog is available online at catalog.berkeley.edu.  We recommend getting a PDF version, or purchasing a copy. Read the General Information section of the catalog, paying particular attention to pages 37-43 (registration and major information).

Schedule of Classes

The Schedule of Classes is online at schedule.berkeley.edu. We will cover, in detail, how to select and enroll in courses at the Orientation.

Considering a Major

L&S offers you a choice of specialization from a remarkable array of majors. Abundant opportunities also present a challenge -- finding and focusing on your own direction. If you are not sure in which subject you want to major, take time to explore your options before attending orientation.  Major and Degree options can be found on pages 38-39 in the printed General Catalog, or online at catalog.berkeley.edu/undergrad/majors.html.

Academic Orienteering Tutorial

Complete the L&S Academic Orienteering Tutorial.  This tutorial is required for all freshman and transfer students.  It can be accessed from the College of Letters & Science Advising website, or directly at Academic Orienteering</a>.  It will take you through all the requirements for the College of Letters & Science, explore majors, give you tips for course selection, and allow you to develop a proposed schedule.  Please complete the entire tutorial, print it out, and bring the information, along with your proposed schedule, to the ASC Orientation (or your first advising meeting).  Failing to do the tutorial will put you at a severe disadvantage in making course selections.  The tutorial may take you about an hour or two to complete.

Unit Requirements For Student-Athletes

Students in the College of Letters and Science must take a minimum of 13 units per semester to be considered full-time students.  Student-athletes may receive academic units for participation in their sports (only 4 units earned for athletic participation can be used towards graduation), and we encourage all students to sign up for two units each semester.  These units are listed in the Physical Education section of the Schedule of Classes under "Men's Intercollegiate Athletics" and "Women's Intercollegiate Athletics".  The courses are listed in 1/2-unit increments, so you should sign up for four sections (2 units total) of your sport (2 sport specific, 2 weight-training).