Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of our Frequently Asked Questions divided into 5 categories: General, Graduation, Graduate School, Transferring, and Our Psychology Department. A full list of these questions is also available in .pdf format. If you have a question that is not on the list, please email the psychology advisor or the psychology main office for information.

1. General
2. Graduation
3. Graduate School
4. Transferring
5. Our Psychology Department

1. I already graduated from UNR but I would like to come back and take some more classes. Can I do that?

Getting back into the university is EASY. Just go to Admissions & Records and apply as a "graduate special." Since you graduated from here, you do not have to pay an application fee, and the application is processed immediately (it's essentially a formality to get you back into the "active" column in the computer). Then you can immediately sign up for classes.

2. Can some classes "double-count" for more than one requirement? How does that work?

Yes. For example, ENGL 304 can fulfill both the "Diversity" requirement for the University and the "Humanities" requirement for the College of Liberal Arts (as long as English is not your major or minor). However, although the one class will cover both requirements, you will only receive 3 credits for it, not 6. The combinations that often occur in double-counting include: (1) "Diversity" and "Capstone" (just look in the capstone and diversity table at the front of the course schedule -- anything that's in both columns will double-count), (2) "Capstone" and major requirements (in Psychology, PSY 491 would fulfill one of your capstone requirements AND a Psychology elective or "Integrative and Seminar Course," depending on your catalog), (3) "Diversity" and major requirements (in Psychology, PSY 433 would fulfill both your diversity requirement AND a Psychology elective), (4) "Capstone" and minor requirements (see your minor advisor to make sure a particular course will count), (5) "Fine Arts" and "Humanities" (the only one that works here is PHIL 202), and (6) "Capstone," "Diversity," & "Humanities" (a TRIPLE-COUNT!! If a class you take fulfills #1 above AND meets the requirements for being a humanities course, then you may count it for all three). Why would you want to double-count a course? Essentially, what "double-counting" allows you to do is fulfill more requirements while taking less credits. So, if it looks like you are going to exceed the 128 total credits and the 40 upper division credits you need to graduate (e.g., you have taken lots of general electives or you transferred in and a lot of your credits transferred in as general electives), then you can save yourself some time and money. Students also double-count when they want to "free up" more credits so they can take more classes in their areas of interest.

3. I am planning on starting at UNR in the spring. Am I still supposed to attend orientation before the fall semester? Do they have orientation in spring?

There is an orientation in the spring, but it just isn't quite as big as the fall orientation (since more students start in the fall than in the spring). So, if you want to be part of a BIG group, and take part in more activities, do it in the fall; if you want to be part of a smaller group, do it in the spring! The orientation in the spring is usually about 2 hours long, and just covers the basics.

4. I am really having a hard time getting registered for a particular class--it's ALWAYS full! What can I do?

The best thing you can do, of course, is look in the course schedule and call in to telephone registration just as soon as you are allowed. When that doesn't work, one option for you is to just keep calling in and attempting to get into the course. Since there is no "waiting list", if someone else drops the course, the next person who calls in to add it gets that open slot. A second option is to contact the professor who teaches the course and ask if he or she will open up another slot for you. Classes have a cap on number of students because, obviously, the more students, the less personal attention they get and the more tests, papers, projects, etc. the professor is responsible for. So, depending on the demand for the class and the nature of the class, you may get in and you may not. However, professors are usually pretty good about letting extra students in if they really need the class to graduate. The professor just has to write a memo to Admissions & Records giving you permission to enroll in the course.

5. What's the deal with capstones? Do I have to take one in Psychology? When do I take them?

Regarding the first part of your question: you do NOT have to take any capstones in Psychology (since Psychology only offers one regular capstone--PSY 491--it didn't seem fair to require all Psychology majors to take it). You must take 2 capstones, and at least one of them must be a "general" capstone; this is indicated on the 'Capstone and Diversity Courses' chart in each class schedule. The university does not want students to sign up for capstones until: 1) they have completed the rest of the core requirements (English, Math, Western Traditions, Natural Sciences, Social Science, and Fine Arts), and 2) they are a senior. However, nobody checks your status when you sign up for courses designated as capstones, so there is nothing in the system to stop you from taking them "early". The only thing that might stop you is if the professor teaching the course notices that you are short of credits and asks you to drop. Keep in mind, however, that it is strongly recommended that you wait to take your capstones at the proper time. Capstones are meant to build upon the core curriculum and to foster discussion of substantive issues; you would be best prepared for and would get the most out of your capstones if you wait until the appropriate time.

6. I graduated with my B.A. from UNR last year. Now I would like to return and finish another major. Is that possible?

Yes. The university allows students to complete a dual major, either all at once, or one after the other. You just need permission from the major and the dean.

7. I'm thinking of retaking a course I didn't do well in. How does this work?

See Q. "Can I replace a poor or failing grade in a course?" at the following website: http://www.unr.edu/advising/faq/

8. Does it matter what I minor in?

The purpose of the minor is to give the student some exposure to another field and to allow him or her to do something else (besides their major topic) that they enjoy. Also, many students find ways to combine their major and minor in order to explore a field they are interested in (see Question #16 for more on this). The list of approved minors for Arts and Science majors is on page 78 of the 1998-1999 catalog (if you don't have that catalog, it is usually on the second page of the "College of Liberal Arts" section).

9. What is the difference between a Double Major and a Dual Degree?

With a Double Major, you must complete the requirements for two majors (and their colleges). You do not need a minor. You will end up with one diploma that says, "B.A. in Psychology and Sociology", for example. If both majors offer a degree of the same name (e.g., both must be B.A.s or B.S.s), then you are pursuing double majors. Note: any combinations with Criminal Justice are automatically Dual Degress due to their special name degree, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Also, a double major in Neuroscience and Biology is not permitted. With a dual degree, you must complete the requirments for the two majors (and their colleges). You also must complete a separate minor. You end up with two diplomas, one that says, "B.A. in Psychology" and one that says, "B.S. in Biology", for example. Note: a dual degree in Neuroscience and Psychology is not permitted.

10. Do I have to turn in any forms or anything in order to graduate "with distinction?"

You do not have to do anything special in order to graduate with distinction (except get good grades!). It will automatically appear on your transcript and your diploma (for more information, see page 36 in the 1998-1999 catalog).