DegreeWorks FAQs

Q:  What is DegreeWorks?

DegreeWorks is a Web-based tool for students to monitor their academic progress toward degree completion.  It lists your degree requirements (based on your degree and major/minor/etc.) and the courses that you have completed and/or are registered for and shows how those courses apply to your requirements.  DegreeWorks allows students and their advisors to plan future academic coursework.

Q:  How do I access DegreeWorks?

Access to DegreeWorks is through the Web – www.cord.edu log into C-Port, click on the Banner icon, Student, Student Records, DegreeWorks; wait for Degree Works to load your program.

Q:  What is a Worksheet Audit?

A Worksheet audit is the first thing that comes up when you enter DegreeWorks.  The Worksheet is a review of past and current coursework that provides information on completed and outstanding requirements necessary to complete a degree/major/minor/concentration.  The audit is divided into block requirements such as Degree, Core, Major, Concentration, Minor, Senior credits.  Each block works like a checklist that has boxes that are automatically checked when a requirement is met.  There are three formats within the Worksheet – Student View, Graduation Checklist, and Registration Checklist.  Use the pull down menu and then click “view”.

Q:  Is my information confidential?

Yes. Like other processes you use through C-Port, DegreeWorks is accessed through your secure log in. Remember that your advisor and selected staff will be able to view the information contained in DegreeWorks.

Q:  Who has the ability to access DegreeWorks?

All current students have access to DegreeWorks.  Advisors, faculty, and selected staff have access for the purpose of supporting your progress through your academic career.  Any students who entered Concordia 2004 or later would be able to view Degree Works, any students who entered before 2004 will not have access, however, it may not be updated or current.  Since the Fall of 2009 DegreeWorks has been maintained and current.

Q:  How does DegreeWorks determine which set of degree requirements to use?

DegreeWorks uses a student’s catalog year to determine the set of degree requirements to use when producing a degree audit.  A student’s catalog year is determined by the year of admittance.

Q:  How current will my information be in DegreeWorks?

The information in DegreeWorks is refreshed each night. Any changes made today will be seen in DegreeWorks the next day.  (e.g., grade changes, classes added/dropped, changes in major/minor/concentration).

Q:  Can I register for classes in DegreeWorks?

No. DegreeWorks is a snapshot of courses in-progress, planned, and in academic history. Registration will continue to be handled through the Student Services channel C-Port.

Q:  Can I see how many classes I have left to fulfill my requirements?

Yes. DegreeWorks is laid out in block format displaying degree, core, major, minor, and concentration requirements information. Look for unchecked boxes and “unmet condition” comments to identify requirements that you still need to complete.

Q:  Will I be able to plan for future courses?

Yes. See the Planner section for information.

Q:  Are my grades visible in DegreeWorks?

Yes. Once grades have been processed at the end of the semester, they are viewable in DegreeWorks following the nightly refresh.  Courses in-progress are listed with an "IP" grade.

Q:  How is DegreeWorks different from my Transcript?

Your DegreeWorks audit is a tool to provide you with academic information related to your degree progress.  It displays courses required and completed in your degree program.  Your transcript is your official academic record and provides a chronological list of courses completed and other academic information.

Q:  Can I see a list of all the classes I’ve taken?

Yes.  All classes completed as well as classes in-progress are listed in the Class List section of the Audit.  Also, click on the Class History link at the top to view classes sorted by semester.

Q:  What do I do if I believe my academic information is incorrect? 

You should consult your academic advisor for a review of your audit. Any exception to major, minor or concentration requirements should be discussed with your advisor or academic department personnel.  Any exceptions or substitutions need to be sent to the Registrar’s Office by the Academic Department.

Q:  Why isn’t my information up-to-date?

There could be several reasons. One is that DegreeWorks may not have refreshed since a change was made (the information is refreshed nightly). Second, there could be some paperwork that needs to be completed. For example, if you have completed transfer courses, it is possible that Concordia has not received an official transcript. Check with the Registrar’s Office if your transcript or audit does not reflect transfer work you have completed.

Q:  How can I update information?

You cannot update course information in DegreeWorks. To change your major/minor/concentration, advisor or date of graduation, please fill out the proper forms online at http://www.cord.edu/Offices/Registrar/students1.php

Q:  If I think my audit is incorrect, whom do I contact? 

Your academic advisor is your primary point of contact. If your advisor determines that your audit is incorrect, you can contact the Registrar’s Office for assistance.

Q:  Where can I find my major GPA?

Your major GPA is a calculated GPA based on coursework used to fulfill major requirements. This GPA will appear within the major block requirements of your audit.  Keep in mind any failing grades will be shown in the “insufficient” area but may be calculated in your major if the course was required in that area, unless repeated and marked as such.

Q:  How do I know what classes I need to take?

Your audit will outline courses still needed to meet degree, major, minor, and/or concentration requirements within each specific block. You may then use this information to discuss your plan with your academic advisor.

Q:  Why isn’t there a check mark next to a requirement I’ve already completed?

Your academic advisor is your primary point of contact. If your advisor determines that your audit is incorrect, you can contact the Office of the Registrar for assistance.

Q:  If I withdraw from a class, will that be reflected in my audit?

Courses from which you have dropped after the 10th day of the semester, and Part of Term 2 or 3 or summer classes dropped after the fifth day will appear in the “Insufficient” block on your audit and marked as “DR”.

Q:  My Advisor told me that a course I took would be substituted for a requirement.  Why doesn’t this information appear in my audit? 

You should contact your advisor to resolve any substitution issue. Any waivers, substitutions, or exceptions for major, minor or concentration requirements must be communicated to the Registrar’s Office by the appropriate department chair.

Q:  What does an asterisk mean by a course number on my audit? 

Courses listed in Degree Works with an asterisk mean they have a pre-requisite.

USING “WHAT IF” FEATURE:

Q:  What is the “What If” feature?

The “What If” function allows you to hypothetically change your major, minor, or concentration. The “What If” audit will show you what coursework is required for the new major, minor, or concentration, what courses you have taken that satisfy requirements, and what courses are still left for you to take.  Click on the “What If” function > choose your catalog year > Pick a Major > Pick a Minor > Add any classes you are thinking about in the future > Then “Process What-If.”

Q:  I’m thinking of changing my major/minor/concentration.  Will I be able to see how my current classes fit into my “What If” major/minor/concentration?

Yes. The “What If” function will perform an audit based on the hypothetical major/minor/concentration and will show how your completed, current, and planned coursework meets the requirements of the hypothetical major/minor/concentration.

Q:  Can my advisor see my “What If” scenario?

Since “What If” scenarios are not stored on DegreeWorks, your advisor can only see your results if the two of you work through a “What If” procedure together.

Q:  Can I view multiple “What If” scenarios on the same screen?

Yes. DegreeWorks will allow you to select more than one major at a time, or to select multiple major(s), minor(s) and concentration(s).

Q:  Can I save a “What If” scenario?

No. “What If” plans are not saved in DegreeWorks, however, you can print it out to save a copy.  You would need to run a new “What If” scenario next time you log in to see it again.

Q:  If I like what I see in a “What If” scenario, how do I initiate the changes?

Always speak with your advisor first. After consulting with your advisor you will need to change your major/minor/concentration, advisor or date of graduation, by filling out the proper forms online at http://www.cord.edu/Offices/Registrar/students1.php

USING “LOOK AHEAD” FEATURE:

Q:  How do I use the “Look Ahead” feature? 

To see an audit showing a course for which you plan to register for in future terms, use this form to enter the Subject code and Number of each anticipated course. Once you have created your list of courses, click on the Process New button.

GPA CALCULATORS

Q:  What does each of the Calculators do? 

  • The graduation calculator estimates the average grade/GPA you need to earn in your remaining classes to achieve a desired overall GPA.
  • The term calculator estimates the impact of your expected grades in your current classes on your overall GPA.  The Term Calculator will show you your estimated cumulative GPA after you fill in hypothetical grade information. Your current courses and credits will default in for you and then you enter the grade you anticipate receiving for each course; you will see a revised cumulative GPA based on the estimates you provided.  
  • The advice calculator estimates the number of credits you need to complete at certain grade levels to reach your desired GPA.

Q:  Is this calculated GPA guaranteed?

No. This is an estimate only.

Q:  Why can’t I select a grade of “P” or “S”?

"P" or “S” grades do not count in your GPA. Remove courses for which you expect to receive a "P" or “S” from your course list before calculating GPA.
USING THE PLANNER

Q:  What is the Planner feature?

The Planner is a tool for you to arrange course requirements into future semester blocks. You and your advisor may find this helpful as you forecast your academic career. It is recommended that you create an active plan, save it and keep it up-to-date, as this information may be used by college administrators to determine the demand for various courses each term.  It is also recommended that you use “Internet Explorer” (not Firefox) when using the Planner.

Q:  How do I create a plan?

  • By a split screen, the Planner allows you to drag and drop courses from your audit into future semester blocks. You can also type courses directly into the planner boxes. You must enter the course as it is labeled in the catalog (e.g., ENG 150, not English 150).
  • Alternatively, you may wish to begin your plan with a template, which will lay out a suggested plan of study semester-by-semester. To do this, in the right side "Student Educational Planner" column, click "Load in a pre-defined plan". Complete the necessary information to search for an appropriate plan. Note the search form is pre-populated with your curriculum data. Select the correct plan by Catalog year and click "Load into my plan". Once the plan is populated, edit as desired, then click "Save Plan" to retain the plan of study you developed. 
  • Note that requirements beginning with a "-” are labels indicating what type of specific course should be used to fulfill that item in your plan.

Q:  Will putting courses in my planner change the way my audit looks?

No. Nothing entered on the Planner will affect your actual audit. You can, however, see how the courses you have entered in your planner will apply in your audit by checking the boxes next to the semester blocks that you wish to include (check all of the boxes to see how your audit will look if you complete your entire plan) and then clicking on “Process New”. In the audit on the left-hand side of the screen, you will see how the planned courses applied to the various major/minor/concentration requirements.

Q:  Can I create multiple plans?

Yes; however, only one plan at a time may be kept as an active plan. You should mark the plan that you expect to follow as your active plan. This information may be used by college administrators to determine the demand for various courses each term

Q:  Will my plans be saved?

Yes. DegreeWorks will allow you to save all plans you create; however, only one plan may be marked as active.

Q:  Will my advisor be able to see my plans(s)?

Yes. Your advisor can see your plan(s) and participate with you in the planning process.  There is a Notes feature, as well, for you and your advisor to keep additional information.   Notes are entered only by your advisor or the Registrar’s Office staff.

Q:  If I put a course in my planner, am I automatically registered for that course in the future semester?

No. Your planner is for planning purposes only. You will register through the Student Services channel of C-PORT during your assigned registration time slot.

Q:  Is the course I planned guaranteed for that future semester?

No. Your planner is for planning purposes only. If you discover that a course you had planned is not being offered or not being offered in the term in which you have planned it, you should identify an alternative course and move the original course, if still needed, to a future term.

Q:  Can I print my plan?

Yes. There is a print button at the top of the planner.

For more information, contact Diane Holmquist at holmquis@cord.edu or 218.299.3228.

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