Planning a Course of Study

The Big Picture: General Advice for Selecting Courses

As you begin your graduate studies at the University, you should begin to think about your course of study. The manner in which you do this will vary to some degree depending on the field, but you may want to follow a few general steps in that process:

1. Select an academic adviser and instructors who seem interested in working with you and who understand your career objectives.
2. Whenever your curriculum allows, select courses that relate to your interests. Choose research topics that relate to your own career.
3. Although your dissertation may be some years away, begin to think about a topic and a feasible research method for it. This may require extra reading and work over and beyond regular coursework, but it will pay off in the future.
4. Learn about the professional aspects of your field (conferences, organizations, etc.) and do what you can to become involved in them as soon as possible. This can benefit you in the learning process, as well as serve as a career enhancement.
5. If your curriculum allows, do not limit yourself to a narrow range of courses or research. Taking courses in related fields can broaden your perspective and career options. Also, learn research methods that you can use in other settings besides Iowa and the University.

By following these suggestions, you can greatly improve your chances for success in your field and make yourself a more appealing job candidate and well-rounded academician.

Records and Registration

• Schedule of Courses — You can purchase a copy of the current Schedule of Courses in the Iowa Memorial Union Bookstore. Many departments also have a department copy available for consultation. The Schedule of Courses is also available online through ISIS on the web. A section of the printed Schedule of Courses will provide detailed information about such topics as registration procedures, deadlines for changes in registration, the payment of fees, supplementary regulations, and student privileges. Online registration guidelines specific to graduate students can be found under the Student Handbook "section" of ISIS on the web. Also see Registration Information. You should familiarize yourself with this material. Some departments also have available handouts giving more detailed information about courses than is available in the Schedule or the Catalog.
• Course Registration — Students can register for classes in the basement of Calvin Hall or via ISIS on computers in other locations. You will need to get a registration form with your assigned registration number from your adviser before you will be allowed to register.
• ISIS — ISIS is an online program that allows you to register for classes, check your schedule, check your University bill, register for an e-mail account, and do all sorts of useful things by following its menu. Your original passcode will be your 6-digit birthdate. Go to any ITC on campus if you need initial help in accessing ISIS, but it can be accessed by telnetting ISIS from any computer equipped with a modem.
• Registrar -(Jessup Hall, 335-0238) For changes in registration, name, or address, grade reports, transcripts, and preparation of letters certifying that students are enrolled at the UI, contact the Registrar’s Office.
• Short Hours Form — If you are taking fewer than 5 credits a semester, you may need to fill out a short hours form in order to avoid hassles regarding student loans or taxes. For instance, if you are signed up for 0 credit hours while working on your dissertation and have a TA or RA position, you will have Medicare and Social Security withheld from your paycheck unless you fill out this form. Each departmental office should have this form, as it requires the signatures of the DEO, adviser, and student before being filed with the Registrar.