What’s the best way to prepare for college as a homeschool student?
Homeschool parents and students can check out our “College Preparation Checklist” for recommendations.
How is academic advising handled?
In August, prior to arrival on campus for the fall semester, new students are assigned to academic faculty advisors in their chosen field of study. Students may view advisor assignments via TOWER using the Taylor portal. Students are encouraged to attend departmental information meetings during Welcome Weekend where (1) they are introduced to departmental faculty and staff; (2) information is shared about academic programs within the department; and (3) curriculum requirements are described for each academic program. In the fall, students will assume the primary responsibility for meeting with their academic advisors to develop and schedule their semester-by-semester courses needed to graduate within their chosen majors. For any advising questions, contact the Academic Advising office at trhartman@taylor.edu or 765-998-4746.
What is proficiency testing?
Students who need to take proficiency tests will receive a letter in the mail.
Can students test out of certain classes or bring credits with them from high school?
Some credits can be transferred to Taylor. For instance, students can use this list to learn which AP or CLEP credits they can use at Taylor.
How does a student view or change their course schedule?
Course schedules are sent to students’ personal email addresses in June. They can also be viewed after that time on the My Taylor portal by selecting the Degree Audit button. To change a course schedule, students should contact registrar@taylor.edu.
Can students get assistance with their academics on campus? Like tutoring?
Located in the library, the Academic Enrichment Center (AEC) offers tutoring and hosts a writing center. Students who have previously had individualized educational programs (IEPs) or who experience a learning disability will benefit from connecting with the helpful staff at the AEC.
What about foreign language classes and placement?
Placement into foreign language classes is based on the following criteria:
Language taken in High School Language course placement
- One full year high school Spanish SPA 101
- Two full years high school Spanish SPA 102
- Three full years high school French or Spanish FRE 201 or SPA 201
- Four full years high school French or Spanish FRE 202 or SPA 202
Students can also try to test out of language classes. See the CLEP or AP exam handouts in the orientation folder.
Students may also test into higher language classes through the Spanish and French Placement Exams.
Students who are proficient in languages other than Spanish and French may not be required to take language courses at Taylor. Contact Cindi Carder (jccarder@taylor.edu) for more information.
What is J-term? Do most students participate?
Interterm (called J-Term) is between the fall and spring semesters during the month of January. Students who have registered and paid the full-time tuition fee for either fall or spring semester may take up to four credit hours during Interterm at no additional tuition charge. Registering for more than four credit hours during Interterm will incur an additional charge
Interterm is not mandatory but is highly recommended. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors have the opportunity to apply for a Lighthouse missions trip or other abroad experiences for Interterm as well.
How do students get textbooks or course materials lists?
The Campus Store is called The Bishop's Nook, and is located on the corner of Reade Ave and 2nd St. All textbooks are available there. You can reserve your books online. All students are automatically enrolled in Slingshot, formerly known as Textbook Butler.
Free to use, Slingshot fulfills book and course material shopping lists for students, delivering all the materials to the student’s residence hall before the semester begins. Slingshot simply charges the cost of books and materials to each student account. Preferences regarding new, used, or digital textbooks can be made in the Slingshot portal. Students who wish to order books individually should opt of Slingshot. Another option for finding your books is to buy them from students on campus. Students sell their books by posting signs in the residence hall or around campus or join the “Groups at Taylor” Facebook page where you can join and search on the “Free and For Sale” or the “Textbook Exchange” groups.
What about behavioral standards?
All students (single and married) are responsible for implementing the relational and behavioral expectations listed in the Life Together Covenant when the University is in session (beginning of first semester through the end of second semester and/or summer sessions), when they are part of a university program, and/or when they are living in Universityapproved housing. For additional information regarding behavioral and other university policies, see the Student Handbook.
