New Student Checklist
Each year we welcome thousands of students eager to follow their passion and find their community. This page was designed with all the resources you need to set yourself up for success. As a start, here is our new student checklist:
- Accept your offer of admission
- Login to PAWS and set up multi-factor authentication
- Attend a Group Advising session
- Browse degree options and requirements in the Course and Program Catalogue
- Get prepared by attending a UStart session!
- Sign up for a Learning Community
- Build your schedule and get registered
- Familiarize yourself with campus supports and resources
- Join our incoming student Canvas page and complete the Summer Challenge
- Pay your tuition and fees
Academic Advising
The Undergraduate Student Office (UGSO) is an important resource during your time in the College. Our team of academic advisors, recruiters, learning communities staff, and student services staff are here to help throughout your time in Arts and Science. Regardless of our roles, we share a common goal to enhance the student experience in our College.
Our team can help with:
- navigating the Course and Program Catalogue
- exploring majors, minors, and certificates
- confirming program and degree requirements
- clarifying academic policies and procedures
- submitting academic appeals, deferred exam requests, visiting student requests, and second degree requirements
- understanding faculty actions (i.e., required to discontinue and probation status)
- creating plans of action for academic success, including course retake strategies
- answering any other questions you have
If you're not sure where to go, we can direct you to the support or resource that can best meet your needs.
Group Advising
Your first step as an incoming student is to attend a Group Advising session. Attending Group Advising is mandatory before you can book a one-on-one appointment with an academic advisor.
We have designed this session to be an academic orientation to the College of Arts and Science. You'll learn about important policies, like our promotion standards, as well as how to pick your first year courses. All sessions are faciliated by an academic advisor, so bring any questions you have!
Quick questions and any follow-up from Group Advising can always be submitted through our Service Desk. One of our first-year advisors will be happy to help!
Learning Communities
Learning Communities (LCs) are small groups of students who take the same classes and have common interests. In additional to early access to course registration, LCs have several benefits including additional support as you transition to university life, academic skill-building, and enhanced connection to our campus and community. and We offer several programs so that all students can find a community of learners and friends during their first weeks in Arts and Science.
The First-year Learning Experience (FLEX) is the most diverse LC program on campus. We have offerings for all Arts and Science majors, as well as undecided students. All regularly admitted Arts and Science students should sign up for FLEX!
The University of Saskatchewan Transition Entrance Program (USTEP) provides a supportive learning environment for students whose high school grades do not represent their academic potential. Instead of upgrading, USTEP allows students the chance to take university courses in a supportive learning community environment. USTEP has admission requirements so review the criteria, below.
Indigenous Student Achievement Pathways (ISAP) welcomes First Nations, Inuit and Métis students to the College of Arts and Science with academic and social programming that builds confidence, knowledge and skills. Connect with a community of students, Indigenous peer mentors and dedicated instructors as you begin your journey to exciting degree and career opportunities.