EK 100
Frequently Asked Questions
ACADEMICS
TUTORING
TECHIE STUFF
ON AND AROUND CAMPUS
GET INVOLVED
RESOURCES
ENGINEERING PROGRAMS
ACADEMICS
What
if I have a question in my large lecture hall - do I ask?
Whether your question is content related, or asking your
professor to slow down, all you have to do is raise your
hand and inform the instructor of your plight. Most likely,
he or she will be very receptive that you are trying process
the subject matter. Also, if you are wondering something,
chances are strong that someone in your class has the same
question. If you are in a large lecture, please feel comfortable to leave for bathroom or short break if needed.
Mid Semester Assessment? What exactly
is being assessed?
During the week of October 1-5, you should schedule an appointment
to meet with your Faculty Advisor for Mid-Semester Assessment.
In this meeting, you and your Faculty Advisor will discuss
your progress to date. If you aren't doing so well in a
particular class, this is a good opportunity to figure out
how you can improve. Don't be intimidated! Take the opportunity
as a chance to familiarize yourself with your Faculty Advisor
(remember, you will have to meet with him/her for Pre-Registration
each semester). Also, don't forget to bring along your Mid-Semester
Assessment form. You can also download
a form if you lost the original one.
I'm also pre-med - what do
I need to know?
Remember, pre-med is a track, not
a major in the College of Engineering. The first thing you
should do as a Pre-Med student is register with the CAS
Preprofessional Advising Office in CAS (725 Commonwealth
Avenue), Room B-3. They'll create a file for you and send
you emails for all appropriate pre-medical information seminars
and guest speakers. Registering with them also lets the
counselors keep track of your specific needs as you apply
to medical school (and fulfill the pre-med requirements).
Always feel free to wander into the office; they have a
lot of information on medical schools, the MCAT (Medical
College Admission Test), and volunteer opportunities you
can participate in while in school.
How can I find out when my finals are?
The final exams for your CAS classes have already
been scheduled and will be posted on the Student Link soon.
For now, go to http://www.bu.edu/reg/examf07.htm
. The final exams for ENG courses take longer to schedule,
as they are arranged to not conflict with other exams. To
see your final exam schedule, go to the Student Link and
click "Final Exam Schedule" under the Academics
tab. If your final exams continue to remain a mystery, don't
be afraid to check your syllabus or ask your instructor.
Also note that you may ask your instructor for an alternate
exam date if you have three or more exams scheduled on the
same day.
How
do I change my EK 130/131/132 section?
To change your EK 130/131/132 section, you need to let Ruthie
or Jane know within the first week of the semester (the
deadline to make changes is September 11th). The time period
is short because the modules are only 6 weeks long. If you
need to change an EK 132 module, you also need to do it by
September 10th, as some of your other courses may be affected
by the change. You should go see Ruthie or Jane, or send
them an email. If the section is open, they can change it
for you. If the section is closed, they will talk with the
professor to see if you can be added over the limit.
What if I need
to change a course or section and classes have already started?
Once the semester has started, you have two weeks to add
a new course or section. For the Fall 2007 semester, the
last day to add a class is September 17th. If you log onto
the Studentlink (www.bu.edu/studentlink)
and the course or section you want has available seats,
you may add the course online. If the class is full, you
need to obtain a Drop/Add form and have the professor of
the class sign the form. Drop/Add forms are available in
the Engineering Undergraduate Records Office (ERB, 44 Cummington
Street, Room 108) or at the Registrar’s Office (881
Commonwealth Ave., 2nd floor). You can submit the form to
either office, and your schedule will then be updated. Please
note: changing a section is the same as dropping a course/section
and adding a new one.
What does a ‘W’ on my
transcript mean?
That capital 'W' stands for withdrawal from a course. If
you drop the course by October 9th, you are dropping the
course without a 'W', which means that your transcript will
appear as if you were never enrolled in that class. If you
drop a class after October 6th, then you will "drop with
a 'W'". If you drop the class during this time, the course
number and title will be listed on your transcript and your
grade will be listed as a 'W'. You can either drop a class
on the Studentlink ( www.bu.edu/studentlink
) or by using a Drop/Add form. You do not need the professor's
signature to drop a course. The last day to drop a class
with a 'W" is November 9, 2007.
What do I need
to do if I want to take a summer class at home?
In order for you to receive credit at Boston University
for a class taken at a different school or college, you
must complete a Transfer Credit Approval form (available
in ERB, 44 Cummington Street , 107 or ERB 108 or download
one here ). The Transfer Credit Approval form requires
a signature from your Faculty Advisor and a course description
of the class (some courses require a syllabus). Once the
class has been approved, you may take the course at the
other school or college. Upon completion of the class, you
will need to have an official transcript sent to the College
of Engineering . You must receive a 'C' or better in the
course, for the credit to transfer. Keep in mind that the
grade does not transfer, just the credit. Please note that
BU will not accept summer courses from colleges in the Greater
Boston Area (inside the Rt. 128 loop). If you are concerned
about a particular school or college, please see the Engineering
Undergraduate Records Office (ERB, 44 Cummington Street
, Room 108).
How can I change or declare my major within engineering?
Changing or declaring your major within the College of Engineering is easy.
All you have to do is go to the Engineering Undergraduate Records Office (ERB, 44 Cummington Street, Room 108) and complete a Change of Major/Change of Advisor Form. The form is pretty straight forward. You mark the box for your current major and then another box for your proposed major. If you are switching majors into a new department, for example going from Biomedical to Mechanical, you will also need a new Faculty Advisor (this can be accomplished on the same form). You can either have your new advisor assigned, or choose a new advisor from a list which is kept in the Records Office. If you choose a new advisor, that person must sign the form (agreeing to serve as your Faculty Advisor).
I think I may want to switch out of Engineering, what should I do?
Engineering isn’t for everyone. If you think you might want to switch colleges at Boston University (or even leave the University), you should go talk to Ruthie or Jane. They will give you all the information on what you need to transfer to a different program (in the College or Arts and Sciences, the School of Management, the College of Communication, etc.). The “Intra University Transfer (IUT)” process isn’t difficult and is hosted by the college where you would like to study. You will need to complete a couple of forms, and have your college grades reviewed by your proposed program. Schedule an appointment to meet with Ruthie or Jane – then you’ll know exactly what you need to do.
How can I get a copy of my transcript?
To request an official copy of your transcript, you must
go to the Registrar’s Office at 881 Commonwealth Ave.,
2nd floor. Official transcripts cost $3.00 per transcript.
They can either issue the transcript to you, or mail it
directly for you. You can print out an unofficial copy of
your transcript off the Studentlink (www.bu.edu/studentlink)
under the Academics tab. If you want your name to appear
on the copy, hit print in the 30 seconds that your name
appears on the screen.
How do I find out what classes to take next semester?
The College of Engineering has Program Planning Sheets available,
which are specific to each entering class and major. The
Program Planning Sheets are the flow charts you see around
the College – they are covered with, what seems like
an infinite number of, boxes. These forms are available
in the Engineering Undergraduate Records Office (ERB, 44
Cummington Street, Room 108). They map out each course you
need to take and the semester in which you should take the
class. On the back of the freshman and sophomore (blue and
green) sheets you will find a list of the approved Social
Science and Humanities courses. The approved Technical/Engineering/Design/Professional
courses are on the back of the junior and senior (pink and
yellow) forms. The Program
Planning Sheets are available online.
Why don’t I have much choice in my classes, while my friends in other colleges do?
Engineering is a very rigorous discipline. The College of Engineering is responsible to make sure you are adequately prepared for your technical courses and qualified as an engineer in the short span of 4 years. Since there are so many requirements, the College of Engineering helps you by outlining the requirements on Program Planning Sheets (to ensure that you have taken the necessary courses in order to graduate).
How can I overload
and what does that mean?
Overloading enables you to take more than 18.0 credits in
a given semester. Boston University will pay for your overload
if you have a GPA above a 3.3 or higher, or if you are a
senior. If you don't meet these criteria, we do not recommend
that you overload for the semester. To have an overload
approved, you must fill out an Overload Authorization Form
and have it signed by your faculty advisor. These forms
are available in the Engineering Undergraduate Records Office
(ERB, 44 Cummington Street , Room 108).
What are PDP courses and how can I take them?
PDP stands for the Physical Development Program which is
run by the Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Department
(PERD). PDP’s are basically physical education courses
that you may want to take to relieve some stress, do something
fun, or make sure the “Freshman 15” doesn’t
show up. Your tuition covers up to 18.0 credits, even though
you may only be taking 16.0 credits. That means that you
have up to 2.0 credits that you could use to take a PDP
course. For a complete list of courses you can click
here. The courses descriptions are listed in the BU
Bulletin and the Studentlink will allow you to search for
the courses offered by semester if you enter PDP under the
college code. Please note: overloads are not approved for
PDP courses unless you meet the other criteria to overload
(see “Overload” above).
What is MATLAB?
MATLAB is a programming software that will become increasingly important as you progress through your degree requirements. It can run programs, analyze data, and even graph the results. MATLAB itself was written in the C programming language and has a somewhat user friendly interface that allows you to simply type ‘help’ to see the lists and uses of each command. MATLAB is introduced in EK 127.
What did I agree to by signing the College of Engineering Code of Conduct?
You should have signed the Code of Conduct at your Academic Orientation session. It stipulates that you are expected to maintain high standards of honesty and integrity. If you violate the Code of Conduct you will be investigated by the Academic Conduct Committee of the College of Engineering who will recommend appropriate action to the Associate Dean. Some examples of violations include cheating on examinations, gaining access to exams before they are given, plagiarism of any kind, unauthorized collaboration on homework and computer programs, forgeries of signatures on assignments or other documents, theft of assignments from other students, and grade tampering.
If I do poorly in a course, can I take it over and change the grade?
The College of Engineering will allow you to take a course over again, except the old grade does not disappear. Both grades will factor into your GPA and both grades will appear on your Boston University transcript. Taking the course over might be valuable use of your time….how else are you going to master that information? If you think you might want to do this, you should talk with your Faculty Advisor before doing so.
I need help in one of my courses – is there anywhere to go for extra help/tutoring?
Have you gone to your professor’s office hours? Remember that each professor is required to hold office hours for your class. If you can’t make those hours, you should see if you can set up an appointment with your professor. There are other ways to get help as well.
The College of Engineering offers free tutoring Monday through Thursday, 5-11 pm, in ERB 105 (44 Cummington Street). The tutors are junior and senior engineering students who can help with freshman and sophomore courses. There is typically one tutor representing each major to help you with higher level courses as well. Ruthie and Jane can also help you get individual tutoring for a specific subject. Just let them know that you are struggling, and they will give you some names of people to contact.
Feel free to visit the tutoring website for additional contact information.
A complete list of tutoring resources is available at the Undergraduate Programs Office (ERB, 44 Cummington Street, Room 107). You can also email Ruthie or Jane, and they’ll give you some more specific information.
Why do I have
to change my Kerberos password after I just made my Early
Bird Account?
The Early Bird Account, which you
set up during Academic Orientation, allows
access to your BU email and personal accounts from June
until August 29.
Starting August 30, you need to create a new Kerberos password
in order to continue using your accounts. Don't panic -
at the very least you only have to change the old password
by one letter or
number. So go to www.bu.edu/studentlink
and click "Change Kerberos
Password" under the BASICS tab. In order to register
the password change, you must present your Terrier Card
to the I/O Window at the Information Technology computer
lab located in the basement of 111 Cummington St .
Where are the computer labs on campus?
Chances are, there is probably a computer lab right around the corner from you. There are Resnet Labs in 6 resident areas on campus: Myles Standish Hall, The Towers, Warren Towers, South Campus, West Campus, and 10 Buick St. In addition, Information Technology has a large computer lab located in the basement of 111 Cummington St. that is open 24 hours.
How do I forward my BU e-mail to another e-mail address?
If you check another email account regularly, it is important
to continue checking your BU email, or have it forwarded
to your other account. The University, and the College of
Engineering, will email you important information to your
BU account. If you need to forward your BU account, go to
www.bu.edu/pcsc. Under
the Email heading click on ‘traveling.’ The
next page has a link that says ‘Forward BU E-mail
to a Different Account,’. Click it and you will be
asked for your login name and password, and then given instructions
on how to forward your e-mail.
How do I check my BU email while I’m away from campus?
While you are away from campus, there are two ways to check
your email. Once on the internet, simply go to www.bu.edu/webmail/silkymail
and the site will ask for your login name and Kerberos
password. Then your email will pop up. The other way to
check your email is by using Telnet. Once on the internet,
go to the ‘Start’ menu and then ‘Run.’
In the space provided, type ‘telnet acs.bu.edu’
and a small window will pop up. Enter your log in name and
password. Then at the bottom of the screen you will see
a prompt that looks like ‘[your login name]% after
which you type ‘pine.’ Your email will then
pop up on the screen.
What’s the print quota?
Believe it or not you have 500 pages that you are entitled
to print at any computer lab on campus. You can check how
much you’ve printed at www.bu.edu/computing/myacs.
If for some reason you use all of your quota, you may request
an increase. An increase will be granted only with permission
from one of your professors.
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Is it possible to get financial aid for summer classes?
While there is financial aid available for Summer Term, it is very very limited. You should not be discouraged to apply, though. Please see the Financial Assistance Office on the 5th floor at 881 Commonwealth Ave. You may also be eligible for Summer Work Study. It's an easy way to find a job for the summer! Look for an email in the Spring telling you how to apply.
Can I get an internship after freshman year?
If you are a freshman dying to get an internship, go for it! Start by stopping by the Career Development Office in ERB (44 Cummington Street), Room 112. You can also visit their website at www.bu.edu/eng/careers. You may want to consider companies near your home (you might have a better chance when not competing with Boston area students). You may have to volunteer your services this summer, but they may be happy to pay you in the future. Even if you don't end up with a paid internship, the experience will prove valuable later in your program..
What resources are there for commuter students?
The Local Students Union (LSU) is the student government for off-campus and
commuter students. It happens to be the largest student organization on
campus. The LSU has an office and lounge located in the basement of the
GSU (775 Commonwealth Avenue). The lounge has several computers and board games to entertain you during those long breaks between classes when you can't just go home to
take a nap.
What do I do if I lose my Terrier Card?
If you have lost your Terrier Card, you must have a replacement
made as soon as possible. You will need to go to the Terrier
Card Office which is located in the basement of the George
Sherman Union (775 Commonwealth Avenue). A replacement Terrier
Card will cost $30.00, and is billed to your student account.
If I’m sick, how can I get medical attention?
If you’re not feeling so hot, then you should go to
Student Health Services (located at the west entrance of
881 Commonwealth Ave). There is a walk-in clinic Monday
through Friday, 9 am - 4:30 pm, and they have an Infirmary
as well. Check out www.bu.edu/shs
to see what other services they offer. If further medical
attention is required and you have Chickering Insurance,
they will give you a referral. If you do not have Chickering
Insurance, you can still see a doctor at Health Services
and receive any necessary prescriptions. If you need to
see other health care providers, however, be sure to check
what doctors and institutions are affiliated with your insurance.
How can I change my meal plan?
Changing your meal plan is easy. All you have to do is go
to the Terrier Card Office in the basement of the George
Sherman Union (775 Commonwealth Ave.) and fill out a form.
You can view the different dining plan options at the Studentlink
(www.bu.edu/studentlink)
by clicking on the “Food and Shelter Tab” and
then “Dining Plan Options.” Bon Apetite!
How can I get convenience points?
The easiest way to get convenience points is to go onto
the Studentlink (www.bu.edu/studentlink)
and click on the Food and Shelter tab. Next, click the option
for ‘Convenience Points Purchase.’ After entering
your login name and Kerberos password, it will ask you to
select an amount in $25.00 increments. You may charge up
to $1,000.00, that is billed directly to your student account.
Don’t forget that your parents will eventually get
the bill (a.k.a talk to them about this before you buy extra
points). You may also purchase convenience points using
a check (go to the Terrier Card Office in the basement of
the George Sherman Union [775 Commonwealth Avenue]) or with
cash (go to Student Accounting Services at 881 Commonwealth
Ave.).
Who do I call to set up my room phone?
In order to set up your room phone you should call Verizon. Their number is 617-956-8201.
Should I buy a ‘T’ pass?
Buying a ‘T’ pass should depend upon whether
you really need it. Most agree it is only advantageous to
buy the pass if you ride the ‘T’ at least once
or twice everyday. You can find out more information on obtaining a student T pass here. For all schedules and additional information, go to www.mbta.com.
Where can I
find a part-time job on or near campus?
If you are looking to make some extra cash, then you should
check out the “Work” tab on the Studentlink
(www.bu.edu/studentlink).
If you were awarded Federal Work-Study, click “Work-Study
Job Listings” to see the listed work-study jobs. Also
keep your eyes peeled for flyers seeking work-study students.
There is still plenty of money to be had even if you don’t
have work study. By clicking “Job Board Listings”
under the “Work” tab there will be a categorical
menu of jobs on campus or in the Boston area, complete with
all necessary contact info. Another great employment opportunity
can be found by getting a Quickie Job. Quickie Jobs are
a temp jobs; they vary from anything from painting to babysitting.
In order to be eligible you will need to review the Quickie
Jobs questions, answers, and procedures online here
followed by a brief online
quiz. You can look at the listings online, or
at the Quickie Job office at 881 Commonwealth Ave. on the
2nd floor.
Where are some good places to study on campus?
If you haven't found a good place to study in your dorm,
there are a number of places where you can go. New this
year is the W. Bradford Ingalls
Engineering Resource Center in 44 Cummington St . Also,
try exploring Mugar Library (the higher the floor, the quieter
you will find it), maybe the basement of the Science and
Engineering Library, the basement of the Metcalf Science
Center, the study lounge in your residence hall, a classroom
in the College of Arts and Sciences or the Photonics Building,
or even the fancy Pardee Library on the 3rd floor of the
School of Management. You can find a more social study atmosphere
found on the first three floors of the George Sherman Union.
If you prefer to study with a scenic view, check out the
top floor lounge in Shelton Hall ( 91 Bay State Road ) and
the Student Atrium ( 10 Buick Street ). There are a lot
of study opportunities around campus. The most important
tidbit: GET OUT OF YOUR ROOM to study. You will find yourself
twice as productive in a different environment.
Where can I
go to the gym?
If you are looking to beef up or just stay in shape, Boston
University has three main workout facilities. You can hit
the gym at the Case Center ( 285 Babcock St. ), Sargent
Gymnasium ( 1 University Rd. , around the corner from the
GSU), or most noticeable is the new FitRec
center in front of the Student Village . If you live
in a large residence hall, there may be modest workout facilities
in your building, so take a look around. If these facilities
aren't what you are looking for, some private gyms in the
area include City Gym, Boston Sports Club, Healthworks Fitness
Centers for Women, Wellbridge Athletic Club, and Gold's
Gym.
Where are the movie theaters?
The closest movie theater to BU is the Regal Fenway theater
located in the Landmark Center on Brookline Ave., around
the corner from Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Staples
and REI. It’s about a 10 minute walk from campus.
The Student Activities Office often has discounted tickets
to the Fenway theater, so keep your eyes open. There are
also movie theaters in Copley Plaza (Copley T-stop), Boston
Common (Boylston T-stop), and Coolidge Corner (Coolidge
Corner T-stop C-line). The easiest way to check what movies
are playing and their times is on a website like www.moviefone.com
or www.fandango.com.
These sites also provide maps to the theaters. You can also
call 617-333-FILM.
What happens to my dining points at the end of the academic year? Can I get reimbursed for unused meals?
At the end of the academic year, fifty percent of your remaining dining points balance, over $5.00, is automatically credited to your student account. Unfortunately, if you didn’t use all your meals, they will be lost to the wind.
Where’s the Post Office?
There is a Post Office in the basement of the George Sherman Union (775 Commonwealth Avenue) and also on Deerfield Street in Kenmore Square.
How do I apply for specialty housing?
Forms for specialty housing will begin to circulate about
a month before Housing Selection. The application asks you
to write a short paragraph on your specialty of interest,
and submit the completed form to the specified location.
For a list of Engineering Specialty Housing, go to the Undergraduate
Programs Office (ERB, 44 Cummington Street, Room 107). For
a complete list of BU Specialty Housing, click
here.
How can I find a place to live off campus?
The Office of Orientation and Off-Campus Services maintains
a database that can help you find an apartment, a room,
or even a roommate. To search the database, go to the Studentlink
and hit the Food and Shelter tab and then click on Off Campus
Housing. Remember, once you leave the University Housing
system, there is no guarantee that you will be housed if
you wish to return.
I’ve heard there’s a list of 101 Things to do in Boston, what are they?
The whole list can’t be shown here, but we can let
you know how to find it. The full list is available online
at www.bu.edu/union
and it is also listed in your Boston University Lifebook,
or you can pick up a brochure from the Wellness Center (19
Deerfield St.).
What are some Boston radio stations?
If you are tuning into the radio, check these out:
FM: 89.3 WTBU BU radio station
89.7 WGBH Classical and jazz
90.9 WNPR National Public Radio
92.9 WBOS Aldult album rock
94.5 WJMN Urban contemporary
98.5 WBMX Adult contemporary
100.7 WZLX Classic hits
101.7 WFNX Alternative rock
103.3 WODS Oldies
104.1 WBCN Alternative
105.7 WROR 60’s, 70’s, 80’s hits
106.7 WMJX Adult contemporary
107.3 WAAF Rock and roll
107.9 WXKS Dance, rock, R and B
How cold does it really get?
If the Fahrenheit scale doesn’t mean that much to you, just keep in mind you’ll be zipping up your coat and pulling that winter hat down over your ears. So watch out for the snow, wind, and the rain and hold on to those sunny days in the late Fall and early Spring. The cold temperatures tend to begin in November and last through March.
How should I control my banking?
If you open up a checking account on campus, consider only using your name for your checks, as you will change your address a few times while in college. Many students like to use a Check card, to allow greater purchasing power. Be careful though – a Check card is not a credit card; the money is deducted automatically from your checking account. We can’t recommend a specific bank, but keep your eyes open for ATM availability, and watch out for different fees. You can compare the different services that banks offer online, or you can stop into any branch and tell them what options you would like in an account.
How can I be informed about upcoming events?
As you may be aware, there are countless events at BU each
week. You can also see what the Student Activities Office
has planned by checking their website at www.bu.edu/sao,
or going to the student central website at www.bu.edu/students.
Also keep an eye out for flyers posted on your floor and
around campus!
How
can I join an intramural team?
You can get a list of all the intramural sports that are
offered each semester at http://www.bu.edu/fitrec/intramural/index.html
. To register for one of the sports, get a group of
your friends together, download a roster, submit the entry
fee, and then attend the captain's meeting on the arranged
date (listed on the website). If you don't have enough people
to make a team, you can take a chance and become a 'free
agent' in the hopes that another team might select you.
How can I join
a club sport?
You can get a list of all the club sports at http://www.bu.edu/fitrec/club/index.html.
If you wish to join one, please contact the Department
of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance by phone at
617-353-2748 or by email at perd@bu.edu.
How do I get involved in community service?
There are a number of ways to get involved with community
service, but the best place to start is the Community Service
Center (CSC). The CSC runs nine different community service
programs. For the complete list, check out www.bu.edu/csc
. The great thing about these programs is that you can pick
how you want to be involved whether it’s once a week
or once a year.
How do I get involved in research?
There are many ways to get involved in research. The Office
of Undergraduate Programs (ERB, 44 Cummington Street, Room
107) has lists of all the faculty and labs within the College
of Engineering. If you see something that is of interest
to you, talk to that professor or go to that lab. There
are different ways for you to get paid (but sometimes volunteer
work is the best way to a later paid-position). You can
also check out the Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Program (UROP) at Boston University – www.bu.edu/urop.
What is RHA and why should I go?
RHA stands for Residence Hall Association, and rest assured if you live on campus, you are represented by an RHA near you. Like any club, RHA’s have an executive board made up of residents. The RHA then elects senators to represent them at the Student Union. Participating in RHA makes your floor or building eligible for event funding.
What can my SA help me with?
What can’t your SA help you with? Your Student Advisor is a resource for you, providing you with everything from good advice to good restaurants. So whatever you do, keep those questions coming and don’t be afraid to ask. Your SA can definitely point you in the right direction.
What can my RA help me with?
Who could better understand your concerns as a student than another BU student? Your resident assistant is the first- and often best - person to turn to with a question. You should feel comfortable turning to your RA for advice, answers, and support for any issue whatsoever. If you need something and your RA isn’t around, be sure to check the RA schedule for the name and number of the RA who is on call.
What does my Faculty Advisor do?
Your Faculty Advisor helps you select the right courses for your major and is a valuable resource to answer questions about your courses, potential research opportunities, your major, career paths and graduate work. Your Faculty Advisor must sign your Registration Form every semester before you are given your Academic Advising Code to register for courses (Ruthie and Jane can’t sign this form unless you are switching majors out of the College of Engineering). Make sure to establish a good relationship with your Faculty Advisor because you never know when you might need your advisor’s assistance (or find him/her as your professor!).
Can I change my Faculty Advisor?
You may change your Faculty Advisor in the Spring semester. You simply need to go to the Engineering Undergraduate Records Office (ERB, 44 Cummington Street, Room 108) and complete a Change of Major/Change of Advisor Form. The form is pretty straight forward. You can either have your new advisor assigned, or choose a new advisor from a list which is kept in
the Records Office. If you choose a new advisor, that person must sign the form (agreeing to serve as your Faculty Advisor).
When do I go see Ruthie or Jane?
Ruthie and Jane are counselors for the freshman engineering class. They are available to help you with tutoring, time management, study skills, homesickness, trouble in your classes.....basically, they will help you with anything that is affecting your school work (which is just about anything in college!). If you have questions, go see them, email them, or call them. Don't be shy!
Can
I study Environmental Engineering?
While the College of Engineering does not offer a separate
major in Environmental Engineering, it does have a unique
program termed "Interdisciplinary Engineering",
which allows you to combine nontraditional interests in
engineering. The Interdisplinary Engineering program however,
is not accredited. You may apply for the program in your
sophomore year.
Please see Joanne Cornell in the Undergraduate Programs
Office (ERB, 44 Cummington Street, Room 107) for more information.
Can I double major?
Yes. You can complete two majors within the College of Engineering
as long as they are not in the same department (i.e. you
can't double major in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
or Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering). To double
major in two different engineering programs, you should
make an appointment to meet with one of the counselors in
the Undergraduate Programs Office (ERB, 44 Cummington Street
, Room 107). You can apply for the double major program
when you are a sophomore.
How do I BUCOP?
Boston University Collaborative Degree Program (BUCOP) enables
you to earn a degree from the College of Engineering and
a second bachelor's degree from another school or college
at Boston University . To be eligible for the program you
must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA, have sophomore standing
or be in the first semester of your junior year. A minimum
of 144 credits is required. Please keep in mind that any
addition to your original engineering degree may lengthen
the amount of time it will take you to graduate. For more
information please stop by the Undergraduate Programs Office at 44 Cummington Street, Room 107.
Can I minor?
You can declare a minor starting in the beginning of your sophomore year. Forms are available in the Engineering Undergraduate Records Office (ERB, 44 Cummington Street, Room 108) by request. You will need to meet with an advisor in the department in which you wish to complete the minor. For example, if you decide to minor in Math in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), you will need to set up an appointment with a Math advisor in order decide what courses you will take to fulfill the minor. The form must also be signed by your Engineering Faculty Advisor and then submitted to the Records Office. Please note: only two classes can count for both your major and your minor.
Can you tell me more about the College of Engineering Study Abroad Program?
The College of
Engineering now offers two study abroad programs. In cooperation
with the Division of International Programs at Boston University
, the College of Engineering offers a study abroad program
in engineering and science in Dresden , Germany and Guadalajara
, Mexico . The programs are designed for your second semester
sophomore year and offer all the classes you would normally
be taking if you were on campus at BU. The courses are taught
in English and no prior knowledge of German or Spanish is
necessary as you will take an 8 week intensive language
course at the beginning of the semester. Applications are
due mid-April prior to your sophomore year. In addition,
there will be an information session sometime in March,
so stay tuned. For complete details as posted by the International
Programs Division, click
here for the Dresden program, here
for the Guadalajara program and here for the Tel Aviv program.
How can I do ENGMEDIC and what does
that entail?
The Engineering/Medical Integrated Curriculum (ENGMEDIC)
is a program that leads to a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering
after four years of study, and an M.D. degree from the BU
School of Medicine after another four years of study. Biomedical
engineering majors may apply in the second semester of their
sophomore year. Admitted students are guaranteed admission
to the School of Medicine upon successful completion of
the program requirements. The ENGMEDIC program introduces
some of the pre-clinical subjects into the undergraduate
curriculum, and at the same time fulfills the requirements
for a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering. For more information
please stop by 44 Cummington, Rm 107.
How can I join
a professional engineering society?
To find a complete list of the professional organizations
and honor societies in the College of Engineering click
here. Keep your eye out for the display of the
society you are interested in at the Engineering Student
Organizations Fair after EK 100 Friday, Sept. 14th. Sign up
and you will receive emails about all their upcoming events
and meetings. Also watch out for flyers around your engineering
classes that let you know when the meetings are and listen
up for announcements made in your classes. If you still
have no luck, stop into 44 Cummington St. , Rm 107 and ask
for the email of the organization's executive board members
so you can contact them directly.
What is a Dean’s Host? How can I become one?
A Dean’s Host is a student representative of the College of Engineering who volunteers to help the College with prospective student events like Spring Open House and the Engineering Scholarship Examination. You are eligible to become a Dean’s Host in the Spring Semester of your freshman year (and any semester after that). Look for the email that lets you know when applications are available. Being a Dean’s Host is a great way to get involved, meet other ENG students, and have a lot of fun!
How do I go on Co-op?
The Co-op program helps students obtain positions with cooperative
education employers located in the Boston metropolitan area
and throughout the United States. Going on Co-op gives you
exposure to the engineering profession, allows you to apply
classroom knowledge to “real world” engineering
work experience, offers an average salary of $16.00/hour,
and enhances your marketability to prospective employers
upon graduation. If you accept a co-op position you are
required to register for a co-op course which lets you keep
your status as a full time student and your access to on-campus
housing, athletic facilities, food service, and libraries.
These courses are pass/fail and appear on your transcript.
The Co-op program has a few requirements, so you must see
the Career Development Office in 44 Cummington St., Rm 112
for more information.
When are the
career fairs? Why should I start going early?
The College of Engineering Career Fair for the Fall 2008
semester is scheduled for October 10th from 11am to 3pm,
at the George Sherman Union in Metcalf Hall. You should
definitely start attending career fairs early in your academic
career so that you feel comfortable talking to company representatives
when you are ready to hit the employment world. It's a good
idea to bring some copies of your resume along with you.
If you don't have a resume, stop by the Career Development
Office in 44 Cummingtion, Rm 112 and they'd be happy to
help you make one.
