College Bulletin

Registration (Official Enrollment)

All students must register to be officially enrolled in classes. This process includes meeting with a departmental advisor (for first-year students, advising is mandatory) so that appropriate classes are selected. This is followed by the actual registration process on Wolverine Access.

Completion of both the advising and registration procedures are required before a student attends any classes or uses any University facilities. As of the first day of class, a late registration fee of $50 will be assessed. Exceptions to the Late Registration Fee are late admissions, non-degree students, Ph.D. students registering to defend their dissertations, or students who have an official waiver based on a University action. The Late Registration Fee is increased by $25 at the beginning of each subsequent month.

Unless a student is registered, there is no obligation on the part of faculty members to permit attendance in their classes.

A student who completes the registration procedure (including early registration) and fails to attend classes must officially withdraw at the Registrar's Office of the College of Engineering, 145A Chrysler Center.  The student is responsible for the usual disenrollment fee as stated in the current Schedule of Classes.

Students should be aware that receiving test or transfer credit can have an impact on tuition, because tuition increases once a student has Junior or Senior standing (55 credit hours or more). Credit will not be removed from the transcript for the purpose of lowering tuition. Students are responsible for reviewing their transcript when credits are posted and asking for removal of any credits within their first term at the University of Michigan. Note also that credit is always posted for the term in which it was earned, not the term in which it was posted; the posting of credit can therefore have a retroactive impact on tuition owed. Current students should carefully consider this issue before asking for credit to be posted on their transcript.

Half Term Courses During Fall or Winter Terms (2 credits)

Begin and End dates:

• All departments will have the same begin and end dates for classes.
• For Fall and Winter Terms the first half-term course will begin on the regular first day of classes.
• For Fall, the second half term will start at the beginning of the 8th week whenever possible.
• For Winter, the start of the second half term will be the Monday immediately following Spring Break.
• Beginning days will be adjusted so that no class will begin on a Friday.

Drop/Modify Schedule: Drop/Modify periods without a "W" will end by the end of the 2nd week for both half terms. Students must petition the Scholastic Standing Committee to drop or modify a class after the fifth week.

Fee Adjustments: There is a two-week deadline (coinciding with Drop/Modify deadlines) for fee adjustments. Documentation is needed for fee adjustments after the deadline. Fee adjustments are finalized through the University of Michigan Registrar's Office.

Important Note: Students should register for second half-term classes during the normal full-term registration period.

Add/Drop/Modify Policy (Change of Elections)

During the first three weeks of classes (first two weeks in a Spring or Summer half term), students may drop without a "W" or add courses using Wolverine Access.

Third week through ninth week:

From the third week through the ninth week of classes (second week through fifth week in a Spring or Summer half term), students must obtain Add/Drop forms from their program advisor (for first-year and undeclared students, these forms must be signed by an advisor in the Engineering Advising Center) to add or drop courses. These forms must be signed by the program advisor and instructor, and must be submitted to the College Registrar's Office, 145A Chrysler Center. A "W" will appear for courses dropped during this time period.  To modify a course to pass/fail only an advisor's signature is necessary on the form.

Ninth week through last day of classes:

After the ninth week (fifth week for a Spring or Summer half term), course additions, section changes, credit modifications and cross-list changes are processed using a Add/Drop form obtained from the program advisor (for first-year and undeclared students, these forms must be signed by an advisor in the Engineering Advising Center). Forms must be signed by the program advisor and instructor. Students should submit them to the College Registrar's Office, 145A Chrysler Center.

For pass/fail or visit modifications after the ninth week (fifth week for a Spring or Summer half term), students will need to petition the Scholastic Standing Committee (SSC) 230 Chrysler Center.  Documentation will need to be submitted with the Exceptions to College Rules Petitions requesting pass/fail and visit modifications.  Petitions are available online at: http://www.engin.umich.edu/students/scholasticstanding/petitions.html.

International students need to meet with the International Center (Central Campus: 603 E. Madison) to determine if a withdrawal will impact their visa status.

Student athletes must contact their advisor in the Academic Success Program regarding all changes to their election for written approval. This is in addition to the signatures required by the College of Engineering (advisor & instructor signatures).

Course Withdrawals

a. The incomplete (I) should be the default mechanism for addressing a disruption that arises late in the term.

b. Only the most serious circumstances warrant dropping a course after the ninth week of the term. In order for the SSC to grant a drop at this time, some non-academic, extraordinary event (like severe health issues, prolonged family illness or a severe personal disruption) would have occurred after the ninth-week (four and a half week of a half-term) drop deadline and would make completion of a course or courses very difficult if not impossible; the SSC assumes that the student's academic performance up to the point of the disruptive event has been satisfactory.

c. Approved drops will be posted to the official record with a "W".

Petitions are available online at http://www.engin.umich.edu/students/scholasticstanding/petitions.html and will need to be submitted to the Scholastic Standing Committee in 230 Chrysler Center.

After the last day of classes, or after the term has ended:
Individual course additions, section changes, credit modifications and cross-list changes are processed using an Add/Drop form obtained from the program advisor (for first-year and undeclared students, these forms must be signed by an advisor in the Engineering Advising Center). Forms must be signed by the program advisor and instructor. Students should submit them to the College Registrar's Office,145A Chrysler Center.

Pass/fail or visit modifications after the last day of classes or the term has ended, students will need to petition the Scholastic Standing Committee (SSC).  Documentation will need to be submitted with the Exceptions to College Rules petition.  Petitions are available at 230 Chrysler Center or on the web at http://www.engin.umich.edu/students/scholasticstanding/petitions.html.

Late withdrawal of courses after the term has ended and grades are reported:

• Will be rare and discouraged
• Only the most serious circumstances warrant dropping a course after the end of a term.  In order for the SSC to grant a withdrawal at this time, some non-academic, extraordinary event (like serious illness or a severe personal disruption) must have occurred after the ninth-week (four and a half week of half-term) drop deadline and that would make completion of a course or courses very difficult if not impossible; the SSC assumes that the student's academic performance up to the point of the disruptive event has been satisfactory.
• Adverse circumstances that occur during most of a term generally have foreseeable consequences on performance that should be addressed by student's seeking advice and help, by advisors and faculty reaching out to students, and when necessary through the rules for dropping courses during the term.  In addition, the incomplete (I) should be the default mechanism for dealing with a disruption that arises late in the term.
• Additional documentation will need to be provided regarding the reason the petition for a late withdrawal was not submitted during the term in which the student took the courses.
• A clear rationale should be provided for not giving a "W" in all courses, addressing why the extenuating circumstances did not impact all work.
• An 18 months deadline will apply to petition for retroactive withdrawal from courses from a past term.
• If a petition to late withdraw after the end of term is granted, the instructing faculty member whose grade has been changed to W will be notified.

The grade for any course dropped without completing the proper procedures will be recorded as "ED" (unofficial drop) and computed as "E" in grade-point averages.

Junior and senior students enrolled in a Military Officer Education Program must also have approval of the Chair in charge of the unit before they can drop a Military Officer Education Program course or be relieved of the obligation assumed when enrolling in the program.

Pass/Fail Option

Elective courses used to satisfy the Intellectual Breadth requirement or courses to be used as General Electives can be taken pass/fail. A maximum of fourteen (14) credit hours can be used toward CoE degree(s) requirements. Pass/fail course elections are limited to two courses per full term (Fall or Winter) or one course in a half term (Spring or Summer). Course elections exceeding the full/half term limits will be reverted to the grade earned. Course/credit limits will be calculated in academic term order of election. Any course that is offered only on a pass/fail basis will not be counted in the above totals.

1. The decision to elect a course on a pass/fail basis or on a graded basis must be made within the first nine weeks of the term (or first five weeks of a Spring or Summer half term). No changes in election as a graded course or as a pass/fail course can be made after the ninth week of a term, (or first five weeks of a half term).

2. Instructors are not notified of pass/fail elections; they will report grades as usual, "A+" through "E." The University of Michigan Registrar's Office will then translate grades as follows:

a. A grade of "C-" through "A+" in a course elected on a pass/fail basis is considered satisfactory and will be   recorded as "P" (pass-for credit toward the degree and no effect on the grade point average).

b. A grade of "D+" or lower in a course elected on a pass/fail basis is considered unsatisfactory and will be recorded as "F" (fail-no credit and no effect on grade point average).

3. To be eligible for the Dean's Honor List, a minimum of 12 credit hours (6 for a half term) must be elected for letter grades, with a grade point average of 3.5 or better.

4. To be eligible for Recognition on the Diploma, a minimum of 45 hours of credit with grades must be completed with a grade point average of 3.2 or better.

5. If a student completes a course for pass/fail and subsequently changes the degree program of study to one in which the course comes into conflict with the stated constraints for pass/fail elections in the new program, the course will be accepted in the new program as follows:

a. A record of "P" (pass) is regarded as a satisfactory completion of the program requirement.

b. A record of "F" (fail) is regarded as unsatisfactory completion and the course must be repeated for grades.

Courses Offered on a Pass/Fail Basis Only

A department or instructor may offer an undergraduate pass/fail course on the following basis:

1. The instructor will report the grade as pass/fail for each student enrolled.

2. The grade will be treated the same as when the student chooses to elect a course on a pass/fail basis if the following conditions are satisfied:

a. The course is not required for any program or department.

b. It is the type of course which might be considered appropriate to a pass/fail grading system. Examples of such courses may include: design, survey-type, individual directed research, laboratory, or undergraduate seminars.

c. The pass/fail nature of the course is announced by the instructor at the beginning of the term, with the exception of individual instruction courses.  See the University Registrar's Office schedule of classes website (http://www.umich.edu/~regoff/schedule).

Visit

With permission of the advisor and course instructor, a student may enroll in a course as a visitor. In such a case, the course will be entered on the permanent record with a "VI" instead of a letter grade. The same fee will be charged whether the student enrolls for credit or as a visitor. A course elected as "VI" does not count toward a student's full time status.

A change in elections from credit to visit must be made during the first nine weeks of a term. Signed petitions are required after this point. Required courses may not be elected as a visit.

Term

A term (semester) extends over approximately four months, including examinations. The University's year-round calendar, by months, is approximately as follows:

The Spring-Summer term may be scheduled as two half terms, approximately as follows:

Course Offerings

The appropriate Bulletin and the Schedule of Classes (http://www.umich.edu/~regoff/schedule/) prepared for each term will serve the student as a guide in planning each term's schedule. The College of Engineering reserves the right to withdraw the offering of any elective course not chosen by at least eight students.

Credit Hour

A credit hour (semester hour) generally represents one hour of recitation or lecture per week for a term, or two for a half term; preparation for each credit hour normally requires a minimum of three hours of study per week. Generally, one period of laboratory work is considered to be equal to one hour of credit.

Work Load

The number of credit hours a student is able to carry in any one term depends upon a number of factors - including abilities, health, and the amount of time devoted to extracurricular activities or to outside work. Twelve credit hours are considered a minimum full-time academic schedule for a full term (six for half term). Reduced program fees apply to 11 credit hours or less for undergraduate students.

Unless approved by the program advisor (for first-year students, the Director of the Engineering Advising Center), the student may not elect courses (or change elections) for which the total number of hours for a term is less than 12 or more than 18, and for a half term, less than six or more than nine. A student should have a 3.0 average or more for the previous term to be permitted to carry a term load of more than 18 hours.

Attention is called to the section on "Time Requirements" for a statement on estimating the time needed for a bachelor's degree.

Attendance and Absences

Regular and punctual attendance in classes is one of a number of expressions of interest and maturity. The reasons for good attendance should be obvious, and students may expect unexcused absences to be reflected in their final grade.

All students should account for their absences to their instructors. A student who has been absent from studies for more than one week because of illness or other emergency should consult the program advisor to determine the advisability of reducing elections.

Examinations

Examinations may be given at any time, with or without notice, on any part of the work. An examination at the end of the term is an essential part of the work of the course. The instructor is required to observe the official final examination schedule established by the University.

Any student absent from an examination should report to the instructor as soon thereafter as possible. If a student presents a valid excuse for being absent, a make-up examination may be arranged by the instructor for another time.

Transfer Credit for Enrolled Students (Transfer Credit Approval Form)

Currently enrolled students can transfer credit from classes taken at other institutions by following the instructions on the website for the Transfer Credit Approval Form. The Transfer Credit Approval Form can be accessed online at http://www.engin.umich.edu/students/academics/transfercreditapproval. The form itself must only be completed if a course needs to be evaluated for transfer credit. An evaluation typically takes two to four weeks and results in the notification of course transferability and the credit hours that will be earned upon completion of the course(s) with a grade of  "C" or better.  Online courses will be evaluated for transfer credit in the same manner and should also be submitted for approval via the Transfer Credit Approval Form.  The College of Engineering allows a maximum of 12 credits for online transfer coursework.

For CoE undergraduate enrolled students, please send your official transcript to:

College of Engineering, Recruitment and Admissions
153 Chrysler Center
2121 Bonisteel Boulevard
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2092

This information along with important rules to keep in mind can be found on the website shown above. Questions can be emailed to Credit Evaluation at engincredit@umich.edu or in person at Suite 145 Chrysler Center.

Transfer Credit for International Programs

Currently enrolled students must consult with the International Programs in Engineering (IPE) office regarding course approvals, transfer credit and registration for all study abroad programs. Any student participating in an international experience must have a record in M-Compoass.

Transcripts for IPE-Sponsored Programs should be sent to:

International Programs in Engienering
245 Chrysler Center
2121 Bonisteel Boulevard
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2092

Declaring (or Changing) Major

First year students may declare a major as early as their second term in the College, and are urged to declare a specific engineering major by the start of their 3rd term of enrollment. Undeclared students cannot register for a 4th term in the College unless they have met with an advisor and developed a plan to select and declare a major within a reasonable time.  This plan can be developed in coordination among the EAC advisors and departmental program advisors.

Students who meet all of the criteria below can declare any undergraduate engineering major.  Students not meeting these criteria must meet with a departmental program advisor to establish any specific steps they must take in order to declare that major.

Students can declare or change into any undergraduate engineering major if they:
1. Have completed at least one full term of courses on the UM Ann Arbor campus.

2. Have an overall UM GPA of 2.0 or better in courses taken at the UM Ann Arbor campus and be in good standing.  Exception: For Biomedical Engineering the GPA requirement is 3.2.

3. Have completed or earned credit by exam or transfer for at least one course in each of these categories:

• Calculus (e.g. Math 115, 116, 156)
• Calculus based physics lectures (e.g. Physics 140, 160) or chemistry lectures (e.g. Chemistry 130)
• Required engineering courses (Engr 100, 101, 151)

For all of these math, science and engineering courses taken at UM Ann Arbor the student must have         earned a grade of C or better.  For repeated courses the most recent grade counts.