First-Year Course Planning

Planning your first college course schedule is an important and exciting milestone in your academic journey.

Start by following the steps below:

Step 1:

Learn more about majors, courses, and academic planning by reviewing the following:

First Year Seminars – course titles & descriptions of FYS options; you will have an opportunity to indicate your top preferences, so be sure to review.
College Catalog (course descriptions, major descriptions, general education & major requirements, official academic policies)
Liberal Arts in Practice General Education Curriculum (the general education requirements apply to all students, regardless of major)
Graduation Requirement Worksheets (outline of requirements for particular majors you’re considering)
If you are unsure about your choice of major, visit the Exploratory Students webpage

Step 2:

All new students must complete the online placement exams for writing and math by June 1. Those completing the language placement should also complete by June 1.

Writing Placement: All new students must complete the Writing Placement. Results of the placement are used to determined your writing level relative to Hartwick’s Writing Competency Requirement, a component of the Liberal Arts in Practice General Education Curriculum.
Math Placement: All students take the math placement since many courses require a math level. Results of the placement are used to establish your math level; however, it does not mean that you must take a math course. For more information and to access the exam, visit the Placement Exams page.
Language Placement: Language Placement should be taken by anyone with at least one year or more of high school French or Spanish. For more information and to access the exam, visit the Placement Exams page.

Step 3:

Complete the online Academic Course Planner (ACP) by June 1.

Step 4:

The information you submit will be used to create your course schedule, which will be released to you via WebAdvisor around July 15 (watch for an email with instructions for accessing your schedule online).

Adjustments to course schedules based on changing preferences, a change in major, placement exam results, etc. can be made in person or via phone or email on “Advising Wednesdays” (each Wednesday, August 1-15). In addition, you will meet with an academic advisor during Welcome Weekend to make adjustments as needed.

We’re excited to work with you to prepare for your first semester at Hartwick. If you have questions regarding the course registration process, please contact Coordinator of Academic and Pre-Professional Advising Joe Ficano at ficanoj@hartwick.edu or 607-431-4564.