Academic Year
The School operates on the common calendar of the University. This consists of a fall semester, a winter session, a spring semester, and an eight-week summer session. Programs of Study
The full-time program is a four-semester (two academic years) plan. The extended program includes a number of options. All students pursuing their studies over an extended period must complete their programs according to individually developed educational plans, usually taking three to four years. The MSW degree must be earned within a maximum of four years. Students must enroll for a minimum of two courses (6 credits) each semester. All students must fulfill the School’s academic residency requirement. That is, they must complete at least two consecutive semesters with a minimum enrollment of 9 credits each semester. Advanced Standing
Since many schools of social work offer field instruction on a pass/fail basis, grades for field instruction, if assigned, are not included in the calculation of the grade point average. Those who graduated four or five years ago must submit a letter of reference (one of the letters of reference required for admission) from an employer or supervisor who is familiar with the applicant’s post-BSW social work practice. A reference letter from your field supervisor is required. All Advanced Standing applicants must submit the Advanced Standing recommendation form completed and signed by their undergraduate social work department chairperson. Three references are also needed. Advanced Standing credit is given only for courses in which the applicants earned a “B” or higher grade. If an applicant has a “C” in a practice class, he or she is ineligible for Advanced Standing status. Exemptions
Provisions have been made for students with prior professional or academic preparation to enrich their educational experience at the School through exemption of certain foundation courses. Those who qualify for exemptions must still complete 60 credits at the School to earn the MSW degree. What is changed by successful exemption is the distribution of credits, enabling students to increase the number of elective credits in the 60-credit total. Examinations are given before the beginning of each semester. Arrangements are made through the Office of the Associate Dean for the Master’s Program. TRANSCRIPTS
Students and alumni may secure transcripts of their University record from the campus registrar’s office. There is no charge for issuance of transcripts. A request for transcripts must be made either in writing, online at www.umaryland.edu/orr, or by calling the Office of the Registrar at 410-706-7480, and should be made at least two weeks in advance of the date the records are needed. No transcript will be furnished to any student or alumnus whose financial obligations to the University have not been satisfied. DRESS CODE
Students are expected to adhere to professional standards of personal appearance and dress as defined by their field agency as necessary to serve their clients. GRADING SYSTEM
Students are expected to maintain at least a “B” (3.0) average. A+ = 4.33 A = 4.00 A- = 3.67 B+ = 3.33 B = 3.00 B- = 2.67 C+ = 2.33 C = 2.00 C- = 1.67 F = 0 The letter “P” (Pass) is the passing grade for field instruction courses. Since a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required for classroom courses, every credit hour of “C” must be balanced by a credit hour of “A,” unless it is repeated and a grade of “B” or higher is achieved. Any course with a grade below “B” may be repeated one time only. The grade on the repeated course, whether higher or lower, is used to calculate the GPA. The grade “F” indicates failure to achieve a satisfactory level of performance. The original “F” grade remains on the student’s permanent record, but it is the subsequent passing grade that is used to compute grade point average. Thus, a grade of “F” cannot be balanced and must be repeated. A failed course may be repeated only once. Incomplete grades are given under exceptional circumstances to students whose work in a course has been qualitatively satisfactory but who, because of illness or other circumstances beyond their control, have been unable to complete the course requirements. Incomplete grades must be cleared within six weeks of the end of the semester in which the “I” was assigned. Any incomplete grade remaining at the end of that period will convert to an “F.” A student may not enroll in advanced field instruction courses unless a “B” (3.0) GPA has been earned in the 24-credit Foundation Curriculum. Unsatisfactory Achievement
Grounds for suspension or dismissal include an unsatisfactory academic record, unprofessional behavior, and academic dishonesty. A satisfactory academic record is a 3.0 grade point average. Suspension is denial of enrollment for a specified period of time not to exceed one academic year. Dismissal is denial of enrollment for an indefinite period. Dismissal does not imply future readmission, nor does it imply that a student is permanently barred from readmission.
Auditing Courses
Auditing a course allows the student to be exposed to the content in the course while not requiring the student to complete the course requirements. The course will appear on the student’s transcript as an audited course. A student may audit a course on a space-available basis with priority given to students taking the course for credit. A student taking a course for credit may not change his or her status to audit a course once the semester has started. An audited course costs the same as a graded course. Dropping/Adding Courses
Students may drop courses without academic penalty during the first eight weeks of a semester and may add courses during the first week of the semester with permission of the School’s registrar. Voluntary Withdrawal
Students may withdraw from the School at any time during the academic year, but may not withdraw to preclude current or impending failures. The procedures for withdrawal are submitting a letter of withdrawal to the School’s registrar; filing an Application for Withdrawal form bearing the proper signatures; satisfying the authorities that there are no outstanding obligations to the School; and returning the student identification card. An exit interview is held with the withdrawing student by the School’s registrar to ascertain the reason for withdrawal. When these procedures are completed, the student is credited all academic fees charged (less the matriculation fee) and is entitled to refunds according to the following schedule. The date for computation is the date when the application for withdrawal was deposited with the Office of the Registrar: Refund Schedule for Withdrawal
First 10 percent of semester 90 percent
11 to 25 percent of semester 50 percent
26 to 50 percent of semester 25 percent
After 50 percent of semester no refund top | 
