Undergraduate Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are SPEA's admission requirements?

SPEA requires that students have completed 12 credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and a previous semester grade point average of 2.0. If the student has completed 12 hours of SPEA (major) courses, he or she must have a grade point average of 2.3 in those courses.

What is the SPEA application deadline?

For undergraduate students new to IUPUI, please visit the Enrollment Center website.

Can I speak to a SPEA advisor if I am not an admitted SPEA student?

Absolutely. Please call 317-274-4656 to set up an appointment with the appropriate advisor.

What degrees does SPEA award?

If you are completing a major in criminal justice or public safety management, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ).

If you are completing a major in civic leadership, management, or policy studies, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs (BSPA).

If you are completing a major in environmental science and health or health administration, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH).

If you are completing a major in health services management, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management (BSHSM).

Can I be admitted to SPEA directly from high school?

Yes. However, your application is still handled through the IUPUI Enrollment Center. Please see undergrad admissions criteria for admission requirements.

How do I schedule a visit to SPEA?

You may schedule a visit to SPEA by contacting SPEA Student Services at 317-274-4656 or infospea@iupui.edu. SPEA Student Services will work with you to plan a visit that best suits your needs.

How do I request additional information about SPEA?

You may request additional information online. Additional materials will be mailed to you per your request.

What if I have a "quick question"?

It has been our experience that there is no such thing as a "quick question." Please set up an appointment or take advantage of our walk-in advising hours so that we may provide you undivided attention and resolve your issue in a timely fashion. For a list of walk-in advising hours, call 317-274-4656.

When is the SPEA Student Services office (BS 3027) open?

Standard Student Services Hours are:

Monday 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Tuesday 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Wednesday 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

How do I schedule an advising appointment?

Please call 317-274-4656 to schedule an appointment.

Where do I locate my registration appointment time?

Navigate to the OneStart page, onestart.iu.edu; click the log-in button
Log in using your username and password
Click the Self Service tab
Locate the Registration Services section
Click My Registration Appointment and select the upcoming term
Also click on Holds on My Record in the Registration Services section. Holds must be cleared before you can register.

How can I view the schedule of classes?

Go to the following Web site: http://registrar.iupui.edu/schedule.htm. You can choose the appropriate term.

How can I view my Degree Progress Report?

Log in to OneStart, click on the "Self-Service" tab, and then click on the "My Degree Progress" link under the "Academic Services" heading.

How can I get help with current student registration?

To receive help with current student registration, feel free to see your SPEA academic advisor. You can set up an appointment at 317-274-4656.

What is the maximum number of hours I can carry each term?

SPEA students in good academic standing may carry a maximum of 18 hours during Fall and Spring semesters, and a maximum of 7 hours during Summer Session I and 7 hours during Summer Session II.

Are there recommendations for determining how many credit hours I can take and still balance my responsibilities at work and home?

Lack of study time is one of the most frequent reasons that students earn low grades. IUPUI has developed guidelines to help students determine the appropriate number of credit hours to take in combination with work and other obligations. Financial aid regulations also affect course load, so be sure to contact the financial aid office to ensure that you understand the course load requirements for your fianancial aid. IUPUI and SPEA also have scholarship and grant opportunities to assist students, and your academic advisor can tell you about SPEA's opportunities. The guidelines given below are just guides that should help you make wise decisions to balance employment and course loads. Be sure to factor family responsibilities and your academic capabilities into the decision that you make. IUPUI Guidelines for Course Loads and Work Hours Employed Per Week Semester Load Summer Load Status 31-40+ 6 credits 3 credits Half-time status 21-30 9 credits 4-5 credits Three-quarter status 0-20 12-17 credits 6 credits Full-time status

What are the chances of getting into a class if I'm on the "waitlist"?

Unfortunately, there is no way to accurately predict this. The waitlist runs through the end of the first week of class. Check the Registrar's calendar for the last day to waitlist. (Note: it is not always the first full week of classes.) After this time, the waitlist system is inactive. Please monitor your schedule often to see if your waitlist has been satisfied. If the instructor allows you in the class after the first week, please complete an add/drop form to take to the registrar's office.

What are the deadlines to drop and / or add a course, and how do I do that?

Students should use OneStart to register and/or adjust their schedules through the first week of classes. After that time, a schedule adjustment form with the necessary signatures should be obtained through your school. Completed forms should be taken to the Registrar's office in Cavanaugh Hall. Please refer to the Registrar Website for specific deadlines each semester.

What are the deadlines for taking a course Pass / Fail, what is the procedure, and how do I know if I can take a course Pass / Fail?

Students in good academic standing may choose to take a maximum of eight elective courses, with a limit of two per calendar year, Pass/Fail. Only elective courses can be taken Pass/Fail. Courses required for general education or SPEA's core and major are not eligible for Pass/Fail. A grade of a "P" is not counted in grade point averages, but a grade of "F" is. A grade of "P" cannot subsequently be changed to a grade of A, B, C, or D. Deadlines for taking courses Pass/Fail are published on the Registrar's Web site under "Academic Calendar". SPEA strictly enforces University deadlines. A Pass/Fail form may be obtained at the SPEA Student Services office or here. Link to Pass/Fail form

Where can I view the SPEA Undergraduate Bulletin?

Go to the following Web site: http://bulletin.iupui.edu/

Where can I go to obtain information about internships?

If you are a SPEA student, you can register on our online job and internship database at www.iupuispeacareers.com.

How many credit hours do I need to be classified as a sophomore, junior, or senior?

Sophomore: 26 - 55 credit hours
Junior: 56 - 85 credit hours
Senior: 86+ credit hours

Does SPEA require a foreign language to fulfill a degree requirement?

SPEA does not require a foreign language for any of our degrees. However, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice students can choose to do the foreign language option in their degree. This option is recommended.

What is the difference between a "Double Major" and a "Dual Degree"?

In essence, a double major is when a student pursues two majors within the same school--for example, a Bachelor's degree from SPEA with a double major in management and civic leadership. A dual degree is when a student is pursuing two Bachelor's degrees from different schools within the university--for example, a degree from SPEA and a degree from Journalism. If you are planning on either of these options, see an advisor as soon as possible.

How do I change my Major?

Please see your advisor in BS 3027. You can set up an appointment by calling 317-274-4656.

I would like to pursue a SPEA minor. How do I do this?

You must complete an application for the minor you are pursuing. You only complete the application when you are registered for your final minor course. Please call 317-274-4656 to make an appointment with your academic advisor if you have any questions about the minor courses. View a list of SPEA minors and their requirements.

I would like to pursue a non-SPEA minor. How do I do this?

You will need to contact the school or department advisor for the minor you are pursuing. You will also need to complete an application, some of which are available through the departmental Web site.

How do I enroll in a correspondence course?

Independent Study courses may be taken to fulfill general education requirements or electives. SPEA allows students to take up to three independent study courses, for no more than 10 credit hours. Students must have independent study courses approved by the SPEA Undergraduate Program Director or SPEA advisor. Students should access the School of Continuing Studies website for additional information.

Can I Grade-X a course?

Yes. If you are an IUPUI SPEA student, you can replace any grade in a course by retaking it a second time. Both courses must have been taken since fall of 1996 at IUPUI and must be processed prior to graduation. Student may replace 5 grades for a total of 15 credit hours. You can pick up the required form at BS3027. Students wishing to Grade-X a course should speak with their advisor.

What is the procedure for appealing a course grade?

Students seeking a grade change should first contact the course instructor directly. If the instructor agrees that a change is appropriate, a form for this purpose is available to the instructor. If the student wants to appeal further, he or she can fill out the Change of Grade Petition through the Registrar's office. Please see this website for details and the form: http://www.registrar.iupui.edu/gradechg.html.

I am having trouble in one or more of my courses. What services are available to me?

One of the most important first actions that students can take is to discuss their progress with the course instructor. Are you a regular visitor to your instructor during office hours? Have you expressed your concern about your progress? Have you spoken to your instructor about possible solutions? Are you attending every class throughout the semester? Here are some additional resources that IUPUI offers to help: Student Services Resource Sheet (Link)

How can I avoid problems with plagiarism and academic misconduct?

The most frequent academic misconduct issue for students is plagiarism. IUPUI has many resources to help students understand what constitutes plagiarism and other types of academic misconduct and how to avoid these. A good starting point for learning about plagiarism is to complete a tutorial, located at the School of Education website, on plagiarism (http://www.indiana.edu/~istd/). The tutorial has a quiz that you can to ensure that you understand how to avoid plagiarism. You can learn more about what constitutes academic misconduct at the office of the Dean of Students website. The IUPUI Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct at this link also contains additional information about your rights and responsibilities as a student.

I'd like help with some personal issues. Is there anyone who can help?

IUPUI has a Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) department that is located on the 4th floor of the Union Building. Visit the CAPS website call them at (317) 274-2548.

Do I have to obtain a grade of C or better in a SPEA class for it to count toward my degree?

Not necessarily. To remain in good academic standing, SPEA requires that students maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 (C), a SPEA GPA of 2.30 (C+), and a semester GPA of 2.00 (C). This requirement means that single courses grades can be below a C, but the average of the course grades must be maintained at these levels.

What if my GPA drops below the minimum requirements?

If your cumulative GPA and/or your SPEA GPA and/or your semester GPA fall below minimum standards, you are no longer considered in good academic standing. Consequences can range from being placed on academic probation, critical probation, or dismissal. These academic actions are considered twice a year for each of our students.

How do I take a course at another IU campus and have those credits transfer to IUPUI?

Select the IU campus that you plan to attend. Make sure the courses you plan to take are being offered. Complete an intercampus transfer form with the IU campus you plan to attend. Once you have registered and completed your courses they should appear on your IU Degree Progress Report. If you are unsure how a course will transfer to IUPUI, contact IUPUI Admissions at (317) 274-4591 or Admissions website. Check with your advisor to ensure the class you want to take will fulfill a requirement in your major.

How do I know if a course from another academic institution will transfer to Indiana University?

Students should fill out a Credit Transfer Agreement Form in the Enrollment Center prior to taking the class they would like to transfer.

How do I find out about study abroad opportunities?

As soon as you think it is a possibility that you might have the opportunity for international study, make an appointment with your SPEA academic advisor. Study abroad has many benefits, and SPEA encourages students to take advantage of this opportunity. It is important to meet with your academic advisor to plan your study abroad to ensure that your overseas campus registration has maximum benefit toward completion of your degree requirements and courses, and that credit hours from your study abroad experience are applicable to your degree requirements. It is possible to study abroad without delaying your graduation. Please visit the IUPUI Study Abroad web site for detailed information regarding the opportunities available to you.

What is the Washington Leadership Program (WLP)?

SPEA offers the WLP each fall and spring semester in Washington, DC. Junior and senior undergraduate students from all majors at all IU campuses are eligible to apply. This program consists of two senior-level seminars (each worth 3 credit hours) and an internship (worth 5-6 credit hours). Students complete internships by working four days per week at an assigned congressional/ Senate office, trade association, or federal agency, or at a health, environmental, or nonprofit organization. To learn more, visit the WLP website.

What is the Indiana Leadership Seminar?

Each year, SPEA IUPUI offers a special honors capstone experience for SPEA students with a 3.0 GPA and who have completed 90 credit hours. Students from all SPEA majors are encouraged to apply. The Indiana Leadership Seminar is designed to offer students a chance to participate in projects and specialized experiences with a state government agency. Students develop professional skills, make career connections through networking, and apply classroom theory to real-world activities. To learn more, view SPEA special programs.

How do I find out about SPEA scholarships?

Learn more about SPEA's scholarship opportunities on the scholarship page. Most scholarship deadlines are in March or April so students are encouraged to speak with their academic advisor about these opportunities in late fall or winter.

Do I have to take my last 30 hours on the IUPUI campus?

No. There is a plurality rule that states you must complete over 50% of your coursework here on the Indianapolis campus.

What happens if I can't get a course I need for graduation?

If you believe this to be the case, make an appointment to meet with a SPEA academic advisor immediately. Please call 317-274-4656 to do so. It is imperative that you register on the date and time assigned to you. We recommend that you meet with an advisor every single semester to help avoid these situations.

How do I get a copy of my transcript?

Transcript request are made through the IUPUI Registrar Office at http://registrar.iupui.edu/transcript/.

When and how do I apply for graduation?

Students should apply for graduation the semester before they plan to graduate. Students graduating in May or August should apply by January 10th, and students graduating in December should apply by September 10th. For example, if you plan to graduate in May 2008, you should apply for graduation before January 10th, 2008. Students should schedule an appointment to meet with a SPEA academic advisor to complete the graduation application and ensure that all requirements have been met. This appointment is called a senior audit.

Can I participate in May graduation if I am an official August graduate?

Yes. This can be discussed with your SPEA academic advisor when you complete your senior audit.

When will I receive my diploma?

The diplomas can take up to a couple of months to arrive. You will receive a letter letting you know when your diploma has arrived so you can pick it up.

What are the criteria for the Deans List and graduating with honors?

The Deans List is calculated every semester (fall and spring), and a student must complete 12 GPA credit hours with at least 3.50.

There are three levels of graduating with honors, and all levels are based on cumulative GPA:
Graduating with Distinction: 3.50 - 3.69 GPA
Graduating with High Distinction: 3.70 - 3.89 GPA
Graduating with Highest Distinction: 3.90 and above

Students do not apply for these honors; they are administratively calculated, and each student is individually notified.

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