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Advising Policies

The ENSP program faculty and staff are committed to helping you achieve your personal and academic goals.  Whether working with us in advising, the classroom, or over e-mail, we value what you bring to our program.   Please take a few minutes to read through these items so you can bring your best self to the process.  We look forward to working with you.

ENSP ADVISING POLICIES

REMEMBER: Advising is a shared responsibility.

Read A STUDENT'S GUIDE TO EXCEPTIONAL ADVISING for strategies that can help you maximize your advising experience!

Advising and grade requirements

  • Advising is mandatory for ENSP students, regardless of GPA, credit level, or concentration.  You must visit your advisor at least once a semester; and you may visit as often as you like.
  • ENSP students are expected to enroll in MATH every semester until they complete concentration MATH requirements.  A strong foundation in MATH is required in entry-level Biology and Chemistry classes.
  • Students must earn a C- grade or higher in all courses required for the major, including Benchmarks, ENSP core courses, concentration requirements, and restricted electives.
  • To earn their degree, students must complete at least 120 credits; and earn a 2.0+ GPA in all courses required for the major, including ENSP Core courses, concentration requirements, and restricted electives.

Academic dates and deadlines

It is important to be current on academic policies, procedures, and deadlines.  Familiarize yourself with the UMD, College, and ENSP websites; and read listserv announcements; the information on them is there for YOU!

  • Academic Calendar (Office of the Provost):  lists important dates, including the first and last days of classes, final exams, and holidays
  • Academic Deadlines (Office of the Registrar):  includes information on the first day of classes, add/drop deadlines, applying for graduation, cancelling registration, etc.
  • The Office of Extended Studies handles calendars and deadlines regarding Winter and Summer Term registration

Remember:  Academic advising is a shared responsibility!  ENSP faculty and staff will guide you and present you with information and opportunities to help you succeed, but YOU must make the decisions and take the steps to make them happen.

Exceptions to policy

  • We want you to succeed! Please let us know ASAP if anything outside of school (illness, family emergency, or other extenuating circumstances) is affecting your academic performance. We probably can't solve the problem, but we can try to minimize its effects on your academic progress.  See guidelines under "Advising."
  • Please contact your assigned advisor or e-mail Angela (abm13@umd.edu) ASAP to give us the most flexibility re: related academic policies, strategies or resources.
  • Review the process in your college for requesting an exception to policy and submit your request ASAP.

Permission is required...

Declaring your ENSP concentration

Students who have completed 40+ credits must develop a graduation plan for their intended ENSP upper-level concentration prior to registration for the following semester.  Incoming students (from other majors) who have more than 40 credits completed, must have a graduation plan in hand before they will be declared into ENSP.

E-mail

  • Official University communication is sent to the address listed on TESTUDO. Establish your Terpmail account here.
  • Organize your e-mail by using "folders" or by using two accounts, one for "personal" use, one for "school."
  • Check your school account several times weekly.
  • We send the ENSP Advising News to the e-mail address you gave us at Orientation; if you would like us to change it, let us know.