FAQs

• Registration and Advising Questions
• General Questions

Registration and Advising Questions

• How do I get accepted to IPFW?
• What are the basic classes that I need?
• Am I eligible to receive financial aid?
• Is the class schedule online?
• How do I register for classes?
• Can I register for classes online?
• When does registration begin?
• Do I need to take placement tests?
• Can I take a class over if I get a bad grade?
• Why was my class cancelled?
• What if I don't like a class or have a time conflict? Can I withdraw from the course or will I be penalized?
• The class I want is closed. What can I do?
• I need to change my classes. What do I do?
• How do I drop a class? Can I get a refund?
• How can I withdraw from a class after the last date to withdraw?
• Can I take correspondence courses?
• How do I know who my advisor is?
• When is my bill due? How much do I owe?
• I've taken classes at IPFW in the past. Do I need to apply again?
• How do I change my major?
• There are a lot of policies and deadlines to remember. Where is this information written?
• I want to transfer to IPFW. Will my credits be accepted?
• How long will it take to complete my degree?
• What are the GPA requirements for the School of Education?
• How do I find out about graduation requirements?
• I am ready to graduate. What do I need to do?
• What master's degrees are offered?
• How long do I have to complete a master's degree?
• How do I get my transcript?
• Can I get credit for my life/work experience?
• When is my final exam?

General Questions

• Where can I go for help if I am having a hard time making a decision about my career or major?
• Is there child care available?
• Where do I get the books I need for class?
• Do I need a student ID?
• Where do I park?
• What housing is available for students?
• Is there a place where I can go if I am having personal problems?
• Is there an office that I can contact if I have a disability?
• How do I get involved in student activities?
• What can I do if I need help in my classes?
• I'm a non-traditional adult student. Is there anywhere I can get assistance and support with the unique problems I might face?
• Are there computer labs where I can complete my homework for class?
• What jobs are available for students?
• Are there study abroad programs?

Registration and Advising Questions

How do I get accepted to IPFW?

For more information about IPFW recruitment and admissions, visit the Admissions office webpage.

What are the basic classes I need?

Every degree may have different requirements. Most degrees and many certificates require English, math and other general education courses. The requirements for every degree and certificate are listed in the IPFW bulletin. Checksheets for each degree are also available from the School of Education or online. Although academic program requirements may change with each edition of the bulletin, students with continual enrollment may graduate under the current program requirements or any program requirements in effect since first enrollment.

Am I eligible to receive financial aid?

If you are concerned about how to finance your education, the financial aid staff is available to assist you. The IPFW Financial aid office uses grants and scholarships, loans and part-time campus employment, either singly or in combination, as the means to provide financial aid. There is also an emergency short-term loan program to help students with unforeseen expenses.

There are numerous resources in the Financial aid office that provide detailed information on the available aid programs, application processes, eligibility requirements, and student responsibilities. See the Financial aid webpage for more information.

Is the class schedule online?

Yes. You can find a searchable class schedule here.

How do I register for classes?

All course registration can be completed online or with an academic advisor. Even if you choose to register online, you should consider meeting with your academic advisor to ensure you are registering for appropriate courses.

Can I register for classes online?

Yes, you can register for classes online. If you have not been admitted to IPFW or if you are a new freshman or if you have a hold/restriction on your file, you may not be able to register online.

When does registration begin?

Registration for the fall and summer sessions always begins in late March. Spring registration begins in early October. Your registration will not be processed before the days assigned to your class standing. Specific dates are available in the Schedule of Classes, which usually is published a few weeks before the beginning of registration.

Do I need to take placement tests?

All regularly admitted first-year students must take the English, reading and math placement tests before registering for any courses. Unless credit in equivalent college-level introductory English or mathematics courses has been earned elsewhere, temporary and transfer students must take these tests before they are permitted to (1) register in any English or mathematics course and (2) accumulate more than 12 credits at IPFW. SAT or similar achievement test scores are not substituted for the IPFW placement test results.

You should take these tests as soon as possible after you are admitted to the University. The placement test schedule is available from Admissions (KT 103, 481-6812) and Career Services (KT 109, 481-0689). Placement test results are valid for only two years from the date the tests were taken.

If your placement scores indicate a need for developmental English (ENG W130 or P131) or mathematics (MA 109 or 113), you must satisfactorily complete these courses within the first 24 credits of your IPFW coursework. If your scores indicate a need for developmental reading (ENG R150), you must satisfactorily complete this course within your first two enrollment periods. MA 113 may not be required of all Education majors, so check with your academic advisor before enrolling in a math course.

Can I take a class over if I get a bad grade?

A student may repeat any course. Unless the course is described in the Bulletin as repeatable for credit, credit will be given only once for a repeated course, and only the most recent grade earned will be incorporated into graduation GPA calculations.

Why was my class canceled?

A class can be cancelled because of low enrollment or instructor availability.

If a class in which you are registered is cancelled, you are responsible for following official withdrawal procedures to receive a refund. Required drop/add forms are available in the Advising/Licensing Office and the Registrar's Office. An advisor's signature is not required to drop a cancelled class.

What if I don't like a class or have a time conflict? Can I withdraw from the course or will I be penalized?

Drop/add changes may be made by processing a drop/add via OASIS. During the first week of classes, drop/add changes will be processed with a full refund for dropped classes. After the first week of classes, in order to add, change or exchange sections of a course, you must complete a drop/add form, obtain the approval signature of the instructor of any course you wish to add, and submit the drop/add form to the Registrar's office. You will only be entitled to the partial refund specified in the refund schedule published in the Schedule of Classes if you drop a class after the first week.

The class I want is closed. What can I do?

Continue to check on OASIS in case an opening occurs.

Permission to add a closed class can only be given by the instructor for that class. You must complete a drop/add form and obtain the signature of the instructor whose class you wish to add. Then, submit the drop/add form to the Registrar's office.

If you registered late, be sure to register earlier for future semesters. Many classes fill very quickly and if you don't register early, you will continue to find it difficult to add certain courses.

I need to change my classes. What do I do?

Through the first week of classes, you may add and drop classes as needed with your academic advisor or online. After the first week of classes, in order to add, change or exchange sections of a course, you must complete a drop/add form, obtain the approval signature of the instructor of any course you wish to add, and submit the drop/add form to the Registrar's office. You will only be entitled to the partial refund specified in the refund schedule published in the Schedule of Classes if you drop a class after the first week.

How do I drop a class? Can I get a refund?

You must complete a drop/add form or submit the change on OASIS. You will be entitled to only the partial refund specified in the refund schedule published in the Schedule of Classes.

How can I withdraw from a class after the last date to withdraw?

Dropping classes after the published withdrawal deadline requires additional approvals, and the transactions must be processed at the Registrar's office. Before a late withdrawal can be approved, you will be required to provide documentation of the circumstances leading to your request.

Can I take correspondence courses?

The School of Education approves limited numbers of credits earned by correspondence study. You may not use more than 18 credits of correspondence courses towards your degree. For more information about correspondence courses, contact the School of Continuing Studies at Indiana University-Bloomington at http://scs.indiana.edu/ or 1-800-334-1011 or scs@indiana.edu. Students are strongly encouraged to check with your academic advisor to make sure the course(s) you select fit in with your degree program's requirements. You may be required to obtain a signature on your enrollment form.

How do I know who my advisor is?

After you are admitted to IPFW, you will receive a welcome letter from the School of Education that includes information about who your assigned academic advisor is. If you no longer have this information, contact the School of Education at 260-481-6441.

When is my bill due? How much do I owe?

Information about tuition costs and payment options is available at the Bursar's office, KT G57, or call 260-481-6824.

I've taken classes at IPFW in the past. Do I need to apply again?

An application indicating reentry will be required for any student who has not enrolled at IPFW for more than one year, or at any other IU or PU campus for more than one semester. Contact the admissions office for an application or submit the application online at www.ipfw.edu/admissions.

How do I declare my major?

Changes in major are handled through the academic departments. To change your major, simply go to the department of your new major with a copy of your transcript. To change your major to Education, go to Neff Hall, Room 250.

There are a lot of policies and deadlines to remember. Where is this information written?

Each student should acquire a current copy of a IPFW Student Handbook and University Bulletin which outlines all college policies, procedures and degree requirements. These important publications are available in the Admissions Office, the Registrar's Office and most academic offices across campus. All deadlines for a specific semester are included in the Schedule of Classes. Do not throw this publication away after registration. It contains information that you will need throughout the semester. It is each student's responsibility to know policies, deadlines and degree requirements.

I want to transfer to IPFW. Will my credits be accepted?

Evaluations of credits from other universities, colleges, the military, CLEP, or AP are processed through the Admissions office. If you have completed coursework at another institution, you must submit an official transcript to receive credit. If you have served in the military, submit a copy of your DD214 for credit review. If you have taken CLEP or AP tests, submit a copy of your score report.

After the Admissions office completes their evaluation, you will receive a copy of your Credit Transfer Report (CTR). The CTR can be reviewed by an academic advisor in the School of Education to determine what credits can be used towards School of Education degree or licensure requirements.

How long will it take to complete my degree?

This depends on your personal schedule and the number of credit hours you take. There isn't any "right" way to earn your degree. Many students find it is best to take classes at a pace they find comfortable.

What are the GPA requirements for the School of Education?

Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, including all coursework taken from previously attended institutions, are automatically admitted to the School of Education. Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.0-2.49 who wish to transfer into the School or change their major may be admitted as education pre-majors. These students will not be eligible for admission to teacher education until they achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

For the bachelor's degree, you must complete each course in the professional education block with a grade of C or better, with an overall GPA in the block of 2.5 or higher. Each general education area must be completed with a 2.0 or higher average in the courses. Grades earned in each teaching major/minor must average 2.5 or higher. You must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to be eligible to receive a B.S.Ed.

How do I find out about graduation requirements?

All graduation requirements are listed in the university Bulletin. If you would like to know about your progress towards meeting the requirements, you should schedule an appointment to complete a credit evaluation with your academic advisor.

I am ready to graduate. What do I need to do?

To be considered for graduation from an IPFW program, you must submit an application for graduation. If you do not apply for graduation by the deadline posted, you may not be considered for honors; your name may not appear in the program; and your spring degree may not be available at commencement. Please visit the Office of the Registrar's website, and click on Graduation Information for more information or contact the School of Education secretary in Neff Hall, Room 250.

If you are finishing your degree after the Fall semester, the application deadline is May 1. The deadline is September 1 is you are finishing your degree after the Spring semester. Submit your graduation application by January 1 if you are finishing your degree after either Summer sessions.

Which master's degrees are offered?

Graduate programs offered by the School of Education include Agency/Marriage & Family Therapy, School Counseling, Elementary Education, Educational Leadership, and Secondary Education.

How long do I have to complete a master's degree?

Candidates for School of Education master's degrees must complete all requirements within 6.5 consecutive years. You may normally count toward a master's degree only those courses (including transfer courses) and other requirements fulfilled within 6.5 years prior to the awarding of the degree.

How do I get my transcript?

Click here to find out how to request your IPFW, IU or PU unofficial or official transcript. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 prohibits educational institutions from releasing student records without the written consent from the student. Therefore, the student's signature is required for processing.

Can I get credit for my life/work experience?

In some special cases, students may earn credit for significant, documentable self-acquired competencies when the learning outcomes have been comparable to those of university-level work. Contact the General Studies department for more information. (260-481-6828)

When is my final exam?

Final exam information should be available from your instructor or included in your course syllabi. The final examination policy, procedures, and schedule are available onlne.

General Questions

Where can I go for help if I am having a hard time making a decision about my career or major?

Career exploration and planning can be obtained by contacting a career counselor in Career Services in Kettler 109. Here you can see a career counselor; take various career assessments to see which careers or majors fit you best; use the computer program DISCOVER to assess your interests, skills, and values, and research educational and occupational information; and use the ACCS library to research occupations and educational options. IPFW offers career planning in a structured format through EDUC X210. EDUC X210 is a two-credit hour, 16-week course taught only in the spring that focuses on in-depth self assessment, occupational exploration, career decision making, and job search strategies.

Is there child care available?

Child care is available on a part-time or full-time basis for children and infants to 13 years of age through an agreement between IPFW and TLC -- The Learning Community (TLC). Faculty, staff, and IPFW students receive reduced rates as part of this agreement. Click here for addition information about TLC services and for contact information.

Where do I get the books I need for class?

Textbooks are available for purchase at the IPFW Bookstore located on the ground floor of Kettler Hall. Their telephone number is 260-483-6100. Textbooks may be ordered online by visiting the Bookstore website.

Do I need a student ID?

Official university IDs, with name and student identification number, are issued to new IPFW students free of charge and are required to access many university services, including library services, Gates Sports Center facilities, and free or reduced admission to athletic events. IDs and validations are issued at the Walb Union Information Desk. Current IPFW registration and a valid driver's license with photo are required to obtain an ID. Replacement IDs are available for $20.

Where do I park?

There are several convenient on-campus parking lots. Locate available parking lots on the campus map found here. "A" parking lots are restricted to employees with "A" parking permits. All other lots for students, visitors, and staff are free of charge. The two parking garages have both "A" and open parking areas in them. Permits for accessible parking for students with disabilities are available from IPFW Police and Safety (PP 102).

What housing is available for students?

Beginning Fall 2004, student housing will be available on the IPFW campus. Several floor plans and rates are available including fully furnished one-, two- and four-bedroom apartments ranging from $379 to $600 per month. The rates are per bedroom, per person, and includes utility charges for water, sewer, gas, trash, cable, internet service, and electricity (up to a monthly cap). For additional information, visit the student housing website at www.ipfwstudenthousing.com or contact the Student Housing Office (KT G98F) at 260-481-4180 or info@ipfwstudenthousing.com.

Is there a place where I can go if I am having personal problems?

Personal problems sometimes become obstacles in pursuing a satisfying, productive college experience. Personal counselors are available in the Dean of Students office, located in the Walb Student Union. Call 260-481-6601 to schedule an appointment or for further information about available services offered by this office.

In addition, personal counseling is available through the Joanne B. Lantz IPFW Community Counseling Center. To arrange an appointment or make a referral to the IPFW Community Counseling Center, call 260-481-5405. Sessions are by appointment only and are available several evenings between 5:30 and 8:00 p.m.

Is there an office that I can contact if I have a disability?

Students with a documented disability may receive assistance in the form of reader and sign language services, use of accessible microcomputers and assistive equipment, and/or Special test proctoring services, academic support and career counseling assistance specific to disability issues. Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) , which is located in the Walb Student Union, will assist students in getting needed classroom accommodations. For more information, visit the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) website.

How do I get involved in student activities?

The Student Life office is responsible for promoting extracurricular and cocurricular programs that complement and enhance each student's academic experience and personal development. Specifically, this office works closely with the Student Activities Board (SAB) to provide the university with cultural, educational, and social programs; oversees the Greek system; assists with advising the Student Government Association; serves as a planning resource for campus events; and offers leadership training to students.

IPFW is proud of the variety of active student organizations it has to offer and it welcomes additional groups. More than 90 departmental clubs, honorary societies, religious organizations, social greek organizations, intramural sports and special-interest clubs provide many opportunities to get involved. For more information, visit the Student Life office (Walb 115).

An events calendar is available online.

What can I do if I need help in my classes?

The Center for Academic Support and Advancement (CASA) offers free help in developing reading, writing, math and study skills, including note taking, textbook reading, test taking and other skills that contribute to learning.

Free tutoring is available, day and evening, for many courses through CASA. See the CASA webpage for more details.

The Writing Center works with students at any stage of their writing process—from brainstorming and planning, to revising and polishing the final draft. Stop by KT 234 to sign up for 30-50 minute appointments or drop in for immediate help, or visit their website for writing strategies and writing help online. The Writing Center also offers reference books and free writing workshops.

I'm a non-traditional adult student. Is there anywhere I can get assistance and support with the unique problems I might face?

The Center for Women and Returning Adults (CWRA) serves as an advocate and support for all women of IPFW, as well as adults returning to school. The center offers assistance with admissions and financial aid for prospective and current students; career and personal guidance; childcare referrals; community outreach and referrals; free guest lecture workshops; and a newsletter. Services are offered for free. For more information, call 260-481-6029 or visit the CWRA website.

Are there computer labs where I can complete my homework for class?

All student-access computer labs and computer-equipped classrooms are capable of accessing many software applications, student e-mail, and the Internet. The student-access computer labs are in Kettler Hall 204A, 217, and 217D; Neff Hall B71 and B73; Science Building G15; Walb Union 221; and Helmke Library.

e-mail accounts are provided to all IPFW students. More information about Information Technology Services is available online.

What jobs are available for students?

A listing of student employment opportunities is available at the Career Services Web site.

Are there study abroad programs?

IPFW students have a wide range of study abroad opportunities available to them through Indiana University and Purdue University. Students can choose among summer, semester and academic-year programs in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America as well as Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Contact the Department of Modern Foreign Languages (CM 267) or call 260-481-6836 for more information.

Through National Student Exchange, you can spend a semester or year of study in residence at one of more than 170 institutions throughout the United States. You remain enrolled at IPFW while on exchange, and credit earned on exchange is recorded as regular credit toward your degree. If the National Student Exchange sounds interesting to you, stop by Kettler 109 or call 260-481-6595 and ask for details.

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