Advising FAQ
Introduction
The CS/DS Advising Team has provided several resources across this website, our YouTube channel, Instagram page, and our emails to help our students navigate their advising and degree-related questions. Below we’ve highlighted some of the most frequently asked questions from our students.
If the answer to your question cannot be found here, please practice the three check rule by checking two more resources for your answer. If you still have questions, please contact your assigned CS/DS Advisor and/or attend a Drop-In Advising Session.
Advising FAQs
DARs
DARs (Degree Audit Reports) can be accessed through the U.Achieve link of your MyUIC portal. DARs are a tool used to keep track of academic progress toward the completion of your degree. It includes all degree requirements for your specific major, noting which classes you have completed and which classes you still need to take. (Note: If you notice that a course is listed incorrectly or under “UIC Courses not used toward degree”, contact your CS/DS advisor for assistance.)
Free Electives
Free electives are classes of your choosing that count toward your graduation (with some exceptions). The following rules apply:
- No remedial courses
- A remedial class is any class below the first required technical course for your degree.
- Example: Any course below MATH 180 (MATH 110, MATH 121)
- No duplicate courses
- Many courses at UIC may have different course codes but actually cover the same content and are, therefore, seen as duplicate or equivalent courses.
- Examples: CS 111, CS 112, & CS 113 are all equivalent courses.
- Only two credits of KN credit
Students are limited to two credits of Kinesiology courses toward their free electives.
If you would like clarification on which courses may count as free electives, contact your CS/DS advisor for assistance.
What Do I Go to the CS Student Affairs Office For?
You can visit the office (CDRLC 3410) for any CS-related issue, such as CS class registration, CS petitions, curriculum, and grievances. Various student forms and petitions related to your academics are available there as well. The office welcomes all students for any issues, and if they are not able to help, they will point you in the right direction. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Note: The CS student affairs team is working on a hybrid schedule right now. If you have a question, it may be faster to email cs-ugrad@uic.edu or call them at 312-413-5643 instead of coming into the office.
How Do I Declare A Minor and/or a CS Concentration?
You must visit the department you are planning to minor in (for example, if you want to pursue a math minor, you must visit the math department). You also must declare your minor/concentration with the College of Engineering. To do so, complete the Minor/Concentration form found on the COE student resources page.
I Decided to Change My Major To Something Other Than CS. What do I Do?
You should visit the department you wish to major in to initiate the change of major and to set up an appointment with the person who will be your academic advisor in your new department. Usually, the change in major is effective the following semester. Students changing majors outside of engineering should first attend an ICT session.
For more information, feel free to watch our instructional video on Changing Majors.
(Note: Until the change is official, you will still need to meet with your CS advisor).