NOTE: This FAQ is a work in progress. If you don't see the question you want answered, please send an email with your question. See also the Transfer FAQ for transfer-related information

I don't know who my advisor is. How can I contact him or her?

• Call 301-405-1791 or email crosen@umd.edu for contact information.

Do I need to meet with my advisor EVERY semester?

• Yes. If you don't meet with your advisor, you will be unable to register for the following term.

Can I do advising over the phone or via email?

• No. One of the purposes of advising is for the advisor to physically meet with his or her advisees. Often, a face-to-face meeting will provide the advisor with impressions that are indicators of an advisee's well being.

How do I get my registration block lifted?

• After meeting with your advisor, bring your signed Advising Report (provided by your advisor) to room 2102 of the Chemistry Building to get your advising block cleared.

I have changed my mind about what courses I want to take. Can I take something other than what is listed on my Advising Report, and do I have to contact my advisor first?

• Your Advisng Report is not a list of courses you MUST take. If you choose to modify your schedule, you have that choice. If you are unsure as to how the changes will affect your progress toward your degree, it would be wise to consult your advisor.

How can I find out if I'm on track to graduate?

• You should request a senior audit at the end of your junior year and before your senior year begins. An audit request form is available in room 2102 of the Chemistry Building.

How do I fulfill the upper level CORE requirements (two courses)?

• One Advanced CORE, which is a 300- or 400-level course outside the College of Chemical and Life Sciences that does not meet CORE Fundamental or Distributive Studies requirements and is not an experiential-learning type course (that is, it must be academic in nature; not hands-on: Art Appreciation is okay; life drawing is not).   Advanved CORE courses must be taken after 60 credits.
• One Capstone course, which must be taken within the major after 86 credits, except for research.   Courses listed as Capstone include CHEM399 (at least three credits total), CHEM491, CHEM492 or BCHM465.  
• Students may take a second Advanced CORE in lieu of Capstone, but this will add an additional upper level departmental (chemistry or biochemistry) course requirement.