Advising

Academic Advising

Each student in the department is assigned an advisor. Freshman students are advised by Freshman Advisor during their Freshman Year and then transferred to a Departmental Advisor for the subsequent years. If you do not know the name of your Advisor, please contact the Human Ecology office or call extension 6056. An advisor from the Office of Retention advises students who are on probation.

Freshman Advising

All new students are assigned a Freshman Advisor. The Freshman Advisement Program is designed to assist students in adjusting to college life. Freshman Advisors are selected to represent each academic department. Entering freshmen will register for their first semester courses during the regular registration period. For subsequent semesters, students are urged to select courses during the early registration period. The dates for early registration and registration are listed in the Academic Calendar.

Departmental Advising

After the freshman year, students are assigned an academic advisor in their chosen

area of study. Advisors assist students in making adjustments to the university and provide information and guidance on career choices. Assistance is also given to students in scheduling course work in accordance with their interests, and career objectives. Frequent advisor contact provides students with current academic information and promotes successful educational outcomes. The student is responsible for seeking adequate academic advice, for knowing and meeting degree requirements, and for enrolling in appropriate courses to ensure orderly and timely progress toward degree requirements. Students are urged to select courses during the early registration period. The dates for early registration and registration are listed in the Academic Calendar.
Transcripts of entering transfer students are evaluated prior to the registration period. Transfer students should work closely with the assigned departmental advisor to register for their first semester courses during the regular registration period.

Registration

All UMES students must complete the official registration process. UMES is using the PeopleSoft system to register students for courses. All students are required to complete the Registration Schedule, which is submitted to the advisor for approval. Once the courses have been approved by the advisor, the advisor authorizes the students to enter their schedule into the system. Student is responsible for registering for classes. Registration is on first come first served basis. No student is permitted to attend a class if his or her name does not appear on the class list. A late fee is charged during the late registration process.

Registration Process for New Students

A meeting will be held with all new students during the Freshman Orientation period where the information regarding the registration process will be discussed. A letter will be mailed to all new students, informing them of their advisor and details of the first meeting. The stepwise process given below will be explained to the students and the the faculty will work with the students to complete the registration process.

UMES E-mail Account

Get your UMES email account activated at the IT table in the SSC ballroom during registration. After the registration period, the information can be obtained from Banneker Hall.

Step 1

Course Approval

· Print the Recommended Course Sequence for your major

· Print a copy of the Registration Schedule Form

· Enter the Subject, Catalog Nbr and Course Name for the courses listed for first semester on the Recommended Course Sequence. In addition, select two alternate courses from the subsequent semester.

Note: Transfer students, please contact your advisor to determine the courses that have been accepted as transfer courses and enter those on the recommended course sequence form as courses completed. Then select courses that you have not completed at the other institution.

· Log on to Academic Schedule to look up the Enter the Section, Class Nbr, Days and Time for the courses on your Registration Schedule Form

· Submit the courses that you have selected for approval to your advisor. Note: the Registration Schedule Form can also be submitted electronically to the advisor fotr approval. The advisor will email back the approval if the form is submitted electronically.

· Once the advisor has approved your courses, he/she will allow access for you to register online (Step 2).

Step 2

Online Registration

· Log into the PeopleSoft system using the UMES email user id and password.

· Once you are logged on, click on SA self service -> learner services -> academics -> enroll in a class.

· Select an enrollment term. For example Term 2038 is for Fall 2003. (The first digit 2 is for the millennium, the next two digits 03 are for the year and the last digit 8 is for the month in which the term begins).

· Enter the PeopleSoft course codes from your approved Registration Schedule.

· Click the submit button once you have added your classes.

· Verify your success by checking the “add status” column.

· Print two copies of your schedule and give copy to your advisor.

Returning Students

On the first day of Early Registration, Seniors are allowed to enroll for courses through the PeopleSoft system. On the second day, the online enrollment for courses is available to all students who have been authorized by their respective advisors (or dept chairs). We strongly recommend that all students get their course schedules approved by their advisor prior to the first day of early registration, so that they are able to log on to the system and enroll for the approved courses. Failure to register for classes in a timely manner may result in frustration/stress due to cancelled, or closed classes. Please remember that it is the student’s responsibility to successfully enter the courses into the system. Given below is a stepwise process to assist students in entering the information. PeopleSoft Help Desk or the advisor can be contacted regarding any problems with the enrollment process.

UMES E-mail Account

Make sure you have a valid UMES email account. Go to Banneker Hall to resolve issues regarding email account.

Step 1

Course Approval

· Review your Recommended Course Sequence sheet to determine the courses for which you need to enroll. Note: Click on the above link to get a copy if you do not have one.

· Print a copy of the Registration Schedule Form and enter the Subject, Catalog Nbr and Course Name for the courses for which you need to enroll.

· Log on to Academic Schedule to look up the Enter the Section, Class Nbr, Days and Time for the courses on your Registration Schedule Form

· Access the Registration Schedule Form online to enter the information and click Submit Data. The advisor will review the information and email back the approval and/or comments.

Print a copy of the approved courses and proceed to Step 2 to enroll for courses online. Note: You will be authorized to register online only if you have completed the first step.

Step 2

Online Course Enrollment

· Log onto the PeopleSoft system using the UMES email user id and password.

· Once you are logged on, click on SA self service -> learner services -> academics -> enroll in a class.

· Enter the PeopleSoft course codes from your approved Registration Schedule.

· Click the submit button once you have added your classes.

· Verify your success by checking the “add status” column.

· Print two copies of your schedule and give copy to your advisor.

Registration Deadlines

Payment of Fees and Expenses
All students who complete the pre-registration process will receive a bill by mail at their home/permanent address. Those who elect to pay by mail should return the bill along with payment by the date indicated. If a student elects to pay the bill upon return to campus, he/she should be prepared to pay in full. (Bills are not mailed for summer or winter sessions). Do not lose, misplace or leave your bill at home. It must be presented to the cashier for processing. Official registration is not complete until all expenses have been paid.

Late Registration

A late registration fee will be charged to any student who fails to complete registration within the specified registration period.

Adding a Class

Students who are properly registered may add courses during the first week of instruction each semester. If you want to add a class, you must complete the ADD portion of the Application for Change of Program form (Appendix B). You may add the class only if there is available space in the class, or the instructor is willing to accept additional students in the class. You will need both the signature of your advisor and the signature of the instructor into whose class you wish to be added. The change in registration is effective on the date the form is submitted to the Office of Admissions and Registrations. Section changes are considered to be changes in registration and must be made through the Office of Admissions and Registrations. Consult Schedule of Classes and/or Academic Calendar for deadlines.

Dropping a Class

Students may drop courses in which they are registered for by using the Application for Change of Program form (Appendix B) and completing the DROP section. You will need both the signature of your advisor and the signature of the instructor of the course. The change in registration is effective on the date the form is submitted to the Office of Admissions and Registrations. Consult Schedule of Classes and/or Academic Calendar for deadlines.

Withdrawal from a Class

Should a student officially exit a class after the drop period, but prior to the end of the withdrawal period, a grade of “W” will be recorded on the transcript. To withdraw from a class, you will need the signature of your advisor, the course instructor, department chair, and the Dean of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences. If you do not withdraw or “drop” a course, and you stop attending the class, you will receive a grade of “F”. Consult the Schedule of Classes and/or Academic Calendar for end of withdrawal period.

Withdrawal from the Institution

If a student desires to withdraw from UMES for any reason during the academic term, the student should obtain an Application for Withdrawal from the Office of Admissions and Registrations; get the proper signatures as indicated on the form; and file it with the Office of Admissions and Registrations. The Office of Admissions and Registrations will record a grade of “W” for all courses. Consult the UMES Catalog for more information.

Penalties for Unofficial Withdrawal

A student who fails to withdraw in the required manner will not be entitled to an honorable dismissal; will forfeit the right to any refund which he/she might otherwise be entitled, and will receive failing grades in all courses for that semester.

Registration at Other Institutions

UMES students may register for courses at another institution of higher learning provided permission has been granted. The appropriate forms may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Registration. Consult with your advisor before registering for classes at other institutions.

Graduation