NEWS ARCHIVE Office of Communications 470C Wohlers Hall College of Business

College of Business News

November 15, 2002 -- News Brief

College Information Session Targets Freshmen and Transfer Students

Getting into the University of Illinois is a challenge. Once here, freshmen find themselves facing another challenge: what to do next.

Each fall, the College of Business Undergraduate Affairs Office hosts a freshmen advising meeting to provide students with the information they need to answer that "what to do next" question. The mandatory sessions also cover information students are responsible for knowing such as how to access their online student records and the code of student conduct. In addition to the meeting coordinated by the Emerson Cammack Office of Undergraduate Affairs, freshmen and transfer students have opportunities to attend sessions hosted by each of the academic departments and several of the concentration programs.

A handout containing important information about advising, career resources, and "Gen Ed" requirements was distributed and discussed. Gen Ed stands for General Education, a campus requirement designed to expand undergraduate's exposure to disciplines and philosophies outside their majors, improve critical thinking skills, and enhance knowledge management. Advising staff also showed students the basics of the University website, the College website, and the STARS system. STARS (Student Tracking And Request System) is an web-based information system that lets students submit a variety of course petitions, apply for scholarships, request letters of reference, and check on their degree status.

In addition to these basic academic tools, freshman heard from representatives of several College offices including Pnina Steiner, Business Career Services, and Teresa Dorsey, Study Abroad Office. Jackie Kacen, an advisor in the Department of Business Administration, presented information about courses, concentrations, and careers in all four academic units of the College (Accountancy, Business Administration, Economics, and Finance).

With the information obtained at the freshmen advising session, students know the College and campus resources available to help them make informed decisions. After one short hour, they can begin to map out their next four years.

--Meagan Benz