Declaring a Major
Determining a major can be a difficult decision. Our office recommends taking a 1- or 2-credit introductory course offered by the University of Maryland, such as UNIV100 “The Student and the University” (engineering sections are available), or through the Clark School of Engineering.
Each department provides detailed and informative websites that can help students explore their interests. Reviewing department offerings, including coursework, research, and elective opportunities, can help students learn more about each engineering major.
Students may also schedule meetings with academic advisors in the departments or with EAS to help them make a final decision about declaring a major within engineering.
Mid-Term Grades
Mid-term grades are progress reports provided to undergraduate students enrolled in their first year (fewer than 30 credits earned at the University of Maryland), students enrolled in 0xx-, 1xx-, and 2xx-level courses, and student-athletes in undergraduate courses.
These progress reports are sent approximately one and a half months into the semester.
Students who receive a mid-term grade of D, F, or U are notified by EAS and are encouraged to speak with an academic advisor.
Mandatory Academic Advising
All engineering students must meet with an academic advisor prior to registering for courses for the upcoming semester. For first-semester students at the University of Maryland, this requirement is satisfied through Orientation.
Students who are undecided within engineering meet with academic advisors in Engineering Academic Services (EAS). Students who have declared a specific engineering major meet with their departmental academic advisor.
Students who do not meet with an advisor will not be able to register for courses.
Questions about academic advising assignments may be directed to EAS.
Graduation Plan (University of Maryland Student Academic Success Policy)
Students should complete a Graduation plan as a guide for their undergraduate studies. This plan helps outline courses the student may take in upcoming semesters.
The graduation plan may change based on meetings with a departmental advisor or Engineering Academic Services (EAS) advisors, as well as academic performance.
Students should bring this plan to any advising appointment where semester registration will be discussed.
Note: Suggestions are available to help students create a Gradution plan.
Academic Dismissal
Students who have earned 60 or more total credits will be dismissed if their cumulative GPA remains below 2.0 for two consecutive semesters (excluding winter and summer terms).
Students who achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher during a winter or summer term will not be subject to dismissal.
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will notify students in writing if they are dismissed. This notice will state that registration for the next semester (excluding winter and summer terms) will be canceled.
Students dismissed for academic reasons must normally wait one semester (fall or spring) before applying for reinstatement. Exceptions are determined by the Faculty Petition Board.
Academic Probation
Students will be placed on academic probation if their cumulative GPA falls below 2.0.
Students on academic probation are expected to raise their cumulative GPA to at least 2.0 by the end of the probationary semester.
Students who do not achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 by the end of the probationary semester may be academically dismissed, depending on their total earned credits.
Fundamental English
All students must take ENGL101 “Introduction to Writing.” Students must attempt the course within their first 30 earned credit hours and complete it within their first 60 earned credit hours.
Note: All Clark School of Engineering students must complete ENGL39X “Technical Writing” (Professional Writing Requirement), regardless of the grade earned in ENGL101.
Policy Violation
A review of relevant Academic Policies is available online. Students with extenuating circumstances may request an exception to policy.
Requests must be submitted through the Petition for an Exception to Policy Form, available under Forms (online). The petition must include supporting documentation of the extenuating circumstances and a personal statement addressed to the Petitions Committee.
Note: Approval of petitions is not guaranteed.
Preparing for the 45 Credit Benchmark Review
This review typically occurs after a student’s third semester.
To pass the review, students must meet the following requirements:
- Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Earn a grade of 2.0 or higher in Math 141, Chem 135, Phys 161, and ENES100
- Complete ENGL101
- Complete one Distributive Studies course
- You may repeat only one of the listed courses once in order to achieve a grade of 2.0 or higher
A grade of “W” counts as an attempt. Therefore, a second attempt is considered a repeat of the course.
Engineering Academic Services does not recommend taking all four of these courses in the same semester.
Repeat Policy
Any University of Maryland student may attempt a course twice or repeat a course once, for a total of up to 18 credit hours (most MATH courses are 4 credits).
If a student withdraws from a course, they will receive a grade of “W,” which counts as an attempt.
Both attempts are included in the calculation of a student’s GPA.
However, if the course was first taken during a student’s first semester (for transfer students) or within the first 24 credit hours (for first-time students), the new grade will replace the original grade in the GPA calculation. The original grade will remain on the transcript.
Withdrawal/Drop Policy
No more than 4 credit hours may be dropped in any one semester after the last day of schedule adjustment.
A grade of “W” (withdrawal) will appear on the student’s transcript for the course.
Please refer to the Academic Calendar for specific dates per semester.
Withdrawal from a Semester
If a student experiences a serious illness or other long-term issue and needs to leave the University for the entire term, they may withdraw from all courses.
The repeat policy does not apply to courses taken during the semester from which the student officially withdrew.
Students must submit written notice of withdrawal to the Office of the Registrar no later than the last day of classes.
A student’s return to the University is subject to the conditions outlined in the online catalog.
Note: Students with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and no prior withdrawal or leave of absence may return to the University the following semester through Re-Enrollment.
Students who withdraw while not in good academic standing (cumulative GPA below 2.0) must go through the reinstatement process and are not guaranteed admission back into the Clark School of Engineering.
Courses Outside University of Maryland
Students who wish to take a course during the summer at an institution other than the University of Maryland, College Park must obtain permission before enrolling. To request permission, submit a Permission to Enroll Form, available on the Forms page.
Fundamental English Requirement
All students must complete ENGL101: Introduction to Writing.
- Students must attempt ENGL101 within their first 30 earned credit hours.
- Students must complete ENGL101 within their first 60 earned credit hours.
Clark School Professional Writing Requirement
All Clark School of Engineering students must complete ENGL393: Technical Writing to satisfy the Professional Writing Requirement, regardless of the grade earned in ENGL101.
Registration Blocks
Students may have a registration block on their academic record that prevents them from registering for courses. The following information describes common registration blocks and the steps required to have them removed.
Administrative block
- The student has not met a general registration requirement.
- How to resolve: Contact the Registrar’s Office to determine why the block was placed. Then contact the office or department that issued the block.
By Permission Only block
- The student must obtain permission from the department offering the course before enrolling.
- Most engineering courses have this block during the fall and spring semesters.
- How to resolve: Contact the department offering the course.
Financially Ineligible
- The student has an outstanding financial obligation to the university.
- How to resolve: Contact Financial Aid.
Fundamental Studies
- The student has not completed ENGL101.
- How to resolve: Contact the Registrar’s Office.
Immunization block
- The student has not submitted required immunization documentation.
- How to resolve: Contact the Health Center.
Mandatory Advising block
- The student must meet with an academic advisor before registering for courses.
- How to resolve: Schedule and attend an advising appointment.
The Clark School of Engineering and the University of Maryland offer many opportunities for students to engage in campus life and community activities.
Students may participate in multiple organizations or activities at different times, but participation is not required.
We recommend that first-year students be mindful of their course and activity load as they adjust to college life.
Beyond that, students are encouraged to explore opportunities that match their interests.
Engineering Student Societies
This page provides a list of student organizations within the Clark School. Students who wish to become involved in their major or academic area of interest are encouraged to explore these groups.
Engineering Student Council (ESC)
The Engineering Student Council (ESC) is a nonprofit educational service organization that works to enhance the student engineering experience at the University of Maryland.
The ESC website includes:
- A list of student organizations within the Clark School of Engineering
- Information on departmental honors programs
- Information on major-specific honor societies
First Look Fair
The First Look Fair is a two-day event where University of Maryland student organizations, community groups, offices, and services gather on the Mall to share information with students.
Students can visit tables to learn more about:
- SECU credit union
- Health Center services
- Greek organizations
- Other campus groups and resources
The fair is typically held in September and is publicized by the STAMP Student Union.
International Engineering Opportunities
Students are encouraged to explore the many international opportunities available to engineering students, including:
- Studying abroad for a semester, academic year, summer, or winter term
- Interning abroad
- Conducting research abroad
- Participating in community service programs such as Engineers Without Borders
- Completing a Minor in International Engineering
Planning early can help students complete an international experience while staying on track to graduate in four years.
