The beginning of a new semester is the best time to map out your course schedule and ensure it is going to work for your needs – and if it doesn’t adjust as necessary.
Tuesday, January 9, 2024

By CLAS Advising  

New year, new schedule! As you start the spring 2024 semester, take a few minutes to take charge of your schedule. Now is the time to get in your new groove, anticipate potential issues, and adjust as necessary.  

Check out these three key pointers from your academic advisors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 

A student and an advisor talking

Review your syllabi and map out the semester 

Create a comprehensive calendar based on your syllabi and note when things are due for each class. Then consider how your courses will fit together and how long it will take to complete each assignment. Check with your instructors if you have questions. 

Take inventory of your resources 

Visit the Tutor Iowa website to find academic support resources including tutoring, supplemental instruction, and study worksheets. You can find a full comprehensive list of subject-specific help centers there as well. If you are eligible for additional academic support or have accommodations, now is the time to make these arrangements.   

Considering a course change?  

The beginning of the semester is the easiest time to alter your schedule. Take these things into consideration, but act quickly: 

  • Dropping a course?  
    If you have questions about the course, contact your instructor, if you want to discuss how this will impact your academic plans and graduation timeline, contact your advisor, and if you want to know how your aid may be impacted, contact financial aid. If you will be replacing a course, it is best to verify that you can add the new one before dropping the old one. 
  • Adding a course?  
    Consider how much material you have missed and whether you will be impacted by the course attendance policy. It can be difficult to add after the first week because it requires multiple approvals. Be sure to contact your instructor and make a plan to catch up. 
  • How do I drop or add a course?  
    • Week 1 (through Jan. 22, 2024): Drop or add a semester-length course through the MyUI portal.  
    • Week 2 (through Jan. 29, 2024): Initiate the process on MyUI, but changes require additional permissions. For drops, you will need your primary advisor’s permission. For adds, you will need to email and receive permission from the instructor/department and primary advisor. Finalize your registration change on MyUI after all permissions are granted (within 24 hours when adding a course). 
    • After Jan. 29: You may still drop a semester-length course with a “W” until April 15. 
    • Off-cycle: If your course does not meet for the full semester, it may have adjusted deadlines.  

If you need help or have concerns, reach out to your advisor.