General

When are the hours of operation for Office of the Registrar?
Office of the Registrar is open between the hours of 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday-Friday.

How can I contact the Office of the Registrar?
You can reach the Office of the Registrar at 410-455-2500 or via email at records@umbc.edu.

Registration

Is advising required before I register for class?
Degree-seeking undergraduate students must meet with their academic advisor prior to registering for each fall and spring semester.

I am a new student. When will I register for my first semester?
All newly admitted freshmen and transfer students will attend a Course Selection Day. As part of this program, you will meet with an advisor and register for classes. For more information about Course Selection Day Programs, please visit http://www.umbc.edu/orientation/

How do I find the dates and deadlines to register for a specific term?
Registration dates and deadlines are available at http://www.umbc.edu/AboutUMBC/Schedule/

Do I need to see an advisor to register for summer or winter classes?
Academic advising is not required in order to enroll in summer and winter classes. However, you are encouraged to consult with your advisor when selecting course options.

I haven’t taken courses at UMBC for a few semesters but I am now ready to continue my studies. How do I register?
If you have missed no more than two regular semesters (fall and spring) at UMBC, you can continue your studies without applying for readmission. You will be required to meet with an academic advisor in order to enroll in a fall or spring semester, and will be eligible to register during the general registration period for that term. If you have missed more than two regular semesters, you will need to apply for readmission to UMBC. For more information about admissions processes, please visit http://www.umbc.edu/Admissions/

How do I know if I am eligible to register?
You can check your eligibility to register for a specific term by logging to myUMBC and going to “Academics” area.

How do I get authorization to take a permission required course?
Authorization to enroll in permission-required courses is granted by the instructor or department offering the course. Students seeking permission to enroll in these courses should contact the appropriate department. Authorizations are granted electronically and students are notified by email.

A course I want to take is closed. What are my options?
If the course has a hold list, you may choose to add yourself to that list via myUMBC. You may attend the first class and discuss the possibility of being granted closed course permission with the instructor. There is no guarantee that the instructor will be able to grant permission, so you enroll in alternate courses and adjust your schedule accordingly. Authorizations to enroll in closed courses are granted electronically and students are notified by email.

How do I drop a class? What if it is the only class in my schedule?
You can drop a course or courses from your schedule via myUMBC as long as the deadline to do so for the particular term has not passed. If you are trying to drop the only course you are enrolled in for a particular term, you must fill out a withdrawal or cancellation form at the Office of the Registrar or submit your request in writing.

Advising

When and how can I register for summer and winter session courses?
For upcoming dates and deadlines for Special Sessions, visit www.umbc.edu/AboutUMBC/Schedule.

I am a newly admitted student to UMBC. When and how will I register for fall or spring semester courses?
All newly admitted freshmen and transfer students will attend a Course Selection Day. As part of this program, you will meet with an advisor and register for classes. For more information about Course Selection Day Programs, please visit http://www.umbc.edu/orientation/.

When and how can I register for summer and winter session courses?
For upcoming dates and deadlines for Special Sessions, visit www.umbc.edu/AboutUMBC/Schedule.

ReCORDS

How do I request an official transcript?
Guidelines for requesting an official copy of your transcript are available at http://www.umbc.edu/registrar/transcripts.html

I need written proof that I am registered at UMBC. How do I request this?
Guidelines for requesting enrollment verification are available at: http://www.umbc.edu/registrar/enroll_ver.html

What if I have a question or concern about something that appears on my transcript?
Questions regarding information that appears on your transcript may be sent via email to records@umbc.edu.

How is my GPA calculated?
Your grade point average is calculated by dividing the total amount of quality points earned by the total amount of credits attempted.

How do I change my name or address in the system?
You can request an address change online through your myUMBC account. Name change requests and supporting documentation must be submitted in person at the Office of the Registrar. Address changes may also be submitted in person.

GRADUATION

When is the commencement ceremony?
Information about UMBC’s commencement ceremonies is available at: http://www.umbc.edu/NewsEvents/Commencement/

When and how should I apply to graduate?
Detailed information on the undergraduate graduation application process is available here.Graduate students should consult the Graduate School.

How do I know if I have met my requirements for graduation?
Your Undergraduate Progress Report, which is available via My Academic Profile (MAP), will provide information on where you stand in terms of completing general university requirements. MAP is available through myUMBC. Your progress towards completion of major, minor or certificate requirements, as well as questions you may have about general requirements, should be discussed with your academic advisor. Graduate students should discuss requirements with their program advisor.

If I have more than one major do I get two degrees?
If both of your completed majors are the same degree (i.e. Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science), then you will receive one diploma listing both majors. If you have completed two separate degrees, such as a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, then you will receive two diplomas. Completed major and degree information is also noted on your transcript.

TRANSFER CREDIT

Does UMBC award transfer credit for anything other than courses from colleges and universities?
When the required scores have been earned, UMBC also awards credit for Advanced Placement, CLEP and International Baccalaureate Exams. Detailed information on exams accepted and required scores is available in the appendix of the Undergraduate Catalog.

I am a new transfer student. How do I know what UMBC has accepted for transfer credit and how my coursework has been applied towards my requirements at UMBC?
Detailed information on the process of transferring your credits to UMBC is available on our Transfer Credits page.

I’ve heard that you cannot transfer credit in your senior year. Is this true?
UMBC has a residency policy which stipulates that a student’s final 30 credits must be completed on campus. This policy may be waived for up to 2 courses or 8 credits, provided a student has not exceeded other transfer credit maximums. To request a “residency waiver,” students must complete a Verification of Transferability form (available in the Office of the Registrar) and obtain their advisor’s approval.

What if I have taken coursework at an institution outside of the USA?
In many cases, UMBC will accept coursework completed at international colleges or universities for transfer credit. In order to receive a transfer credit for international coursework, student must submit a preliminary credentials evaluation. More information on foreign credentials evaluation services are available at http://www.umbc.edu/undergrad/a_int_transfer.html

undergraduate progress

What are UMBC’s general university requirements?
Detailed information on UMBC’s general requirements is available here.

How do I know how I am progressing in completing my general requirements?
Your progress towards general requirements should be reviewed with your advisor during your advanced registration advising appointments. In addition, transfer students and students who have earned 90 credits or more will have an Undergraduate Progress Report (UPRs) available in their My Academic Profile (MAP), which is available through myUMBC.

How often is my UPR updated?
All students receive a UPR the first semester that they have earned or exceeded 90 credits. In addition, UPRs are created or updated for incoming transfer students. UPRS are updated as part of the graduation review process.

Is there any way to meet the 201-proficiency level language requirement other than through my high school background or by taking a course?
Students who are native speakers of a language other than English or who have studied a foreign language and can provide documentation may request a review from the Modern Languages and Linguistics Department.

Does every one have to meet the physical education requirement?
Students who are 30 years of age or older at the time they begin their studies at UMBC are exempt from the physical education requirement. Students who have served in the military may submit copies of their DD-214 paperwork to Office of the Registrar to be exempted from the physical education requirement. Students seeking a waiver of the requirement for medical reasons should consult with the Athletics department.

What should I do if I have a concern about something that appears on my UPR?
Students who have questions about information that appears on their UPR should email records@umbc.edu.