Understanding the College Catalog
The college catalog is the student's handbook. The catalog may contain current and historical information about the college or university (how or why it was founded, who founded it, how it was funded, and related information). It also contains general information about the college or university (accreditation, professional affilliation, and related information) and the rules that affect all students (academic policies, financial aid policies, degree requirements,and related information). Some colleges or universities have only one catalog; others will have a separate catalog for undergraduates, graduates, and professional students.
The catalog also contains information on the application and admissions process, transferability of credit, tuition and fee charges, student services (financial aid, housing, health-services), and academic policies (academic progress requirements, procedures for applying to a major and procedures for applying for graduation).
Your college catalog will have sections on the various degrees offered (certificates, associate, baccalaureate, master's, doctoral and professional), the academic departments, the various majors by department, course requirements for particular majors, and course descriptions (courses offered for a particular semester are listed in a separate document, usually titled "Course Schedule"). Many catalogs will also include a section on the faculty, with short descriptions of their backgrounds. At most colleges and universities, the information provided in the catalog is the "document of authority" for all students. This means that although your academic department or unit may issue additional or more specific information, the policies and procedures listed in the catalog generally are the final rules for the student.
Many colleges and universities update their catalog every two years or so. The catalog that affects your degree plan is the catalog that was in place when you enrolled at the college or university. Most colleges or universities reserve the right to make changes in the requirements published in the catalog. Because the college or university can make changes, especially in course requirements, it's always a good idea to make contact with your academic counselor or advisor on a regularly.
Most colleges will mail a copy of the college catalog to newly admitted students. Sometimes students have to pay a small fee for this service. If your college has not mailed a copy to you, you may be able to access the catalog online by visiting the college's or university's website.You may also be able to obtain a printed copy from the admissions office, the registrar's office, or from the bookstore.
