Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I received my letter of acceptance, but don’t know what to do next. What courses should I take first? How do I register?
A: Use the Degree Check forms found in the Department of Literacy Education Advisement Manual to identify what courses you need to take. If you have questions, contact your advisor whose name appears on your acceptance letter. Most students register through their Banner Web account within a specified timeframe. Check your account or contact the Registrar’s Office for additional information. It is also recommended that you obtain copies of both the Graduate Catalog and the Department of Literacy Education’s Advisement Manual.

Q: What is Banner Web?
A: Banner Web is a student service unique to SUNY Cortland that allows students to access academic, financial, and residential information via the internet at: https://bannerweb.cortland.edu/pls/prod/twbkwbis.P_WWWLogin. It is recommended that students periodically check their account for special announcements and other important information.

Q: Who is my advisor?
A: The name and contact information of your advisor is found on your Banner Web account and on your acceptance letter.

Q: I keep hearing terms that I am unfamiliar with, like candidacy, matriculation, and culminating activity. How can I find out more?
A: Consult the Department of Literacy Education’s Advisement Manual for detailed descriptions of important terms and key concepts.

Q: What if I decide to change my program?
A: A Change of Status form would need to be filed and the application process for the new major completed.

Q: What happens if I receive an “incomplete” in a class?
A: Should you receive an incomplete for a class, you must complete all outstanding course work within one year.

Q: Can I add or drop a course after the semester begins?
A: There is a limited add/drop period in which students can add or drop classes after the semester begins. Check Banner Web or the Registrar’s website at http://www.cortland.edu/registrar/ for detailed information.

Q: Can I drop a course after the add/drop period ends?
A: To drop a course after the add/drop period, you must complete an Official Withdrawal From Course form. Your timeline for graduation, certification and financial well-being could be affected. Contact the Registrar’s Office for more information.

Q: If I am struggling with course work or need assistance with my writing skills, where can I go for assistance?
A: The Academic Support Achievement Program (ASAP) was designed to provide academic assistance to students. Contact their office at (607) 753-4309 for additional information.

Q: How do I apply for graduation?
A: First you must file an Application for Candidacy once you are matriculated and have successfully completed at least six credit hours of course work. Next, prior to the deadline listed in the Graduate Catalog, you must file an Application for Graduation through Banner Web.

Q: What if I am closed out of a course I need to graduate?
A: To maintain high levels of academic integrity for our students as well as our faculty members, entrance into a closed section of a course is rarely granted. Contact the Literacy Department for more information.

Q: What if a desired course is not offered the semester in which I have planned to enroll?
A: Most courses are offered each semester with a few exceptions. For example, LIT 693 is not offered in Summer Session I. Check the Graduate Catalog for detailed information about course offerings.

Q: I have decided to change programs. What do I need to do?
A: If you decide to change your major while in the master’s program, you must file a Change of Status form and go through the new major’s application process. You must be accepted into the new program before the change becomes official.

Q: How will I know if a class if cancelled because of inclement weather?
A: In the rare case that the college is closed due to inclement weather, local radio and TV stations will be notified. It is your responsibility to find out which stations service the area in which you live. Please do not call the Literacy Department, the Office of Graduate Studies, or the Mohawk Valley Graduate Center for information regarding closings. The secretaries will not know if classes are canceled.

Q: Where can I get all the forms I will need to fill out while attending SUNY Cortland, for example the Application for Candidacy form?
A: Most forms are available at www.cortland.edu/gradstudies

Q: If I have additional questions, where can I go for assistance?
A: Consult the Graduate Catalog and/or the Department of Literacy Education’s Advisement Manual, contact the Literacy Department, or the Office of Graduate Studies.