Undergraduate Frequently Asked Questions

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Getting Into Classes

"I don't have enough classes for the quarter. What do I do?"

Please refer to the list of courses being offered, also available to students on the department listserve or in hard copy at the Feminist Studies office. These are the known courses offered in our department and other departments that apply to the major or minors. Other courses may apply by petition only.

"I can't get into the courses I want because they are closed or full."

You have two options--(a) Register for ANY courses on campus that are open so that you can maintain full-time student status OR (b) Check the online wait list system <http://registrar.sa.ucsb.edu/waitlist.aspx> and add yourself to wait lists; if there is no wait list you may contact the advisor in that department or the instructor to find out their policy on crashing and wait lists. If you need assistance getting into a major or minor required course, contact the Undergraduate Advisor for help.

"How do I get an add code for __________ course?"

Generally speaking, the instructors and/or TAs of the courses have add codes and only they can administer them at the start of the quarter, and will do so for waitlisted students. Please wait until the course begins, attend it, and then email the professor and/or TA of the course you intend to add. Be sure you are on the waitlist.

"I don't like the days and times of these courses."

If you don't have at least 12.0 units you can't be picky about days and times.

What is the Procedure for Declaring the Major or Minor?

"When should I declare the major?”

We do not have a pre-major--Areas A, B, and C of the lower division are preparatory courses, but they may be completed at any time. A student should declare the major as soon as they are interested. Joining the major gives students access to courses through GOLD that are restricted for majors only, gives priority to students on waitlists and to do honors courses. Students in the major will receive  messages from the listserve about department and campus events and opportunities. Make an appointment with the Undergraduate Advisor to complete the paperwork.

"When should I declare the minor?”

The department encourages all students who are interested in the minor(s) to declare as soon as possible. Adding the minor gives students access to courses through GOLD that are usually restricted for majors only, gives priority to students on waitlists and to do honors courses. Students in the minor will receive messages from the listserve about department and campus events and opportunities. Make an appointment with the Undergraduate Advisor for assistance.

Petitions, Exceptions, and Forms

"I found this course in __________ department and it seems like it could apply toward the major or minor(s). Can I petition to have it count?"

Make an appointment with the Undergraduate Advisor and be prepared to provide justification for your petition, such as a syllabus or a paper. If the documentation is from an EAP course and not in English, please translate the relevant segments.

"I need _______ petition signed."

Be sure that you have filled the form out properly, including your phone number and u-mail address. Email it to the Undergraduate Advisor for initial processing.

“I am doing an independent study, how do I get an add code?”

Ask your instructor if you need to fill out a Proposal for Individual Study—available from them. The instructor will let our Undergrad Advisor know when to email an add code to you.

Senior Concerns

"I am a graduating senior and I need ___________ course to graduate with a Feminist Studies major/minor or LGBTQ minor."

Upper div requirements:

Feminist Studies majors must complete a 3-course series 180, 181, and 182 OR 183 (183 is a new course).
Feminist Studies minors must complete 180 and 181.
LGBTQ Studies minors must complete 80 and 162.

All other areas of the major and minors have two or more options to fulfill the requirement. If you need assistance, contact the Undergraduate Advisor.

"How do I sign up to graduate?"

Please review the information here https://www.ucsb.edu/commencement/resources.

“Does Feminist Studies still do special stoles?”

Feminist Studies may offer stoles to graduating majors, minors, and graduate students, however, not until 2023.

"What can I do with a Feminist Studies Degree?"

See this chart for the many opportunities that you can explore with a Feminist Studies degree.