Welcome to the College of Engineering! The faculty and staff of the College of Engineering are excited about working with you in the upcoming years, and are currently preparing for your arrival.
You may have been wondering what courses to take during your first semester at Cornell and how you will register for them. The information below should help answer your questions.
What courses will I take during the Fall 2008 semester?
The majority of first-year engineering students will take the following courses for the Fall 2008 semester, totaling 16-17 credits:
• Engineering Math, 4 credits
• Science (Chemistry or Physics), 4 credits (based on academic interest and AP credit)
• Intro to Computer Programming, 4 credits OR an Intro to Engineering (ENGRI), 3 credits. (See Intro to Computer Programming Information Sheet or ENGRI Information Sheet)
• A First-Year Writing Seminar (FWS), 3 credits
• First-Year Engineering Seminar (ENGRG 1050), 1 credit
• Physical Education (PE), 1 credit
• Optional Academic Excellence Workshops (AEW) for Math, Chemistry, and/or Computing, 1 credit each. (See AEW brochure)
What are Academic Excellence Workshops (AEW)?
Academic Excellence Workshops (AEWs) are small group, active-learning sessions that complement the core engineering courses in mathematics, computer science and chemistry.
Student Information Card:
By the time you arrive on campus, we will have done our best to pre-enroll you into an Engineering MATH, CHEM or PHYS, ENGRG 1050, Intro to Computer Programming or ENGRI (Intro to Engineering) class, and AEW workshops (optional). Your enrollment is based on the information you send to us on the Student Information Card. (Because your responses to our questions are critical for proper scheduling, it is important that you click on the link above and submit the Student Information Card to us NO LATER than Monday, June 30, 2008). You will personally select your First-Year Writing Seminar and Physical Education courses during orientation week.
Is it possible to enroll in additional courses?
Yes. Most first-year students find that the courses listed above make for a comfortable first-semester schedule. However, you may add other courses to your semester (in consultation with your faculty advisor). Further details about the curriculum and Fall course offerings can be found in the Cornell Courses of Study and the Engineering Undergraduate Handbook. You will receive these publications during orientation.
What if I have Advanced Placement (AP) or Transfer Credit?
Advanced placement or transfer credit can be used to earn credit toward graduation requirements. Acceptable test scores and procedures for earning credit are outlined in the following two sections: Advanced Placement and Transfer Credit for First-Year Engineering Students 2008-09.
Are there other ways to obtain credit?
Yes. During orientation, Cornell offers optional departmental exams in areas such as math, physics, chemistry, and computer science. These exams may result in advanced placement credit if you demonstrate proficiency in the subject area. (See the information sheet for details regarding the voluntary Engineering Mathematics Departmental Examination.)
What happens if my classes turn out to be the wrong level for me?
Within the first three weeks of the semester, if you find that your schedule is not appropriate to your academic background, you may add/drop any class(es) after a discussion with your faculty advisor.
What is a First-Year Writing Seminar (FWS)?
First-Year Writing Seminars focus on developing English composition skills. Roughly thirty academic departments offer over 100 seminars on a variety of topics and interests each semester. All engineering students are required to take two First-Year Writing Seminars, one in each semester of their first year. Additional details, including registration procedures, will be provided during orientation.
What is ENGRG 1050?
The First-Year Engineering Seminar (ENGRG 1050) is a one-credit course that provides an opportunity for first-year students to get to know their faculty advisors on a more personal and significant level. Students meet weekly (as a group) with their faculty advisor to discuss a range of engineering topics, including curriculum, careers, and research. Groups may also visit various academic, engineering, and research facilities on campus. All first-year students will be pre-enrolled in a section of ENGRG 1050.
What about Physical Education (PE)?
All Cornell students are required to take two semesters of physical education (PE) during their first year and pass a basic swimming skills test prior to graduation. Information on PE courses and registration procedures will be provided during orientation.
Will I need to purchase a personal computer?
Students are not required to purchase computers. Computer laboratories are available on campus for your use. (See Computer FAQ sheet if you are considering the purchase of a new computer.)
When is Engineering Orientation?
Engineering Orientation officially begins on Saturday, August 23rd. (See Orientation highlights.) You may pick-up a detailed Schedule of Events on Friday, August 22nd at the Campus Services Event in Barton Hall. (For a preview of the Academic Briefing, please see: )
Is there anything else I need to know?
The First-Year Academic Briefing is an important information session where you will review:
· Curriculum requirements
· Course registration
· Math exam schedules
· First-year student advising and your faculty advisor information
· Events and deadlines during the first few weeks of the semester
· Registration materials and the Engineering Undergraduate Handbook
The Academic Briefings will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 23rd. Locations will be listed in the Schedule of Events. (Academic Briefing Preview)
It is very important for you to begin your college career with the level of courses most appropriate for you. You can help ensure proper enrollment by providing us with all the necessary information. Please feel free to contact Engineering Advising if you have questions. Phone: (607) 255-7414; E-mail: adv_engineering@cornell.edu
We look forward to seeing you in August!
Please see the Cornell University Orientation Page at http://newstudentprograms.cornell.edu
