How do I get classes for my first semester?
Now that you’ve decided to come to Rollins, you’re probably be wondering “How do I select my classes for the spring?” That’s a good question, and the answer is different for transfer and new (first-year) students, but both groups will access all necessary forms through Foxlink.
Transfers register with the assistance of Tiffany Griffin (tgriffin@rollins.edu), a professional student success coach. Tiffany will be in touch with you via email soon after you deposit to help walk you through the process of registering and declaring a major/minor. You’ll meet with your faculty academic advisor during Fall Orientation and you’ll have the chance to make changes to your schedule at that time.
First-year students complete the Course Preference Form (CPF) through their Foxlink accounts. The CPF gathers information about your academic history and interests, which we turn over to a specially-trained group of faculty and staff. They in turn will then use this information to custom-build your schedule based on your academic interests, AP/IB/dual enrollment credits, and the general education curriculum. You will then have a chance to make changes to your schedule during Fall Orientation when you meet with your RCC professor.
How many hours are typical for the first semester? What types of classes should I expect?
Most students will take between 16-18 credits in their first semester. Rollins requires 140 credits to graduate, which translates to an average of 17.5 per semester over four years. A typical first-semester schedule will include a Rollins College Conference (RCC), at least one course that meets a general education (gen ed) requirement, and some exploratory classes.
Can I make changes to my schedule?
First-year students can make changes to their schedules during Fall Orientation in August. During Orientation, you’ll have a chance to meet with your RCC professor, who will also serve as your academic advisor. In that meeting, you’ll discuss your interests and aspirations and will be able to make some changes to your schedule based on that conversation. Please note that you will not be able to switch RCCs at this point.
Who will be my academic advisor? How can I contact him or her?
While you are a Rollins student, you will have the opportunity to work with faculty advisors and full-time staff academic advisors. During your first semester, and until you declare a major, your RCC faculty member will serve as your faculty academic advisor. You will meet with this advisor during Fall or Spring Orientation, and be able to make changes to your schedule at that time. In the meantime, if you have questions about the curriculum or your schedule, contact Explorations and we’ll be able to provide answers or connect you to our professional advising staff.
When and how do I declare a major or minor?
You should feel no pressure to declare a major when you arrive at Rollins. In fact, Rollins doesn’t require you to declare a major until the end of your second year. Once you decide on a major, you can declare that major through your Foxlink portal. For more information, see the Academic Advising page on choosing a major at http://r-net.rollins.edu/tpj/advising/choosingmajor.html.
How do I receive credit for AP/IB test scores or transfer credit?
To receive credit for AP or IB test scores or transfer credit, the testing agency or transfer institution will need to send a copy of your records to Rollins’ Student Records department at:
1000 Holt Avenue - 2713
Winter Park, FL 32789
Main: 407-646-2144
FAX: 407-646-1576
Note that for test scores, the records need to come directly from the IB or AP test center, not a high school. For questions, contact Student Records at registration@rollins.edu.
What is the Summer Reading book?
The Summer Reading program at Rollins was created with the purpose of engaging incoming first-year students to topics of leadership and citizenship. These challenge students' conceptions of the immediate world around them and to the larger world of which we are all an integral part.
Each student will be expected to finish the book before Fall Orientation starts in August. In addition to the Summer Reading, every incoming student is required to complete a substantive response to the summer reading book. Your RCC faculty member will give you more information on this project over the course of the summer.
Do I need to buy the summer reading book?
Yes-the book is available at your local bookstore or through amazon.com.
What is an RCC? Do I have to take one? Does it have to relate to my major?
All first-year and transfer students take a Rollins College Conference, or RCC, in their first semester at the College. RCCs are designed to be exploratory courses, and you shouldn’t worry about taking an RCC that relates to your intended major. For information about the RCCs program and specific course offerings this fall, please refer to the RCC page.
What is a Peer Mentor?
Peer Mentors are socially and academically successful second, third, and fourth year students who help incoming students adjust to life at Rollins. Peer Mentors take an RCC along with first-year and transfer students, and plan a series of events to help new students make connections to the campus and each other. In addition to the RCC course, Peer Mentors also receive extensive training over the summer and additional support during the fall semester.
How will I know what books I will need, and what is the best way to purchase them?
Once your schedule has been set, you’ll be able to find the required books listed in your Foxlink account (you may want to wait until after Fall Orientation, and any schedule changes, to access this information). All of your books will be available at the Rollins bookstore, and you can purchase them during Orientation.
How many times do students typically change their majors?
It varies from student to student, but most students will change their major at least one time, with many switching 3 or more times. This is perfectly normal, and happens as students explore classes in different disciplines and develop more insight into their areas of interest.
How do the Pre-Med and Pre-Law programs work?
At Rollins, Pre-Health and Pre-Law students can major in any of our offered disciplines, and are guided through a pre-professional “track” by expert faculty members. This process gives students the ability to study in a field that interests them and simultaneously prepare for entrance and success in a graduate program of their choice.
For more information about Pre-Health Professions Advising Program, please see their website: http://www.rollins.edu/biology/prehealth/.
For more information regarding Pre-Law, refer to the Rollins College Center for Pre-Law Advising: http://www.rollins.edu/pre-law/index.html.
How can I find out my student’s grades?
The easiest way for parents to review their students’ grades is to ask their students! Under FERPA guidelines, the College can release academic or social records to persons other than the student only if the student has a written permission on file with Rollins or is under 18. Having a conversation about what information parents can access is a great way for families to clarify expectations and help students and families take shared responsibility for student success.
What is FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.
FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students."
FERPA stipulates that
- Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records maintained by the school.
- Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading.
- Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record.
(Information taken from US Department of Education website—for more information, see http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html.)
