Choosing Courses - A Guide for First Year Students

Summary

This video guides new students at the University of Toronto Mississauga through the process of selecting their first-year courses. Jen from the Academic Advising team explains how to explore program options, interpret course codes, build a balanced schedule, and understand course enrollment tools. Key topics include using the Timetable Builder, understanding course loads, and enrolling on ACORN. The video emphasizes the importance of careful planning, being aware of enrollment controls, and taking advantage of academic advising resources. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and keep their options open during their first year.

Takeaways

• 😀 Remember the two key dates: your enrolment start time and actual enrolment date on ACORN.
• 😀 📅 Enrol in courses promptly as they fill up quickly, but you can make changes after enrolment begins.
• 😀 🏫 UTM offers more than 180 programs, so take time to explore and narrow down your choices.
• 😀 🔢 Course codes have specific meanings, such as department, course level, credit value, and session type.
• 😀 🏫 Course codes are composed of a department prefix (e.g., ENG for English), level (e.g., 100 for first year), and unique identifiers.
• 😀 💻 The Timetable Builder tool helps visualize and plan your course schedule effectively.
• 😀 📊 Be aware of enrolment controls, as some courses prioritize specific students.
• 😀 📝 Choose required courses for your program and consider electives that match your academic interests.
• 😀 📚 The standard course load is five credits per term, but students can also take summer courses to stay on track.
• 😀 🕒 Ensure no scheduling conflicts in your course timetable before enrolment, as overlapping courses will need adjustment.
• 😀 💡 If you drop a course after classes begin, you’ll still be responsible for the fees and any academic work associated with it.

Q & A

What is the first important date for course selection at the University of Toronto Mississauga?

The first important date is the day you can view your enrolment start time on ACORN.

What is the second important date for course selection?

The second important date is your actual enrolment date, which is the time at which you can begin enrolling in courses.

Why is it important to enrol in courses on the assigned date and time?

It is important because courses tend to fill up quickly, and enrolling as soon as your designated time starts ensures you get the courses you want.

How many programs are available at the University of Toronto Mississauga?

The university offers more than 180 programs for students to choose from.

How can I identify the department offering a course based on its course code?

The first three characters of a course code represent the department offering the course. For example, 'ENG' represents English.

What do the numbers in a course code indicate?

The first number indicates the level of study (e.g., 100-level for first-year courses), and the last two numbers are a unique course identifier.

What does the letter 'H' in a course code signify?

The letter 'H' indicates that the course is a half-credit course.

How can I differentiate between a full-credit and half-credit course?

A full-credit course is represented by 'Y', while a half-credit course is indicated by 'H' in the course code.

What does the number at the end of the course code represent?

The final number in the course code indicates the campus where the course is offered, with '5' for UTM, '3' for U of T Scarborough, and '1' for the St. George campus.

How do I find courses with enrolment control?

You can use the Timetable Builder to check if a course has enrolment control, as it shows which courses give priority enrollment to certain students.

What is the standard course load for full-time students during the fall/winter session?

The standard course load for full-time students in the fall/winter session is five credits, which is typical for graduating in four years.

Can I make changes to my course schedule after enrolling?

Yes, you can make changes to your course schedule after enrolling, but you must drop any courses you no longer wish to take before the deadlines to avoid fees and academic penalties.