Frequently asked questions are sorted into the following categories:
Is it possible to enroll in a class that is listed as “Closed”?
Yes, but admittance into a closed course is not guaranteed. Once a
course is closed the professor of the class and the department may
allow selected students into the course. In order to enroll in the
selected course that is closed, the student must bring a petition form
to the professor.
What does it mean to petition into a class?
To petition into a class means that you are requesting to enroll in
course above the restricted number of seats per course. In order to
petition into a course the student must go the respective department
and fill out a petition form. The form must be signed by the professor
and then brought back to the department. In some cases the Dual Diploma
Office may be able to enroll you in the course as well.
When does the Add/Drop period end?
Typically the Add/Drop period ends within the first two weeks of
classes. The Add/Drop period gives students an opportunity to change
their schedules in order facilitate their degree requirements and their
personal course selections.
Can I make changes to my course load after the Add/Drop period ends?
After this period, you will not be able to add
courses to your schedule. You are able to withdraw from courses, however,
this withdrawal will appear as a `W` on your transcripts. The late withdrawal
period ends about 8 weeks after the semester begins. You can pick up course
withdrawal forms from the advising office of your school and process it as
instructed on the form. When the form is complete bring it to the Registrar's
Office. There is a $20 late add, drop,
withdrawal fee that will be charged to your account. You may log into the
BU BRAIN to make this payment. Visit the University Academic Calendar online to
see specific deadline dates for Add/Drop and course withdrawal - http://www2.binghamton.edu/about/university-calendar.html
Can I be registered for courses if I have a hold on my account?
No! You are unable to register for courses if you have a hold on your account. Please make sure that you have no holds on your account before the start of the pre-registration period each semester. A hold can be placed on your account for several reasons. The most common are:
The Dual-Diploma Programs office is not able to clear your holds. Please speak with the office that has placed a hold on your account in order to clear it. Once the hold has been cleared contact the Dual-Diploma Programs office immediately so you can be registered for the upcoming semester.
How can I register for courses with a time conflict?
You must fill
out a course
conflict form and obtain the signature of the instructor of the
course in which you will be missing class time. When the form is complete bring
it to the Registrar's Office. Once you are registered with a time conflict, all
registration activity (adds, drops, grade changes, etc.) will need to be done
in the Registrar's office.
What are the general education requirements?
General education requirements are courses which must be taken by all
students who attend Binghamton University. The purpose of the general
education requirements is to ensure that students receive a well
rounded education. Students do not need to fulfill all the general
education requirements in their sophomore year but it is encouraged to
complete as many as possible in order to focus the students studies
during the final year at Binghamton University.
Can a course fulfill more than one Gen Ed requirement?
Some Gen Ed courses may carry more than one Gen Ed tag (for example,
CHP). However, except for C, O, J or Foreign Language classes, Gen Ed
courses may be used to fulfill only one Gen Ed category. C, O, J or
Foreign Language courses may double-count with one other Gen Ed
requirement. Your DARS report will use double-tagged courses in the
category in which they are needed; for example, if you take a course
designated CNP, you will receive either the CP or the CN, whichever
DARS decides you need most.
Is it possible to take courses over winter or summer?
Yes. Binghamton University offers a variety of winter session and
summer session courses. Winter and summer sessions offer both classroom
and distance learning options. Unlike the fall or spring semester,
students must prepay before registering for winter or summer session
courses. For more information please see http://winter.binghamton.edu/ and http://summer.binghamton.edu/.
What is the minimum number of credits I need per semester?
The minimum number of credits needed to remain a full time student and
fulfill the Visa requirement is twelve. That being said, each program
has a different graduate requirements. Students can expect to take
anywhere from 16 to 21 credits per semester depending on degree and
home institution requirements.
Can I overload my number of credits for a semester?
To overload means taking more than the recommended amount of credits for a semester. The recommended amount of credits per semester is 16 to 18. Overloading can be done if you meet the following Binghamton GPA requirements:
If you meet the GPA requirements for your major and would like to overload, please speak with the Dual-Diploma Programs staff.
What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is a course management system used by instructors to
generate information, communicate with students, record grades, and
implement many other tools that can be beneficial to a successful
on-line learning environment. To find out more about Blackboard, go to blackboard.binghamton.edu.
What is the BU Brain?
The BU Brain is used by students to access course
information, personal information, tuition and payment options, academic
history reports including transcripts and DARS, and more. To start using the BU
Brain, go to http://bubrain.binghamton.edu.
How useful is the Binghamton University’s Bartle Library?
The Binghamton University Library offers access to an extensive network
of academic resources. The library is open twenty-four hours a day five
days a week, until midnight on Friday and from noon to midnight on
Saturday. The Bartle Library offers research assistance and the library
website has tutorials to assist new students in finding the information
needed. For more information see the Bartle Library Website http://library.lib.binghamton.edu/
Is it possible to
live off campus?
Yes. It is possible
to live off-campus during your senior year.
As a sophomore you are required to live on-campus.
I am looking for an
apartment off campus. What are my options?
There are several apartment complexes in the Binghamton
area, including University Plaza (http://www.universityplazany.com/)
and C. Fred Plaza (http://www.thecfredplaza.com).
In addition to these apartment complexes, make sure to visit http://www.craigslist.com for independent
apartment and house rentals.
What is there to do in Binghamton?
Binghamton is located in the Southern Tier of New York. The region is
well known as the birthplace of IBM and is home to the largest public
observatory in the Northeast. The region has a lively arts district
which holds First Friday Art Hop events ever month. The city is home to
the Binghamton Mets and Binghamton Senators, minor league baseball and
hockey organizations. For a more exhaustive look at what Binghamton has
to offer see the “Things to do in Binghamton” website.
Do I need a car to live in Binghamton?
No. You do not need to have a car. Binghamton University (http://occt.binghamton.edu/) and the city of Binghamton (http://www.gobroomecounty.com/transit/) offers bus services to various locations within the city. Regional transport is available through Greyhound (www.greyhound.com) and Coach USA Short Line Bus (http://www.coachusa.com/shortline). The Binghamton University Off Campus College bus system is free to students with a valid Binghamton University ID.
If you would like to learn more about rules and regulations for driving in New York state, go to http://isss.binghamton.edu/new/2005/LicenseNY.htm.
