Advising FAQs

1. I am on the waitlist/hold file for a class, what does that mean?

Please visit the Waitlist & Holdfile page on the Office of the Registrar's website for more detailed information. Don't forget that you have to check-in before the first day of classes and then daily to remain on the list.  

2. I want to take a course at a community college. How do I get permission? 

Make sure to clear it with your faculty advisor first. Check with Transfer Credit Services if the course you are planning to take does transfer to the University of Maryland, and as the course you are hoping to satisfy. If it does, then you must fill out the Permission to Enroll at Another Institution form prior to registering for the class. 
 

3. I need to request special permission for one of the issues below. How do I do that?

• Credit Limit- over 17 credits
• Credit Limit- over 4 credits (winter term only)
• Time Conflict
• Late Add
• Late/Retroactive Drop without a "W"
• Late/Retroactive Drop with a "W"
• Grading Method Change
• Repeat Policy- over 18 credits
• Repeat Policy- 3rd/4th attempt of same course
• Enroll "off-campus" within final 30 credits
• Exceed 4 Credit Drop Limit in One Semester
• Graduate Course for Undergraduate Credit
• Other

Please complete a Policy Exceptions form. Make sure to discuss this with your advisor prior to submitting the form so that he/she is aware of the request. Do keep in mind that it is the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources who has the final authorization to approve or deny your request; not the department or program. It might also be to your benefit to read through the Policy Exceptions FAQs page.
 

4. I want to declare a minor. What are the next steps? Where can I find a list of all the minors on campus? 

You can find a full list of minors on campus in the Undergraduate Catalog's Minors page in the Office of the Registrar's website. We do not advise on minors; you must see the office in charge of the minor you are interested directly. More information can be found under the Minors tab.

5. How can I check my academic progress?

You have access to a great tool with is Degree Navigator. It allows you to run an audit and see your progress so far. You can log in by visiting Testudo and then clicking on Degree Audit. 

6. How can I find out my registration time?

You can find out by visiting Testudo and clicking on Appointment and Registration Status.

7. Where do I register for classes?

You can register (drop/add classes) by visiting Testudo and clicking on Registration (Drop/Add).

8. Where do I find CORE/GENED requirements?

Click on the appropriate category: CORE Requirements | GENED requirements

9. Are there any other resources for planning my schedule?

Yes, you also have access to Venus- Schedule Builder. 

10. I am planning on transferring to the University of Maryland, are there any classes I can take at my local community college? 

Thanks for your interest in transferring to our program! It would be a great idea for you to contact us directly. But do make sure to also check with Transfer Credit Services to see if the course you are planning to take at your local community college does transfer to the University of Maryland, and as the course you are hoping to satisfy. 

11. I want to drop a course. Should I talk to my advisor?

Please do so. Ultimately it is your decision but dropping a course may impact your time to graduation. Please talk to your faculty advisor to understand that consequences, if any, of dropping your course at this time.  

12. How do I apply for graduation?

Visit www.testudo.umd.edu and click on the option for Graduation - How to Apply.

13. What is the policy for re-enrollment?

You must visit University of Maryland's Admissions page and search for Re-Enrollment. If you have questions about academic dismissal/readmission you may also contact Dr. Evelyn Cooper (ecooper@umd.edu), Assistant Dean for Academic Programs in AGNR. You can find her contact information on the AGNR Meet the Staff page. 

14. I've just been contacted by AGNR that I am required to have an audit for graduation. What does that mean?

All students who are planning on graduating are required to have an audit completed by their college. Please read the email you have received carefully. The review will include verification of completion of your CORE/GenEd requirements, number of credits earned, cumulative GPA, and other College-level requirements.  You will also receive information regarding the commencement ceremony and be asked to complete a Senior Exit Survey. After you have completed your last semester and your grades are submitted, the College, along with your advisor, will review your final transcripts to confirm you have met all requirements.  You will then be notified if you will receive your diploma or if you did not meet all of the requirements. 

15. I want to withdraw from the university. How do I do that? 

Before you withdraw, we recommend you speak to your faculty advisor. We also recommend you speak to Dr. Evelyn Cooper, Assistant Dean for Academic Programs, in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. You can find information on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence in the University of Maryland's Undergraduate Catalog for this year. It would be under the category for Registration, Academic Requirements, and Regulations. You may also find information on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence on the Office of the Registrar's webpage. 

16. My question is not listed here. Who should I contact?

Please email Diana Cortez, dcortez@umd.edu, with your questions! Include your UID# in your email message.

1. What policies apply to me?

Please visit the UMD Graduate Student website for general policies. 

2. I need to apply for a waiver, exception, petition, etc. or need to transfer a course. What forms do I need to fill out?

• Graduate School Incomplete Contract 

• Petition For Regulation Waiver

• Parental Accommodation Form

• Petition for Waiver of Continuous Registration (Master’s and Pre-Candidacy Doctoral Students Only)

• Request for Leave of Absence

• Request for Time Extension

• Request for Transfer or Inclusion of Credit for the Master’s Degree 

• For more forms and explanation of policies, please visit the General Forms for Graduate Students page.

3. Can I take Pass/Fail classes and have them transfer in as credits?

The University of Maryland Pass/Fail policy states that graduate students are not eligible to take classes pass/fail.