New Student Advising

    Online Tutorial

    (Available April 1, 2012)

    Once you have signed up for New Student Advising, you will receive an email confirmation that includes
    • The location and time of your event
    • A checklist for next steps

    Why is the Online Tutorial important?

    By completing the assignments in this web-based module, you will learn the basic information you will need during the next four to five years as an SPU student. Be sure to complete the assignments before attending your New Student Advising event! Otherwise, your registration will be delayed, and your first-choice classes may close before you sign up.

    From the time you register for an event, it may take several days to receive your confirmation letter and to be “enrolled” in the Blackboard Online Learning System, through which you will complete the tutorial.

    How long should I set aside to take the Online Tutorial?

    Allow 60 minutes to complete the tutorial information in this course, and one additional hour for each placement test that you take.

    Online Tutorial Due Date

    As a newly admitted student planning to attend a New Student Advising event, you should complete the tutorial according to the schedule posted in Blackboard (usually at least two weeks before the event).

    Contact Student Academic Services (SAS) at 206-281-2575 or nsa@spu.edu if you have questions or experience complications.

    Online Tests

    There are online tests that you MAY need to take prior to coming to your new student advising event. The tests must be completed 10 days before coming to the event. Online tests are available at learn.spu.edu.

    Do you need to take the online Foreign Language Placement test?

    You will need to take the Foreign Language Placement test if you have completed some foreign language classes in high school, but did NOT complete three years of the same foreign language, with a minimum average of "C" in your final year. You will not need to take a foreign language placement test if you completed college-level coursework in foreign language instruction. Your previous coursework will tell us your placement in these classes.

    Who should take the online Chemistry Placement test?

    You will need to take this placement test if you intend to take CHM 1100: Introduction to Chemistry or CHM 1211: General Chemistry 1 during your first quarter of study. You will not be allowed to register for CHM 1100 or 1211 without successful completion of this test.

    Students interested in the following majors should take the test:

    • Biochemistry
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Electrical engineering and applied engineering
    • Exercise science
    • Nursing
    • Nutrition/dietetics
    • Physics
    • Premed
    • B.S. in psychology (not required for the B.A. in psychology)
    • Integrated Studies: Natural Sciences Concentration

    Do you need to take the online Calculus Placement test?

    You will need to take the Calculus Placement test if you plan to take Calculus I anytime in your first year at SPU.

    Calculus I (MAT 1234) is required for students who intend to pursue these study areas:
    • Biochemistry
    • Biology (B.S. I, III)
    • Chemistry
    • Computer science (B.S.)
    • Electrical engineering and applied engineering
    • Mathematics
    • Premed
    • Physics