First-year Virtus students live in the common residential community in Easton Hall. Living with the Virtus and Flexus communities in Easton Hall is a requirement for all first-year participants in the Virtus or Flexus programs*. Second-year students may live elsewhere but are encouraged to remain in Easton Hall. Living with this community helps students connect with peers in engineering and develop a peer support network. Students can easily create study groups, benefit from peer tutoring, and engage in a variety of social activities specific to the development and interests of the community.
In addition, the Flexus & Virtus student lounge is available on the ground floor of Easton Hall for all Flexus and Virtus participants. This space is used for free Flexus and Virtus tutoring services, studying, and other activities.
If you have any questions about roommates please contact Sam Murillo | lmurillo@umd.edu.
*The WIE Program is are committed to supporting our students while ensuring that all participants benefit from the rich community and resources Flexus and Virtus offer. Students accepted into Flexus or Virtus are required to live on campus during their first year. However, waivers can be requested to accommodate a variety of circumstances, for example, students commuting to campus from home or needing special housing arrangements.
All participants in Virtus are required to enroll in a 1-credit seminar course each semester for a total of four seminar courses during their first and second year. Enrollment in and completion of all four seminars is a requirement to complete the Virtus program.
A key feature of the Virtus program, these 1-credit seminars explore a range of topics that seek to:
- Enhance campus and community engagement
- Promote critical self-awareness
- Connect engineering to social change
Below is a table providing an overview of the curriculum throughout the two-year program:
|
Term
|
Course Theme
|
Course
|
Credits
|
|---|
|
Fall Semester, First Year
Wednesdays 4:00 pm-5:30 pm*
|
First-Year Transition
|
ENES 113
|
1
|
|
Spring Semester. First Year
Wednesdays 5:00 pm-5:15 pm*
|
Professional & Career Development
|
ENES 114
|
1
|
|
Fall Semester, Second Year
Wednesdays 4:00 pm-5:30 pm*
|
Introduction to Engineering Culture & Leadership
(General Education: DVCC)
|
ENES 213
|
1
|
|
Spring Semester, Second Year
Wednesdays 5:00 pm-6:30 pm*
|
Introduction to Engineering & Social Change
|
ENES 214
|
1
|
*Day and time are subject to change.
A student-led programming board coordinates community events throughout the year. Virtus students have access to a variety of resources provided by the WIE Program, such as: networking opportunities; mid-semester advising; virtual tutoring; peer mentoring; and WIE Program staff.
Applicants must be admitted into the A. James Clark School of Engineering for enrollment as a first-year student in Fall 2026.
As space is limited, Virtus is designed for students who are not part of other living and learning programs.
Living in Easton Hall with the Virtus community as a first-year student is a requirement for participation in the program. However a waiver can be requested to accommodate a variety of circumstances, for example, students commuting to campus from home or needing special housing arrangements.
Application: Opens on February 1, 2026
Priority Application Deadline: Monday, April 6, 2026
Regular Application Deadline: Monday, April 20, 2026
Students applying by the priority deadline will be notified of their admission decision beginning Monday, April 13, 2026.
Flexus & Virtus Information Session and Chat (Virtual)
Students admitted to the Clark School for Fall 2026 are invited to join us to speak with current Flexus students and alumnae and current Virtus students and alumni to learn more about these engineering living and learning communities. Learn about academic, professional, and social support in addition to the unique networking opportunities and course curriculum these programs offer.
Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 PM ET
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Registration: Opens February 1, 2026
Flexus & Virtus Open House
Students admitted to the Clark School Fall 2025 and a parent/guardian are invited to spend an afternoon with our Flexus and Virtus engineering living and learning communities. Learn more about the programs, resources, and support available through the WIE Program and Flexus and Virtus programs. Engage with current Flexus and Virtus students as you explore the living and learning experience.
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: TBA
Location: University of Maryland campus
Registration: Opens February 1, 2026
Summer Orientation
Students are encouraged to register for the Flexus and Virtus summer orientation in early June.
During summer orientation, you will have the opportunity to meet other Flexus and Virtus students in your cohort. Academic advisors will help you register for your fall classes.
Welcome Week
Flexus and Virtus students are required to participate in Flexus and Virtus Welcome Week programming. Welcome Week starts several days prior to the start of fall classes. More information about move-in and welcome week will be provided when the dates have been announced by the Department of Resident Life.
The Flexus and Virtus Engineering Living-Learning Programs are run by the WIE Program. Please direct any questions about the program by email to wie@umd.edu or by phone to:
Sam Murillo
Program Coordinator
Phone: 301-405-8308
Paige Smith
Director
Phone: 301-405-3931