Academics

The academic year is divided into fall and spring semesters. Most classes run the full 16 weeks, but there are also shorter classes that don’t span the full term. The winter and summer terms are generally optional.

It’s your responsibility to know all university dates and deadlines each term. Missing a deadline because you were unaware of it is not an acceptable excuse.

• Visit the Registrar’s website for registration and term dates, the exam schedule and withdrawal deadlines.
• Visit the Bursar’s website for tuition due dates and refund information.

University credits (also called "units") are the building blocks of your degree. One credit is equal to 15 contact hours of classroom instruction plus approximately 30 hours of homework and study time over the semester.

Most classes are 3-4 credits, meaning each course involves roughly 45-60 hours in class plus 90-120 hours of study time.

Undergraduate students typically take 12-15 units per semester (about 4-5 classes), depending on their program requirements and financial aid or scholarship eligibility.

Whether you’re selecting your classes or following a specific degree plan, it is your responsibility to understand your schedule. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your class schedule:

• Class times can vary throughout the day.
• Classes may also take place in different buildings across campus, so you’ll need to plan for travel between classes.
• Schedules tend to look lighter than they really are, and it can be easy to over commit yourself. Plan for at least 30 hours of homework and study time for each unit of credit.
• Online classes often require more discipline and time management than in-person classes.

Managing your schedule effectively takes planning and strong time management skills. If you’d like to strengthen these skills, explore the helpful resources available on the ThinkTank website.

Your academic advisor is your go-to person for help with degree requirements, course planning, and navigating university policies. They are authorized by your college, school, or department to approve your academic program of study, explain requirements and procedures, and connect you with campus resources that support your success.

For graduate students, your advisor may be a program coordinator or faculty advisor, depending on your program.

Classroom culture in the U.S. can be somewhat informal. Some professors invite students to use their first names, and it’s common to see casual clothing or eating and drinking in class. When you’re unsure, start more formal and observe how your professor and classmates behave.

Class size and format vary widely. Introductory courses are often large, while upper-division and graduate classes tend to be smaller and more discussion-based. Teaching styles also differ – some courses focus on lectures, while others emphasize group projects or interactive learning.

Regular attendance is critical. Some instructors have strict attendance policies and may drop students after too many absences. Even if attendance isn't mandatory, showing up is essential for understanding the material.

You can expect significant reading and writing assignments. Not all assigned readings will be discussed in class, but they’re still important for grasping the subject and performing well academically.

Here are a few ways to succeed in the classroom:

• Review the syllabus carefully. It’s an agreement between you and your instructor that outlines assignments, exam dates, grading, office hours, and attendance policies.
• Prepare to participate. If you feel nervous about speaking in class, think of one or two questions or comments about the material before class starts. When the opportunity comes, try to be one of the first to share.
• Use office hours. These are times set aside for you to meet with professors or teaching assistants to ask questions and discuss the course. Instructors want you to attend. Come prepared with questions about class content or assignments.

In American college classes, there’s a strong emphasis on independent and critical thinking. Rather than memorizing facts, you’ll be expected to apply knowledge, form opinions, and evaluate ideas. Respectful disagreement and curiosity are key parts of the learning process, and professors value students who engage thoughtfully and ask questions.

Many courses use a student-centered approach that encourages collaboration and interaction. Active participation deepens your understanding, strengthens critical-thinking skills, and often contributes to your final grade.

Active participation can take many forms: asking questions, contributing to discussions, listening attentively, making eye contact, taking notes, and minimizing distractions like your phone or computer.

Strong communication skills are key to your academic success. Whether English is your first language or one of many, you’ll find resources on campus to help you strengthen your speaking and writing so you can participate confidently inside and outside the classroom.

• Writing Center: Offers free and fee-based tutoring with certified peer tutors
• Center for English as a Second Language (CESL): Provides tutoring and fee-based evening classes in English for academic purposes, pronunciation, and conversation
• Cosmopolitan Speakers Club: A public speaking club for non-native English speakers that offers a supportive space to practice presentations, prepare for interviews, and build confidence speaking in front of a group

At the end of each course, your final grade is based on a rubric outlined in the syllabus. Tests, papers, projects, and participation often contribute to your grade. Extra credit is limited and usually won’t have a major impact on your final grade.

Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated on a 4.0 scale. To maintain academic standing and graduate:

• Undergraduate students must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA (major and cumulative).
• Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
• Professional students' requirements vary by program.

Falling below the required GPA for multiple semesters can affect both your academic eligibility and immigration status.

For detailed information and policies, review Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculation. To estimate your GPA or plan for upcoming semesters, go to GPA Calculators.

The Code of Academic Integrity ensures honesty in all coursework and research. Violations include:

• Cheating: Using unauthorized materials, information, or assistance on an assignment or exam.
• Fabrication: Making up or falsifying data, results, or information, including research findings or citations.
• Facilitating academic dishonesty: Helping another student violate the code, such as sharing answers or allowing someone to copy your work.
• Plagiarism: Using someone else’s words or ideas without proper acknowledgment.

The consequences of academic dishonesty vary depending on the instructor, the nature of the violation, and whether it’s a first or repeated offense. Outcomes can range from a written warning to loss of credit, grade reductions, a notation on your transcript, failing grades, or even suspension, expulsion, or degree revocation.

In serious cases, violations of the Code can also affect your enrollment and immigration status. 

Resources:

• Explore Academic Integrity Resources on the Dean of Students website.
• Learn how to avoid plagiarism on the U of A Libraries website.

AI tools like ChatGPT and other generative platforms can be useful for brainstorming and learning, but they also present new challenges for maintaining authenticity, independent thinking, and authorship.

The University of Arizona does not currently have a university-wide policy on AI use, but individual instructors and some academic programs may set their own guidelines. Here are a few recommendations for navigating this responsibly:

• Ask first. If your instructor hasn’t shared a written policy, confirm whether AI tools are allowed before using them for any assignment.
• Be transparent. Explain how you plan to use AI (for example, for summarizing, outlining, or idea generation). Your instructor may allow some uses but not others.
• Cite appropriately. Follow standard citation and formatting guides (APA, MLA, or Chicago) to properly credit any use of AI tools.

For more information and guidance on using AI responsibly:

• Student Guide to ChatGPT
• Responsible ArtificiaI Intelligence for Students

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a U.S. law that protects the confidentiality of student educational records. Your FERPA rights begin once you register for your first class. Your educational record includes admissions records, biographical information, academic records, university disciplinary records, and financial records. These records cannot be shared with your family or sponsors without your written permission.

Although immigration records in SEVIS are not covered by FERPA, we only share information that is required for immigration compliance.

You can grant access to your UAccess Student Center through a Guest Center Account. Individuals with a guest account can view select information, which may include class schedules, financial aid disbursements, and final class grades. Individuals with guest access can also make payments on your account.

Additionally, you can grant access to any person to view your student records by submitting a Release of Information (FERPA) Authorization. This form allows you to name the individuals, specify the level of access, and determine the length of time for which they will have access.

If you are sponsored by your home government or an outside agency, you must complete the Release of Information e-form in MyGlobal so ISS can share academic records with your sponsor.