Academics:  Undergraduate Advising

Kinesiological Sciences
Physical Education
Academic Regulations
General Education Requirements (CORE)
College of Education Requirements (PE Majors)

Kinesiological Sciences

Advising is not required in this major except for those noted in the paragraphs below. However, since the student has the responsibility of knowing and following University and departmental rules and deadlines, advising is recommended. Advisors are available on both a drop-in and schedule appointment basis. You will not be assigned a specific advisor, but you may see anyone on the advising list. Simply stop in at the Kinesiology Main Office (HHP 2351) or call (301)-405-2450 to check on the availability of an advisor to help you at a time that is convenient for you. Advisors can answer questions about declaring Kinesiological Sciences as a major, programmatic changes, and University policies. We also place items of general interest to students, internship opportunities, graduate school information and similar items on bulletin boards across from Room 2334 and adjacent to the Main Office. Computer terminals and assistance with general University and College issues (HLHP) is available in the Student Services Center, Room 2310 of the Health and Human Performance Building (HHP). A alternative way to keep informed is to join the Kinesiology listserv that sends timely information to your email. Join this group by sending an email to listserv@listserv.umd.edu from the email address you want us to use. In the text of your message, type the following: Subscribe KNES-UG your name

Approximately in the middle of each semester pre-registration for the following semester begins. Students can either register by phone through the MARS system (see directions in the schedule of classes) or in person at the Registrar's office in the Mitchell building. Meeting with an advisor prior to registration is not mandatory for most students, but it is recommended. The University requires that students in the following categories must have advising: newly admitted First-Year and Transfer students; students who receive an academic warning; students seeking reinstatement after dismissal or withdrawal; student athletes and students nearing senior status. The names of the special advisors working with each of these situations is posted on the Bulletin board every semester and available in the Main Office. Please note that transfer students MUST have applicability of credits established during their first semester as a student in the program (see TRANSFER STUDENT INFORMATION section).

Prior to the beginning of the senior year, a student must see an advisor to review and sign the SENIOR AUDIT. The audit was prepared by the Coordinator of the Kinesiological Sciences Program, currently Dr. Marvin Scott ) HHP 2347, 301-405-2480). This is done in order to ensure that the student's projected courses will complete all degree requirements. Scheduling and completion of the senior audit is the sole responsibility of the student. Failure to do this may delay graduation.

Physical Education

Advising is mandatory in this program. You will be notified by the Registrar approximately in the middle of each semester stating the specific date which you can begin electronic registration for the next semester. You should schedule an appointment with a Physical Education advisor about 2-3 weeks prior to your official registration date. Call 301-405-2450 to arrange an appointment. You should carefully plan for this meeting - review your updated copy of the program sheet, come with a plan for your coursework, and come prepared with questions. Official audits of the completed and projected coursework will be completed prior to the senior practicum experience. This insures that the student's projected courses will complete all requirements for the degree.

Another way to keep up to date with changes in the program, upcoming deadlines, and departmental activities is to join the departmental listserv that is open to all undergraduate students. To join, send a email message to: listserv@listserv.umd.edu. In the text of the message, type:

Subscribe KNES-UG your name

You will get a confirmation back and additional instructions to follow. Although not an official part of advising, we also encourage you to join the Physical Education Majors Club (PESO). Signs are often posted on the bulletin board near the elevators.

You are responsible for knowing and complying with departmental and University regulations. Some of the policies that you need to know are detailed below.

Some Key Academic Regulations

Grade requirements:

A grade of "C" or better must be earned in all courses required for graduation. No required courses may be taken Pass/Fail. University CORE courses not required in the program and BSCI 105 are the only courses where students may complete the requirement with a "D". An overall cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is necessary for continued enrollment in the Kinesiological Sciences program. For Physical Education students, an overall cumulative grade point average of 2.5 is necessary for admission to Teacher Education (College of Education) and must be maintained each semester after admission. The College of Education is planning on gradually raising this GPA to 3.0 within the next 2 years period.

Repeated courses policy: (See Schedule of Classes for precise wording and exceptions)

1. A student with a grade of "F" in CORE course or "D" in a required course must repeat the course in order to receive credit.
2. Each course may not be repeated more than twice, for any grade, including withdrawals ("W"). A student may register for a course no more than two times.
3. Students may repeat no more than 18 credits.

Grade of "I" - Incomplete:

This is an instructor option given only when very unusual circumstances prevent a student from completing a small portion of the class and the majority of the work completed is passing. To receive a grade of "I", the student and instructor must sign an "Incomplete Contract" that is filed in the Departmental Office. The student must complete the work specified in the next semester that the course is offered; otherwise, the "I" becomes terminal ("F"). It is the student's responsibility to arrange for the completion of the work.

Maximum credits per semester:

A student registering for more than 16 credits per semester prior to the first day of classes must have special approval from the Departmental Director of Undergraduate Studies. After the first day of classes, students may register for 19 credits without permission.

Schedule changes:

Add, drop, change grading method This must be done within the Schedule Adjustment Period, which is first 10 days of classes. See the Schedule of Classes or Testudo for the exact dates each semester. Athletes and those with special circumstances may need special permission to make schedule changes.

Residency:

The last 30 credits leading to a baccalaureate degree must be taken at the University of Maryland. Similarly, a transfer student must complete at least 30 credits (one year) at the University of Maryland.

Exceptions to Policy:

Requests for exception to policy are approved by the Dean's Office. Students will need to submit the 'Dean's Exception to Policy Request Form' via online. The form can be obtained from the Quick Links on the College website (www.hhp.umd.edu). Directory ID and password are required to submit the form. Click here to access the form.

General Education Requirements (University Core)

In addition to completing a major course of study, students are required to complete a set of general education requirements intended to provide exposure to broad areas of historic and contemporary human thought and experience. This program, called CORE, has four major components; Fundamental Studies, Distributive Studies, Advanced Studies, and Human Cultural Diversity. Further information on this program is available on the University Web site.

University CORE Program - 33 credits (beyond those required for the KNES major)
This program must be completed by all students entering in May 1990 and thereafter with eight (8) or fewer credits from this or any other college. Courses used to fulfill CORE requirements: MUST be selected from the approved CORE list, MAY also be used to satisfy college, major, and/or supporting area requirements if the courses also appear on CORE Fundamental or Distributive Studies lists, MAY NOT be taken on a Pass/Fail basis.

The following is a brief summary of the CORE Program requirements with notes as to which major requirements satisfy both.

College of Education Requirements and Policies (Physical Education Majors)

Physical Education majors must be accepted for admission to the College of Education's Teacher Education Program upon completing 45 credits (transfer students with 45 or more acceptable credits must apply at the time of transfer). Application forms may be obtained from the Office of Student Services, Benjamin Building, Room 1210. This is a student's responsibility. Delay in applying to the College of Education or not passing the Praxis tests can delay program completion and/or may result in a student not being able to complete the program.

Requirements for admission into the Teacher Education Program include:

1. Completion of CORE Fundamental Studies requirements (English, Math) with a grade of C or better
    
2. 45 applicable credits with an overall cumulative grade point average as specified by the College of Education (current minimum requirement is 2.5, but increases are being phased in gradually and will become 3.0 within two years)
    
3. Satisfactory score on PRAXIS I test (see bulletin board for information about this test)
    
4. Letters of recommendation (2 from professors and 1 from supervisor/employer of a related volunteer or work experience
    
5. Satisfactory goal statement (what does it mean to be a good teacher of ALL students, what do you need to know and be able to do to become a good teacher, what do you still need to learn to be a good teacher)
    

AFTER admission into the Teacher Education Program (professional program):

1. Required courses must be completed in the prescribed sequence, leading to the required year-long teaching internship (student teaching).
    
2. The minimum grade point average must be maintained as well as the minimum grade of C in every required course
    
3. Submit an application for student teaching to the departmental coordinator of year-long internships by March 1 (junior year).
    
4. The departmental coordinator will hold a MANDATORY information meeting for all student teachers/interns in mid-March (junior year). Applications for year-long internship/student teaching must be submitted following this meeting.
    
5. In June prior to the senior year, an official senior audit will be done and each student will be notified by mail (address of record with the University) of the courses remaining to be completed.
    

Year-long Internship/Student Teaching:

1. Year-long internship/student teaching assignments will be made one month before student teaching begins. Students are responsible for transportation to the assigned school. Assignments are typically made to Montgomery, Prince Georges', Anne Arundel, Howard and Charles Counties and are based primarily on availability of appropriate Professional Development Schools as defined by the State and the College of Education. Since students in the fall semester will also be taking some classes at the University, care must be taken in arranging the student schedule so that there is an ample block of time (minimum 5 hours per week) in the schools. Student preferences for assignments are solicited, but may not be possible.
    
2. In the Fall semester, students must plan on going to the assigned school at least a week before University classes start. This is to acquaint the perspective teacher with start-up procedures in the public schools. This internship experience is a part of the KNES 390 class.
    
3. All courses must be completed prior to the senior Spring student teaching and the accumulative grade point average as specified by the College of Education must be met (currently 2.5). Courses for Spring are EDCI 485 (6 credits) for elementary and EDCI 495 ( 6 credits) for secondary.