A lot is happening right now with the new School of Information Technology and Computing at ACU! Given all the changes that have occurred, many current students have questions about their degrees, courses, and graduation plans. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that have been received to date.

What does it mean that the School of Information Technology and Computing will be operational in Fall 2006 and fully functional in Fall 2007?

The 2006-2007 academic year is a transitional year for the School of Information Technology and Computing. New programs and degrees are being planned for the school, but for administrative reasons, they will not be accepting students until Fall 2007. However, the CS faculty have already physically moved into their new space in the Mabee Business Building, and new teaching and lab facilities for the school will be available there for the Fall 2006 semester. Previously scheduled CS and CIS courses will be offered as planned for the 2006-2007 academic year, but under the auspices of the new school rather than the mathematics department.

No. The degree plans for all current students will be honored. All the courses required for you to graduate under your current degree plan, or their equivalents, will continue to be offered.

The CIS degree is, indeed, going away. It will be replaced with a stronger program having more options. No students will be accepted into the CIS program after the Fall 2006 semester (on a case-by-case basis, students from other universities could still transfer into the program at the beginning of the Spring 2006 semester). However, as noted above, if you are already pursuing a CIS major at ACU, your degree plan will not be affected.

When the new degree plans come on stream in Fall 2007, can I make a change?

Yes; with the caveat that you should check with an academic advisor to make sure that there are no surprises in satisfying all the degree requirements. Generally speaking, program changes (in any discipline) made after the first semester of your junior year tend to have a negative effect on your ability to graduate in four years.

Where do I go for academic advising?

All student advising for the School of Information Technology and Computing is coordinated through COBA Connections, which is located on the first floor of the Mabee Business Building.

Where will courses in the School of Information Technology and Computing be taught?

Beginning with the Fall 2006 semester, almost all courses for the School of Information Technology and Computing will be taught in the Mabee Business Building. One or two courses may still be taught in the Foster Science Building, or elsewhere on campus, as space and instructional needs arise.

When school resumes this fall (2006), I will be a senior CS major or senior CIS major. When I graduate next May, will I get my degree from the School of Information Technology, the College of Arts and Sciences, or the College of Business?

All students who graduate in the 2006-2007 academic year (December, May, or Summer) with majors in CS or CIS will get still get their degrees from the College of Arts of Sciences. These students will participate in the regular graduation ceremonies that will be scheduled for the College of Arts and Sciences.

What if I am graduating next year (2007-2008 academic year)?

Beginning in Fall 2007, all students graduating with majors in CS or IT will graduate from the School of Information Technology and Computing and participate in the respective ceremonies planned for the school. All students graduating with majors in IS will graduate from the College of Business.