Welcome to the General Studies & Exploratory Advising (GSEA) Newsletter. This edition of the periodical newsletter contains:
University Spotlights
🎨 Arts & Humanities: Maximize Your Gen Eds
Not sure which major to choose in arts, communication, or design?
These recommended foundational courses count toward many Humanities (HU) and Creative Arts (CA) degrees. Taking them now will keep your options open and help you stay on track for a variety of Arts & Humanities majors.
Arts & Humanities Course Recommendations:
- Film Studies (CA): Take FILM 2200 (Fundamentals of Film) and THEA 1023 (Introduction to Film). These breadth courses are crucial stepping stones for students interested in visual media analysis and production.
- English (CA/HU): Enroll in an ENGL class that meets either Creative Arts (CA) or Humanities (HU), like ENGL 2200, ENGL 2220, ENGL 2230, or ENGL 2240. These courses fulfill the critical lower-division requirement for majors like English and Creative Writing.
- Communication (HU): Opt for COMM 1020 (Principles of Public Speaking). This is a widely accepted introductory course that builds fundamental skills needed across all Communication, Digital Media, and Professional fields. For a deeper dive, consider COMM 2110 (Interpersonal & Small Group Communication).
- Visual Arts & Design (CA): Start with ART 1110 (Drawing I). It's a foundational studio course required for almost all Visual Arts, Graphic Design, and related majors.
- Digital Media (HU): Make a solid choice with COMM 2250 (Digital Media)
- Music/Performing Arts: Music, theatre-specific scholarships and programs require an entrance audition as part of the application process. To see the requirements for your area of study, visit the School of Performing Arts.
Your specific career goals (such as Public Relations, Professional Editing, or Film Production) may require a specific course sequence or a portfolio review. Consult an Arts & Humanities advisor ASAP to plan your ideal degree path!
Academic Advisors Spotlight
Irma Zavala, College of Arts & Humanities
I love working in the College of Arts & Humanities and connecting with our students. It’s inspiring to hear about the creative projects, stories, and performances they’re bringing to life. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, spending time perfecting my nail art, and expressing myself through music—whether I’m singing or playing guitar. I also enjoy sharing my love of music with my family. I have two kids and they began performing with our family Mariachi, and I can't wait for us to continue on more musical adventures!
Katelyn Cooper, General Studies & Exploratory Advising
I have been working in advising for three years and love getting excited with students about all the amazing programs of study they can choose. I also love helping struggling students feel seen and cared for. I am passionate about communicating complicated topics clearly and being a lifelong learner. In my spare time you can catch me studying history and languages, talking about the benefits of the Oxford Comma, or trying to find the perfect light levels to keep my lemon tree alive.
Registration for Spring 2026
Registration is right around the corner. Here are a few things you might need to know for registration.
Advising Appointments
Advising appointments for registration fill up quickly. If you need help with your registration or making a plan for Spring 2026 make sure to make your appointment as soon as possible to stay ahead of the curve. If you need assistance with your registration after the semester ends, advisors will be available for appointments as late as December 23rd and will return as early as January 2nd.
Registration Dates
Registration opens on different dates for different grade levels. Grade levels are determined by your number of credits.
- Sophomores (30-59 credits): Registration opens Nov. 14th
- Freshman (0-29 credits): Registration opens Nov. 17th
Want to know more about Registration check out the registration page here.
Holds Against Registration
If you attempt to register and you have a hold on your account then registration will be blocked until the hold is removed. There are several types of holds from Financial to Academic. However, many new students can have a NSO hold placed due to New Student Orientation.
If you have never met with an advisor OR attended a Weber Welcome then you could have an NSO hold on your account that prevents you from registering. If this is the case, please make an appointment with an advisor and come learn what you need to know about academic advising to get that hold removed so that you can move forward on your academic journey.
Finishing your Associate's Degree this semester?
Are you getting close to finishing your associate's degree in General Studies? You must apply for graduation in your eWeber portal by Dec. 12th to participate and receive your diploma.
Apply for Graduation by submitting your graduation application. Submit your graduation application for the semester in which all of your program requirements will be complete.
Not sure how close you are? Review your CatTracks degree evaluation with your advisor(s).
Final grades are not submitted until the week after the graduation ceremonies so while you might not be certain, you should still apply for graduation.
Pick Up Your Free Cap & Gown
Grad Finale Ogden
- Nov. 18
- Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Dee Events Center, 4400 Harrison Blvd., Ogden, UT, 84403
You don’t need to bring your Wildcard or prepare at all: just show up and have fun!
Convocation Ceremony
- General Studies
- Dec. 12, 2025
- 4:30 p.m.
- Val A. Browning Center, Austad Auditorium
Convocation is not mandatory, but we encourage students to attend if possible. Guests are welcome to attend.
Campus Events
Important Dates
- Nov 27: Thanksgiving Holiday- No Classes
- Nov 28: Thanksgiving Holiday- No Classes
- Dec 02: Last day to Withdraw (W), declare Credit/No Credit, or Audit for 2nd Block Classes
- Dec 05: Last day of Fall Semester Classes
- Dec 08-11: Final Exams (Note: 2nd Block Classes are held during final exams)
- Dec 12: Graduation/Commencement
- Dec. 24 - Jan. 1st: Campus Closed for Winter Holiday
Check out the Student Involvement and Leadership website, where you can find information about events and clubs all at the same time!
Coming on Campus?
Are you visiting campus for an event or trying to find out where to park for your in person classes? Well, we have parking information for you. If you need to know which lots are which check out the parking maps.
Student Parking
Students can purchase a parking pass to park in the W lots. If you are looking for where to purchase them, check your eWeber portal. In your eWeber portal, you can find the Parking Services app under the Transportation tab on the side bar or you can type parking in the search bar.
Visitor Parking
Parking permits are required on campus for visitors Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Parking Services at 801-626-6533 or parking@weber.edu for questions related to parking.
Event Parking
Event parking can vary by the event. Make sure to check under this tab if there is an upcoming General Studies or Exploratory event for which you might be looking for parking.
* RW parking passes are required for students living in housing who want to have access to W lots.
Helpful Information
Have questions about registration? The Registration website has helpful information and how-to guides covering all your registration-related questions.
Have a Zoom appointment, and are having a hard time getting your student account to work? Check out resources for getting started on Zoom.
Have a Bounce Back academic advisement hold? If it’s your first time with a Bounce Back Hold, complete the Bounce Back Workshop to have it graded and the hold removed. If it’s not your first time with a Bounce Back Hold, make sure to make an appointment with your Advisor to make an academic plan and get the hold removed.