POUNCE FAQs

*POUNCE is a course preference/selection process which allows GCSU to register incoming freshmen for fall classes beginning as early as February of their senior year in high school. A list of frequently asked POUNCE questions appears below.

What exactly is POUNCE?

POUNCE is the way that all incoming freshmen are registered for their fall classes. Using preferences you indicate on your POUNCE form, an advisor will register you for classes based on those preferences, your chosen major and available courses.

Do I have to POUNCE?
If you are an incoming freshman, yes. Our academic areas have created a great selection of courses to assist in developing an optimum first semester schedule for you based on your chosen major. You simply can't make a mistake. You give us your preferences and we do the rest!

Will I be able to choose days, times or instructors for my classes?
You will have an opportunity to indicate preferences for courses you wish to take. Each course on your schedule will fulfill a requirement for your intended major, and will be carefully chosen to allow you to fully participate in the liberal arts residential campus experience.

Where do I find the POUNCE form?
Log in to your myCATS account. Select your "Student" tab. Under the PAWS link select "New Student Menu." A new window will open. Select "Menu for New and Returning Students" and click "POUNCE Registration."

Can I POUNCE more than once?
No, you may only submit one POUNCE preference form. However, if you make a mistake or decide to participate in the Honors Program, Varsity Athletics, Music Ensembles, or Theatre Productions, adjustments to your schedule may need to be made. To notify us of a mistake or tell us that you will be participating in one of these groups, you should submit a POUNCE Change Request Form.
Log in to your myCATS account. Under the PAWS link, select "Menu for New and Returning Students" then select "POUNCE Change Request". Your request will be forwarded to an advisor in your new department who will review your schedule and make any necessary adjustments. You will be notified via your GCSU e-mail account in 5-10 business days of any adjustments.

If I select a course in each section I end up with too many hours.
An advisor will build your schedule based on your chosen major, indicated preferences and available seats. By having you indicate preferences that add up to more than the targeted 14-16 hours, we are able to craft the optimal schedule.

What are the requirements for the Honors Program?
For information about the Honors Program, visit http://www.gcsu.edu/honors/index.htm

What math class do I select?
For assistance with determining which math course to choose, visit the Math Placement website at http://math.gcsu.edu/placement/index.html

I cannot remember my myCATS username or password or do not know what it is.
Your myCATS access information was included in your acceptance packet. All students should have been assigned a password. Your password is usually your birthday written in the following format: MMDDYY. If this does not work for you, refer to the "having problems logging in?" or "Forgot your password?" links located beneath the login boxes.

My personal information (name, address, etc.) is not correct.
Instructions for how to update your personal information may be found at http://www.gcsu.edu/registrar/other.htm under "Changing Student Information" found near the bottom of the page.

Why are some majors listed as pre-majors?
Many of our majors have additional requirements beyond completion of core curriculum courses that must be met before students are granted entry into upper level courses in their major. The pre-major status allows you to complete these requirements before applying to the program. Enrollment in some programs is restricted and admission is competitive. Admission to GCSU does not guarantee admission to academic programs.

How do you treat Advanced Placement (AP) or Joint Enrollment (JE) credit?
Joint Enrollment credit will be taken into consideration as we build your schedule. Advanced Placement credit will not be considered until official scores are received by GCSU sometime in July. Once AP scores are confirmed, any necessary schedule adjustments will be made and you will be notified of these changes via your GCSU e-mail account.

Do I need to indicate a preference in each area of the POUNCE form?
A choice should be indicated for each area represented on the POUNCE Preference Form. You will not be able to submit your form if any area lacks a selection.

What are IDST courses?

Interdisciplinary Studies courses are central to our liberal arts mission and promote mastery of many disciplinary perspectives, a greater appreciation of the differences and similarities between the disciplines, and the integration of these diverse perspectives into a more holistic framework.

I have an immunization warning.
Complete immunization records are required for all students. Immunization forms (pdf) should be turned in to the Registrar's Office. If you have an immunization hold, your records may not have arrived or may be incomplete. If you have questions, check with the Registrar's Office (registrar@gcsu.edu or (478) 445-6286)

There is not a pre-med (law, dentistry, engineering, etc.) major. What do I do?
If you are interested in a concentration in a pre-professional area you should declare an appropriate major based on your interests, skills and background. To find a list of advisors and academic programs associated with these concentrations, visit http://www.gcsu.edu/preprofessional/index.htm.

What if I change my major?
If, after submitting your POUNCE form, you decide that you would like to change your major, you should submit a POUNCE Change Request Form. Log in to your myCATS account. Under the PAWS link, select "Menu for New and Returning Students" then select "POUNCE Change Request". Your request will be forwarded to an advisor in your new department who will review your schedule and make any necessary adjustments. You will be notified via your GCSU e-mail account in 5-10 business days of any adjustments.

I do not like my schedule; I want different times/instructors.
Each course on your schedule will fulfill a requirement for your intended major, and was carefully chosen to allow you to fully participate in the liberal arts residential campus experience. Schedule changes to accommodate personal preferences in courses or times will not be made at this time. If you would still like to change your schedule when you arrive on campus in August, you may schedule an appointment with your advisor to discuss this option.

What if I decide to participate in Honors Program, Varsity Athletics, Music Ensembles, or Theatre Productions after I submit my POUNCE preference form?
If, after submitting your POUNCE form, you decide that you would like to participate in one of these activities, you should submit a POUNCE Change Request Form. Log in to your myCATS account. Under the PAWS link, select "Menu for New and Returning Students" then select "POUNCE Change Request". An advisor will review your schedule and make adjustments based on the practice or rehearsal times of your group. You will be notified via your GCSU e-mail account in 5-10 business days of any adjustments.

What if I have a request for accommodations that might affect my schedule?
If you have a disability as described by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, you may be eligible to receive accommodations to assist in programmatic and physical accessibility.
For documentation requirements and for additional information, we recommend that you contact Disability Services located in Maxwell Student Union at (478) 445-5931 or (478) 445-4233.