Academics at Maryland

Academics Over 90 academic majors in top ranked programs More than 50 minor programs to enhance the academic experience Proximity to Washington DC provides access to internships and other opportunities President’s Promise – Unique learning experiences for all incoming freshmen

Research UMD: A Research 1 Institution Undergraduates students at UMD are encouraged to conduct research Research opportunities available both on or off campus Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research www.ugresearch.umd.edu/

Advising Resources Professional Advisors – provide guidance on major requirements and academic policy 4-year Academic Plans – a tentative guide to degree completion Major Benchmarks – set of program milestones Faculty Advisors – provide guidance to students on major field of study Peer Advisors- support school/college and department level advising

Bachelor’s Degree Credit Requirements Ways of earning credits: General Education – minimum of 40 Credits Major Requirements – Varies by Major Elective/2nd Major/Minor TOTAL: 120 Credits (approximately) Ways of earning credits: Regular semesters AP/IB Exams Summer sessions at UMD or local college or university

General Education Overview What is “General Education”? A transformative program that will help students succeed in their career and become engaged global citizens; hone fundamental skills critical to their academic and professional life; learn methods of various disciplines, their big questions, and their standards for judging; and develop a greater understanding of themselves and others. General Education Overview Explain to students that General Education Requirements must be fulfilled by all students at UMD regardless of major. You may mention that General Education consists of approximately a third of their total number of required credits (about 40 credits). Mention that Gen. Ed courses may double count as major courses (i.e. PSCY 100) Also let students know that Gen Ed. requirements may be fulfilled by AP Credits, IB Credits, and/or a college courses taken during high school.

General Education Overview How do students complete the General Education requirements? Exploratory & introductory courses Gateway/Benchmark courses needed for majors Advanced Placement Credit (AP) International Baccalaureate (IB) Exam Credit Transferred courses from another college or university General Education Overview Explain to students that General Education Requirements must be fulfilled by all students at UMD regardless of major. You may mention that General Education consists of approximately a third of their total number of required credits. Mention that Gen. Ed courses may double count as major courses (i.e. PSCY 100) Also let students know that Gen Ed. requirements may be fulfilled by AP Credits, IB Credits, and/or a college courses taken during high school.

Fundamental Studies (FS) Ensures students have basic skills in written and oral communication, in mathematics and in critical thinking important to their success across the curriculum and in their professional lives. Fundamental Studies: Explain that these are the first two courses that students typically take at the University. Let students know that UM policy requires them to fulfill the AW requirements by 30 credits. Be sure to differentiate between the AP English exams: AP English Language Exam score of 4 or 5 results in ENGL101 credits and Academic Writing (FSAW) credit . Please note that “Portfolio Review” has been left out of this slide, because this typically does not apply to freshmen students (but you are welcome to mention it). Be sure to note the rule for Professional Writing but do not get into details.

Fundamental Studies (FS) Academic Writing (AW) Oral Communication (OC) Professional Writing (PW) Mathematics (MA) Analytic Reasoning (AR) Be sure to note that math tracks will be covered during the Testudo session. Key here is to emphasize students must complete the MA by 30 credits and that some courses double as MA and AR (STAT100 and the calculus courses) Not all AR courses are math courses.

Math Courses Math Track 1: Math Track 2: Theoretical Calculus MATH140 Math Track 2: Calculus for Life Sci. MATH130 Elem. Calculus MATH120 Math Track 3: Probability and Statistics Probability MATH111 Statistics STAT100

I – Series Courses (IS) Imagine Inspire Innovate Implement Intellect Signature program of General Education. Lively and contemporary; speak to important issues. Wrestle with big questions and examine ways different disciplines address them. For Example: Fraud, Scams, and Thefts: What, How, Why? (BMGT289D) and Technology Choices (ENEE131) Important Issues I‐Series stands for Imagine. Investigate. Innovate! Courses will also fulfill a Distributive Studies category.        Imagine Innovate Inspire Implement Intellect

Scholarship in Practice Scholarship in Practice (SP) Engages students in applying a body of knowledge to create professional products or works of art. Learn and practice skills of critical evaluation. For Example: Introduction to Aquaculture (ANSC255) and Applied Ethics and Public Policy in Bioengineering (BIOE150) Scholarship in Practice-students engage in authentic work of a particular field of study. They learn and practice skills of critical evaluation and participate in the process of applying knowledge in the pursuit of a tangible goal. • 2 courses needed, at least one course must be outside the major and the other in the major. State that we generally will refrain from recommending a specific “in a major” Scholarship in Practice.

Diversity Diversity Investigate the complexities of human differences and commonality. Understanding Plural Societies (UP) For Example: Popular Culture in America (AMST203) Cultural Competence (CC) For Example: Exploring Cultural Diversity Through Movement (KNES240) 2 Understanding Plural Societies courses or 1 Understanding Plural Societies course AND 1 Cultural Competence course are required. • Diversity courses may also fulfill a Distributive Studies category. Understanding Plural Societies courses examine how diverse cultural and ethnic groups co‐exist. Cultural Competence courses help students develop skills to succeed in a diverse world.

UNIV100 First-Year Seminar Introduction to the University course One credit, course runs for at least 1o weeks Strongly recommended for first-year students Course will help students in areas such as: Academic Planning Major Selection/Affirmation Time Management Campus Resources UNIV100 Encourage students to sign up for UNIV100. Please do not give the impression that this course is required. Mention that this course will give students more access to an academic advisor (either their instructor-advisor or advisor liaison).

F.E.R.P.A. Family Education Rights and Privacy Act Also known as Buckley Amendment (1974) Students have access to their educational records Written permission of student to grant access to third party Students have opportunity to correct educational record

Important Resources Counseling Center Warm Line Parent Web Access (301) 314-7651 parentwarmline@umd.edu Parent Web Access www.testudo.umd.edu/ParentAccess.html Four-Year Plans www.4yearplans.umd.edu/ UMD Parents Association www.terpparent.umd.edu/

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