University of North Alabama

Chair's Message

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems at UNA! Our programs provide state-of-the-art educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Our undergraduate programs are accredited by ABET, Inc., the accrediting body for all computing disciplines. Through our two options for undergraduate majors, students are prepared for a wide range of careers in computing fields and as knowledge workers and teachers. Through our minor programs of study, students in many diverse disciplines are prepared to use technology effectively to enhance career opportunities. Our graduate information systems concentration is designed to provide business, government and education leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to guide their organizations in decisions relating to the development and deployment of appropriate and effective technologies.

As UNA students proceed through their chosen degree programs, many questions arise concerning course selections and career paths. Our advisor system is designed to assist students in answering these questions. All UNA students have a major advisor who is available to review a student's program of study and registration plans each semester. Prior to registration, each student must see an advisor for this purpose, after which the advisor will provide your registration pin number. A registration pin number will be necessary for any registration or schedule change activity and will change for each registration cycle (spring registration is in one cycle and summer and fall is in another registration cycle each year) and allow the student to proceed through the registration process. Current students may learn who their assigned advisor is through the UNA Portal.

Students are encouraged to utilize the four year plan on the CIS major tab as a tool to efficiently schedule classes which will fulfill graduation requirements, thereby avoiding senior year "surprises." Another useful tool for course selection and planning is College of Business checklist. Use both of these tools as a mechanism for tracking your progress. Finally, our prerequisite chart will be helpful to students in planning course sequences, so that all prerequisite requirements are fulfilled, giving the student a better educational experience and higher likelihood of timely graduation.

The entire CIS faculty is here to help you in any way that we can. We are available to talk with you about course selection, programs of study, graduate school, and career options and opportunities. We also encourage you to take advantage of the numerous student academic organization opportunities, including the CIS Club, and other career and networking events which are sponsored by various College and University departments. Just let us know what your concerns and interests are and we will do everything we can to make your experience at UNA a successful and enjoyable one.

Best wishes,

Dr. Paulette Alexander
Chair, Department of Computer Science and Information Systems
230 Keller Hall
UNA Box 5076
University of North Alabama
Florence, Alabama 35632-0001
E-mail: psalexander@una.edu
Phone: (256)765-4324 Fax: (256)765-4811