The goal of the Student Academic
Success-Degree Completion Policy is to promote undergraduate student success.
The policy establishes a structured framework and criteria to guide all
students to completion of an undergraduate degree within a reasonable period of
time. For complete information about the Student Academic Success-Degree
Completion Policy, visit:
http://www.ugst.umd.edu/academicsuccess.html.
Expectations
of Students
As a University of Maryland student,
you are an informed and active participant in your education. Therefore, the
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences expects that you:
Know your benchmark/gateway and degree requirements
Develop a graduation plan which leads to a timely graduation
Complete an academic audit during your junior year
Take appropriate actions to remove registration blocks and
register on time
Adhere to university and college policies and deadlines
Take responsibility for your academic actions and decisions
Student
Expectations
Academic advisors are committed to
assist you in meeting your educational goals. Therefore, the College of
Behavioral and Social Sciences is committed to the following:
Introducing you to your benchmark/gateway and degree
requirements upon your entrance to a major in the college
Providing assistance during academic difficulty
Referring you to helpful campus resources as needed
Providing information about opportunities to enhance your
academic career
Providing sample plans for each major to demonstrate how the
major can be completed in four years
The
College and the Academic Success Policy
In accordance with university
policy, the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences has established the
following requirements:
Graduation Plans
Benchmarks
Benchmark Reviews
Major Changes
1. What is the purpose of a graduation plan?
a. Helps establish a path to
graduation by charting all major, general education (CORE or Gen Ed), and
elective courses needed to earn a minimum of 120 credits required to graduate
b. Demonstrates students'
understanding of degree requirements for their new major and illustrates the
ability to complete the new major in a timely manner
2. Who needs to complete a graduation plan?
a. All new, directly admitted
students
i. A block is placed on the
students' records. They will not be able to register for second semester
courses until completed plans are submitted and approved.
b. All students changing to, or
adding a major in, the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
3. What are benchmarks?
a. Introductory courses in each
major and general education (CORE or Gen Ed) requirements that must be
completed within a given timeframe and with the appropriate grades
b. Courses which, upon completion,
demonstrate satisfactory progress in a given major
c. Please see the major card and/or
department website for your benchmark requirements
4. What do students need to know about benchmark reviews?
a. The college and its academic
units evaluate students' transcripts to determine if students have successfully
completed benchmark courses within the established timeframe and with the
appropriate grades
b. If benchmark courses are met,
students will be notified via email and are expected to continue making
satisfactory progress toward their major
c. If benchmark courses are not met,
students:
i. Are notified via e-mail and
postal mail
ii. Are dismissed from the major and may not return to the major from which they
were dismissed
iii. Will have one semester to select a new major
iv. Will have a one-time opportunity to submit an appeal of their dismissal
