Frequently Asked Questions

Please note that this page is not meant to replace the catalog but rather a place to find brief answers to some questions you might have.

1. How do General Studies students get advising assistance?
2. When is the best time to meet with my advisor?
3. What is needed to get a degree?
4. What is the core curriculum?
5. Do I have to be advised before I can register?
6. What is a prerequisite?
7. What does it mean to be in good academic standing?
8. What are the Dean’s List and President’s List?
9. How long will I be a freshman (sophomore, junior, senior)?

1. How do General Studies students get advising assistance?
We have advisors available during office hours (Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00). Drop in and see us at the Communication Building, Room 107 or call (409) 880-7570 to make an appointment. You can email us at gsadvising@lamar.edu

2. When is the best time to meet with my advisor?
a. Contact your advisor anytime you have a question or need information concerning specific majors/careers, degree requirements, or university policies/procedures.

b. The Center for General Studies has mandatory advisement, which means you must meet with your advisor each semester in order to enroll for classes the following semester.

3. What is needed to get a degree?
All majors have their own specific requirements. However, the minimum university requirements are as follows:

a. A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. (However, some departments may have higher G.P.A. standards).

b. Successful completion of 120 hours, which includes:

• 30 hours in residence at Lamar University (at least 24 hours as a senior).
• 30 hours of course work at the junior or senior level with at least 18 of these hours at Lamar University.
• 24 hours in a major with at least 12 of these hours in upper division courses.
• No more than 18 hours of correspondence work and no more than 30 hours of extension work and/or credit by examination may be applied towards a degree.

c. Successful completion of a physical activity or the equivalent.

d. The program of study for a chosen major as outlined in the Lamar University General Catalog.

4. What is the core curriculum?
The core curriculum for undergraduates is the set of “basic” courses that all students, regardless of their major, are required to take in order to earn their degrees. This requirement is based on the belief that certain fundamental qualities besides the ones needed for the student’s major are needed for intellectual growth and professional advancement. The core curriculum was developed to help students think critically, communicate effectively, and understand current issues. For specific courses, check the Lamar University General Catalog.

5. Do I have to be advised before I can register?
Yes. The Center for General Studies has mandatory advisement; therefore, you must meet with your advisor before you are allowed to register. An advisement hold is placed on your records to ensure that you receive advisement. During your advisement session, your advisor will remove the hold and then you will be able to register for classes.

6. What is a prerequisite?
A prerequisite is a requirement that must be met before a course can be taken. When you plan your class schedule, be aware of the prerequisites for the courses that you want to take. The prerequisites for each course are listed in its description in the Lamar University General Catalog.

7. What does it mean to be in good academic standarding?
To be in good acadmemic standing you must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA). LU's academic standards and policies concerning academic probation and suspension can be found in the LU General Catalog.

8. What are the Dean’s List and the President’s List?
The Dean’s List is a list prepared by each college dean at the end of each semester. It includes all full-time freshman and sophomore students who earned a grade point average of 3.40 or above and junior and senior students who earned a grade point average of 3.60 or above for that particular semester. The President’s List is a list of all full-time undergraduates who earned a grade point average of 4.00 for a long semester.

9. How long will I be a freshman (or sophomore, junior, senior)?

Freshman = 0 - 29 semester credit hours

Sophomore = 30 - 59 semester credit hours

Junior = 60 - 89 semester credit hours

Senior = 90 or more semester credit hours