Change of Program Procedures

If your primary major is in another college and you wish to change your primary major to the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), follow the steps below to start the process in Canvas.

Step One: Email CLAAcademicAdvising@temple.edu, from your Temple email account with the following information:

• In the subject line include the following: COP-Your last name, your first name & your TUID Number (which begins with the number 9)

• In the body of the email include what major(s) you intend to pursue in the College of Liberal Arts

Step Two: Once entered in the Canvas course, you will have 5 business days to watch a video, which covers information about academic advising and collegial requirements. Complete the quiz, which will test your knowledge of the information covered in the video. Your score must be 100 points.

Step Three: If you earn 100 points, you will then fill out and submit the electronic College of Liberal Arts COP form, you must be signed into TUportal to access the form. If you would like to discuss your options before submitting the form, you must complete the quiz first, then you can email CLAAcademicAdvising@temple.edu to make an appointment with an academic advisor in the College of Liberal Arts to discuss your intended major.

Declaring Programs Within the College of Liberal Arts

• If you are a student in the College of Liberal Arts and want to declare/drop your major/minor/certificate within the College of Liberal Arts, please click here to complete the IN CLA Add/Drop Form.
• If you are a student with a major outside of the College of Liberal Arts and want to declare/drop a second major/minor/certificate within the College of Liberal Arts, please click here to complete the OUTSIDE CLA Add/Drop Form.

Register for Classes

If you’re an Owl with good academic standing—that means you have a minimum 2.0 GPA in the previous fall or spring term and cumulative GPA—you can register for classes through the Self-service Banner (SSB). All students who have unsatisfactory academic performance—a term or cumulative GPA below a 2.0—must meet with an advisor in order to register.

During the registration process, you may encounter circumstances that require special approval and the appropriate approval forms. They may also require manual registration by the Center for Academic Advising and Professional Development. These include the following: closed section approval, credit level, credit/no credit (audit only), overload, special authorization and time conflict. Please note that no changes will be processed unless the student presents the request in person and waits for processing and a receipt of the transaction.

Re-enrollment

If you’ve been away for one semester (spring/fall) or more, and your records are inactive you must complete an Undergraduate Request to Re-enroll form in TUportal. To get started, please visit the Request to Re-enroll page for detailed information.

Is your first semester at college fast approaching? If so, this is one of the most exciting times of your life! But it might also mean you’ve got a lot of questions. Don’t worry—that’s normal. At Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts, you’ll be able to choose your academic advisor, get your questions answered, get continued help throughout your academic career and have someone to turn to even when you have questions that go beyond academics. Once you complete new student orientation, please drop us a line at 215-204-7971 or CLAAcademicAdvising@temple.edu to get started.

Who Will Be My Academic Advisor?

Your personal academic path won’t be exactly the same as anyone else’s. That’s because it’ll be tailored to what you want to get out of college and how you want your education to empower you in your life and career ahead. To do that most effectively, we pair you with the advisor who makes the most sense for you. How do we know your advisor is best for you? Easy. We let you pick! The College of Liberal Arts has a diverse team of advisors. Some of them grew up here in Philadelphia, while others are from around the country and even overseas, and they have varied backgrounds and educational experiences. That means you’re sure to find the friendly face of someone you can relate to. As a new student, you’ll be able to choose the advisor who’s the best fit for you.

I Have So Many Questions!

What courses should you be taking? How do you register for those courses? What sort of academic goals should you set for yourself? Where are the important resources around campus? What are your options for studying abroad? Most of all, just what exactly is being a student on Temple’s Main Campus going to be like?

If these sort of questions are on your mind, know that you’ll get an advisor to give you the answers you’re looking for. The move from high school to college is a big one, and we want to make sure you enjoy the experience while getting the most out of it academically. The College of Liberal Arts has an incredibly diverse curriculum of courses for you to choose from, many avenues for supporting your academic progress and a variety of choices for how, where and when you learn. All you have to do is contact your advisor.

How Can My Advisor Help Me After I Register and Settle into College?

One of the first things you’ll need to do once you enroll at the College of Liberal Arts is register for courses, and you’ll of course have to do so every semester. Your advisor will guide you through registration, but they will also be here to help you with so much more.

Some students know exactly what they want to major in. Others don’t. Either way, they always have an advisor to help them stay on track and find their way. That’s because picking a major isn’t something everyone does once and never changes. Around half of Temple students change their major at least once. So whether you’re undeclared, have second thoughts about your major or want to add a minor or another major, your advisor will help you pair your interests with an academic plan that fits them. And if and when the time comes to change that plan, they’ll help you make the best choice to study what excites you most.

What If I Have an Issue Beyond Academics?

It’s a clichéd saying that success isn’t a straight path, but that doesn’t make it untrue. No one goes through life or school unchallenged. When you encounter a problem, we want to be there to get you through it. If you run into some trouble as a student with your academics, financials, campus life or anything related to college, you’ll always have someone to turn to for help in your advisor. They will either have a solution ready for you or will get you to the person who does.

Ready to take the next step in your college career? Deciding where to transfer your existing college credits or associate degree might be easier than you think. About 40 percent of Temple University students are transfers, so you’ll be among students with similar experiences and needs. And at Temple’s College of Liberal Arts, you’ll benefit from an academic advising team dedicated to helping you make the most of your credits and graduate as soon as possible. Choose your academic advisor, get your transfer questions answered, receive advice throughout your time at Temple and get help with issues beyond academics. Contact us now to get started!

Who Will Be My Academic Advisor When I Transfer?

As a Temple transfer student, you’ll be joining an enormous group of students who came here with existing college experience and credits, just like you. And like you, they needed someone who understood their college journey to date and their goals for completing their higher education. They found that person on our academic advising team.

The College of Liberal Arts has a diverse team of professional academic advisors. Many of these advisors were once transfer students themselves. They’re all eager to meet you at orientation, help you navigate the transfer process and finish your education in a timely manner. Best of all, we don’t choose your advisor for you. We let you choose the advisor you think can help you best.

I Have So Many Questions!

You’ve already worked really hard at school, and you have a lot to show for it, but you’re not learning yet. So if you’re transferring to Temple’s College of Liberal Arts, you probably want to know: What will happen to all my credits? What are the important deadlines? How many more credits will I need to earn? When will I graduate?

Once you transfer to Temple you’ll attend a transfer orientation, where your transfer credits will be reviewed and you’ll be able to choose your courses and pick your academic advisor.

Every transfer student is unique in the credits each brings, the degree each is pursuing and the desired graduation timing. How to go from holding some credits to holding a bachelor’s degree might not seem intuitive right now, but our team is always available to make things as clear as possible and give you the right advice for meeting your educational goals.

Want to see how your credits will transfer to Temple right now? Use our Transfer Equivalency Tool.

How Can My Advisor Help Me After I Transfer to My New School?

Once you’re accepted and your credit transfers are sorted out, you’ll register for courses during your transfer student orientation. Your advisor will walk you through registration, but they will also be here to help you with so much more.

You’ve already spent some time at college and might have an idea of what you do and don't want to study. Your advisor will help pair your interests with an academic plan that makes sense for you, and help you make adjustments as needed along the way while keeping you on track for graduation.

What If I Have an Issue Beyond Academics?

As a transfer student, you have enough to worry about with your existing credits and how close they bring you to graduation. So your academic advisor will also help you feel connected to the Temple and College of Liberal Arts communities, easing any other concerns that may come up. If you run into an issue with your academics, financials, campus life or anything related to college, you’ll always have someone to turn to for help in your advisor. They will either have a solution ready for you or will get you to the person who does.

I’m Ready to Transfer!

When you’re ready to transfer, please visit our Transfer Students page or drop us a line at 215-204-7743 or liberal-arts@temple.edu to get started.

BA, Temple University, Psychology

Haleigh was born and raised in Central New Jersey. She moved to North Philadelphia in August 2020 to begin her studies in Psychology at Temple University. Haleigh was employed as a Peer Advisor for CLA's Academic Advising Center for three years. In this role, she provided academic resources and information to students as well as led Freshmen and Transfer Orientation. As a Temple Spring 2024 graduate and previous CLA student, Haleigh is confident in assisting students within the college. During her time at Temple, she also served as a Corps Member for Jumpstart Philadelphia, providing reading assistance to children in Philadelphian pre-schools. Further, Haleigh interned with Tuttleman Counselling Services, providing therapeutic education for Temple students. This internship instilled her passion for connecting with the diverse Temple student population. Haleigh also connected with Temple students through Fraternity and Sorority Life. She served as the Collegiate Chapter President for Temple University's chapter of Tri Delta. In her free time, Haleigh enjoys going to the gym, exploring new restaurants, shopping, and playing with her dog, Duncan!

BA, Kean University, English
MAT, Monmouth University, Secondary English Education & ESL Endorsement
christine.burgess-shockley@temple.edu

Christine was born in San Antonio, Texas. She was raised in Ocean County, New Jersey where she obtained her Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees through Ocean County College and Kean University. Christine continued her education in English Education at Monmouth University. She has spent the past five years in various educational settings which includes her last position as an English teacher in a therapeutic school. This is where she found her passion to help students achieve their personal goals and find their strengths. Christine has worked with students who struggle with mental health as well as learning disabilities to help them succeed and continue on to Secondary Education opportunities. When not reading copious amounts of books, she enjoys playing video games, binge watching The Office, Parks and Recreation, and The West Wing to relax, and spending time with her cat. Christine is excited to have the opportunity to advise students at Temple University.

BA, Rowan University, History
MA, Counseling in Educational Settings- Higher Education Track
xiomara.gonzalez@temple.edu 

Xiomara is a native of Puerto Rico but was raised in South Jersey. Xiomara received her Bachelor of Arts in History and Master of Arts in Counseling in Educational Settings from Rowan University. As a graduate student, Xiomara worked as a Graduate Assistant for the Academic Success Center, where she fell in love with higher education. Once Xiomara graduated with her Master’s degree, she joined the University Advising Center and the Rohrer College of Business as an Academic Advisor at Rowan University. Xiomara enjoys thrifting, going to the movies, and spending time with her loved ones. Xiomara is excited to have the opportunity to continue to help students succeed and grow academically through her role in the College of Liberal Arts.

Favorite Quotes: “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” - Harriet Tubman; “I’ve never been content with the status quo. To my mind, satisfaction has always been the enemy of progress.” - Henry M. Rowan
Advising Interests: First-generation Students, Athletes, and Study Abroad

BA, Temple University, Criminal Justice
MA, Saint Joseph’s University, Writing Studies
patrice.hicks@temple.edu​

Patrice is a Philadelphia native and a proud Temple Made alumna. Patrice obtained her Bachelors degree from Temple University and her Master of Arts degree from Saint Joseph’s University. As an undergraduate student at Temple, Patrice worked in student services in the College of Liberal Arts and served as a peer mentor in the Act 101 Program in the former Russell Conwell Educational Services Center. Patrice’s liberal arts education has allowed her the opportunity to be flexible in her career. Patrice has worked as a Student Services Specialist for Temple University’s School of Medicine, a Worker’s Compensation Case Manager in the insurance industry, and a Video & Evidence Intel Specialist in the transportation industry. Realizing that higher education was her true passion, Patrice transitioned back to Temple and is excited to support students along their academic journey. In her spare time, Patrice enjoys spending time with loved ones, writing, reading, crocheting, painting with a twist, cooking and listening to music. 

Favorite Books: The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, In Search of Satisfaction by J. California Cooper, Well- Read Black Girl by Glory Edim
Advising Interests: First-generation students, Freshman and Sophomore students, Major/Minor exploration, New student orientation

BA, Washington University, Psychology and African-American Studies
MS, Temple University, Communication Management
nia.jackson@temple.edu​

Nia was born in Los Angeles, California. She grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and her Master's from here at Temple. She travelled abroad as a student to Turkey and Spain. She has worked in Advertising, Customer Service, for online search engines/retailers, in administrative support, as an Elementary School teacher, and now as an Academic Advisor. Nia has truly maximized her Liberal Arts education and encourages students to explore all possible avenues that align with their professional and personal interests. She can often be heard telling students: “It is ok to not yet know which career field you want to enter. It is equally ok if you thought you knew what you wanted to do with your life, but then changed your mind. This experience is quite common. Discovering who you are and what you want are all a part of the college journey.”

Advising Interests: Freshman, Sophomore, Transfer/Non-Traditional Students and Major/Minor/Career Exploration

BA, Temple University, Psychology
riakazmi@temple.edu

Ria was born in Montgomery County, Maryland and moved to Philadelphia in 2018 to pursue her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Temple University. In that time, she has worked in a mentor program for students with disabilities, partnered with Temple’s Leadership and Career Studies Program. Further, Ria has contributed to research at Temple’s Research in Spatial Cognition Lab, in which she ran studies pertaining to attention, empathy, and perception. She began her CLA journey in a student worker position, being a Peer Advisor during her final year of her undergraduate degree. She is now excited to have made the transition to Academic Advisor and to use to knowledge she has accrued to help students at Temple. Outside of Philadelphia, Ria co-organizes the annual Miss India DC Pageant, a family-run platform, designed to promote self-confidence and empowerment among South Asian women in the greater DC area. Ria is a proud Indian woman, who credits her positive qualities to morals and beliefs from her culture. In her free time, Ria enjoys art, music, and television; her favorite show is RuPaul’s Drag Race. In the future, Ria plans to pursue a master’s degree in psychology. Ria is delighted to have the opportunity to advise students at Temple University.

BA, with Honors, University of Georgia, Athens, Anthropology
MA, University of Georgia, Athens, Religion
evlawson@temple.edu​

Beth was raised in Alpharetta, GA. Growing up, she had many experiences traveling abroad, which ultimately inspired a love of archaeology and historic preservation. She attended the University of Georgia, Athens, where she studied abroad in Verona, Italy and received her degree in Anthropology. After working as a field archaeologist in South Carolina, she returned to Athens and received her Master of Arts degree in Religion, concentrating on Islamic Studies. She moved to Philadelphia in 2005 to join Temple’s Department of Religion as a Ph.D. student. After 10 years of teaching, she transitioned into academic advising to continue working with students in helping them take advantage of the many opportunities that Temple offers. Beth enjoys spending time with her loved ones, travelling and exploring bizarre subreddits.

Favorite Books: Lilith’s Brood by Octavia Bulter, The Dirt by Motley Crue

BA, Rutgers University, English Literature
jeffrey.linden@temple.edu

Jeff Linden was born and raised in Central Jersey. He was a part of the Music Industry program at Drexel University his freshman year, before transferring to study English Literature at Rutgers New Brunswick. It was there at Rutgers that he discovered his passion for education while serving as a teaching assistant for a class on apocalyptic literature. After graduating, he taught high school students in both private tutoring sessions and as a teacher at C2 Education. He then worked at Rowan University as an Academic Advisor in the Exploratory Studies department, working to help guide undecided students through the process of major selection. As a former liberal arts student, Jeff is a firm believer in the applicability of a liberal arts education to a wide variety of different careers and opportunities. In his free time, he is a singer-songwriter, and enjoys boardgames and Sci-Fi movies.

Favorite Books: Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, by Tom Stoppard, A Visit from the Goon Squad, by Jennifer Egan.
Advising Interests: Major/Minor Exploration, Transfer Students, Proactive Advising

BA, Hampshire College, Literature/Religion/Writing
MA, University of California, Santa Cruz, Literature
PhD University of California, Santa Cruz, Literature
prema.prabhakar@temple.edu​

Prema grew up in South Jersey with the exception of a 1-year hiatus in Mumbai. She went to Hampshire College in Massachusetts where she wrote her senior project on “Waiting.” From there she crossed the country to northern California, receiving her MA and PhD from UC, Santa Cruz. Her PhD work touched upon pretty much every one of the liberal arts departments: literature, performance, mental health, visual studies, religion etc. etc. She has used her eclectic liberal arts background to teach college, work at a crisis line, develop mental health programming and freelance. She is thrilled to be able to use this medley of experiences to advise the lovely and diverse students in Temple’s College of Liberal Arts. Prema believes that the critical thinking skills and creativity fostered by the liberal arts is crucial to achieving deep social understanding, empathy, and general enlightenment. She likes to be holistic in her advising–taking into account students’ academic and emotional well-being. When she is not writing emails about major requirements and credit hours, Prema likes to have daily existential crises, drink tea, read beautiful writing and occasionally talk to other people. 

Favorite Authors: Virginia Woolf, Helen Oyeyemi, Janet Frame, Simone Weil
Advising Interests: Non-traditional Students, Humanities Students, Graduate School Advising

BA, SUNY Purchase College, Literature & Journalism
MA / MAT, The University of Iowa, English / English Education
melanie.reichwald@temple.edu

Melanie grew up in the humble city of Rochester, NY. She attended SUNY Purchase College, outside of NYC, for her undergraduate studies, and her love for the written word pushed her to graduate with a double major in literature and journalism. Not long after graduation, she moved to Iowa City, IA to pursue graduate studies, and eventually left the University of Iowa with an MA in English literature and an MAT in English education. These degrees propelled Melanie to India, where she spent six years teaching high school English to students from all over the world at a small international school in the foothills of the Himalayas. Once she returned to the U.S., Melanie transitioned from the classroom to the advising office, where she has the pleasure of serving Temple’s lovely students.

Advising Interests: First-generation Students, Non-traditional Students, Transfer Students, International Students