Using ATLAS to Evaluate Degree Progress
What is ATLAS?
ATLAS is an online advising tool to help advisers and students monitor students’ progress toward degree completion. ATLAS matches a student’s coursework (completed, currently enrolled, or registered in a future semester) to degree requirements in a worksheet that shows how courses count toward degree requirements.
ATLAS is available to all faculty and students and some staff for the purpose of supporting and informing a student’s progress. The information in ATLAS is updated nightly from the student information system so any changes made today, for example, dropping a class, generally won't show up until tomorrow. If the “last refresh” date on the report is not today’s date, click “Process New” to ensure the latest information is reflected.
Access ATLAS by logging in to IRIS and clicking the link or by navigating to atlas.reed.edu.
Understanding Degree Progress Evaluations in ATLAS
What is a degree progress evaluation (DPE)?
An ATLAS evaluation displays information about a student’s progress toward the degree, reviewing 1) the overall degree requirements, 2) distribution requirements (including PE/CE), 3) major requirements, 4) and division requirements, if applicable. Each block (section) within the report works as a checklist for that set of requirements that shows whether a requirement is met. Each block begins with a black bar, showing the number of units required and earned for that block. For the overall units applied toward degree progress look for the black bar labeled "Bachelor of Arts".
What if information in ATLAS is not current?
Check the Last Audit date, located in the top-center of the screen; – the date displayed will be the last time a student’s information was compared to the rules for the degree. When student information is checked each night, if information has changed that affects the outcome of a progress evaluation, a new evaluation is created. If that hasn't resulted in the summary expected, there could be pending paperwork yet to be processed (substitutions, add/drop forms, change of major, etc.). If something is not showing that should be completed, please check with the Registrar’s Office or send email to registrar@reed.edu.
Can students see a list of all classes taken?
Yes. In the Student View (default), click on the Academic History link near the top of the page for a list of courses taken at Reed College, as well as transfer and advanced placement courses.
Can students declare or change their major and/or concentration through ATLAS?
No. Students must submit a Declaration of Major to the Registrar’s Office to declare or change a major and/or concentration.
Can students see their grades in ATLAS?
No. Students can ask their adviser for their grades.
Does ATLAS incorporate Advanced Placement credit and transfer work?
Yes, if the required materials have been submitted to the Registrar’s Office. The student must complete the transfer credit process, including ensuring they have submitted official transcripts or test scores and the Request for Transfer Credit signed by the appropriate department chair(s) and your academic adviser.
How do students know what classes to take?
ATLAS will outline the courses needed to meet the different requirements within each block. To see a list of courses not yet completed, select Registration Checklist from the dropdown menu. Students may then use this information to discuss the plan with their academic adviser.
I have repeated a course and earned a better grade. Why does the repeated course show under the Not Applicable heading?
All withdrawn and failed courses, as well as courses that have been repeated show under the Not Applicable heading. The repeated course with the higher grade will show as counting toward your degree requirements.
I think the report is incorrect. What should I do?
The first step is to clarify what information you believe is incorrect. The most common problems and courses of action can be found on this page.
When should a student or adviser review a degree progress evaluation?
- Before registering for a semester
- After registering to ensure that the courses apply to program requirements
- After grades are posted at the end of the semester
- Any time changes are made to registration or to the major
- ATLAS can be viewed at any time; however, it is recommended to do so at least twice a semester
How is the degree evaluation different from a transcript?
The degree evaluation provides students information about degree progress. It displays requirements and the details of meeting those requirements. The official transcript is the student’s academic record, and simply provides a chronological list of courses completed and grades earned.
I’ve seen the @ symbol in several places in ATLAS. What does that mean?
This is a “wild card” in ATLAS. For example, if the @ sign is followed by course numbers (@ 100: 469), it means that you may take a course in any subject area within the specified course number range. In this case, any 100 to 400 level course (except thesis or independent study) in any subject area is allowed.
Whom should I contact if I still have questions or disagree with the report?
Please contact your academic adviser, the Registrar’s Office, or email registrar@reed.edu.
Want help on a specific feature?
I am thinking of changing my major. Can I see what would be required if I made this change?
Yes. Students can use the “What If” option found under the Worksheets tab to create a report based on requirements for a major of interest. Information about using the "What If" function may be found at this page.
Can department and interdisciplinary committee chairs request major requirement exceptions?
Department and interdisciplinary committee chairs may request exceptions to published major requirements by using the "Petition" function of ATLAS. Information about petitioning for exceptions may be found on this page.
I Still Have Questions!
For additional help to answer questions about ATLAS results, please contact your adviser or the Registrar’s Office.
You may also submit your question to ATLAS by sending an email using the link below. If you wish to receive a response, be sure to include your name.