Advising, Registration & Policy FAQs

How do I set up an advising appointment?

Use the following information for making an advising appointment .

How do I change my major?

If you are not a student in the College of Chemical and Life Sciences:

  • Attend an Internal Transfer Workshop (ITW) if you would like to major in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry or Environmental Science and Policy-Conservation and Biodiversity.
  • Visit the page on how to become a CLFS major for more information.

If you are a student in the College of Chemical and Life Sciences:

  • Go to 1300 Symons Hall to fill out a change of major form.
  • Major changes between Chemistry, Biochemistry, ENSP-Conservation and Biodiversity and the different Biological Sciences specializations (ex: General Biology to Microbiology) are processed using the form.
  • If you are changing your major after being advised for the upcoming semester you are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor in your new major area to ensure that you take the appropriate courses.

Who is my advisor?

To determine who your advisor is use the contact information below.

Biological Sciences majors should call the CLFS Student Services Office at (301) 405-2080.

Chemistry and Biochemistry majors should contact the Chemistry & Biochemistry Undergraduate Programs Office at (301) 405-1791.

Environmental Science and Policy-Biodiversity and Conservation majors should contact the Biology Undergraduate Office at (301) 405-6904.

How do I change my advisor?

To change your advisor you should fill out a change of advisor form available at 1300 Symons Hall.

How do I get an exception to policy?

Complete a Petition for Exception to Policy Form available at 1300 Symons Hall. You can also print out the form and deliver it to 1300 Symons Hall.

How can I take courses at another institution?

  • Fill out a Permission to Enroll (PTE) Form available at 1300 Symons Hall BEFORE taking the course at another institution.
  • Use the Transfer Credit Center to verify how classes will transfer to UMCP.
  • If the course does not have a UM equivalent in the database it should be evaluated by the appropriate campus department. There is a place on the PTE form for the departments to write course equivalencies.
  • Make sure to send your transcript to the Registrar's Office. Refer to the Transfer Credit Center for instructions.

How can I get a transfer course evaluated?

  • Courses that are not in the database of the Transfer Credit Center should be evaluated by the appropriate department on campus. For example English courses are evaluated by the English Department.
  • Students are expected to bring a course syllabus to the department since course titles and descriptions are often not sufficient to determine course equivalencies. Additional materials such as the textbook and coursework may be needed.
  • For Biology courses contact the CLFS Undergraduate Academic Programs Office, 1322 Symons Hall, 301-405-6892.
  • For Chemistry courses contact the Chemistry and Biochemistry Undergraduate Programs Office, 2102 Chemistry Building, 301-405-1791.