Who is my Advisor?

Advising in the College of Arts and Humanities is a dyad: the College advises for College and University requirements (CORE) and the Department advises for major requirements. For advising in your major, you would need to go to that given department (i.e. English majors would go to the English Department). For advising on CORE or College requirements, you need to go to the Office of Student Affairs, located in 1120 Francis Scott Key Hall. In most cases, the Office of Student Affairs does not assign students a particular advisor, so you can meet with whichever advisor is available. Students on Academic Probation/Dismissal are assigned to an advisor, if you do not know who your advisor is contact Ms. Jessica White.

To schedule an appointment with an advisor, call 301-405-2108 or email us. When emailing or leaving a voice mail message, please give your name, student id number, a phone/email where you can be reached, and a clear DETAILED message as to your reason for meeting with an advisor.

Before coming in for advising, be sure that you have properly prepared for your appointment.

When can I see an Advisor?
You can meet with an Advisor on any weekday throughout the academic year, except during official holidays when the university is closed. If you wish to see an Advisor in the Office of Student Affairs, you can either come during our walk-in hours or make an appointment (preferably a week in advance) by contacting our office, call us at 301-405-2108 or email us. When emailing or leaving a voice mail message, please give your name, student id number, a phone/email where you can be reached, and a clear DETAILED message as to your reason for meeting with an advisor.

If you wish to see an advisor in your major, you need to call that department.

You may be required to meet with an advisor if you have a registration block which says mandatory advising; to find out, look on Testudo.

Before coming in for advising, be sure that you have properly prepared for your appointment.

What is Academic Advising?

Academic Advising is...

What is a registration block?

The following is a list of Registration Blocks (to find out if you have a registration block, check on Testudo--"Registration Status"):

1. Mandatory advising--Department Students must meet with an Advisor in their major(s).
2. Mandatory advising--College Students must see a College advisor, in the Office of Student Affairs.
3. Mandatory advising--College and Department Students must meet with both an advisor in their major(s) and in the Office of Student Affairs.
4. Must meet English/Math fundamental studies Students must register for either ENGL101 or their MATH requirement in person at the Registrar's Office in the Mitchell Bldg. For questions, see an advisor in the Office of Student Affairs.
5. Academic probation/dismissal--needs advising Students must meet with an Advisor in the Office of Student Affairs to have courses approved. Students may also have to meet with a departmental advisor.
6. Athlete: needs AESPC form & Dean's approval Students must meet with Dr. Paula Nadler, Office of Student Affairs, to have courses approved, after having met with their departmental advisor.
7. Must choose a degree major The student is above 55 credits and has not yet declared a major. The student follows standard procedure to declare a major.
8. Proof of vaccination required The student must go to the Health Center to provide vaccination records.
9. Financially ineligible Students must resolve financial problems with the Bursar's Office in the Lee Building. For inquiries email the Bursar's Office at billtalk@accmail.umd.edu.
10. Administratively ineligible Students who have not satisfied the requirements for a Limited Enrollment Program (LEP). Students must change their major before block can be released.

Why do I have a MANDATORY ADVISING block?
Mandatory advising in both the College and the department (major) is required of all first-year students (both freshmen and transfers), students who recently declared an ARHU major, juniors (60-75 credits), and seniors (90-105 credits). Seniors must complete a "Senior Audit". This is to ensure that new ARHU majors are on the right track and that juniors and seniors are making progress toward graduation. Each department (i.e. your major) has their own mandatory advising requirements.

For further information about advising, students should see the section on advising in the ARHU Mini-Guide, available from the College. To schedule an appointment with an advisor, call the ARHU Office of Student Affairs at (301) 405-2108. When leaving a voice mail message, please give your name, student id number, a phone/email where you can be reached, and a clear DETAILED message as to your reason for meeting with an advisor.

Before coming in for advising, be sure that you have properly prepared for your appointment.

What is required of Academic Probation/Dismissal students?

Students who are on Academic Probation/Dismissal become a part of the Academic Incentive Plan (AIP) and as such are required to meet with an ARHU Advisor in the Office of Student Affairs three times in the semester. The first meeting should be during the Schedule Adjustment period, the second just after midterms, and the third before early registration to have courses approved for the following semester. Students on Academic Probation/Dismissal are assigned an advisor, if you are unsure who your advisor is contact Ms. Jessica White at 301-405-2108. Students may also have to meet with a departmental advisor. When emailing or leaving a voice mail message, please give your name, student id number, a phone/email where you can be reached, and a clear DETAILED message as to your reason for meeting with an advisor.

How do I declare or change my major?
If you are declaring or changing to a major that is not in the College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU), then you will need to meet with an advisor in the new college.

If you are declaring or changing to a major within the College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU):

1. Download and print out the 'Academic Plan Checklist' form. If you have difficulty downloading it, your departmental advisor will have copies on hand when you meet with him/her or you can pick one up at the Student Affairs Office in 1120 Francis Scott Key Hall (office hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30am-4:30pm).

2.Make an appointment and meet with your departmental (new major) advisor to be advised on the curriculum for the major and have him/her sign and stamp the 'Academic Plan Checklist' form.

3.Make an appointment or come in during walk-in times and meet with an advisor here in the ARHU Office of Student Affairs to be advised on University (CORE) and College requirements and to be officially changed to your new major. Be sure to bring the 'Academic Plan Checklist' form with your departmental advisor's signature and stamp to your appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 301-405-2108.

Before coming in for advising, be sure that you have properly prepared for your appointment.

Foreign Language Requirement
The College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU) does have a foreign language requirement.

Language proficiency may be demonstrated in one of several ways:
a. Successful completion of level 4 in one language in high school. Students must provide a high-school transcript to verify exemption.
b. Successful completion of an intermediate-level college foreign language course designated by the department. Students having no language experience will begin with the 100-level course and continue to the intermediate level course(s). Students having some language experience should ask the language department which courses they will need to satisfy the requirement.
c. Students seeking to fulfill the College of Arts and Humanities Foreign Language Requirement through native/heritage proficiency in a language other than English should follow the instructions at http://www.arhu.umd.edu/osa/actfl-instructions.html to sign up for an exam with the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).
d. Students with learning disabilities are not exempt from the foreign language requirement. Students must first meet with the Coordinator of Disability Support Services, 1211 Shoemaker Building (301) 314-9969 to verify their learning disability and to ask for assistance. The College asks that students take the elementary language courses with the assistance of Disability Support Services. If there is further difficulty, students must meet with Assistant Dean Ms. Audran Downing, 1120 Francis Scott Key Hall, 301-405-2112.

How many UPPER-LEVEL credits do I need?
Bachelor of Arts students are required to complete a minimum of 45 upper-level hours (i.e., courses numbered 300-499) of the total 120 semester hours.

What is CORE?
CORE, or the CORE Liberal Arts and Sciences Studies Program at the University of Maryland, is the set of general education requirements that all undergraduate students must complete in order to earn their bachelor's degree. CORE requirements are in addition to a student's major, department, and college requirements. CORE courses will constitute approximately 43-46 credits, but for most students, many CORE courses may also fulfill other major, departmental, or college requirements. The CORE program consists of four elements: Fundamental Studies (College Math and English); Distributive Studies (Humanities, Math and Science, and Social Sciences); Advanced Studies; and Human Cultural Diversity. For more information on CORE, pick up an Undergraduate Catalog from the Mitchell Building, and/or an ARHU Miniguide at the Office of Student Affairs.

Are there College requirements for ARHU students in addition to CORE?
Yes. For students earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Humanities, the following college requirements must be met:
-- Foreign Language requirement
-- 45 Upper-Level credits
-- incoming freshman: must complete UNIV 101, a two-credit orientation course designed to support students in their transition to campus.

Can I take a course Pass/Fail?

Students should refer to the section on Pass/Fail in the Undergraduate Catalog. Be advised that courses taken to satisfy Major, University (CORE) and College requirements cannot be taken Pass/Fail.

Can a student earn a double major/double degree?
Yes. Earning a double major at the University of Maryland is very common. Any student can earn a double major or double degree. In both cases, the transcript will show that the student completed all University (CORE), College, and Major requirements for both programs. For a double degree, a student must earn a minimum of 150 credits and will receive two diplomas. The student earning a double major must complete only 120 credits and will receive only one diploma.

The possibility of completing a double major in four years depends on many factors, including how carefully a student works with advisors in planning coursework, the number of AP or IB courses a student transfers, summer school courses, the number of credits required for each program, and the possibility of overlapping major courses. Double Majors/Double Degrees automatically satisfy the CORE Advanced Studies requirement.

Other options to consider are Certificates and Minors. Certificates and Minors offer students an in-depth, structured course of study in a field outside of their major in approximately 21 credits for Certificates and 15 credits for Minors. Both of these accomplishments will be noted on a student's transcript. Click here for a complete list of Certificates and Minors available in the College of Arts and Humanities.

How do I add a major?
Students adding a second major in Arts and Humanities should follow the same procedure as students declaring/changing into an Arts and Humanities major. Students adding a second major outside of Arts and Humanities will need to contact the college in which they are adding the second major.

[**Note: Those considering majoring in Music are required to audition before being admitted into the program. Students considering majoring in Communication must apply to the program through Undergraduate Admissions before being admitted into the major, since it is a limited enrollment program.]

Before coming in for advising, be sure that you have properly prepared for your appointment.

Does the University of Maryland accept AP credits?
Yes. To receive equivalent course credit, students generally must earn a minimum score of 4 on Advanced Placement exams. The university also accepts International Baccalaureate (IB) credit and will grant exemptions from Fundamental English and Math based on SAT scores (670 verbal/600math). For information about specific exams and credits, consult the Undergraduate Catalog. For exemptions, speak to an ARHU advisor.

What career can I have with an ARHU degree?
This is a question that is often asked of students and by students. In our Career Resources for Arts and Humanities Majors page and more specifically Career Opportunities for ARHU Majors, we have information to help you answer it.

Also, the Career Center has an Arts and Humanities Program Director, Stacy H. Brown, who specializes in working with liberal arts students. All University of Maryland students have access to the resources in the Career Center. The Career Center offers career development services, career counseling, workshops, courses, special programs, a Career and Employment Resource Room, an extensive web site, and a Credentials File Service in support of graduate school and employment applications. The Center also assists students with locating part-time, internship, cooperative education, graduate assistantships, and full-time employment opportunities through job and career fairs, on-campus interviewing, resume referral, and job listings.


Are there study abroad programs?
Yes. Students can choose from approximately 30 different Maryland-sponsored summer, winter, semester, and year-long study abroad programs and exchanges in countries all over the world. Students may also participate in a large number of programs sponsored by other universities. Students can often use study abroad courses to earn credit toward fulfilling many ARHU and University requirements, including some Advanced Studies and CORE requirements, and possibly even requirements for the major or major supporting area (if applicable). Visit the Study Abroad Office web page for more information.

The necessary steps for planning to study abroad:

1. Meet with the Study Abroad Office, in 3125 Mitchell Bldg, regardless of whether it's a University of Maryland-sponsored program or through another institution.
2. For programs through other institutions, all courses to be approved for CORE, to meet the ARHU foreign language requirement, or in the major or major supporting area, must be approved by the relevant department. All other courses can be approved by ARHU, as long as there is a complete course description. Some courses have already been approved by the Study Abroad Office, if so, go to step #3.
3. For both Maryland-sponsored programs and programs through other institutions, meet with your major advisor to have the Study Abroad Approval Form signed and stamped (be sure to get contact information of your advisor in case you have questions while abroad.)
4. Meet with ARHU advisor Dr. Paula Nadler, in 1120 Francis Scott Key Hall, to have the Study Abroad Form approved.
5. Take copies of the approved Study Abroad Form back to the Study Abroad office and your major advisor.
   
   Students studying abroad can subscribe to the ARHU study abroad listserv and will be sent reminders for registration, availability of the online schedule of classes and any other relevant information while abroad. No more than 2-3 messages will be sent per semester.
   To Subscribe: Send an email to listserv@listserv.umd.edu; leave subject heading blank;
   message should read: Subscribe arhuabroad your name
   The system will send you a message to confirm your email address, and then you can click the link to be added to the list. Students must subscribe and unsubscribe themselves to the listserv.
   
   Note: Please review the Residency Requirement found on page 43 of the 2003-04 Undergraduate Catalog to ensure that you will not be in violation.

Before coming in for advising, be sure that you have properly prepared for your appointment.

How do I get permission to exceed the credit limit?

Due to class seating issues that the university has experienced, the Registrar's Office has given the academic colleges a mandate during early registration to limit students to register for 16 credits. During the schedule adjustment period of the given semester, students can then register for up to 20 credits.

The following students might be allowed to exceed the credit limit of 16 during early registration, after discussion with an ARHU advisor (permission is not automatically granted):

• Seniors who need to exceed the 16 credit limit in order to fulfill CORE, College, and/or Major requirements toward graduation during the semester of their graduation
• Students who will be registering for five courses that combined will exceed 16 credits

All other students may discuss with an ARHU advisor why they seek an exception and to determine their eligibility for doing so. Permission for exceeding credit limits is not automatically granted, students should be prepared to discuss their preparedness for doing so. Students requesting permission to exceed the credit limit must meet with an advisor in the ARHU Office of Student Affairs.

To schedule an appointment, call 301-405-2108 or email us. When emailing or leaving a voice mail message, please give your name, student id number, a phone/email where you can be reached, and a clear DETAILED message as to your request and the reasons for your request.

How do I get permission to exceed the repeat credit limit?

Students are permitted to repeat up to 18 credits total and are permitted to repeat one specific course twice. Students who wish to exceed either of these repeat credit limits must meet with an advisor in the ARHU Office of Student Affairs. Permission for exceeding repeat credit limits is not automatically granted, students should be prepared to discuss why they seek an exception and their preparedness for doing so. To schedule an appointment, call 301-405-2108 or email us. When emailing or leaving a voice mail message, please give your name, student id number, a phone/email where you can be reached, and a clear DETAILED message as to your request and the reason for your request.

How do I get permission for a time conflict?
Students need to meet with one (or in some cases both) of your professors and ask them to permit you to either leave the class early or arrive late. If s/he does, then you need a letter from the professor, on letterhead, giving you permission for the time conflict. Bring the letter to the ARHU Office of Student Affairs, 1120 Francis Scott Key Hall.

Can an undergraduate student take a graduate level class?
Students (usually Junior or Senior standing) need permission from the professor offering the graduate level class. If s/he does, then you need a letter from the professor, on letterhead, giving you permission to register for their graduate level class. Bring the letter to the ARHU Office of Student Affairs, 1120 Francis Scott Key Hall.

Can Juniors/Seniors take more than 3 lower level credits per semester?
A Junior/Senior can request to take more than 3 lower level credits per semester if the courses are either a requirement for CORE or their major. To request permission contact the ARHU Office of Student Affairs, either come in person, 1120 Francis Scott Key Hall (8:30am-4:30pm), call 301-405-2108 or email us. When emailing or leaving a voice mail message, please give your name, student id number, a phone/email where you can be reached, and a clear DETAILED message as to your request and the reason for your request.

How do I get a Dean's certification for Law or Graduate School?

Students who need Dean's certification of their academic status in order to apply to either Law or Graduate School, must submit the Dean's certification form and an addressed, stamped envelope at least two weeks prior to the deadline to the ARHU Office of Student Affairs. Forms submitted at the last minute may not reach the intended Law or Graduate School Program by the deadline, which may affect your application status.

How do I get permission to enroll at another institution?

If you are selecting a university that is part of the Consortium of universities in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, then begin by familiarizing yourself with Consortium policies and procedures, select the courses you wish to take, pick up a Consortium form at the Registrar's Office in the Mitchell Bldg., bring the form and list of courses when you meet with an advisor in the ARHU Office of Student Affairs.

If you are seeking permission to enroll in another institution either within or outside of Maryland, then you should select the courses you plan to take, find out about how to enroll at the other institution, and check to see if the courses will transfer.

If the courses do transfer then you need to come to the ARHU Office of Student Affairs to meet with an advisor (note: students must be sure to maintain the residency requirement). To schedule an appointment, call 301-405-2108 or email us. When emailing or leaving a voice mail message, please give your name, student id number, a phone/email where you can be reached, and a clear DETAILED message as to your reason for meeting with an advisor.

If the course is not listed, then you need to pick up a "Permission to Enroll" form from the Registrar's Office in the Mitchell Bldg., take it to the appropriate academic department (i.e. a history course, the history dept.) along with the undergraduate catalog from the institution for which you are seeking permission to enroll. The departmental advisor will review the course description in the undergraduate catalog and determine whether or not the course will transfer. If it does, he/she will indicate so on the "Permission to Enroll" form, this form must then be taken to the ARHU Office of Student Affairs to meet with an advisor (note: students must be sure to maintain the residency requirement).

Can I be advised by email?

If you have a general question not answered on this page or need some information or direction, you can email a College advisor (please note that the advisor may request that you come in person to be advised). The College does not email advise. However, if you have already met with a College advisor and have a follow-up question, you can email your advisor. If you are studying abroad and either need to be advised or need a registration block lifted, then email Dr. Paula Nadler (you may be required to come in person for advising when you return from studying abroad).

Does the College have a listserv?

Yes. To sign on to the ARHU undergraduate student listserv, send an email to jfilteau@umd.edu. In the subject line type "listserv" and in the text box write:
add arhuugst your email your full name

You should receive an email confirming that you have been added to the listserv. If you do not receive a confirmation email, then email the listserv manager.

To post a message to the listserv, email the listserv manager. In the email message, please be sure to provide the following information:

• title of event
• date, time, and location
• sponsor
• contact information (name, phone or email, website)

How do I apply for graduation?

Students can apply for graduation during the Early Registration Period prior to their final semester. The deadline to apply for graduation is the last day for Schedule Adjustment of their final semester. To apply for graduation, go to Testudo and click on "Apply for Graduation." Fill out the form and submit. Be sure to have a Senior Audit by both ARHU and departmental advisors to be sure that you have (or will) complete all your requirements. For further information about graduation, go to the Graduation Website. A list of the locations and times of Arts and Humanities Departmental Ceremonies is available at http:\\www.arhu.umd.edu\osa\commencement.html .

If you hope to walk in Commencement but still have requirements that you plan to complete in the Summer or Winter terms, you will not be permitted to attend the Main Commencement Ceremony. Students with no more than six credits/2 courses left to complete can make a request to their major advisor to be permitted to attend the departmental ceremony. Be sure to have a Senior Audit by both ARHU and departmental advisors.

What are Minors/Certificates?

Minors and Certificate Programs in the College of Arts and Humanities offer students in all disciplines the opportunity to pursue an in-depth, structured program of study in a field outside of their major. Minors and Certificate programs allow participants to earn official recognition of their expertise and achievements, broadening their skills and interests and giving them an edge in today's competitive job markets.

While requirements for various Minors and certificates differ, generally students must complete a minimum of 15 credits of coursework for a Minor and 21 credits of coursework for a certificate, including a combination of required courses and electives in the discipline. A minimum grade of "C" is expected in all applicable classes. Each student who successfully completes a Minor or certificate will receive a notation on their transcript.