Adding and Dropping Courses
What is the Schedule Adjustment period? What do you mean drop with and without a “W”?
The schedule adjustment period (otherwise known as the add/drop period) is the first two weeks (10 days) of classes. The schedule adjustment period is the time when you can add or drop courses and the changes that you make to your schedule do not show on your official transcript. If you drop a course during the schedule adjustment period, a withdrawal (W), is NOT noted on your transcript. Once the schedule adjustment period ends, you can no longer add courses without getting permission by filing an AGNR Policy Exception. However, you can still drop a course with a “W” noted on your transcript up until the date listed in the 5 Schedule of Classes as the last day to drop with a “W.” You must meet with your major academic advisor before dropping any course so you can plan when you will make up the dropped course.
Why can’t I drop or withdraw from more than one course?
Under UM policy, students may only drop one course unless special permission is granted for extenuating circumstances. You must meet with your major academic advisor and file an exception to academic policy request for permission to drop or withdraw from more than 1 course.
It is the first week of classes and I am already feeling a bit overwhelmed with 16 credits. Can I drop one class and maybe take a lighter load?
Yes, but you should consult with your major advisor as dropping a class may impact your financial aid and your ability to graduate in four years. Next, you need to make sure that you are still within the University deadlines for dropping and adding. Requests to add or drop courses past the deadlines can only be approved only for demonstrated extenuating circumstances beyond your control. Your major advisor will work with you to assist in the event of serious extenuating circumstances that prevent you from completing a full course load.
The deadline to withdraw from a class with a “W” has passed, but I wanted to wait until I took an exam to see whether I needed to drop the class, and now I am afraid of getting a bad grade in the course. The professor says I should drop, and gave me perm
You may withdraw from a course after the deadline only for demonstrated extenuating circumstances beyond your control. Doing poorly in class is not an extenuating circumstance. Being in an accident and hospitalized for a few days would be considered an extenuating circumstance. If you are experiencing serious problems, please make an appointment to see your major academic advisor and submit an exception to academic policy to request to withdraw from a course after the deadline. Professors cannot authorize late course withdrawals.
If my classes are dropped by the Bursar’s Office/Accounts Payable, will I be able to register for the same courses later on, once I have paid my bill and cleared the financial block?
Not necessarily. Making sure you meet the tuition payment deadlines is your responsibility. If the section of the course is still open, and registration is ongoing—i.e., the deadline for adding classes has not passed—you would be able to re-register in the same section. If that section is full, you will have to register in another open section. If the all sections are full or if the deadline to add courses has passed, you will probably not be able to register—even if you continue to attend, turn in assignments, and take exams. Professors do not have authority to override registration deadlines.
If an AGNR professor gives me written permission, will I be allowed to add section that is already closed or to register late for a course?
No. Professors cannot authorize over-subscriptions or late registration. You must file and exception to academic policy with AGNR. You are required to ask your professor to email AGNRexceptions@umd.edu to endorse you adding a course when it is full or to register for a class after schedule adjustment. AGNR will not accept any forwarded emails from students.
I am on track to graduate this semester; however, I am closed out of a course I need to take in order to graduate. How can I get into this course?
This situation should not occur if you take advantage of your assigned early registration date. Dropping a required course, earning less than a “C-”, or not following your approved major curriculum could require repeating or making up a course. The first line of defense is to register for the courses as outlined in your major four-year plan each semester, have a core/general education degree audit in the AGNR Academic Programs Office, make sure you meet with your advisor each semester to discuss major requirements, and make sure you do not have any registration blocks so that you can register on time. In the event of this situation, your major academic advisor will work with you to help you complete your graduation requirements. Note: You must pay your Bursar bill; the primary reason graduating students are closed out of required courses is having registration blocked because of a financial hold.
Help! I originally registered full-time, but then found out I needed to drop back to part-time. Now the University tells me that I don’t get a refund. Is this true?
Yes, it is true. You need to decide whether you will be full-time or part-time BEFORE the first day of classes, in order to avoid losing tuition money. The difference between full-time and part-time tuition will not be refunded.
Enrolling in a course at another Institution
Can I take courses at other institutions?
It depends on the suitability of course you wish to take. All UMD students are required to complete fundamental studies math (FM) and English (FE) at UMD; however transfer students are permitted to take FM and FE courses prior to enrolling as a UMD student.
For all other courses, you must have prior approval from your academic advisor and the Assistant Dean for Academic Programs (AGNR Academic Programs office) before taking any (fall, spring, summer or winter-term) classes at another institution. You will need to complete a permission to enroll form with the support of your academic advisor to have this request considered.
If you would like to take a class off campus during your last 30 credits, you will need to petition for an exception to academic policy as well. Normally, the last 30 credits you take need to be taken at UMD; however, credits from University-approved study abroad and internship programs, and a maximum of 6 credits that are not part of such programs, may be included in the final 30 if approved in advance by the Assistant Dean for Academic Programs.
I’d like to take some classes back home during the summer or a winter-term. What must I do to get these courses approved to count in my degree requirements?
Yes. It is possible to take courses at a community college or 4-year college to fulfill unmet core/general education requirements and some major requirements. All UM students are required to complete fundamental studies math and English at UM and must file and exception to academic policy to request permission to take a course at another institution. Once you have begun your studies in AGNR, all courses taken elsewhere must be approved in advance in order to be accepted into major your program. You should meet your major advisor to discuss your courses and complete and submit a “Permission to Enroll” form. You can complete up to 90 credits at a four year school and 60 credits at a 2 year institution. Your last 30 credits must be completed at the University of Maryland.
Can I take my fundamental studies English (ENGL101) at community college?
All current UM students are required to complete ENGL101 at UM. Fundamental Studies English, ENGL101 builds competence and confidence in basic writing. Mastery of the basics enhances success both during and after college. You must complete ENGL101 in your first 30 credits at the University. If you believe you have an extenuating circumstance extenuating circumstance for taking ENGL101 at another institution, request an exception to this policy.
Repeating a Course
I had a bad semester and received a “D-” in one of my required major courses. Can I repeat the course?
It depends. A student can attempt a course twice. A drop with a “W” from a course is considered an attempt. If you have already attempted the course twice and need to repeat the course for a third time you will need to submit an Exception to Academic Policy Request.
- If the course is a math course, you must first meet with the Math Learning Specialist, in the Learning Assistance Services in Shoemaker Hall to discuss ongoing difficulties with the math course in question. http://www.counseling.umd.edu/LAS/html/mlp.html The Math Specialist’s Office will make a recommendation about the 3rd /4th attempt at the math course. If the Math Specialist recommends you be permitted to repeat a math course a 3rd of 4th time, he/she will outline a plan for your success in the math course. The Math Specialist Office ONLY makes recommendations about your 3rd/4th attempt. AGNR will determine whether or not you can repeat the course. You must submit a copy of the signed math plan to the Academic Programs Office in 0107 Symons Hall BEFORE your request to repeat math a 3rd or 4th time will be considered.
I withdrew from a fundamental studies math course (MATH113 OR MATH115) in the fall and earned an “F” in the spring. I need the course for my major; can I repeat the course a 3rd time?
You must first file and exception to academic policy. Then meet with the Math Learning Specialist, in the Learning Assistance Services in Shoemaker Hall to discuss ongoing difficulties with the math course in question. http://www.counseling.umd.edu/LAS/html/mlp.html The Math Specialist’s Office will make a recommendation about the 3rd /4th attempt at the math course. If the Math Specialist recommends you be permitted to repeat a math course a 3rd of 4th time, he/she will outline a plan for your success in the math course. The Math Specialist Office ONLY makes recommendations about your 3rd/4th attempt. AGNR will determine whether or not you can repeat the course. You must submit a copy of the signed math plan to the Academic Programs Office in 0107 Symons Hall BEFORE your request to repeat math a 3rd or 4th time will be considered. You can also consult with the math specialist for MATH220 OR MATH140.
I want to repeat a course I need for my major at community college. Can I do this and will the course count in my GPA?
You must request permission to repeat a course by transfer. In most cases a course repeated at another institution is not calculated in your GPA. You will however receive credit for the course toward your degree requirements. To request permission to repeat a course by transfer, submit an exception to policy request. Be sure to explain why you are repeating the course and why you wish to have the course calculated in your GPA.
Academic Concerns
I have had a very bad semester, and fear that I will fail all of my classes. What can I do?
Students may request a complete withdrawal from all classes by filling out a form in the Registrar’s Office in the Mitchell building no later than the last day of classes.
My grades for this past semester were very low, and I’m afraid of being dismissed. What will happen next?
University policy defines “satisfactory academic performance” as a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better. If your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0, you will be placed on academic probation and face possible dismissal from the University at the end of the next semester. You should meet with your advisor immediately to address your academic difficulties.
If I receive an incomplete in a course, how long do I have to complete it and receive my grade? What if I don’t finish it?
An incomplete can be granted by your instructor if you are passing the course and if a substantial amount of the coursework is already completed. If your instructor agrees, you would fill out an incomplete contract. You can get a copy of this contract from your instructor, who will indicate the deadline and work remaining, and the grade you will receive if you don’t complete it. If any Incomplete Contract isn't completed within the six week period or an agreed upon time, the instructor will convert the “I” to the appropriate grade.
Registration Issues
I want to register for two courses that have conflicting times and the instructor for the class I will miss gives his approval. Is it ok for me to remain in both courses?
No. You must request permission from AGNR to register with a time conflict. You must submit supporting documentation from both course instructors via email to AGNRexceptions@umd.edu. Both instructors must agree to the time conflict. Once we receive your documentation, we will make a decision. If you register for conflicting courses without prior approval from AGNR, you will be administratively dropped from both courses by the Registrar’s Office after the schedule adjustment period.
I want to register for more than 17 credits this semester? What do I do?
Meet with your assigned academic advisor to discuss your registration. To be granted this exception, you must:
1. Have completed at least one full-time fall or spring semester at UMD with a strong academic performance. If you are in your first semester at UMD, you may not petition for this exception.
2. Have the support of your academic advisor for taking the courses you list and the overload.
3. Have a curricular need to take more than 17 credits hours in a single semester such as double majoring, fitting in a special academic experience (study abroad, internship, fellowship, or similar). This is an equity policy to ensure that students all have the opportunity to register for classes they want and need. Holding a spot in a class to see how you current classes go is not a reason for this exception.
If you are not eligible for this exception, you can self-register for up to 19 credits on your own during the drop/add period.