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Students entering into the Department of Human Development and Family Science should make an appointment to meet with a departmental advisor, by signing up at 110A Dawson Hall.
It is important to review the requirements for a major or minor in Human Development and Family Science and to discuss the best coursework to fit your needs. Meeting with an advisor helps students choose courses that are relevant to their interests and chosen career path.
Students are encouraged to read and be familiar with the Undergraduate Handbook, located online, before meeting with an advisor. The Undergraduate Handbook will serve as a reference and a guide for students throughout their studies in Human Development and Family Science.
In addition, many of the most common HDFS Advising questions are addressed at HDFS Advising FAQs. Students may find a list of their responsibilities, forms for advising, advising procedures within the college and helpful references on the FACS advising website.
Appointments for advisement can be made by signing up on the sheet posted on the door of 110A Dawson Hall.
- Becoming a HDFS Major
- Meeting with an Advisor
- Changes in Major Requirements
- Registration Issues
- Withdrawing from Courses
- Human Development and Family Science Careers
- Graduation
- Finances
- Internships
- Study Abroad
- Declaring/Completing a HDFS Minor
- Returning to College after an Absence
1. Becoming a HDFS Major
A) I think I want to declare a HDFS major or change my major to HDFS. What should I do?
The first step is to go to the Office of Student Services, 112 Dawson Hall, any day between 8:00 and 5:00. No appointment is needed. They will set up an initial advising appointment with their staff to give you some information about the major and the College. At that appointment you also will be given information on how to contact a HDFS advisor, who can give you more specific information about your program of study. If you would like to discuss anything before going to changing your major to HDFS, you can post your question to tdaniels@uga.edu or sign up for an appointment on the bulletin board in Room 110A Dawson Hall.
B) I have already declared one major and would like to double major with HDFS. Is this possible?
Generally, yes. To declare the HDFS major, go to the Office of Student Services, 112 Dawson Hall, any day between 8:00 and 5:00 and complete the paperwork. No appointment is needed. You will need to be advised by your advisors in both major departments each semester.
C) I am a year behind my schedule for graduation. If I change my major to HDFS, how long will it take for me to graduate?
This depends on many factors. Please make an appointment with a HDFS advisor to review your DARS.
2. Meeting with an Advisor
A) I just changed my major to HDFS and want to talk to an advisor to see if I am enrolled in the right courses for the HDFS major.
HDFS advisors do not take appointments during drop/add periods. Students may wait outside the advisor’s office (110A Dawson) and are seen on a first-come first-served basis. At other times, you can sign up for an appointment time on the door at 110A Dawson Hall. Be sure to bring your Degree Audit Report (DARS) (printable from Oasis or the Student Services office in 210 Dawson Hall) with you to your appointment. Prior to meeting with your advisor, be certain to read about our Majors in HDFS. Appointments cannot be made online at this time.
B) I signed up for an advising appointment but I can’t make it. What should I do?
Send an email to tdaniels@uga.edu indicating when your appointment was, with whom, and that you cannot make the appointment. At the present time, you cannot change your appointment through email. You will have to stop by 110A Dawson Hall to sign up for a new appointment.
C) I missed my appointment with my advisor. What should I do now?
Sign up again on the door at 110A Dawson Hall. Be certain to bring a recent copy of your Degree Audit Report (DARS) available on Oasis.
The following students must be advised by Tracey Hickey. Her office is Room 110A. If you enter Dawson Hall by the large white pillars, her door is directly to the right.
*Students registered with the UGA Disabilities Program
*Student athletes
*Students registered with the Honors Program
*Students pursuing the Pre-K Emphasis leading to teacher certification in Georgia
*Students on academic probation
3. Changes in Major Requirements
A) Why are some HDFS students required to take CHFD 2200 and either HACE 3100 OR 3200 whereas other HDFS students are not required to complete CHFD 2200 but are required to complete both HACE 3100 AND HACE 3200?
The HDFS degree requirements for graduation changed effective Summer 2007. Students who entered the HDFS major Summer 2007 (includes Maymester) and thereafter are under new program guidelines: CHFD 2200 is required and the student must choose either HACE 3100 OR HACE 3200. Students who entered our major prior to Summer 2007 must complete all degree requirements that were in place when they entered the HDFS major. More specifically, CHFD 2200 was not required and HACE 3100 AND 3200 were both required. Your DARS will print the correct degree requirements.
4. Registration Issues
A) I need to sign up for 20 credit hours next semester in order to graduate on time. How do I do this?
Begin by seeing a HDFS advisor. Eighteen credit hours or more per semester is considered to be an overload. If the advisor determines that the courses you need are available, you must also secure permission from the HDFS department head to be approved for an overload schedule. Contact the department head by email to arrange an appointment. Permission depends upon your projected ability to perform satisfactorily in all courses. Course credit hours in IDL (Independent and Distance Learning) do not count toward overload. However, you should carefully consider whether you will be able to complete IDL courses while also carrying a full load. All graded lessons and exams must be completed at least 30 days prior to graduation.
B) I just tried to register and I can’t get into any of the classes recommended by my advisor. What should I do?
Most importantly, access Oasis daily between the start of the semester and the end of drop/add. Students constantly change their schedules and it is possible spaces may open up in a closed class. If you have not enrolled by drop/add, you can also contact the instructor of the class. If you are not successful getting into the classes you need by the second day of class, see the HDFS advisor in 110A Dawson Hall to discuss alternatives.
C) I’m a HDFS minor but Oasis won’t let me register for the CHFD course I want to take. What should I do?
First, check to be sure you have completed the Minor Declaration Form and that it has been recorded by your College office. It sometimes takes a few days after turning the form in to your College office for you to be officially listed as a minor on Oasis. You will not be allowed to enroll in a course if you do not have the prerequisite courses. Finally, look to see if the course is listed as POD. Minors can automatically register for courses marked POM. If the course is listed as POD, you will need to get a POD slip signed by the instructor to register.
D) I am not a HDFS major but I want to enroll in HDFS classes. How can I do this?
There are no restrictions on who can register for CHFD 2100 and CHFD 2200. Priority registration priority is given to HDFS majors and minors for the remaining CHFD courses, and most CHFD courses fill from these students. Some professors allow non-majors to enroll in the course if the conditions of required prerequisites and space availability are met. Contact the instructor of the course for more information. The instructor must sign an Override POM form (available in 112 Dawson Hall) if they admit you to the class. You must take the signed form to the Office of Student Services (112 Dawson Hall) so that you can be cleared to register for the course.
E) How do I sign up for an Independent and Distance Learning (IDL) course?
The HDFS Department routinely offers several courses through IDL, including CHFD 2100, CHFD 2950, and CHFD 3930. The classes never fill and you may sign up for the courses at any time. You have nine months to complete an IDL course but you must complete the course prior to graduation. For additional information, contact the IDL office (706.542.3243 or click here). You cannot enroll in IDL courses via Oasis and you are expected to pay for the courses at the time you register. You may not register for an IDL course until you have completed at least 15 hours of regular coursework at UGA. The dates for completing all course requirements for graduating seniors are earlier for IDL than for on-campus courses. Be sure to check with IDL to ensure you have completed all the required work by their deadlines. This is especially important to ensure that you will complete the course in time for graduation. Remember that the midterm and final exam can be taken at any approved test site in the US.
F) I am planning on completing a course in a college near my home this summer. Will the course I complete there count toward my UGA degree?
Some courses may transfer and others may not, depending on how equivalent the course is to UGA courses. Students wishing to transfer credit should check with Undergraduate Admissions (Terrell Hall) to have courses assessed. No appointment is needed.
5. Withdrawing from Courses
A) I need to withdraw this semester because a parent is sill. Will I be assigned a W or W/F? Who can help me?
The first person to contact is your professor or instructor. It is at the discretion of each professor whether a Withdrawal (W) or a Withdrawal/Failing (WF) is assigned. All withdrawals are handled through Oasis and there are no forms to complete. For more information, see withdrawals at the Registrar's FAQs.
6. Human Development and Family Science Careers
A) What type of careers and jobs are available to HDFS graduates?
The Human Development and Family Science - General Emphasis degree is beneficial to students pursuing careers in social services, child care settings, early childhood education, child advocacy, nursing, gerontology, and those seeking postgraduate education in the area of marriage and family therapy and other more specialized work. Our graduates have been employed in schools, camps, hospitals, youth ministries, educational programs, Cooperative Extension and non-profit organizations. HDFS majors can also specialize in the Pre-K-2 teacher certification emphasis, the Birth through 5 teacher certification emphasis coming soon, the Child Life emphasis, or the Certified Family Life Educator emphasis, each of which leads to more specialized career options. For a more complete list of exciting careers click here.
B) I want to teach school. Is it possible to become a certified teacher if I choose to major in HDFS?
Yes, in certain circumstances. The Pre-K program is a joint program with the UGA College of Education and is highly competitive. A new cohort of Pre-K students begins every third semester. Upon completion of this program, students earn a Bachelor of Science degree in FACS with an emphasis in Pre-Kindergarten to Second Grade. This program allows graduates to seek Pre-K to Fifth grade teaching certification from the State of Georgia. The Coordinator of the program is Dr. Julia Atiles. The department will soon offer another emphasis, Birth-5, leading to teacher certification.
You can NOT receive a teaching certificate as a regular HDFS undergraduate major unless you have completed the Pre-K or Birth-5 program. HDFS majors who have not completed either the Pre-K-2 or Birth-5 emphasis should NOT take the GACE Content Assessment in Early Education exam.
You have 3 options to become a certified teacher in Georgia as an undergraduate:
- The PreK-2nd Emphasis in CHFD/EDEC:
http://www.fcs.uga.edu/cfd/undergraduate/docs/PreK-2ndGradeProgramApplicationPacket2009Aug.pdf
- Starting in August 2008, HDFS will have a Birth-5 program, in collaboration with SPED. Dr. Mariana Souto-Manning (mvsm@uga.edu) is the contact person for information.
- The College of Education elementary program:
http://www.coe.uga.edu/esse/earlychildhood/programs/
PARTNERSHIP_PROGRAM_APPLICATION_PACKET.pdf
As a graduate with a degree in Human Development and Family Science - General Emphasis, you may pursue a master’s degree and become certified through the following 2 programs:
http://www.fcs.uga.edu/cfd/graduate/mat.html
or
http://www.coe.uga.edu/esse/earlychildhood/programs/ECCOMEdPacket.pdf
The GAPSC provides alternative routes to certification:
http://www.gapsc.com/TeacherCertification/Documents/alt_routes.asp
C) I just learned about the Child Life Emphasis. Please tell me more about it.
This emphasis, offered jointly with the Medical College of Georgia (MCG), prepares students to work with children and families in healthcare settings. The final year in college is spent at MCG taking healthcare courses and completing over 1000 hours of clinical work in a hospital setting. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 is required for entrance and acceptance is highly competitive. More information is available here. Dr. Charlotte Wallinga is the Child Life Program Coordinator.
A) I am graduating this semester and am off-campus and can’t meet with an advisor. How do I know I am on track for graduation?
Print out a copy of your DARS. Look at the top left corner and be sure it says Human Development and Family Science Major and that the tentative graduation date is correct. If your DARS says “I-Child and Family,” which means that you are an Intended, not a declared major, or you have no graduation semester, or the wrong semester, contact a HDFS advisor right away.
The HDFS advisor and the Office of Student Services both conduct graduation checks for students who have indicated they are graduating that semester. You will be notified if you have not met all degree requirements. IF YOU ARE A DECLARED HDFS MAJOR AND HAVE THE CORRECT GRADUATION DATE ON YOUR DARS: Be sure Student Services has your correct mailing and email address so they can contact you if needed. Diplomas are mailed by the Registrar’s Office to your permanent address approximately a month after commencement.
You should also check your DARS to ensure you have completed all requirements. You can print a copy of your DARS from Oasis. Look down each column to ensure that there is an OK or IP (in progress) for each major heading. Also check the total number of credits at the end of the DARS. You need at least 121 credits in order to graduate. If you locate any problems or have any questions, contact a HDFS advisor.
B) I’m graduating and I haven’t heard anything about the graduation ceremony. What should I do?
Information on the College graduation ceremony is found at http://www.fcs.uga.edu/ss/
This website will also provide a link to the Registrar’s website which has information on the University Commencement. Around the midpoint, you will also receive letters from our College and the Registrar with more information.
A) I need to be enrolled full time to be covered on my parents' health insurance. To whom should I speak?
Students are considered full time if they enroll in 12 hours fall semester, 12 hours spring semester, and 6 hours during the summer semester. The HDFS advisors can help you identify courses that you should consider.
B) I have lost the HOPE Scholarship. When am I eligible to be re-evaluated and what grades must I have?
Please contact Student Financial Aid in the Holmes/Hunter Building (706.542.6147 or here) for detailed information about when and how to reapply for the HOPE and what grade point average is required.
A) Is an internship required for HDFS majors? Do I have to find my own internship or will one be assigned to me?
The HDFS Internship is an option for majors but is not required for graduation. The internship is usually taken during the senior year. Students may choose a 6, 9, or 12 credit internship experience anywhere in the United States (and sometimes abroad). The Preinternship course, CHFD 5900, is a one-credit course that is required before taking an internship. The internship must be completed within six months after completing CHFD 5900. The HDFS department does not arrange internship placement sites; students wanting to participate in an internship must identify and secure their own site. The department can provide examples of previous sites, or you may check online resources such as Communityconnection211.com and 211online.unitedwayatlanta.org for possible internship placement sites. For out-of-state placements, contact the local United Way or Chamber of Commerce for their human resources directory. More information on HDFS internships is available here.
A) I know I want to study abroad but don't know my destination yet. Can you help me?
The possibilities for Study Abroad are endless and exciting. Go to Memorial Hall and the staff there will assist you. You may request that your name be added to their listserv. Our College offers Study Abroad opportunities every summer and course credit can be earned. The FACS point of contact for study abroad is 112 Dawson Hall.
11. Declaring/Completing a HDFS Minor.
A) What are the requirements to get a minor in HDFS?
See Minor in HDFS
B) How do I declare a minor in HDFS?
To declare a minor, go to the Office of Student Services, 112 Dawson Hall, any day between 8:00 and 5:00. No appointment is needed. You will complete the “Minor Declaration” form. This form must then be taken to your college office to complete the process.
C) Who advises HDFS minors?
Students who wish to minor in HDFS complete four required and one elective HDFS course. Because there are few choices to make, you do not need to see a HDFS advisor. Your major advisor can help you decide which elective best fits with your major program of study.
D) I have completed all the minor courses. Now what do I do?
Assuming you have completed all required minor courses with at least a “C” in each course, you must come back to the Office of Student Services during the semester you will graduate to complete the “Minor Completion” form. This form must be returned your college office before the minor can officially be recorded.
12. Returning to College after an Absence
A) I am a nontraditional student who is returning after a decade to complete my HDFS degree. Can you tell me how many classes I lack?
Any student who has not been enrolled at UGA for one year or more must reapply to UGA. The application process may be completed online. Contact the UGA Admissions office (706.543.4040 or http://www.admissions.uga.edu/) for additional information.
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Advising and FAQs
