We are excited to have you joining us in the fall.  To help you prepare, we compiled the following key academic information. Go Cardinals!

Your Advisors

All students entering the university are assigned an Academic and Career Advisor (ACA) in the Center for Academic and Career Success (CACS). In the second semester of your freshman year, you will be assigned a Faculty Advisor in the School of Architecture and Planning.  These two advisors work together to assist you from your first day through graduation and beyond. In addition, you can always reach out to the School of Architecture and Planning with any specific questions cua-architecture@cua.edu.

  • Academic and Career Advisor

    This summer: You will work closely with your Academic and Career Advisor in the Center for Academic and Career Success. He/she/they will be your first contact and will assist you with your transition to the university, including understanding your academic to-dos, placement exams, course selection, and anything else you may need.  You’ll continue to work with your Academic and Career Advisor across the next four years as you chart your own path to your academic and professional goals.

  • Faculty Advisor

    In the second semester of your freshman year: You will be assigned a Faculty Advisor who will be a mentor and advisor throughout the remainder of your undergraduate time at CUA.  Your Faculty Advisor can help you understand the nuances of your curricular path, guide you towards exciting opportunities for research and internships, and help you think creatively about your future. In order to serve our students most efficiently, starting the second semester of your freshman year, when you have a question or concern, reach out to cua-architecture@cua.edu.

  • AIAS (American Institute for Architecture Students) Peer Mentoring

    During your first few weeks on campus, the student organization, AIAS, will reach out to you and invite you to be a part of the AIAS peer mentoring program.  You will be paired with an upperclassman based on mutual preference. This mentor will be available to you for any questions or concerns you may have as well as provide valuable advice during your first year at CUA.

Your Classes

Your first college courses will launch you towards graduation.  You’ll dive into studying both architecture and the liberal arts. Please register for these courses with your ACA (Academic and Career Advisor).

 

Your Academic Checklist

Further details on the academic checklist items below can be found on the CACS First Semester Enrollment page.

  • Meet Your Advisor

    You will automatically be assigned an Academic and Career Advisor.  Once this occurs, you will receive a welcome email from your advisor with next steps about meeting.  Keep an eye out in your University email for this! 

  • Complete Math Placement Test

    • Required?  Yes. 
    • Complete the Math Placement Test
    • Because a math course is required for all architecture students, incoming students must complete the Math Placement Test.  After speaking with your ACA advisor (see “Meet Your Advisor” above), you may decide to complete the Online Precalculus Review Course over the summer. This is recommended for students who may complete a math course in their first year. 

  • Determine Your Language Placement

    • Required?  Yes. 
    • Determine your language placement by answering the questions below.
    • All students at Catholic University must fulfill the intermediate language requirement.  This requires the completion of language courses to the 104-level.  

  • Did you study language in high school?

    • No.  You should register for a language at the 101-level.   If Departmental consent is required to register for the course, email arguetaf@cua.edu.
    • Yes, for one year.  You should register for a language at the 101-level.   If Departmental consent is required to register for the course, email arguetaf@cua.edu.
    • Yes, for two or more years.  You must complete the Language Placement Test.  Based on your results, you will register for a language course at the appropriate level.  It is important to complete the test during the summer.  Caution: Should you fail to take a placement test before the semester begins, you must take Catholic University's Placement Test during the first week of classes. You will not be allowed to stay in your language class until you have completed the test. Please note that such a delay will result in greater difficulties registering for the class section of your choice.

  • Did you grow up speaking a foreign language? 


    • No.  Please see the guidelines above.  
    • Yes.  We have a Heritage Speakers placement test to place you at the proper level. If you are not sure if you are a Heritage Speaker and/or to schedule a date and time to take the placement test, contact Dr. Mayka Puente at puente@cua.edu.

  • Have you had difficulty with language? 

    • No.  Please see the guidelines above. 
    • Yes.  You may be eligible to complete two approved courses in lieu of the intermediate language requirement. The Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) determines eligibility based on an individual’s learning history and documentation of a disability that impairs foreign language acquisition. To see if this is the right option for you, check the DSS page on accommodations.

  • Register for Disability Accomodations (if needed)

    The Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) provides programs and services designed to support and encourage the integration of students with disabilities into the mainstream of the university community.  If you received academic accommodations in high school, you may be eligible to receive accommodations in college.  Please note that it is the student's responsibility to request individual assistance in advance. Accommodations cannot be applied retroactively.

  • Transfer & Test Credits (AP/IB/Dual Enrollment)

    • Required?  Possibly.  If you can receive college credit, you should send reports to Catholic U. 
    • Determine what credit you may be eligible to receive.  

  • Did you complete any Advanced Placement (AP) tests?

    • Yes. If you scored a 4 or a 5 on your AP test(s), you can receive college credit.  See the AP Equivalency Chart here.  Review the College Board instructions for sending scores.  You can send electronically to Catholic University using our school code: 5104. 

  • Did you complete any Dual-Enrollment courses?


    Information on the process to submit this information is coming soon.

  • Did you complete any International Baccalaureate (IB) courses?

    • Yes.  If you scored a 5 or above on high level exams (or their equivalent), you can receive college credit.
      Information on the process to submit this information is coming soon.


    Information on AP, IB, and Dual-Enrollment Credit is available here.

  • Register for Classes

    Utilizing your shopping cart: Similar to websites where you can put items in a “shopping cart” before purchasing them, in Cardinal Station, you can place the courses you want in your shopping cart before enrolling in them. You will only be able to officially enroll in them after you have met with your Academic and Career Advisor (ACA) and once your enrollment period opens. 

    Hint: Visualize your class schedule using Coursicle and then register for classes in Cardinal Station.

  • Finalize Registration

    • Review and confirm your final choice of courses
    • Contact your ACA advisor to make changes

    As a general tip, if you decide to change your schedule after your initial registration, check in with your Academic and Career Advisor (ACA).  Please note that your access in Cardinal Station to add/drop courses will be limited after July 31.  After that date, you will first have to contact your ACA advisor to give you access to change your schedule.  The final deadline to add/drop courses is September 10 and is listed on the Academic Calendar.

  • Attend Orientation

    The School or Architecture and Planning's orientation session is your first academic meeting with the school! This year, orientation is held:
    • Friday, August 27 from 1:45 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. (EST)
    • Please download the Catholic University orientation app here