Registration for Special Populations
A variety of special programs are available to eligible and interested students. Registration for special programs differs depending on your home institution, where you are going, and what you are trying to do. The process for each program is detailed in the sections below.
DC Consortium
Eligible students may augment their degree programs with courses taken at a number of local institutions through the DC Consortium Cross-Registration agreement.
Faculty and Staff Registration
Non-degree seeking faculty and staff may enroll in a variety of courses at UMD.
USM Inter-Institutional Enrollment
Eligible students may augment their degree programs with courses taken at a number of University System of Maryland (USM) institutions through Inter-Institutional Enrollment.
Separating from the University
Students who register and later decide not to attend the university are responsible for notifying the Office of the University Registrar in a timely manner. The following information should be reviewed carefully as there may be academic or financial consequences based on when a student chooses to leave the university.
Register for Classes
All students must register to be able to attend classes at the University of Maryland. Registration requests can be processed online, by email, or in-person. Students are responsible for understanding UMD’s registration policies and guidelines which can be found in the Academic Catalog and outlined in the sections below.
Steps to Register
Students should review steps to register for courses carefully to ensure a successful registration process
Add & Drop Classes
Students may process changes to their schedule by adding and dropping classes after initial registration
Blocks, Special Permissions & Exceptions to Policy
Students may encounter a registration block that prevents them from registering for classes
Enrollment Status
The Office of the University Registrar is responsible for compliance with standards for full-time and half-time enrollment
Final Exams
University guidelines state that there will be a final examination and/or assessment in every undergraduate course
Grading Method
Grading method determines how a course will be reflected on the student’s permanent academic record and counted toward degree progress
Non-Standard Courses
Non-standard courses do not meet for the standard semester or term dates
Seat Management Plan
The seat management plan is only used in the fall and spring semesters to reserve a portion of seats in general education and a few selected other courses
Waitlist & Hold File
If a course is full when a student registers, the waitlist/hold file option may be available
Additional Resources for Registration
Registration Guide
The Registration Guide is a downloadable document that provides information on a range of academic, enrichment, and support services available at the university.
Extended Studies
For registration information about Summer session, Winter session, Freshmen Connection, and Professional Programs, visit Extended Studies.
Parent/Guardian Access
Get Shared Access to Your Student's Information
The University of Maryland adheres to a policy of compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (Buckley Amendment). It is the policy of the university to limit disclosure of personally identifiable information from educational records without the student's prior consent.
Students can grant parents and/or legal guardians limited access to their student information. Access must be renewed annually; information includes: current course schedule, mid-semester grades, and final grades.
For information about how to access student financial records, visit Student Financial Services and Cashiering.
On this page:
Need Access?
The University of Maryland has implemented an enhanced system to provide a more secure means for parents/guardians to access student information online. Parents/guardians who wish to access their student's academic records must do so using a UMD account. Please follow the 3 step process below.
- Parents/Guardians must complete an Associate Account Registration. For detailed instructions, see Create an Associate Account.
- University of Maryland faculty and staff may use their current employee Directory ID and do not need to create an Associate Account.
- After an account is created, students may grant access via Testudo. For detailed instructions, see Grant Parent and/or Guardian Access.
- After access is granted, parents/guardians may use their newly created Directory ID and password to login and view their student's information (see the Already Have Access tab).
Already Have Access?
See the quick links below if your student has already granted you access to their account in Testudo. Remember that access must be renewed by your student annually.
Need Additional Help?
If students would like to provide their parent/guardian access to information that the Office of the University Registrar manages that are not covered by the Testudo Parent Access, the student can fill out the Authorization to Disclose Education Records to provide parent/guardian access to records associated with:
- Registration
- Grades
- Transfer Credit
- Residency
- Graduation
- Veteran/Active Duty
- Student Account - understanding tuition and fee charges on the account
Student Information
The Office of the University Registrar supports the university with the production of ID cards and handles student requests to update personal information with the university.
Change of Personal Information
Students can use Testudo's My Profile to update some of their personal information. For changes that require supporting documentation, students should request an update through the Office of the University Registrar.
University ID Cards
University of Maryland photo identification (ID) cards are used for accessing campus programs and services.
University ID Cards
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Purpose
The University of Maryland photo identification (ID) card provides a general form of identification issued solely for the purpose of accessing programs and services administered by the University of Maryland, College Park, and its legal agents. Authority to issue ID cards is delegated solely to the Office of the University Registrar.
Eligibility
Students: To receive a student ID card, students must be registered for classes for the current or upcoming semester.
Faculty/Staff: To receive a Faculty/Staff ID card, the employee must have an approved employment appointment in Workday. Faculty and staff members may receive their Faculty/Staff ID card on their official start date or afterwards, but not prior to the start date listed in their payroll appointment. Faculty/Staff wishing to confirm eligibility may call the Office of the University Registrar at 301-314-8240.
At the discretion of the university, ID cards may be issued to other individuals who are "affiliated" with the university provided such affiliates are sponsored by a regular university department or office and entered in Workday as so.
Please note: The university reserves the right to confiscate any ID used in an inappropriate manner.
Validity
The validity of the photo ID card is based on current information contained in the student's enrollment record or, in the case of employees, the person's personnel record. The magnetic strip on the ID contains a link to the appropriate record for validation purposes.
Appearance
The appearance of the ID card may change from time to time, but includes, at a minimum: name, relationship to the university (e.g. student, faculty/staff, affiliate), university identification number and issue date. Photo ID cards are issued to regular students, faculty/staff and affiliates. Students participating in special programs are eligible for non-photo ID cards. These non-photo IDs must be used in conjunction with a photo ID such as a driver's license or passport.
Access to Programs and Services
Students and employees have access to university programs and services as defined by university policies and procedures. Students may use their ID cards to:
- Obtain transcripts, verifications, schedule printouts, and graduation tickets
- Access campus buildings such as residence halls and some classroom buildings
- Access library and information services and as a photo copy card
- Use your Dining Services meal plan points at campus dining halls and area eateries
- Serve as your Terrapin Express debit card for on-campus eateries and retailers
- Obtain athletic tickets (using the barcode on the reverse of your card)
- Access campus recreational facilities
- Gain admission to campus sponsored events
- Ride the university's shuttle bus
- Receive discounts at some area vendors
Access to programs and services by "affiliate" card holders must be negotiated on a case-by-case basis by the sponsoring department.
Duration
The photo ID card is issued at the time a student first registers for classes or, in the case of employees, at the initial hiring. The ID card should be carried at all times and is intended to serve an individual throughout their affiliation with the university.
Replacement
There is a $20 charge for a replacement ID card in cases where the card is lost, stolen, has intentional damage (holes punched in the card, snapped in two, etc.), or the cardholder wishes to retake their photo. The replacement fee is waived in cases where the replacement is due to normal wear and tear (i.e. the bar code is no longer visible or the magnetic strip is non-functioning). The replacement fee can only be waived if the most recently issued ID card is given to an Office of the University Registrar staff member upon request of a replacement ID card. A replacement ID card can be obtained from the Office of the University Registrar Front Counter, First Floor, Mitchell Building, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Deactivating a Lost or Stolen ID Card
It is the responsibility of the cardholder to keep their ID card safe and secure and to deactivate a lost or stolen ID card. You should immediately deactivate your ID card to prevent use by unauthorized individuals. The university assumes no responsibility for misuse of your card, or for charges to your accounts due to your ID card being lost or stolen.
Once deactivated, you must obtain a new ID card at the Office of the University Registrar Front Counter, First Floor, Mitchell Building. The charge for a new ID card is $20. A deactivated ID card cannot be reactivated.
The following service will be suspended until a new ID card is issued:
- Access to Administrative Buildings and Offices
- Access to Residential Facilities (including residence halls, South Campus Commons, and on-campus Greek chapter houses)
- Dining Services and Terrapin Express
- Facilities Management Services
- Time and Attendance System
- University Recreation and Wellness
Academic Performance
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Undergraduate Students
In order to ensure students make successful progress towards a degree at the University of Maryland, the university established requirements for academic performance outlined in policy III-8.0(A).
Undergraduate academic performance is based on a student's grade point average (GPA). Students are required to achieve a 2.0 GPA to maintain satisfactory academic progress. A GPA under 2.0 is considered unsatisfactory performance. Students with a GPA under 2.0 will be placed on Academic Probation.
A minimum of 120 successfully completed course credits is required for graduation in any degree curriculum; however, individual colleges, schools, and departments may establish higher requirements for graduation. Check with your advisor for specific information. If you feel there are special circumstances that make it impossible for you to complete a normal course load, you must meet with an advisor to discuss the circumstances, plans for continued progress toward a degree, and the implications for continued enrollment.
Semester Academic Honors (Dean's List) will be awarded to students who complete, within any given semester (excluding winter and summer terms), 12 or more credits with a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher. This recognition will be noted on the student's academic record. Courses with grades of P and S are excluded from the twelve credit determination.
Students will be placed on academic probation if their cumulative GPA falls below 2.0. Normally, a student is expected to attain a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the end of any probationary semester. Students who fail to achieve a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the end of their probationary semester may be academically dismissed, depending on their credit level as detailed below.
- Students who have earned 60 credits or more will be dismissed from the university in the event their cumulative GPA remains below 2.0 at the end of their probationary semester. Students who are on probation and attain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 at the end of a winter or summer term will not be subject to dismissal in the subsequent semester.
- Students who are on academic probation and have earned fewer than 60 credits will be permitted to continue on academic probation if a minimum semester GPA of 2.0 is achieved in each semester of probation.
- Full-time students must complete 9 or more credits in each semester. A completed credit is defined as credit for any course in which a student receives a grade of A, B, C, D, F, P, or S.
- Students who meet this requirement will be permitted to continue on probation until the close of the semester (excluding winter and summer terms) in which they attain a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
- Students who are on probation will be dismissed if they have not achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.0 at the end of the semester in which they complete 60 credits.
- Students who are on probation and attain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 at the end of a winter or summer term will not be subject to dismissal in the subsequent semester.
- Students who have earned 60 or more credits will be dismissed if their cumulative GPA remains below 2.0 for two consecutive semesters (excluding winter and summer terms). Students who attained a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in the preceding winter or summer term will not be subject to dismissal.
- Students who have earned fewer than 60 credits will be dismissed following any probationary semester in which they fail to attain a minimum 2.0 semester GPA and complete the requisite credits detailed in "Academic Probation." Students who attained a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in the preceding winter or summer term will not be subject to dismissal.
- Students who have been academically dismissed and who are reinstated will be academically dismissed again if a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 is not achieved by the end of the first semester after reinstatement. Reinstated students will not be allowed to add or drop courses, or to register during any semester without the approval of an academic advisor in their college, unless a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 is achieved.
- The Office of the University Registrar will notify the appropriate university offices when students are academically dismissed and will note the dismissal on the students' academic record.
- The Student Success Office will notify students in writing when they are dismissed. The notices will include a statement that registration for the next semester (excluding winter or summer terms) will be cancelled.
- Normally, a student dismissed for academic reasons must wait out one semester (fall or spring) before reinstatement. Exceptions will be determined by the Faculty Petition Board. Applications and information about the reinstatement process can be obtained from the Student Success Office, which is responsible for administering the reinstatement process in coordination with the Faculty Review Board.
Graduate Students
A student whose cumulative grade point average falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation by The Graduate School. When a student is placed on probation, The Graduate School will notify both the student and the Graduate Director of the student's program. Permission of the academic advisor and the Graduate Director will be required for a student on probation to register for courses. Probation will be lifted when the student achieves a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
A student who has completed fewer than 12 credit hours and has a cumulative grade point average below 3.0 in the first term (semester or 12-week) will receive a warning. A student who has completed 12 credit hours or two or more terms (semester or 12-week) and whose cumulative grade point average is below 3.0 will be placed on probation and have one term (semester or 12-week) to raise their grade point average 3.0 or higher or be dismissed from The Graduate School. If the grade point average cannot be raised to 3.0 in that term, the student will be prevented from registering and will be immediately dismissed from The Graduate School.
Additional information can be found in the Academic Catalog.
GPA Calculation
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Undergraduate Students
Grade Point Average (GPA) is a standard calculation of all grades earned at the University of Maryland. GPA calculation is determined by policy III-6.00 and the quality points for each grade is set by policy III-6.20(A).
The university calculates two GPAs:
- Semester GPA: calculation of grades at UMD for a specific term
- Cumulative GPA: calculation of all grades at UMD through the most recent graded term
| Grade | Quality Points |
|---|---|
| A+ | 4.0 |
| A | 4.0 |
| A- | 3.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3.0 |
| B- | 2.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 |
| C | 2.0 |
| C- | 1.7 |
| D+ | 1.3 |
| D | 1.0 |
| D- | 0.7 |
| F | 0.0 |
| XF | 0.0 |
| I* | -- |
| P* | -- |
| S* | -- |
| W* | -- |
| NGR* | -- |
*Courses for which a mark of I, P, S, W, or NGR has been assigned are not included in computing the GPA. Other factors may also impact your GPA calculation, e.g. zero-level courses (MATH003), repeated courses. Please contact your advisor for more information.
How to Calculate Your GPA
- Multiply the attempted credits of the course by the number of quality points assigned to the grade earned.
- Add quality points in each course for your total quality points.
- Add attempted credits in each course for your total attempted credits.
- Divide total quality points by total attempted credits.
- This calculation is your GPA.
Example GPA Calculation
| Course | Grade | Grade's Quality Points | Attempted Credits | Quality Points Earned in Course |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL101 | A | 4 | 3 | 12 |
| MATH115 | B- | 2.7 | 3 | 8.1 |
| PHYS121 | C+ | 2.3 | 4 | 9.2 |
| MUSC205 | F | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Total | N/A | N/A | 13 | 29.3 |
GPA = 29.3 divided by 13 = 2.253 (Your GPA is truncated at the thousandths digit without rounding)
For additional assistance calculating your GPA, use Testudo GPA Calculator or see an academic advisor.
Graduate Students
Grade Point Average (GPA) is computed by dividing the total number of quality points accumulated in courses for which a grade of A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, or F, has been assigned by the total number of credits attempted in those courses. Each letter grade has an associated quality points value (see table below). Multiplying the quality points value by the number of credits for a particular course gives the number of quality points earned for that course.
All courses taken that are numbered 400 and above will be used in the calculation of the grade point average.
The following are not used in the calculation of the grade point average:
- Courses at the 500-level
- Courses numbered 799, 898, 899
- Courses graded with an S
Repeated courses will impact GPA calculations. Review Course Repeats for more information.
| Grade | Quality Points |
|---|---|
| A+ | 4.0 |
| A | 4.0 |
| A- | 3.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3.0 |
| B- | 2.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 |
| C | 2.0 |
| C- | 1.7 |
| D+ | 0.0 |
| D | 0.0 |
| D- | 0.0 |
| F | 0.0 |
| I | 0.0 |
Additional information on GPA Calculation can be found in the Academic Catalog.
Grades
Grades are issued by instructors and denote the level of subject mastery and scholarship in a course. The Office of the University Registrar is a steward of the academic transcript which serves as the official record of grades received at the university.
Academic Performance
Student records are reviewed each semester based on their GPAs for applicable academic honors, probation, or dismissal.
Course Repeats
Students should review repeat guidelines prior to repeating a course to determine the impact on their student record.
How to View Grades and GPAs
Students can view mid-term grades, final grades, and GPAs on Testudo.
Incomplete Grades
Instructors may assign an incomplete grade when unexpected circumstances prevent a student from completing a small portion of coursework.
Mid-Term Grades
Mid-Term Grades are used to inform undergraduate students of their performance in courses during the first half of the semester.
No Grade Reported
No grade reported will appear in Testudo if a final grade has not been submitted.
Pass-Fail Grading
Eligible students may select the pass-fail grading option when registering for a course.
Enrollment Certifications & Degree Verifications
Enrollment Certifications
Enrollment Certifications are available to current students through National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) Myhub1 and provide:
- Convenient 24/7 access
- Immediate download of enrollment certifications
- Confirmation of enrollment status
- Dates of attendance
Degree Verifications
Degree Verifications provide confirmation of degrees conferred.
- To view your conferred degree: Please visit Myhub.
- To obtain documentation of degrees conferred: Please send your signed Degree Verification Request to the Office of the University Registrar at registrar-help@umd.edu. All completed degree verifications will be delivered through Secure Share.
Third Party Requests
Third parties (employers, insurance agencies, background screening firms, etc.) must contact NSC directly for enrollment and degree verification services at https://nscverifications.org.
The University of Maryland, College Park school code is 002103.