Through the promotion of social, intellectual, and leadership development, Virtus seeks to provide the resources and structure for first- and second- year engineering students to be successful through graduation, positively impacting the retention and graduation of undergraduate students in the A. James Clark School of Engineering. To do so, Virtus provides Living and Learning experiences that promote community, critical reflection, and creation of change.
Living with Virtus
First-year Virtus participants are required to live in the common residential community, Easton Hall. Second-year Virtus students are allowed to live elsewhere, but are encouraged to remain in Easton. Living with this community helps students to connect with peers in engineering and develop a peer support network. Students can easily create their own 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 within Easton Hall for all Flexus and Virtus participants. This space is used for free tutoring services, studying, and other activities.
Learning with Virtus
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.
A key feature of the program, these 1-credit seminars explore a range of topics that seek to: enhance campus and community engagement; promote critical self-awareness; and connect engineering to social issues.
Below is a table providing an overview of the curriculum throughout the two year program:
| Term | Course Theme | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Year Fall | First-Year Transition | ENES 113 | 1 |
| First Year Spring | Professional & Career Development | ENES 114 | 1 |
| Second Year Fall | Introduction to Diversity & Inclusion in Engineering | ENES 213 | 1 |
| Second Year Spring | Introduction to Engineering & Social Change | ENES 214 | 1 |
Social and Academic Support
In addition to the Living and Learning Program, Virtus students can also enjoy other resources provided by the Women in Engineering Program, such as: networking opportunities; mid- semester advising; participation in the Peer Mentoring Program; and access to WIE staff.
Eligibility Requirements
Because space is limited, Virtus is designed for students who are not a part of other Living and Learning Programs, though all students are welcome to apply. Please note that applicants unaffiliated with another Living and Learning programs (including but not limited to College Park Scholars and Honors College) will receive preference for enrollment into Virtus. Applicants that are currently a part of other Living Learning Programs will be admitted if space is available.
Application, Review Process, and Timeline
To apply, please complete the application available through this link: https://futureumdengr.wufoo.com/forms/flexus-livinglearning-community-application-2019/. The deadline to apply is on Monday, April 1, 2019. Admission notifications will be released on April 10, 2019.
Contact Information
Please direct any questions about the program to the following contact:
Elizabeth Kurban
Assistant Director, Retention
Phone: 301-405-8308
Email: ekurban@umd.edu
Top