New degree audit tool maps path to graduation

On Aug. 1, the Office of the University Registrar launches Degree Works, a new web-based degree auditing and tracking tool that will make it easier for Tulane University students to determine which courses are needed to successfully complete their degree programs and majors.

“The old degree audit system was at least 20 years old, so there were certain limitations,” said associate registrar Ryan Garrity. “It was antiquated, and we needed an updated system capable of handling Tulane’s unique curriculum.”

Garrity said that Degree Works will allow each student to efficiently evaluate their academic progress and create a better connection with their academic adviser.

“We needed an updated system capable of handling Tulane’s unique curriculum.”

— Ryan Garrity, associate registrar

“It offers a ‘what if’ function, so if students were to switch majors, they can see how coursework that they've already taken would apply in that degree program,” said Garrity.

A “look ahead” feature additionally helps students easily track their progress toward degree completion by allowing them to quickly identify satisfied and outstanding requirements. If users plan to add a major or minor, they can use the system to determine what courses are needed.

“It ties directly to the course catalog data,” said Garrity, adding that this linking function will benefit students by giving them better information when selecting coursework and understanding degree requirements.

Beginning on Aug. 1, the new system will be available to School of Professional Advancement students and Newcomb-Tulane College students who began in fall 2017 or later. Graduate and professional students will have access to Degree Works starting Aug. 27.

Newcomb-Tulane College students who enrolled before fall 2017 will continue to use the DARS degree audit system until they graduate.

On the following dates, the Office of the University Registrar will offer Degree Works drop-in training sessions for faculty and staff members with advising roles within the Lavin-Bernick Center on the uptown campus:

Aug. 13

10–11 a.m.

G01-Riess Room

Aug. 14

3–4 p.m.

G01-Riess Room

Aug. 15

10–11 a.m.

G01-Riess Room

Aug. 16

3–4 p.m.

G01-Riess Room

Aug. 17

10–11 a.m.

G01-Riess Room

Aug. 27

3–4 p.m.

202-Rechler Conference Room

Aug. 28

10–11 a.m.

202-Rechler Conference Room

Aug. 29

3–4 p.m.

202-Rechler Conference Room

Aug. 30

10–11 a.m.

202-Rechler Conference Room

Aug. 31

3–4 p.m.  

202-Rechler Conference Room