How course registration works 

Registration for your first semester at Whitman is a collaborative process — your advisor does most of your schedule, and you complete your schedule during a self-registration period in early August. 

 

What your advisor handles 

Before Aug. 3, your advisor pre-enrolls you in several required first-year courses based on your survey responses and any incoming AP, IB or transfer credit. You’ll see these appear in MySlice as your partial schedule. 

 

These courses are required and the times cannot be changed: 

FYS 101 (1 credit) – First Year Seminar 
SOM 181 (1 credit) – Foundations of the Future: Business & Technology 
SOM 122 (3 credits) – Perspectives of Business Management 
MAS 261 (3 credits) – Introductory Statistics for Management 
ECN 101 (3 credits) – Introductory Microeconomics 

 

What you add during self-registration (Aug. 3-7) 

During Aug. 3–7, you’ll log in to MySlice and enroll in the remaining courses your advisor recommends — typically 2 courses to complete your schedule. Your advisor will email you a personalized course list before Aug. 3 and we have webinars scheduled to help you prepare. 

 

You will be responsible for registering yourself for:

WRT 105 (3 credits) – Writing Studio I 

and one of the following options: 


PSY 205 (3 credits) – Foundations of Human Behavior 
LPP 255 (3 credits) – Introduction to the Legal System 


Other course(s) in consultation with your academic advisor or required by participation in campus organizations such as: athletics, honors, learning communities or ROTC. 

 

Aim for 17 credits total when you’ve finished adding courses. Fewer than 17 credits can affect your progress toward graduation. 

📌  Athletes, Honors students and most dual-enrolled students are already placed in a full schedule before Aug. 3. If you’d like to make changes, visit advisor drop-ins Aug. 3–7. 

 

Placement Exams 

ESOL Placement Exam 

If English is not your dominant language, you are required to take the ESOL Placement Exam before classes begin. Exam dates are scheduled throughout the summer—registration information is listed here or contact whitmanadvising@syr.edu for details. The next exam dates are: June 4 and June 6, register by June 2. 

 

Math and Foreign Language Placement Exams 

Whitman students are not required to take the math or foreign language placement exams. Students only need to take the foreign language placement exam if they wish to enroll in a foreign language course as an elective. Visit MySlice to take this placement exam if you choose to do so. 

 

AP, IB, CLEP, A-Level and Transfer Credit

Incoming credit can affect which courses your advisor places you in—so it’s important to send everything as early as possible. Here’s what to do by type: 

 

AP Scores 

Send to Syracuse Universtiy for free through June 20 at apstudents.collegeboard.org. See the SU Course Catalog (Section 8.1.3, Table A) for accepted exams and minimum scores. 

 

IB (Higher Level only) 

Contact your Diploma Programme Coordinator before July 5 to request a transcript sent to SU. After July 5, submit through rrs.ibo.org and email to whitmanadvising@syr.edu. Minimum score of 5 required (SU Course Catalog, Table C). 

 

CLEP 

Arrange to have scores sent directly to SU from the credit-issuing institution (SU Course Catalog, Table B). 

 

A-Levels 

Send your official transcript directly from the credit-issuing institution to your advisor’s email address. 

 

College Transfer Credit 

Complete a transfer credit petition form for each course and obtain the original course syllabus. Email both to your advisor—we’ll have the courses evaluated by the relevant Syracuse University department. 


📌  Most Whitman business courses cannot be replaced with transfer credit. Eligible exceptions include Intro to Managerial Accounting, Intro to Financial Accounting and Intro to Business Law. 

 

Checking for holds 

Before registration begins, make sure there are no holds on your MySlice account. Holds will prevent us from enrolling you in courses and can block self-registration. 

 

Log in to MySlice periodically and check your account. If you see a hold, click on it to see which office to contact and how to resolve it. Common holds include health form submissions, immunization records, and financial items. 

 

→  Log in to MySlice at myslice.syr.edu → Student Home 

                   

What is the Goodman IMPRESS Program? 

The Goodman IMPRESS Program is a required part of your Whitman degree—and it starts day one. IMPRESS builds the skills employers care most about: leadership, communication, global awareness, and real-world experience. It runs across all four years and is woven into your Whitman experience from your very first class. 

 

Your IMPRESS House 

All incoming Whitman students are assigned to one of four IMPRESS houses. Houses are not physical buildings or dorms—they’re teams within Whitman. You’ll compete, collaborate, and grow alongside your housemates throughout your time at Whitman. 

 

You’ll receive an email in mid-June letting you know which house you've been assigned to. Watch for that message, it also introduces your house mentor. 

 

House Mentor 

Your SOM 122 instructor also serves as your faculty house mentor—your first faculty relationship at Whitman. They’ll lead your first-year seminar and stay connected to your house throughout the year. 

 

Peer Mentor

Each house has peer mentors—returning Whitman students who’ll reach out to you before or during orientation. They’re a great resource for navigating your first semester, from finding your classes to getting involved.

 

Tracking your IMPRESS points 

Starting in the fall, you’ll earn IMPRESS points by attending events, completing community engagement hours and participating in house activities. Track everything through MyWhitman. 

Log in to MyWhitman at mywhitman.syr.edu (IMPRESS events appear here in the fall) 


Learn more about the Goodman IMPRESS Program

Your systems at a glance 

Here’s every platform you’ll use at Whitman and Syracuse University—bookmark this for your first few weeks on campus. 

 

SYSTEM	WHERE TO FIND IT	WHAT IT DOES
MySlice	myslice.syr.edu	Registration, billing, transcripts, financial aid, holds, Orange Success, Degree Works
DegreeWorks	degreeworks.syr.edu (or via MySlice)	Your degree audit—shows every requirement and tracks progress toward graduation
Orange Success	login via MySlice or Blackboard	Schedule advising appointments; view professor alerts and academic flags
Blackboard	blackboard.syr.edu	Course materials, assignments, grades, Zoom links—check before classes begin
MyWhitman	mywhitman.syr.edu	IMPRESS events, points tracking and community engagement hours
Handshake	syr.joinhandshake.com	Internships, jobs and career advisor appointments
Orange Safe	Free app in Google Play Store and Apple App Store	Campus safety: emergency alerts, DPS contact and safety escort shuttle (8 p.m.–6 a.m. nightly)
Zoom (Syracuse University)	zoom.syr.edu	Online advising—log in with SU credentials before arriving

 

Excel Certification — SOM 181 Requirement 

Passing the Microsoft Excel Specialist Exam is a required component of SOM 181. You can start preparing right now, the Whitman Excel Course is already available to you on Blackboard before classes begin. 

 

Log in to Blackboard at blackboard.syr.edu and find the Excel Program course for step-by-step preparation instructions and exam scheduling details. 


📌  If you require testing accommodations, review the ADA section on Blackboard and register with the Center for Disability Resources before scheduling your exam. 

 

Computer & Technology Recommendations 

For computer recommendations and technology buying advice, visit the Whitman Technology Recommendations page. If ordering a recommended laptop for home delivery, the deadline for delivery to your home address is July 1—after that, you can ship to your campus residence (notify wsmhelp@syr.edu in advance). 



→  Technology recommendations


→  Questions? Contact the Whitman Service Desk at wsmhelp@syr.edu 

      

Getting to know campus before you arrive 

The Whitman School of Management (SOM) is at 721 University Avenue—your home base for four years. All main campus buildings are within a 10-minute walk of each other, so back-to-back classes are very manageable. 


→  Interactive campus map


→ ’Cuse Trolley and Centro bus routes (fall schedules posted in August) 

 

Key places to know

Barnes Center at The Arch 
Health, wellness and recreation—counseling, health care, fitness and more. One of the most-used buildings on campus. Visit barnesatthearch.syr.edu or go to experience.syracuse.edu/bewell. 

 

Schine Student Center 
The hub of student life: dining, events, lounges, the campus store and more. A great place to study between classes. 

 

Download Orange Now before you arrive 

The official Syracuse University app helps you stay ahead of your day. Whether you’re navigating your class schedule, catching up on campus news, finding dining options, or checking real-time bus arrivals, OrangeNow has you covered. 

 

Orientation & Move-In 

Orientation and Move-In Dates

Required Tasks for New Students

Housing Information

Syracuse University Welcome Schedule

 

Key Syracuse University Offices 

Center for Disability Resources (register early if you need academic accommodations) 

Financial Aid Office

Barnes Center (health & counseling)

Office of the Registrar

Department of Public Safety

Credit: The unit of credit at Syracuse University is the semester hour. Each semester hour represents one class period of 50 minutes per week for 15 weeks, or the equivalent. The 15-week period includes final examinations.  Laboratory or field courses require a minimum of two or three class periods a week for each credit hour. Faculty are expected to assign students at least 100 minutes of work outside of class time per week for each credit hour and 150 minutes of time per week over a 15-week semester for lab or studio time. 

15 to Finish: Many students believe taking a lighter course load makes for an easier path to academic success. It’s true that 12 credit hours per semester is the minimum to maintain full-time student status, but having even one semester of only 12 credits could delay your ability to graduate in four years. Registering for at least 15 credit hours keeps you on track for graduation and beyond. Distributing your credits equally across all semesters means you’re less likely to carry an overwhelming course load your junior and senior years. Taking at least 15 credits each semester gives you more flexibility to take electives, study abroad, absorb unexpected disruptions or add a minor. It also affords you time to pursue internships and career opportunities. 

Bachelor’s Degree (BS vs BA): A four-year degree completed at a college or university. A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree requires a greater number of arts & sciences than a Bachelor of Science (BS), while a BS requires more quantitative coursework. Your Whitman degree is a BS degree. 

Major: Your academic focus within Whitman. All students come into Whitman with an undeclared, intended major. Students officially declare their major(s) in their second year after completing some of their Whitman core classes. Students may declare more than one major in Whitman or they may declare a second major in the College of Arts & Sciences. 

Dual Program vs. Double Major: A dual degree program is a program that is offered jointly by two colleges, such as between Whitman and Newhouse. Students must complete the program requirements for each college, which means taking more credits than a singly enrolled Whitman student. A double major is a second major within the same program, for example Marketing and Management, or a Whitman major plus a second major in the College of Arts & Sciences or Maxwell. Double majors typically yield one extra course and can be easily achieved with careful planning.  

Minor: A secondary focus meant to add to the value of the student’s major. Students can pursue minors outside of Whitman only. Minors are typically 18-credits and consist of lower- and upper-level coursework. Sometimes courses can double count for other degree requirements, such as arts & sciences electives or free electives. 

Arts & Sciences: Students are required to complete a set number of general arts & sciences classes as part of their degree program. This number is based on New York State requirements and cannot be changed. If desired, students can pursue a second major or a minor in Arts & Sciences to help fulfill these credits.   

Free Electives: Any course(s) taken that do not fulfill a business or arts & sciences requirement. Single major students are required to complete 12 credits of free electives, and these courses can be taken from any school or college, such as the iSchool, Newhouse, or Falk. 

Pre- and Co-Requisites: Requirements that must be met to enroll in a class. For example, MAS 261 is a pre-requisite for BUA 345, meaning it must be completed before a student can enroll in BUA 345. BUA 345 is co-requisite for MAR 356, meaning it must be taken at the same time as or before MAR 356. 

Transcript: Document that lists all classes students have taken at college and their grades, as well as external credit transferred in. Transcripts are maintained and produced by the Registrar’s Office. Unofficial transcripts can be found on MySlice. 

Syllabus: A document with the professor’s contact information, office hours, and a list of topics and assignments for each week of the term. Every syllabus also details our Academic Integrity policy, which students should familiarize themselves with each semester.  

Add/Drop: Period during which students can add and drop courses without penalty. The “add” deadline is the second week of classes, while the “drop” deadline is the fourth week of classes. Students who drop a class before the drop deadline will not be charged for that class. Students may not drop below full-time status without permission. Students should always speak with an advisor before making any adjustments to their schedule.  

Withdrawal: After the academic drop deadline, and until the withdrawal deadline for the term, a student may withdraw from a course and have a grading symbol of WD recorded on his/her transcript. A WD does not impact GPA. 

Grade point average (GPA): Represents the average of a student’s final grades in all their courses. It’s calculated by adding the final grades divided by the number of credit hours. Whitman students must maintain a 2.0 GPA to remain in good standing and avoid being placed on probation. A GPA below 1.0 puts a student at risk for suspension.  

Probation: Students who earn less than a 2.0 semester or cumulative GPA are at risk of being placed on academic probation. All students on academic probation will receive an academic recovery plan and work with an advisor on a regularly scheduled basis to assist in getting back on track. If students do not successfully complete the subsequent semester, they will be at risk for suspension.  

Suspension: Students who earn less than 1.0 in a semester or cumulative GPA are at risk of being suspended from Whitman for a period of one semester. Students can also be suspended for academic integrity violations, as well as student conduct violations. Students will be eligible to return from suspension after completing the necessary requirements as stipulated in their suspension notification. 

Expulsion: A student who is expelled from Syracuse University is not eligible to return. Students can be expelled for academic, conduct, and disciplinary reasons.