Summer Orientation

A Messina advisor's initial contact with the incoming class occurs during summer orientation. The orientation advising meeting provides an opportunity for new students to meet and be welcomed by Loyola faculty as they learn about the Loyola curriculum and register for fall courses.

The Academic Advising and Support Center will pre-register incoming first-year students for some of their first semester courses, including a Messina course, any introductory courses for the intended major (if given) and at least one humanities course.  In late June/early July, Messina advisors will meet virtually with their students to help them complete their fall schedules, answer any questions they may have about the core curriculum or academics, and welcome them to Loyola.

Preparation for the Academic Advising Meeting

Know the core curriculum

As a Messina advisor, you will be the first member of the Loyola community to introduce students to the core curriculum, both in its philosophy and its practical function. We encourage you to review the core curriculum presentation to familiarize yourself with the core and understand how it fits into an overall program of study. For a quick reference, you may view the list of core requirements. It is also helpful to show students how core requirements are fulfilled by courses that vary according to major.

Check math and language placement scores

Prior to orientation, students should have completed math and language placement testing following the directions on the AASC website. Students may only register for a math or language course at the level dictated by their placement test scores. Schedule changes can be made prior to the start of the semester if retesting determines a higher placement level. Retesting may be done following the same directions they used for the initial test.

To determine which courses a student tested into, you may view these charts for math placement scores and language placement scores.

Registration During Summer Orientation

Advisors will help students select courses for their fall schedule.  The advising charts are invaluable to help the advisor and student as they make decisions. Advisors “advise” but do not make decisions for their students. Students should be encouraged to take responsibility for their curricular choices from the beginning of their academic career at Loyola. 

• Pre-Registered Courses: The Academic Advising and Support Center will pre-register half of the incoming class for WR 100 (Effective Writing) and/or one course from Philosophy, History, Theology, or English.  Other pre-registered courses may include Messina, Honors, or major courses required in the first semester.
• Loyola awards credit for AP, IB, and college courses taken in high school if they meet the standards and requirements set by the University and its academic departments. In order to qualify for credit, students must have official scores and transcripts sent to Loyola.
  • Loyola will not have received official AP score reports or documentation prior to summer orientation, but if a student knows their exam results, you may use the AP Score Chart as a planning tool. Once the scores are received and evaluated by the University, the student will receive written notification of credit awarded or denied, and they may contact the Academic Advising and Support Center to make any necessary schedule changes at that time.