CMNS Student Success Policy and 4-Year Plans

Am I required to submit a “Four Year Plan”? What will happen if I don’t?
If you are were a freshman or transfer student starting at the University of Maryland in the fall of 2005 or later, you are required to submit a “Four Year Plan” outlining the classes you intend to take on your way toward graduation. Your advisor(s) will need to review your plan with you each semester during your mandatory advising meeting(s). Without a current, reviewed plan your advisor cannot lift your registration block for your next semester at Maryland, and you won't be able to register until your plan has been reviewed. (If you have more than one major, you will be required to satisfy mandatory advising for all majors with mandatory advising requirements.)

How do I design my “Four Year Plan”?
You must create your “Four Year Plan” using an online system called Graphic Advisor. Basic instructions for using Graphic Advisor are found here. Simply login using your directory ID and password. Before you logon to Graphic Advisor to create your plan, it’s a good idea to do some homework first! Take a look at the templates on this website. You will need to modify the template based on your particular situation. CAUTION: Be careful when moving courses to different semesters. You should verify that courses you plan to take will be offered in semesters you plan to take them. You should also keep the basic rule in mind that you are expected to successfully complete four courses of 3 credits or more for your major and three CORE requirements per year. If you have more than one major, you will need to start with one template and add courses for the second major to that template to create your individual “Four Year Plan”. Don’t forget to include things like electives or double major requirements too.

How often do I need to design my plan?
Students are responsible to begin each semester with a current reviewed plan. Since it is required that you meet with your advisor before registering each semester, you should have a current (or updated) plan ready each semester prior to meeting with your advisor.

What if I am a double major?
If you are a double major, begin with an available template and add courses for your second major to create your individual “Four Year Plan.” You should design only one plan for both majors, and submit this plan to both of your advisors for their review.

I am a double major, but one of my majors is outside CMNS. Do I have to submit a plan?
Yes. If you are a double major, but one of your majors is not in CMNS, you still should submit a plan, including both majors, to your CMNS advisor. See your advisor in the major outside CMNS for their college’s requirements.

What if I don’t submit my plan?
If you don’t submit your plan, you can’t register for your next semester. No incoming student (starting in fall 2005 and later) is exempt from this requirement.

What if my plan is not acceptable to my advisor?
If you have a plan that is not feasible, your advisor will ask that you do some more work on it. You will be given some time to work out the kinks and then resubmit your plan. Be sure to check for “Advisor Notes” on the upper left of your submitted plan.

What if I alter my schedule after meeting with my advisor?
It’s always best to discuss any changes with your advisor first. However, we understand that courses may not be available to you, as you might have expected. Or students may decide to change one CORE for another. If you are not making big changes and courses still count for the same thing that you listed, there is not really a problem. During your next advising session, you can discuss those changes with your advisor. However, keep in mind that if you are making fundamental changes, it’s best to discuss these with your advisor. Failure to do so may cause your plan to be reviewed by the Dean’s Office.

What if I am not making academic progress as defined by this policy?
Students will have their progress reviewed by the Dean’s Office if: (i) with CORE not fulfilled they do not complete three courses required specifically for their major(s) with a grade of "C" or better and pass at least two CORE requirements (outside of mathematics and the sciences) in the previous academic year, or (ii) with CORE fulfilled they do not complete four courses required specifically for their major(s) with a grade of "C" or better in the previous academic year. An “Administrative Block” will be placed on your records and you’ll need to meet with your advisor/the Director of Undergraduate Education (Dean’s Office) before it can be lifted. You will also be required to present for approval a plan for timely completion of all remaining degree requirements. Finally, students whose progress is reviewed by the Dean’s Office are not eligible to continue in CMNS without a current approved plan.

How do I submit my plan to my advisor?
You must submit your plan via the Internet by using Graphic Advisor. You will be able to design and create multiple academic plans, but you may only submit one plan to your advisor for review. You logon to Graphic Advisor by using your Directory ID and Directory Password. For Basic Directions for Using Graphic Advisor, click here.

Students may e-mail cmnsque@umd.edu with general questions. Students may also send e-mails to individual advisors, or call for an appointment. Student requesting a Dean's Exception to Policy should first discuss the exception with their departmental advisor. After meeting with an advisor, forms for request may be picked up in 1300 Symons Hall or printed from here. For more information or to schedule an appointment call (301) 405-2080.