Can I change my schedule once the semester starts?
Yes, you can change your schedule during the add/drop period. But the last day to add or drop with no record is Tuesday, September 20, 2005.

How can I withdraw from a course?
You can withdraw from a course through the mid-semester date – Monday, October 31, 2005. A “W” will show up on your transcript indicating that you were enrolled in the course after the add/drop period. You just have to fill out the course change request form, have it signed by your instructor and bring it to the Registrar’s Office.

I am not doing well in a class. Can I withdraw from it after the mid-semester date?
The only way you can withdraw from a class after the mid-semester date is if you have verifiable extenuating circumstances. You need to see Dean Baker in Stockbridge Hall.

Can I take a required course for my major or a general education course pass/fail?
No, you can only take elective courses pass/fail. You must choose this option during the add/drop period. The faculty member does not know if you have chosen the pass/fail option. Remember…if you get a good grade in the course and it helps your GPA, the grade will appear on your transcript.

What happens if my GPA goes below a 2.0?
To be in academic good standing you must maintain a 2.0 gpa. If you go below a 2.0 you will be placed on academic probation and will need to see Dean Baker and your academic advisor to develop a strategy to improve your academic performance. If in a subsequent semester you again earn below a 2.0 gpa you will be suspended for a semester but then allowed to return to the University. If for a third semester, your gpa is below a 2.0 you will be dismissed from the University.

What do I need to graduate from UMass?
You need to earn 120 credits. You need to complete your general education and major department requirements. You also need a 2.0 overall gpa as well as a 2.0 gpa in you major.

How do I get on the Dean’s List?
You must earn a 3.5 gpa.

How many credits can I take in a semester?
To be a full time student you need to take 12 credits each semester. Most students take 15 credits a semester. If you want to take more than 18 credits you must complete a “Credit Overload Authorization” form. This form is available in 111 Stockbridge and must be signed by your academic advisor and Dean Baker. Overload requests will not be processed until registration day; students cannot register for overloads until that time.

I was not able to complete a final assignment in a class, what should I do?
Speak to your faculty member immediately! It is possible to take an ‘incomplete’ in the course which will allow you to make up the work during the following semester. You must complete an Incomplete Grade Form - you can get this from your faculty member or from 111 Stockbridge Hall. Remember, an incomplete counts as an “F” until you complete the work and a grade is submitted. You only have one semester to complete the work or the “INC” becomes an “F”.

Can I take a course during the summer at another school?
Yes, but you must complete a “Prior Approval Form”. The form needs to be signed by your academic advisor. If the course you are taking fulfills a general education requirement, you need to get a signature from an admissions evaluator. The form must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office in Whitmore. When you have completed the course(s), forward an official transcript to the Registrar’s Office. You must earn a “C” or above for a course to be transferred – remember your grade will not be factored into your gpa.

How can I be sure my schedule is correct?
You should be sure to log onto the SPIRE system to check your schedule. You want to be sure that your schedule is all set by the last day of add/drop.

I am not getting mail from the University, what should I do?
You need to be sure that the University has your correct address. You can update your address by going onto the SPIRE system and make the necessary corrections.

Where do I go for help in writing my resume or getting ready for an interview?
Ginger Goldsbury is the Campus Career Network representative for students in NRE. Her office is in 512 Goodelll, you can contact her at 545-6011, or ggoldsbury@acad.umass.edu

How do I know who my academic advisor is in my major?
If you are undeclared in the college of Natural Resource and the Environment your advisor is Dr. Martha Baker. If you have a declared major, you will be assigned a faculty advisor; the best thing to do is call the chief undergraduate advisor in your department to find out who you need to see. Be sure to visit your advisor often, but especially during counseling period.

How can I find out about scholarships offered by the college?
NRE and individual departments offer a variety of scholarships. For more information link to our Scholarship Page. Applications for NRE scholarships are available in 111 Stockbridge Hall.