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.
All participants in Virtus are requried 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 4:00 pm-5:15 pm*
|
Professional & Career Development
|
ENES 114
|
1
|
|
Fall Semester, Second Year
Thursdays 4:00 pm-5:15 pm*
|
Introduction to Diversity & Inclusion in Engineering
(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 Women in Engineering Program, such as: networking opportunities; mid-semester advising; virtual tutoring; peer mentoring; and WIE staff.
Applicants must be admitted into the Clark School of Engineering for enrollment as a first-year student in Fall 2024.
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.
Priority Deadline for Applications: Friday, April 5, 2024
Regular Deadline for Applications: Monday, May 6, 2024
APPLY TO VIRTUS
Students applying by the priority deadline will be notified of their admission decision beginning Friday, April 19, 2024.
Virtual Flexus & Virtus Information Session and Chat
Admitted Clark School students for Fall 2024 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 28, 2024
Time: 5:00 - 5:45 PM ET
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Registration is required.
Register for the Virtual Flexus & Virtus Info Session
Flexus & Virtus Open House
Admitted Clark School students for Fall 2024 and a parent/guardian are invited to spend an afternoon with our Flexus and Virtus Living and Learning Communities. Learn more about the programs, resources, and support available through the Women in Engineering Program and Flexus and Virtus Living and Learning Program. Engage with current Flexus and Virtus students as you explore the living and learning experience.
Date: Saturday, April 13, 2024
Time: 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Location: University of Maryland campus
Registration is required.
Register for the Flexus & Virtus Open House
Summer Orientation
Students are encouraged to register for the Flexus and Virtus summer orientation scheduled for Wednesday, June 5th, and Thursday, June 6th, 2024. You will have the opportunity to meet other Flexus and Virtus students in your cohort, and academic advisors will help you register for your fall 2024 classes.
Welcome Week
Flexus and Virtus students are required to participate in Flexus and Virtus Welcome Week programming. More information about move-in and welcome week will be provided when the dates have been announced by the Department of Resident Life.
Please direct any questions about the program to:
Sam Murillo
Program Coordinator, Women in Engineering Program
Phone: 301-405-8308
Paige Smith
Director, Women in Engineering Program
Phone: 301-405-3931