Degree Audit & Progress Reports
Tracking Your Academic Journey at TUOS
At The University of Ontological Science, we view the path to your degree as a meaningful intellectual journey rather than merely a checklist of requirements. While your educational experience transcends any system of measurement, our Degree Audit and Progress Reports provide valuable tools to help you navigate your academic path with clarity and purpose. These tools allow you to track your progress, make informed decisions about course selection, and ensure you’re moving steadily toward the completion of your degree requirements.
Understanding Your Degree Audit
What is a Degree Audit?
A Degree Audit is a comprehensive evaluation of your academic progress that matches your completed and in-progress coursework against the requirements for your degree program. This dynamic document serves as your academic roadmap, helping you understand:
- Which requirements you have already completed
- Which requirements are currently in progress
- Which requirements still need to be fulfilled
- How your transfer credits apply to your degree
- Your progress toward graduation eligibility
Accessing Your Degree Audit
- Log in to the TUOS Student Portal
- Navigate to the “Academics” section
- Select “Degree Audit”
- Choose your current program or use “What If” scenarios to explore other programs
Tip: We recommend reviewing your Degree Audit at least once per semester, ideally before registration for the upcoming term.
Reading Your Degree Audit
The TUOS Degree Audit is organized into clear sections to help you understand your progress at a glance:
Header Information
This section includes your essential student information:
- Name and Student ID
- Program(s) of Study (Major/Minor/Concentration)
- Catalog Year
- Advisor Name and Contact Information
- Overall GPA and Academic Standing
- Total Credits Earned, In Progress, and Remaining
Requirement Blocks
Your audit is divided into distinct requirement blocks, each with a completion status:
| Status Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ✓ | Requirement Complete |
| ⟳ | Requirement In Progress |
| ⨯ | Requirement Not Complete |
| ~ | Requirement Partially Complete |
Common Requirement Blocks include:
- General Education Requirements
- Major Core Requirements
- Major Elective Requirements
- Minor Requirements (if applicable)
- Concentration Requirements (if applicable)
- General Electives
- University Requirements (minimum GPA, residency, etc.)
Course Information
For each requirement, your audit displays:
- Courses that can fulfill the requirement
- Courses you have completed toward the requirement
- Grades received and credit hours earned
- Courses currently in progress
- Remaining courses or credits needed
Progress Indicators
Visual indicators help you quickly assess your progress:
- Progress bars for each requirement section
- Pie charts showing overall degree completion
- Color-coding to distinguish completed, in-progress, and remaining requirements
Types of Progress Reports
TUOS offers several types of academic progress reports to help you monitor your journey from different perspectives:
Standard Degree Audit
The comprehensive evaluation of your progress toward degree completion, showing all requirements and your status for each.
What-If Analysis
A powerful planning tool that allows you to:
- Explore how your completed coursework would apply to a different major
- See the impact of adding a minor or concentration
- Understand the requirements for a double major
- Evaluate the implications of changing catalog years
To run a What-If Analysis:
- Access the Degree Audit system
- Select the “What-If” option
- Choose the program, catalog year, and other parameters you wish to explore
- Generate the hypothetical audit
Academic Plan
A forward-looking tool that helps you map out your remaining semesters:
- Plan future course selections semester by semester
- Ensure prerequisites are taken in the proper sequence
- Balance your course load across terms
- Create a clear path to graduation
Your academic advisor can help you develop a comprehensive Academic Plan that aligns with your educational goals.
GPA Calculator
This tool helps you:
- Project your future GPA based on anticipated grades
- Calculate the grades needed to achieve a target GPA
- Understand how current coursework will impact your cumulative GPA
- Assess progress toward Latin honors or academic standing requirements
Specialized Audit Features
Transfer Credit Evaluation
Your audit clearly indicates how transfer credits have been applied:
- Which requirements have been satisfied by transfer work
- Course equivalencies established
- Credits accepted but not applied to specific requirements
- Credits pending evaluation
If you believe transfer credits have not been properly applied, consult the Transfer Credit Appeal Process.
Exception Processing
Occasionally, approved exceptions to standard requirements are processed:
- Course substitutions
- Requirement waivers
- Adjusted credit values
- Non-standard applications of coursework
These exceptions, once approved through proper channels, will be reflected in your audit with special notation.
Honors and Distinction Tracking
For students in honors programs or pursuing graduation with distinction, the audit tracks:
- Honors course requirements
- Thesis or capstone progress
- GPA thresholds for Latin honors
- Special requirements for departmental honors
Using Your Degree Audit Effectively
Pre-Registration Planning
Before your registration date:
- Review your Degree Audit to identify remaining requirements
- Prioritize courses needed for sequential requirements
- Note any prerequisites you need to complete
- Identify courses that fulfill multiple requirements
- Consult with your advisor about optimal course selections
Regular Progress Checks
We recommend checking your audit:
- After registering for classes
- After grades are posted each semester
- When considering program changes
- One year before anticipated graduation
- When applying for graduation
Graduation Preparation
As you approach graduation:
- Review your audit for any unmet requirements
- Verify that in-progress courses will satisfy remaining needs
- Check for minimum grade requirements in your major
- Confirm overall GPA meets university requirements
- Ensure residency requirements have been met
Note: While the Degree Audit is a valuable tool, it is not the official certification of your graduation eligibility. Final graduation clearance requires formal review by the Registrar’s Office.
Common Questions and Troubleshooting
Audit Accuracy
While our Degree Audit system is designed to be accurate and comprehensive, you should be aware of certain limitations:
- Timing of Updates: Changes in registration or grades may take 24-48 hours to reflect in your audit
- Recent Curriculum Changes: New program requirements may require system updates
- Complex Requirements: Some nuanced requirements may not be perfectly captured
- In-Progress Assumptions: The system assumes successful completion of in-progress courses
If you notice discrepancies in your audit, please follow these steps:
- Compare the audit against the official catalog requirements for your program
- Consult with your academic advisor about potential errors
- If necessary, submit a Degree Audit Correction Request
Common Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| Course appears in wrong requirement section | May need course substitution form or audit correction |
| Transfer course not properly applied | Contact Transfer Credit Office for reevaluation |
| Requirements changed from previous audit | Check if catalog year has changed or curriculum updates applied |
| Course counted twice or not at all | May involve special rule for cross-listed or repeatable courses |
| Missing prerequisite notification | Some prerequisites are enforced at registration, not in the audit |
Support Resources
Academic Advising
Your assigned academic advisor is your primary resource for interpreting your Degree Audit and planning your academic journey:
- Required advising appointments each semester
- Assistance with complex requirement questions
- Guidance on course selection and sequencing
- Support for program changes and academic planning
Schedule an Advising Appointment
Degree Audit Workshops
The Academic Success Center offers regular workshops on:
- Understanding Your Degree Audit
- Using What-If Analysis for Program Exploration
- Academic Planning for Double Majors
- Transfer Credit and Your Degree Requirements
- Preparing for Graduation
Online Tutorials
Access self-paced learning resources:
- Video: Navigating Your Degree Audit
- Tutorial: Running a What-If Analysis
- Guide: Planning Your Path to Graduation
- FAQ: Degree Audit Troubleshooting
Program-Specific Audit Information
Different academic programs may have unique features in their Degree Audits:
School of Philosophy
- Progression requirements for advanced seminars
- Distribution requirements across philosophical traditions
- Language proficiency verification
- Comprehensive examination tracking
Natural Sciences Division
- Laboratory credit tracking
- Research experience requirements
- Scientific writing competency verification
- Technical elective categorization
Humanities Programs
- Interdisciplinary course applications
- Creative work portfolio requirements
- Cross-cultural competency verification
- Primary source engagement tracking
Graduate Programs
- Qualifying examination status
- Thesis/dissertation milestone tracking
- Professional development requirements
- Teaching experience verification
Consult your program handbook for detailed explanation of program-specific audit features.
Degree Audit for Special Populations
Honors Program Students
Your audit includes an additional Honors Program block tracking:
- Honors seminar requirements
- Enhanced project components
- Thesis preparation courses
- Minimum GPA requirements
Double Major Students
If you are pursuing a double major:
- Each major appears as a separate requirement block
- Courses that count toward both majors are clearly indicated
- Distinct GPA calculations for each major
- Combined general education requirements
Transfer Students
Transfer students will see additional details:
- Original transfer institution identified for each course
- Equivalency relationships displayed
- Requirements satisfied through articulation agreements
- Remaining residency requirements
Students with Customized Programs
If you have an individualized or interdisciplinary program:
- Custom requirement blocks reflect your approved program
- Contract courses are specially marked
- Faculty-approved exceptions are noted
- Program integration requirements are highlighted
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does my audit show a requirement as incomplete when I’m currently taking the course?
A: The audit distinguishes between completed requirements and those “in progress.” Requirements with courses currently in progress will show as pending completion (⟳) rather than fully complete (✓).
Q: What should I do if I think there’s an error in my degree audit?
A: First, consult with your academic advisor to verify that there is indeed an error. If confirmed, your advisor can help submit a Degree Audit Correction Request to the Registrar’s Office.
Q: How often is my degree audit updated?
A: Your audit is updated in real-time when you access it, reflecting your current registration status. However, grade updates and requirement changes may take 24-48 hours to process fully.
Q: Can I see how close I am to graduating with Latin honors?
A: Yes, the audit includes your current cumulative GPA and indicates which Latin honors category (if any) you would qualify for based on current performance.
Q: If my What-If Analysis shows I can complete a different major without extending my graduation date, can I switch without approval?
A: No, the What-If tool is for planning purposes only. You must still formally declare any program change through the appropriate academic department and approval process.
Q: Does my audit show if I’m meeting financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements?
A: The degree audit focuses on academic requirements rather than financial aid eligibility. For information about satisfactory academic progress for financial aid, please consult the Financial Aid Office.
Contact Information
Registrar’s Office – Degree Audit Services
Academic Building, Room 207
degreeaudit@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4572
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Virtual appointments available upon request
Academic Advising Center
Wisdom Hall, Room 105
advising@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4569
Technical Support for Degree Audit System
support@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4590
Available Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
At The University of Ontological Science, we view your academic progress as more than a collection of completed requirements. Your degree journey represents intellectual growth, philosophical development, and the cultivation of a unique perspective on fundamental questions of existence and knowledge. While the Degree Audit provides a structured way to track your formal progress, we encourage you to reflect regularly on how your courses interconnect and contribute to your holistic understanding of your field and its place in the broader intellectual landscape.
Remember that your academic advisor is your partner in this journey, helping you not just to check boxes but to craft a meaningful educational experience that prepares you for a lifetime of inquiry and insight.