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Academic Policies

All students are responsible for knowing University academic policies as well as any additional policies of their College/School.  Family members often have questions about various policies and procedures. A complete guide to University policies is available in the Undergraduate Catalog. The following is a list of some of the most important policies.

  • Early Warning Grades are processed for all 100 and 200 level courses, zero level Math courses, and for all first year students who are currently registered for 300 and 400 level courses.
  • Early Warning Grades are posted on Testudo and are issued 6-8 weeks into the semester.
  • Early Warning Grades are issued only during the student’s first year at UMD or first semester for transfer students.
  • Students are expected to attend classes regularly.
  • It is the policy of the university to excuse the absences of students that result from the following causes: illness of the student, or illness of a dependent as defined by Board of Regents policy on family and medical leave; religious observance (where the nature of the observance prevents the student from being present during the class period); participation in university activities at the request of university authorities; and compelling circumstance beyond the students control.
  • Students claiming excused absence must apply in writing and furnish documentary support for their assertion that absence resulted from one of these causes.
  • When possible, an expected absence should be discussed, and arrangements made, with the instructor prior to the absence.
  • Additional details can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.
  • Students enrolled in certain majors are required to see advisors before each registration period.
  • Even when academic advising is not mandatory, the university expects students to consult with an academic advisor before registering for classes.
  • Students whose cumulative GPA drops below a 2.0 are placed on academic probation.
  • Students who do not raise their cumulative GPA to a 2.0 or above risk being academically dismissed from the University.
  • Details can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.
  • Students should not withdraw for frivolous reasons or to avoid the consequences of ignoring their academic responsibilities.
  • Any student considering withdrawal is strongly encouraged to meet with his or her academic advisor before leaving the university.
  • In addition to academic consequences, a withdrawal can have serious effects for students receiving financial assistance, international students, and students in residence halls. It is the student's responsibility to review these potential implications with the appropriate offices listed below before withdrawing:

Student Financial Services Office: 1135 Lee Building; (301) 314-9000
International Education Services Office: 2111 Holzapfel Hall; (301) 314-7740
Department of Resident Life: 2100 Annapolis Hall; (301) 314-2100

  • Students who have earned a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA with no previous withdrawal or leave of absence will need to apply for readmission. All other students who find it necessary to leave the University are required to petition the Faculty Review Board in order to be reinstated. Students who completely withdraw during the last 60 days of the semester and intend to return the following semester, may take a leave of absence.
  • Additional information is available from the Office of the Registrar.
  • If called to active duty in the U.S. armed forces, students may withdraw and receive a full refund of tuition and fees for that semester.
  • The student (or a representative) should take a copy of the military orders to the Office of the Registrar to process withdrawal or change in registration. Detailed information about this process may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar.
  • Withdrawal for active military service will have no effect on any subsequent request to withdraw from the University. Students may re-enroll upon completion of their tour of duty.
  • Students need a minimum 2.0 GPA to graduate.
  • Students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA across all major requirements to earn the degree.
  • Details on calculating GPAs is found on Testudo.
  • Students may attempt a course a maximum of two times. A "W" counts as an attempt.
  • Students may repeat a maximum of 18 credits. A "W" counts as an attempt.
  • Students must consult with their college/school BEFORE enrolling in a course at another institution to ensure the course meets UMD standards and the credits will be accepted.
  • More information can be obtained by your student from their college/school academic advising office.
  • The final 30 credits of each student's degree must be completed at the University of Maryland with some exceptions.
  • All students must submit an Application for Graduation to the Office of the Registrar no later than the final day of schedule adjustment in the term during which the student plans on graduating.
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