Policy Exception FAQs

The schedule adjustment period (otherwise known as the add/drop period) is the first two weeks (10 days) of classes. The schedule adjustment period is the time when you can add or drop courses and the changes that you make to your schedule do not show on your official transcript.  If you drop a course during the schedule adjustment period, a withdrawal (W), is NOT noted on your transcript.  Once the schedule adjustment period ends, you can no longer add courses without getting permission by filing an AGNR Policy Exception. However, you can still drop a course with a “W” noted on your transcript up until the date listed in the 5 Schedule of Classes as the last day to drop with a “W.”  You must meet with your major academic advisor before dropping any course so you can plan when you will make up the dropped course.

Under UM policy, students may only drop one course unless special permission is granted for extenuating circumstances.  You must meet with your major academic advisor and file an exception to academic policy request for permission to drop or withdraw from more than 1 course. 

Yes, but you should consult with your major advisor as dropping a class may impact your financial aid and your ability to graduate in four years. Next, you need to make sure that you are still within the University deadlines for dropping and adding. Requests to add or drop courses past the deadlines can only be approved only for demonstrated extenuating circumstances beyond your control.  Your major advisor will work with you to assist in the event of serious extenuating circumstances that prevent you from completing a full course load.

You may withdraw from a course after the deadline only for demonstrated extenuating circumstances beyond your control. Doing poorly in class is not an extenuating circumstance.  Being in an accident and hospitalized for a few days would be considered an extenuating circumstance.  If you are experiencing serious problems, please make an appointment to see your major academic advisor and submit an exception to academic policy to request to withdraw from a course after the deadline. Professors cannot authorize late course withdrawals. 

Not necessarily.  Making sure you meet the tuition payment deadlines is your responsibility.  If the section of the course is still open, and registration is ongoing—i.e., the deadline for adding classes has not passed—you would be able to re-register in the same section.  If that section is full, you will have to register in another open section.  If the all sections are full or if the deadline to add courses has passed, you will probably not be able to register—even if you continue to attend, turn in assignments, and take exams.   Professors do not have authority to override registration deadlines.

No.  Professors cannot authorize over-subscriptions or late registration.  You must file and exception to academic policy with AGNR.  You are required to ask your professor to email AGNRexceptions@umd.edu to endorse you adding a course when it is full or to register for a class after schedule adjustment.  AGNR will not accept any forwarded emails from students.

This situation should not occur if you take advantage of your assigned early registration date.  Dropping a required course, earning less than a “C-”, or not following your approved major curriculum could require repeating or making up a course. The first line of defense is to register for the courses as outlined in your major four-year plan each semester, have a core/general education degree audit in the AGNR Academic Programs Office, make sure you meet with your advisor each semester to discuss major requirements, and make sure you do not have any registration blocks so that you can register on time. In the event of this situation, your major academic advisor will work with you to help you complete your graduation requirements.   Note:  You must pay your Bursar bill; the primary reason graduating students are closed out of required courses is having registration blocked because of a financial hold.

Yes, it is true. You need to decide whether you will be full-time or part-time BEFORE the first day of classes, in order to avoid losing tuition money. The difference between full-time and part-time tuition will not be refunded.

Students may request a complete withdrawal from all classes by filling out a form in the Registrar’s Office in the Mitchell building no later than the last day of classes.

University policy defines “satisfactory academic performance” as a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better. If your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0, you will be placed on academic probation and face possible dismissal from the University at the end of the next semester. You should meet with your advisor immediately to address your academic difficulties.

An incomplete can be granted by your instructor if you are passing the course and if  a substantial amount of the coursework is already completed.  If your instructor agrees, you would fill out an incomplete contract.  You can get a copy of this contract from your instructor, who will indicate the deadline and work remaining, and the grade you will receive if you don’t complete it.  If any Incomplete Contract isn't completed within the six week period or an agreed upon time, the instructor will convert the “I” to the appropriate grade.