1. Academic Life at Murray State University
Dr. Renae Duncan, Interim Provost
Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies

2. What is University Studies?
A broad-based liberal arts and sciences education that provides a foundation for your academic specialty. 
Or search “University Studies” on the MSU Website

3. University Studies Thematic Areas
Oral and Written Communication
Scientific Inquiry, Methodologies, and Quantitative Skills
World's Historical, Literary, and Philosophical Traditions
Global Awareness, Cultural Diversity, and the World's Artistic Traditions
Social and Self-Awareness and Responsible Citizenship

4. Academic Life at Murray State University
Dr. Barbara Cobb, Coordinator of Academic Advising
Coordinator of the Liberal Arts (Multidisciplinary) Major

5. Bachelor Degrees
B.A. Bachelor of Arts
B.S. Bachelor of Science
B.A.B. Bachelor of Arts in Business
B.S.B. Bachelor of Science in Business
B.F.A. Bachelor of Fine Arts
B.M. Bachelor of Music
Every degree has its own set of University Studies requirements; your advisor will know which courses you need.

6. msu.advising@murraystate.edu www.murraystate.edu/advising
Area Major/Minor
University Studies
Courses Required for the Area
Core Courses
Required Courses
Tracks
Co-Requirements
Limited Electives
Unrestricted Electives
University Studies
Courses required for the Major
Core Courses
Required Courses
Tracks
Co-Requirements
Courses required for the Minor
Limited Electives
Unrestricted Electives

7. All New Students:
ENG 105
COM 161
Lab Science
Mathematics
Other University
Studies Courses
ENG 105 may NOT be a first-semester course in your program. Some programs prefer students to take this course in the spring.
Your ADVISOR will know which courses are right for you and your program.

8. Foreign Language On the Summer O website, click the Testing tab
Placement Tests available for
Chinese
French
German
Japanese
Spanish
IF you have two years of college-level study in a language other than these five, contact the Admissions Office or Transfer Center for more information.

9. Honors College Inform your Academic Advisor
that you are in the Honors College
as soon as you arrive for advising.
ENG 150 (fall only) or Honors Seminars
University Studies Science with Lab
University Studies Mathematics
Modern Language
All Honors College students MUST take at least one Honors Seminar per semester until the Honors Sequence is completed.

10. Test Scores and Placement
Placement scores are with you and on record with your Advisor.
You will be advised based on the scores that are available today.
Your Advisor will direct you to the courses you need to succeed/progress
Challenge Testing available
see Summer O website, Testing link

11. RACR Racer Academic Completion Report
Find your RACR on myGate Academics Tab
100T

12. Tracks Your Academic Progress
RACR
Tracks Your Academic Progress
100T

13. Registering for Classes
Go to myGate Academics
Click Add or Drop Classes
Complete verification information (if needed)
If you are given CRN#s, enter them in the boxes
OR click Class Search and find open sections
Use RACR to identify classes you need
RACR What-If allows you to view different area/major/minor. For tutorial see

14. Register for an average of 15 credit hours per semester
Register for an average of 15 credit hours per semester
Most students may register for up to 19 hours
MINIMUM is 12 hours/semester for full-time status (12 hours/semester will not get you to graduation in 4 years)
Your advisor will have a PLAN.

15. Academic Advising Website
Virtual Center for Advising Information Who to Contact Your Advisor Your Responsibilities Important Dates Forms Bulletins How to Read a RACR Registration 101 Tutoring Counseling How to Get Help Education Abroad Quick Links

16. Everyone is here to help
Advising: who can help?
Academic Advisor myGate Academics tab
Department Chair or Program Coordinator ⌕ search by department or program
Dean ⌕ search by college/school
Provost’s Office ⌕ search Provost
Be sure to get contact information from your Academic Advisor today
Everyone is here to help

17. Dunker’s Academic Life Top 5 List:
1) Make sure scores, placements, course credit, transcripts, are submitted and on RACR 2) Follow your Academic Advisor’s advice 3) Make sure that you have advising contact information and use it to get help and answer questions 4) Use your Murray State 5) Use your RACR

18. This Summer O Academic Life presentation is available at www
This Summer O Academic Life presentation is available at
Dr. Renae Duncan, Interim Provost
Dr. Barbara Cobb, Coordinator of Academic Advising