AdvisingFrequently Asked Questions
(The information contained on this page pertains to undergraduate students in traditional programs. This information does not apply to students in the Division of Extended Learning.)

What is my class level?
When determining class levels please note that it is the amount of credits you have completed prior to that semester.  Your class level does not include the credits you are currently taking, or are scheduled to take.  Please refer to the table below:

Freshmen – Students who have met all admission requirements and who have completed fewer than 24 semester credits of University work.
Sophomores – Students who, at the beginning of any semester, have completed at least 24 but fewer than 54 semester credits of University work.
Juniors – Students, who at the beginning of any semester, have completed at least 54 but fewer than 84 semester credits of University work.
Seniors – Students who, at the beginning of any semester, have completed at least 84 semester credits of University work.

How many credits do I need to take to be considered a full time student?
12 or more credit hours in a semester is full time status.

How many credits do I need to take to be considered a part-time student?
A credit load of less than 12 credits per semester is considered part-time.

What is a typical credit load?
12-18 credit hours during the fall/spring semester is considered typical.  Students may take no more than 2 classes, or 8 credit hours during a single summer session.  If you would like to take more you would need written approval from the dean.

What is the maximum number of credits I can transfer in from another school?
We can accept up to 75 credits as long as they apply to your chosen concentration and you received a grade of at least a “C”.  Only credits from accredited Colleges and Universities, or other approved sources can be accepted.

How do I contact the Academic Advising Center (AAC)?
The AAC is located on the Northeast Philadelphia campus in Holy Family Hall Room 215.  The office phone number is 267-341-3221; the fax number is 215-827-0177.

What are the office hours for the Academic Advising Center?

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in to the AAC?
You do not need an appointment; however it is strongly advised that you schedule an appointment in advance so that we may fully prepare a meaningful advising experience for you.

What do I do if I would like to change my major?
Contact the Academic Advising Center to setup an appointment.  Our number is 267-341-3221.

What do I do if I would like to declare a minor?
Paperwork to declare a minor begins in the Dean’s office in which the minor is housed.  (Example: To declare a minor in Psychology you would need to go to office of the Dean for the School of Arts and Sciences)

What do I need to do prior to graduating?
Contact the Academic Advising Center (AAC) to set up an exit interview in the semester prior to your expected graduation. During your exit interview you will complete the Petition for Degree form. No student can graduate without going through the exit interview process. To schedule an Exit Interview sign up in the Academic Advising Center, Room 215 Holy Family Hall, or call 267-341-3221 to schedule an appointment.

 If your final semester is:
Any summer session: Exit interview must be completed in the AAC by April 30th.
Fall: Exit interview must be completed in the AAC by April 30th.
Spring: Exit interview must be completed in the AAC by October 31.

What is academic warning and probation?
 A student whose term GPA falls below the required 2.0 is issued an academic warning.  When a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 they are placed on academic probation.  Students must raise their cumulative GPA to a 2.0 or better within the equivalent of two full semesters, or face dismissal.  Also, students on academic probation can only change their concentration to undecided.  Students are not permitted to change their concentration to another concentration while on academic probation.

Do I need to take a foreign language?
Yes, Holy Family requires two semesters of the same foreign language regardless of concentration as part of the core curriculum.  Placement is determined upon entrance into Holy Family, and is based upon past experience within the language. Students that are placed into an Intermediate or Advanced levels cannot take an introductory level of the same language. (Example Students placed into Spanish 103, or 201 cannot take Spanish 101, but may take 101 of a different language). 

When can I register?
There are certain windows of time in which students can register for the upcoming semester based on class level.  For a schedule of registration dates please click here.

How do I make a change (Drop/Add) to my schedule before classes begin?
Students may add courses anytime between registration and the first week of classes on a space available basis. Check the academic calendar each semester for the date that the drop/add period ends. Students may drop courses as listed on the academic calendar.

Once online registration closes, fill out a Drop/Add Form, available at the Registrar's office. Discuss the change with your advisor and get your advisor's signature on it. Return the form to the Registrar's office for processing.
Remember to register for only those courses for which you have been advised and approved to avoid delays in progress or graduation.

How do I change my Concentration?
First, discuss it with your advisor, who can inform you of the impact of a change in concentration on your course planning. Then review the requirements for acceptance into the concentration you are interested in and check to be sure you are qualified.  Be aware that changing concentration can result in the need for additional time to complete your studies, as you may need to catch up on program requirements.

Why do I have to take a placement test?
Holy Family University uses the Accuplacer placement test to determine the appropriate placements for incoming first year students for their English and Mathematics courses.

What do my Accuplacer results mean?
To find out what your scores mean, click here.



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