US Core: 

  • CLS 101US: small class, reading & discussion (most ECE freshmen take this US core)
  • COMX 111US: public speaking (you may choose if you wish)
  • HONR 201US: If you have been accepted in the Honors Program

AHSD Core Areas: 

  • Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Diversity. (Note that RA & IA are both Arts, etc.)
  • Those taking M 151 (Precalculus) or below will likely need at least one of these.
  • I have marked on your flowchart if you previously have one or more areas fulfilled.
  • Core Suggestion (on handout): Courses in “AHSD” areas that go well with our majors or that our students have enjoyed are listed.
  • You are free to choose other core courses from the large list in the lab.
  • Note that other Core areas are covered by your major:
         Q (math), CS/IN (science), R (research)

Math Level and Courses:

  • You’ll need to add the math course circled on your personalized flowchart to your plan.
       HOWEVER . . .
  • If you have evidence now of higher math placement, show Shelli when you come for plan approval (you must give or email this to Shelli for Math Department override).
         Evidence includes AP or IB scores or a college transcript
         Your name must be on this score or transcript.
  • If you will have a higher placement later, we’ll need to lock the plan you qualify for now. You can create a tentative plan for later.  Name it “Fall 2026 draft”.  Please see me in the lab for clarification.
  • You’ve been placed in the math course where you’ll have the best chance of earning an “A”.

Honors Courses: 

  • You may already be enrolled in EELE 101 Honors sections (if in M 171 or above)
  • HONR 201US
  • Math, Physics (if you feel up to taking Honors in these areas)
  • You should have learned more about all these in Honors Advising

Computer Engineering (CpE) majors:  CSCI 127 vs CSCI 107

  • CSCI 127 assumes you’ve had a bit of programming experience (could be on your own)
  • If you’ve done any programming at all, try CSCI 127
  • If during the first week or two of classes you need to move down to CSCI 107 (first five days of classes is ideal), let your instructor know.
  • Note that CSCI 127 is a 4-credit course; CSCI 107 has only 3 credits.    

Creating your DegreeWorks Plan

  • In the lab: log in to the computer with the Username & Password given.
  • Log into DegreeWorks (within MyMSU)
  • Create your plan using your personalized flowchart
  • If you have questions about a course, ask when you come to have your plan approved and locked.
    We (advisors) can change the plan on our computers, if needed. 
  • SAVE the plan (lower right) and get in line for approval.
  • Your Plan Must Be Locked by an advisor (Shelli or faculty)

Shelli Spannring,  614 Cobleigh Hall,   shelli.spannring@montana.edu

Portrait of Shelli Spannring

  • Usual work days/times:  Monday, 1:30-4:15pm;  
      Tuesday & Thursday, 10am – 4:15pm  
  • Feel free to email me this afternoon with any questions. I may email some of you, so watch for this.
  • You will receive an email from me during the first few weeks of the semester and may receive one soon if I have questions on what courses you registered for.
  • Make sure my emails are not going to your Spam box.
  • I will send out an invitation email for advising appointments about the third week of September. Read this carefully to be prepared for your advising session.
  • We will meet then to confirm your choice of courses for the following Spring semester. I am looking forward to getting better acquainted with you!