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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Taking Courses at Other Institutions

Language Requirement

Graduation

Registration, myUMBC, and General Help

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Taking Courses at Other Institutions

I plan to take a course at another institution and want to make sure that the course transfers properly and I earn the appropriate credits.  What should I do?

• Submit a signed Verification of Transferability (VOT) form at least two weeks prior to taking the course.  Follow these steps:
  
  

1. Download, complete, and sign the Verification of Transferability (VOT) form.  (NOTE:  if you will be within your final 30 credits when taking the course, you must also check the "Residency Waiver permission" box)
   
   
2. Submit your VOT form through the UMBC RT Help system. Open a new UMBC RT Help ticket by logging in to myUMBC and clicking "Request Help" from the "Help" drop-down menu.  Click "Registration" under "Classes & Grades" then attach your completed VOT form.
   
   
3. The processed VOT form will be returned to your UMBC email account within one week of submission.  It will indicate (a) whether or not the course will transfer for credit and (b) what requirements it will satisfy.  It will also indicate if your residency waiver request has been approved.  If you have any questions, bring the returned VOT form to your academic advisor.
   
   
4. After taking the course and your final grade has posted, send an official transcript to the UMBC Office of the Registrar (1000 Hiltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250).
   
   
5. Review your Transfer Credit Report and Degree Audit in myUMBC 4-6 weeks later to confirm that the course transferred properly.  Contact your academic advisor with any questions or concerns.

I took a course at another institution prior to enrolling at UMBC but it does not fulfill the requirement I thought it would and/or I did not earn any credit for the course.  What can I do?

• Submit an Evaluation of Transfer Credit form to request a review of your course(s).  Follow these steps:
  
  

1. Download and complete the Evaluation of Transfer Credit form.
   
   
2. Submit your Evaluation of Transfer Credit form through the UMBC RT Help system. Open a new UMBC RT Help ticket by logging in to myUMBC and clicking "Request Help" from the "Help" drop-down menu.  Click "Registration" under "Classes & Grades" then attach your completed form.
   
   
3. Notification of the outcome will be sent to your UMBC email account within 3-4 weeks of submission.

What is the Residency Waiver?

• Students within their final 30 credits at UMBC are restricted in the number of credits they can transfer in from another institution.  The Residency Waiver, which is requested via the Verification of Transferability form above, allows students to transfer in up to two courses (up to eight credits) from another institution within those final 30 credits.

 

Language Requirement

Do I have to take a foreign language and, if so, to what level?

• Yes, you must complete a foreign language through the intermediate level (NOTE:  at Montgomery College, the 201-level qualifies as intermediate).

Does American Sign Language qualify as a foreign language?

• Yes.

Are there any waivers or exemptions?

• If you passed four years of a single foreign language in high school, send your high school transcript to UMBC to receive a waiver of the foreign language requirement.  There are additional opportunities for international students to demonstrate proficiency.  Click here and download "Language Proficiency for International Students" for more information.

Where can I get more information about the CLEP exam?

• Click here.  Students should review the Appendix II of the UMBC Catalog to learn which tests and scores will be accepted prior to registering for an exam.  The UMBC CEEB code for CLEP is 5835.

Where can I get more information about the NYU exam?

• Click here.  A list of testing centers is available here.  One possibility is the University of Maryland, College Park Testing Office.  Appointments should be made at least one week in advance by e-mailing testingoffice@umd.edu or calling 301-314-0319.

 

Graduation

How can I graduate with honors?

• To be eligible for UMBC graduation honors, students must complete at least 45 credits at UMBC (excluding institutional credits) prior to the semester in which they are graduating.  Degree candidates whose cumulative GPA at the time of graduation (which is before final grades for the current semester are posted) is between 3.5 and 3.7499 receive the degree Cum Laude; between 3.75 and 3.9499 receive the degree Magna Cum Laude; between 3.95 and 4.0 receive the degree Summa Cum Laude.

Can I "walk" in the upcoming commencement ceremony if I am just a few credits short of completing my degree?

• UMBC allows students to "walk" in the May commencement ceremony if they are within eight credits of the required 120 credits; however, students must register for those remaining credits during the summer session.  (NOTE:  students will not receive diplomas and will not have officially graduated until all university requirements are satisfied)
  
  
• UMBC allows students to "walk" in the December commencement ceremony if they are within four credits of the required 120 credits; however, students must register for those remaining credits during the winter session.  (NOTE:  students will not receive diplomas and will not have officially graduated until all university requirements are satisfied)

It has been more than eight weeks since graduation and I still haven't received my diploma.  What should I do?

• Check your Degree Audit on myUMBC and verify that everything is listed as "satisfied."  If anything is not satisfied and you think it should be, please do the following:
  
  

1. Confirm that you submitted all required forms, including final transcripts from any other institutions.
   
   
2. Confirm that you have no outstanding charges on your account.
   
   
3. Contact your academic advisor to inform him or her of the issue.
   
   
4. Submit your issue through the UMBC RT Help system. Open a new UMBC RT Help ticket by logging in to myUMBC and clicking "Request Help" from the "Help" drop-down menu.  Click "Graduation" under "Classes & Grades" then describe your issue in detail.
   
   

• Remember, diplomas are not distributed at the commencement ceremony.  The process of mailing diplomas may take up to eight weeks after graduation.

 

Registration, myUMBC, and General Help

How do I change my major, add a second major, or add/remove a minor?

• Submit a signed Declaration of Major/Minor/Certificate form.  Follow these steps:
  
  

1. Download, complete, and sign the Declaration of Major/Minor/Certificate form.
   
   
2. Submit your form through the UMBC RT Help system.  Open a new UMBC RT Help ticket by logging in to myUMBC and clicking "Request Help" from the "Help" drop-down menu.  Click "Registration" under "Classes & Grades" then attach your completed form.

How many times may I repeat a single course?

• Students may not register for a course more than two times.  Students are considered registered for a course when enrolled after the end of the schedule adjustment period.  Students may petition the Office of Undergraduate Education for a third and final attempt of a course taken at UMBC or another institution.  An attempt is defined as enrollment in a course or its equivalent at another institution in which the student has received a grade or an official withdrawal.  This includes credit by exam or withdrawal from the entire semester/session.  Students should consult with an academic advisor for additional restrictions or policies regarding repeated courses.

What qualifies for a Physical Education (PE) waiver and how do I apply?

• There are three types of PE waivers available:
  
  

1. Military service (requires submission of DD214 form)
   
   
2. Age (requires proof of being over 30 years of age at time of initial enrollment at UMBC)
   
   
3. Medical condition or disability (requires documentation)
   
   

• Apply for any of these waivers by submitting your request directly to the Director of Physical Education, Mike D'Archangelo, at miked@umbc.edu in memorandum format.  Include your full name, address, university e-mail address, campus ID, telephone number, and all necessary documentation.  Contact Mike D'Archangelo if you have any questions.

I need help with something else.  What should I do?

• Review the myUMBC FAQs to see if your question has already been answered.  Click "Help" on the myUMBC start page to access the FAQ database.
  
  
• If your question is not answered, submit a new UMBC RT Help ticket by clicking "Request Help" from the "Help" drop-down menu.  You will receive an email confirmation and tracking number for your inquiry.