Navigating Your Academic Journey: A Guide to Franklin University's Academic Calendar and Registration Processes
Embarking on a transformative educational journey requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of the academic calendar and registration processes. This guide provides essential information for students at Franklin University, focusing on key dates, registration procedures, and important policies.
Planning and Scheduling Your Courses
Successful academic planning begins with familiarizing yourself with the resources available to help you choose and schedule your courses effectively.
Self-Registration Through Student Planning
Franklin University offers a self-registration option through Student Planning, accessible until five days before the start of a course. This empowers students to take control of their academic schedules.
How to Plan Your Courses
- Review Remaining Courses: Utilize the "My Progress" section of Student Planning in Self-Service to identify outstanding course requirements.
- Show Details: Click "Show Details" to gain a comprehensive understanding of each remaining requirement.
- Course Exploration: Click on a course to access its description and available offerings.
- Filter by Term: Narrow down your search by filtering offerings for the specific registration period.
- View Available Sections: Click on "View Available Sections" to see the different sections offered for your chosen course.
- Add Section to Schedule: Select your preferred section by clicking "Add Section to Schedule."
- Repeat: Continue these steps until you have added all desired courses for the term.
Scheduling Your Courses
- Access Plan & Schedule: Navigate to the "Plan & Schedule" section (Plan your Degree & Register for Courses) in Student Planning.
- Term Selection: The screen defaults to the current term. Use the arrow to select the upcoming term.
- Review Planned Courses: Carefully examine your planned courses for the selected term.
- Register Now: Click the blue "Register Now" button to register for all planned courses simultaneously.
Assistance with Student Planning
If you require assistance navigating Student Planning, Franklin University offers helpful resources, including tutorials and workshops. For personalized guidance, contact your academic advisor.
Registering for Courses
Once you have planned your courses, the next step is to officially register for them.
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Registering Already Planned Courses
- Access Plan & Schedule: Go to the "Plan & Schedule" section of Student Planning in Self-Service.
- Term Selection: Select the upcoming term using the arrow.
- Review Planned Courses: Review the courses you have already planned.
- Section Selection: If a course requires section selection, click "View other sections." Registration is not possible without a selected section.
- Add Section: Choose your desired section, review the "section details" pop-up, and click "Add Section."
- Finalize Registration: Click "Register" to register for the selected course or "Register Now" to register for all planned courses.
Important: Remember that planning courses does not automatically register you. You must complete the registration process once the registration period opens.
Seeking Registration Assistance
For help with registering already planned courses, consult the available tutorials or contact your academic advisor.
Academic Advising and Financial Considerations
Proactive engagement with academic advisors and careful management of finances are crucial for a smooth academic journey.
Setting Up an Academic Advising Appointment
Schedule a registration appointment with your academic advisor. Be aware that advisor calendars tend to fill up quickly during peak advising periods, so plan accordingly.
Financial Aid and Costs
- Review Financial Aid: Check your financial aid status in the Financial Aid section of Self-Service.
- FAFSA Filing: If you intend to use financial aid in Spring 2026, ensure you have filed your 2025-2026 FAFSA.
- Review Current Costs: Examine your current costs in Student Finance. Students with outstanding financial balances are ineligible to register for future term courses.
- Balance Resolution: If you have a balance, make a full payment or establish a payment plan. Payment plans must be fully paid by the start of the upcoming term.
Financial Services Resources
Visit the Financial Services page for comprehensive information on payment options, financial aid, tuition deferment, refunds, and scholarships.
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Taking a Break and Cross-Registration
Franklin University understands that students may sometimes need to take a break from their studies. It also offers opportunities for cross-registration with other institutions.
Taking a Break from Courses
While maintaining momentum is beneficial for degree completion, circumstances may necessitate a break from Franklin courses. Be aware that taking a break can impact your graduation timeline and financial aid eligibility. If you plan to take courses at a community college or need a trimester off, inform your academic advisor.
Cross-Registration with HECC Institutions
Franklin University participates in a cross-registration system with other colleges and universities in the Higher Education Council of Columbus (HECC). This allows full-time Franklin University students to enroll in enrichment classes at other HECC institutions.
Key Points for Cross-Registration:
- Students register, pay tuition, and receive grades at Franklin University.
- Undergraduate students must have earned at least 24 credit hours at Franklin University with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.
- Course selection is limited to one course per trimester, with a lifetime limit of three courses.
- Students cannot cross-register for courses available at Franklin University.
Course Withdrawal Policies
Understanding the policies regarding course withdrawal is essential for managing your academic record and potential financial implications.
Withdrawal Procedures
Students wishing to withdraw from a course can do so through their personalized Web page (my.franklin.edu) or by submitting an Add/Drop Form.
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- Withdrawal After the First Week: A withdrawal after the first week of class results in a "W" grade on the academic record, which does not affect the GPA.
- Tuition Charges and Refunds: Tuition charges and/or refunds are determined by the date the Add/Drop Form is submitted.
Faculty-Initiated Withdrawal
Based on evidence of excessive absence, non-participation, or missed exams as defined in the course syllabus, a faculty member may initiate a student’s withdrawal through the Registrar’s Office. The Financial Aid Office may also request a withdrawal for non-attendance or non-participation.
Financial Aid Implications of Withdrawal
Students receiving financial aid may experience a reduction or loss of assistance if they stop attending, stop participating, or withdraw from one or more courses. Any resulting over-award must be repaid before further financial aid can be received.
Voluntary Withdrawal from the University
Students voluntarily withdrawing from all active courses must complete the online “Withdrawal from All Active Courses” form. A University representative will contact the student to confirm their intention, verify their understanding of potential consequences, and ensure the University has provided adequate support. Students who cannot be reached will be administratively withdrawn. The withdrawal date is the date the online form is submitted.
Withdrawing from Some, But Not All, Courses
Students withdrawing from some, but not all, active courses can do so through the Student Planning tool in Self Service or by submitting an Add/Drop form. Students receiving financial aid should consult with the Financial Aid Office before dropping courses, as this may impact their financial assistance.
Important Considerations Regarding Withdrawal
- Non-attendance is not considered a formal withdrawal from the University.
- Grade designation is determined by the policies in effect at the time of withdrawal.
- Students who withdraw from courses may be entitled to a tuition refund.
Auditing Courses
Franklin University allows students to audit courses, but it's important to understand the requirements and implications.
Auditing Requirements
No credit is given for audited courses. Auditors must complete all the work required of students enrolled for credit, except for taking examinations.
Fees and Tuition for Auditing
Fees and tuition for auditing are the same as those charged for courses taken for credit.
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