Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to questions current students often ask
How do I register for courses and drop/add?
Please obtain advisement when deciding which courses to take. Information about classes, advisors and orientation is mailed to new students admitted for fall semesters about a month before school starts. Don't worry, new students don't need to register until orientation.
You may register online with UDSIS or you may use UDPHONE (831-4663), the touch-tone telephone registration system, which is available a few weeks prior to the semester. You must have a personal identification number (PIN) to use UDSIS and UDPHONE. Please see the web page about email and the electronic campus for information. Or you may go to the Student Services Building on Lovett Avenue. If you are having trouble, other registration options include going to the Student Services Building or you may register at the School administration office in 182 Graham Hall.
If you need a registration book, copies are also available at the School and online or you may call 831-2131 or 831-1554 or you may pick one up at the Student Services Building on Lovett Avenue.
How do I drop or add courses? The late registration period or "drop/add" for the fall semester continues through Tuesday, September 14, 2004. UDSIS and UDPHONE will be available for registration and drop/add throughout this period. If an instructor outside the School is teaching the course for which you are registering, you will have to go to that instructor's department after the end of the free drop/add period.
When do classes begin? Check the Academic Calendar for the current term.
When do research assistants and fellows get paid? Students who are research assistants ("on contract") get paid on the 15th and the last day of each month. If the dates fall on a weekend or holiday, checks come on the workday before. Students on academic-year stipends receive their first check on September 15 and their last check on May 31. See the secretary in the unit in which you work to pick up your check.
For others who work for a University department, you may be paid on a biweekly basis, these checks are distributed every other Friday and you will also pick up your check from the secretary in the unit in which you work. You should be aware that there is a two-week lag between the end of the pay period and the date when the check is issued.
Is research assistantship and fellowship income taxable? Income from assistantship stipends as well as income from students who are paid an hourly wage is generally subject to federal income tax withholding. This information is advisory; ultimate tax liability is a matter between the individual and the Internal Revenue Service.
What student health services are available? Research assistants and those with UD fellowships (students"on contract") have coverage through the Student Medical Insurance Plan. This does not include spouses or dependents. Information and a web-based application are available at http://www.udel.edu/shs/insurance/. Students who are not on contract can purchase health insurance through the Student Medical Insurance Plan.
Many medical services are provided at Student Health Service. The Student Health Service building is located in Laurel Hall on the corner of East Park Place and South College Avenue (831-2226). All full-time students are required to pay the student health service fee.
Am I required to have immunizations? Delaware State Board of Health and the University mandate that all students be immunized for measles, mumps, and rubella. If immunization requirements are not met, you will not be permitted to maintain registration in courses. You will receive information from the Student Health Service (302-831-2226) on procedures to be followed and forms to be completed.
I need housing. Help?!? The University provides some graduate student and family housing. These apartments often fill quickly, so you're advised to contact them early for a list of off-campus apartments and other housing that is available can be obtained from the Office of Housing Assignment Services, located at 5 Courtney Street, Newark, DE 19716. Call (302) UD1-DORM (831-3676) or E-mail: UD-Housing@udel.edu.
Where do I purchase textbooks? The University Bookstore is located next to the Perkins Student Center on Academy Street. The phone number is 831-2809. Textbooks are usually available for sale starting two weeks before classes begin and continuing one month into the semester. If you want to avoid the crowds or cannot go when they're open, you can place your order online in advance on the University Bookstore web site. University of Delaware gifts as well as general books, stationery, posters, calendars and more can all be found there.
How do I obtain a parking permit? The Department of Public Safety's Parking Services handles parking permits. The Public Safety Building at 413 Academy Street can provide you with a parking permit or you can obtain a parking permit in the Student Services Building on Lovett Avenue at the beginning of the semester. Parking permit fees can be deducted from your pay if you are on contract.
You definitely will be ticketed if you don't have a sticker when parking in a University lot. Call 831-1184 if you have questions about parking or traffic violations.
How do I get a UD shuttle bus schedule? UD Shuttle Busses pick up passengers at regular intervals. They stop at locations throughout campus and nearby apartment complexes. Special stops may be requested if they are along the route. For more information click shuttle bus schedule or call (302) 831-1187. Information about regional transit is also available.
I still have more questions. What do I do? Please feel free to contact the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy with any question not answered here.
