FAQ Topics
General Information
Q: Who is my academic advisor?
A: Click here.
Q: How do I make an appointment with an advisor?
A: Click here.
Q: What is the difference between college and departmental advising?
A: Every student in BSOS has both college and department advisors. Students may need to meet with the advisor in the college, department, or sometimes both. See the chart below to determine the types of questions to ask which advisor:
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College Advising
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Departmental Advising
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CORE/Gen Ed requirements
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Major and supporting course selection and requirements
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Transfer credit evaluation
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Transfer course applicability to major
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General questions
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Registration (and permission for department courses specified as PermReq)
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Registration
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Internships and research opportunities
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Exceptions to university policy
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Career questions
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The second step of graduation audits
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The first step of graduation audits
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General academic planning
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Registration Questions
Q: What is a registration block?
A: A block is a hold placed on student records to prevent registration. Registration blocks may be frustrating for students who need to register for classes. Therefore, each semester, students are expected to log on to http://www.my.umd.edu/ and check their registration time and blocks. It is the student’s responsibility to take appropriate actions to remove blocks in order to register on time. Please visit this website for explanations of different registration blocks.
Q: What is PermReq on Testudo?
A: Even though PermReq (Permission Required) is not a block, it will prevent students from registering for a particular course. The student must contact the department that offers that course to inquire about receiving the permission.
Q: How many credits can I register for each semester?
A: Students can register for a maximum of 16 credits during pre-registration. On the first day of classes, students may register for a maximum of 20 credits without permission. Special permission to register for more than 16 credits prior to the first day of class is considered for graduating seniors.
Q: Can I take a course Pass/Fail?
A: Students should refer to the section on pass/fail grading method on this website.
Q: Can an undergraduate student take a graduate level class?
A: Students, usually junior or senior standing, who meet certain criteria are eligible to take graduate level course(s). Students should print and complete the Permission to Take a Graduate Level Course for Undergraduate Credit form. Students first need to obtain the permission from the instructor offering the graduate level class. Then students must obtain an approval from the Undergraduate Studies Director of their major. Once all of the approvals are obtained, bring the completed form to the BSOS Advising Center in 2148 Tydings Hall.
Q: How do I get permission to exceed the repeat credit limit?
A: Students are permitted to repeat up to 18 credits total. Students who wish to exceed the repeat credit limit must meet with an advisor in the BSOS Advising Center to request an exception to university policy. Permission for exceeding the repeat credit limit is not automatically granted. Students should be prepared to discuss why they seek an exception.
Q: How many times can I repeat a course?
A: There is a limit to the number of times a student may repeat a specific course. Students who need to repeat the course for their major for the third time must obtain an approval from the department. Permission for the third repeat is not automatically granted, students should be prepared to discuss why they seek an exception and their preparedness for doing so. Students must bring approval documentations to the BSOS Advising Center. All attempts will be counted toward the total limit for repeatable credits.
Q: How do I get permission for a time conflict?
A: Students can obtain permission to take courses that have a time conflict in two ways: 1) Obtain approval from both of the instructors on University of Maryland letterhead, then bring both copies to the BSOS Advising Center in 2148 Tydings Hall; or 2) Obtain approval from both of the instructors and have them send an email directly to a BSOS advisor from a University of Maryland email account.
Q: Does the University of Maryland accept AP credits?
A: To receive equivalent course credit, students generally must earn a minimum score on Advanced Placement exams; the university also accepts International Baccalaureate (IB) credit. Students required to complete CORE general education requirements are granted exemptions from Academic Writing and Fundamental Math based on SAT scores (670 verbal/600 math). However, for students required to complete Gen Ed general education requirements no SAT exemptions are permitted. For information about specific exams and credits visit the AP and IB course equivalencies websites.
Major Change Questions
Q:How do I change my major?
A: Click here.
Q: How do I sign up for a graduation planning workshop?
A: Students who need to attend a graduation planning workshop will need to sign up at http://www.bsosworkshops.umd.edu/. Students are able to sign up for a workshop 2 hours prior to the start time. Space is limited and students must arrive on time in order to participate. If you cannot attend the workshop that you registered for, please cancel at http://www.bsosworkshops.umd.edu/ so that other students may register.
Q: What are benchmarks and gateway courses for my major?
A: Click here.
Q: Can students earn a double major/double degree?
A: Earning a double major or double degree at the University of Maryland is feasible. The student earning a double major must complete 120 credits and will receive one diploma. For a double degree, a student must earn a minimum of 150 credits and will receive two diplomas. The possibility of completing a double major in four years depends on many factors, including how carefully a student works with advisors in planning coursework, the number of AP or IB courses a student transfers, summer school courses, the number of credits required for each program, and the possibility of overlapping major courses.
University policy states that students should be able to complete their degree within 10 semesters or 130 credits (whichever comes first, excluding AP/IB credits), and that students must declare a double major/degree no later than one full academic year before the expected date of graduation. The College enforces both of these policies for students who want to add a second major or degree in BSOS, given the demand for upper level BSOS courses and the need to ensure access to courses for all students. Students seeking to add major/degree outside BSOS should check with the college that sponsors that department.
Students who want to add a second major or degree in BSOS and will exceed 10 semesters or 130 credits (whichever comes first, excluding AP/IB credits), must appeal to the Assistant Dean. Print and complete the Appeal for Exception to Degree Completion Policy for Double Majors and Double Degree form. Follow the steps listed on the form in order complete your appeal.
Q: How do I add certificates/minors?
A: Certificates and minors offer students an in-depth, structured course of study in a field outside of their major in approximately 21 credits for certificates and 15 credits for minors. Both of these accomplishments will be noted on students’ transcripts. Students who are interested in adding certificates/minors must meet with that department advisor. Click here for a complete list of minors and certificates.
Taking Course(s) Away
Q: How do I get permission to study abroad?
A: Click here.
Q: How do I get permission to enroll at another institution?
A: If you are seeking permission to enroll in another institution either within or outside of Maryland, then you should select the courses you plan to take, find out about how to enroll at the other institution, and check to see if the courses will transfer. If the courses do transfer then you need to print and complete the Permission to Enroll in Another Institution form. If the course is being used for major or supporting course(s), students must meet with the departmental advisor to receive permission. Once the form is approved by the department, students must bring the approved form to the BSOS Advising Center for the final approval. If the course is being used for CORE/Gen Ed or elective course(s), students must bring the completed form to the BSOS Advising Center for the approval.
Q: How do I take consortium course(s)?
A: For non-ROTC courses, please click here.
Graduation Questions
Q: What is an academic audit?
A: Click here.
Q: How many upper level courses do I need to take for graduation?
A: Students should take their final 30 credits in residence at University of Maryland. A minimum of 15 credits must be upper level in the final 30 credits. 12 of the 15 minimum upper level credits in the final 30 credits must be major credits.
Q: When do I apply for graduation?
A: Click here.
Q: What happens if I missed the deadline to apply for graduation?
A: Complete and submit the Late Diploma Application form to the BSOS advising center.
Forms & Verification Questions
Q: How do I obtain an enrollment verification form?
A: Click here.
Q: How do I get my Dean's certification form approved?
A: Students who need Dean's certification of their academic status in order to apply to either Law or Graduate School, must submit the Dean's certification form and an addressed, stamped envelope to the BSOS Dean’s Office in 2141 Tydings Hall. Forms submitted at the last minute may not reach the intended Law or Graduate School Program by the deadline, which may affect your application status.
