|
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Advising and Early Registration
STUDY ABROAD
I would like to study abroad in my junior year. Will I still graduate on time? The answer depends on both the program in which you intend to participate and your long-term goals. We suggest that you choose a program and then, when you have more information about the courses that will be available to you during your study abroad term, meet with your advisor to discuss an adjusted four year plan. View more information on the Study Abroad web site.
LAST 30 CREDIT RULE
I have an opportunity to do a "Semester at Sea" but I am in my last thirty credits, what should I do? You will need to petition for "An Exception to Policy for the final thirty credit rule". Petitions are available in the Student Services Office, 1300 Symons Hall. More information about the 30-credit rule, especially as it pertains to study abroad opportunitites...
SUMMER CLASSES
I would like to take a summer course this year on campus. What should I do? You can register for summer courses on campus with the advice of your advisor. In contrast to the fall and spring semesters, there are no advising blocks for registration for summer. In some cases, however, you will be required to see an advisor before registering (for example if you wish to make a third attempt at a course). Many lower-level BSCI and CHEM courses are offered during the summer, but the selection of upper level courses is much more limited. For more details on summer offerings, see the summer programs web site or the schedule of classes.
I would like to take a summer course at another institution near my home. What should I do? You will need to first discuss the course with your advisor. If the course is not a repeat, you are in good academic standing, and you are not within 30 credits of graduation, you simply need to complete a "Permission to Enroll in another Institution" form (available in the Student Services office, 1300 Symons Hall). Please note that you can only transfer in a maximum of 60 community college credits and a maximum of 90 credits from four year institutions. For more information, visit the Transfer Credit Center.
CORE
I thought that I was finished with my CORE courses, but my transcript indicates that I am missing an SH CORE. What should I do? Obviously the answer should be, "Take the course", but in situations like this it is always wise to meet with your advisor and review your CORE credits. See the CORE web site for information on CORE requirements.
SPECIAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
What should I take next semester for my Gemstone requirements? The Gemstone program is a four year program and has very specific course requirements for each semester. Refer to the Gemstone web pages for specific course information each semester.
What should I take next semester for my College Park Scholars program? The course requirements for the College Park Scholars Programs are program-dependent. For more information on the requirements of each of the programs, visit the College Park Scholars web site.
TESTS FOR GRADUATE/PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
I am planning on applying to graduate/professional school, which entrance exams should I be taking? Entrance exams vary by program. If you are planning to pursue a medical, allied health , or legal career you should meet with one of the Law and Health Professions advisors for guidance.
DROPPING COURSES AFTER THE SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENT PERIOD/WITHDRAWING FROM THE SEMESTER
I dropped one four-credit course earlier this semester and would like to drop a second course. What can I do? Petition to drop more than four credits in a given semester. This requires extenuating circumstances and documentation. If dropping the courses result in you carrying less that a full-time course load (i.e., 12 credits) your campus housing status or financial aid may be affected, so it is important to consult with the Office of Resident Life and the Office of Student Financial Aid before making a final decision. Refer to the undergraduate catalog for more information.
I am having a really bad semester. I already dropped chemistry and biology, but I don't think I am going to be able to pull up my grades in math. What are my options? You should definately meet with your advisor right away to discuss your options. One possibility to consider is withdrawing from the entire semester. You have until the last day of classes to withdraw from the entire semester. No tuition refund will be granted and you may have to reapply to the university to be readmitted for next semester. If you are on financial aid, you should investigate the impact of this on your financial aid status, and if you reside on campus, you also need to consider the imact of withdrawal on your future housing priority. Sometimes a leave or absence option is best for students on financial aid. Consult the undergraduate catalog for more information.
CHANGING ADVISORS
How can I change my advisor? Contact your advising unit and fill out a form requesting a change of advisor.
SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENTS
How do I adjust my schedule after registering? For most students, just use DROP/ADD on the Web. You do not need to see an advisor again. If, however, you are an athlete, on Academic Warning or were Dismissed in the most recent semester, you must see your advisor for every schedule change.
TRANSFER CREDITS
How do I transfer credits from another institution? Make sure your transcripts have been sent to the University of Maryland Registrar's Office (in the Mitchell Building). If you are transfering in courses that are in the University's transfer course database, they will automatically appear in your records with the appropriate UMCP course equivalency. If you are transfering in a course that has not previously been evaluated and enetered into the university's transfer course database, you will need to take a course description to the equivalent department here at Maryland so that they can determine its equivalency. This is especially important for courses with which to satisfy major or CORE requirements. For more information, visit the Transfer Credit Center.
Can I take a class at another institution? Have the course evaluated by the equivalent UM department and fill out a "Permission to enroll at another university" form. This form can be obtained at the Life Sciences Student Services Office (1300 Symons Hall). Permission should be secured BEFORE leaving campus and taking a course elsewhere.
FINAL EXAMS
Is it true that if I have three final exams scheduled for the same day I am allowed to reschedule one? No, this is a misconception. There is no university policy limiting the number of final exams that can be taken in one day. The date and time of final exams for the upcoming semester are printed in the Schedule of Classes. A student can avoid having three final exams on the same day by checking this out during the early registration period and registering accordingly.
HELPFUL AND IMPORTANT LINKS
| 
