One of the frustrating things about registering is the uncertainty: what classed do I need? Does this class I’m looking at count as tech elective? as gen ed?
One resource you have to sorting this out (besides seeing Katie) is the DARS tool in Banweb (Degree Audit Reporting System). This tool checks your records (according to Michigan Tech) against the requirements for your degree. If you’ve met the requirements, it goes GREEN. If the requirements are not met, it stays RED. See our advising video on this subject. Degree services also have their own tutorial video (March 2018).
I would like to suggest that everyone try it out.
To get to DARS you log onto your Banweb account and under Student in the middle column look for “Degree Audit”. Click there and run the current year audit. Sometimes you have to wait – look for the circle above to see if it’s thinking. It always has to generate the report to get the most current version.
When the DARS opens, you will see some graphics and a long column of red or green “buckets” of courses or requirements. They are:
1. Two buckets that check your GPA for both the department and for overall. Both must be over 2.0 for you to graduate.
2. Major requirements: This is all your core math, physics, chemistry, and chem eng courses.
3. Chemistry option: here whether you take Organic 1 or Hydro Pyro you chose a different audit path. In this section you will see the technical electives and the various categories of the electives. Take a close look to see what classes you may choose from in each category.
4. Six gen ed buckets that check if you meet all the gen ed requirements. It checks if you have the freshmen courses, the sophomore courses, the HASS, etc. It checks that at least 6 credits of HASS are at the 3000 level.
5. Co curricular bucket – your phys ed courses.
The DARS system is what actually checks you out for graduation. If it says you graduate, you do. We have worked long and hard with the programmers in the Admin Building to get this system to accurately check you out for graduation – please use the DARS tool to guide you as you plan for registration.
There are some things that the DARS system will not do right until Katie “touches” your audit and makes an adjustment. If something you chose or transfered puts you into this situation, you do need to come see Katie. She’ll be happy to look at DARS adjustments after registration is over.
Hope this eases your registration experience!