Blocks and Delays

In order to be approved to return students must not have a financial block. If you have a judicial ineligibility block, or if you answered yes to a question in the Character and Conduct section on the reenrollment application, please visit the Office of Student Conduct website for instructions on obtaining judicial clearance. It is the student's responsibility to initiate this process by completing the Social Clearance form found on the Office of Student Conduct website. Students must attach the necessary documentation for both past disciplinary and past criminal history, as outlined in the Social Clearance form.

If you have additional information you wish to submit with your application, email it to rr-admit@umd.edu. Include your name and UID in the email.

The application has two questions for students to answer about why they left and what steps have been taken to resolve the issues that lead to them leaving. Students who were academically dismissed, withdrew while on probation, or withdrew multiple times are reviewed by the Faculty Petition Board.  The Board reviews these statements as part of the application review.

Tips for Writing Your Written Statement

The written statement serves as your opportunity to present the Faculty Petition Board with information that will be included in the review of your application.

• Be direct and honest
• Provide specifics without including lengthy details
• Proofread carefully
• Be patient for a response

Written Statement Checklist

We recommend using the following checklist when writing or reviewing your written statement.

• My statement reflects that I have carefully considered whether or not I am ready to return.
  Both academic dismissal and withdrawal are usually the consequence of ongoing academic and/or personal issues. Many students need time to improve the situations that led to these difficulties. This especially applies to fall dismissals because of the short period between fall and spring semesters.
• My statement is honest and realistic.
  Demonstrate that you are sincere in both your analysis of your difficulties and your desire to return.
• My statement shows that I take responsibility for my role in my dismissal or withdrawal.
  There are many reasons that lead to dismissal or the decision to withdraw. While your situation may be unique and complex, the Faculty Petition Board has read a wide range of explanations and appreciates a direct statement that shows maturity and humility. If you are not in good academic standing, it is important that you explain why and outline how you will become a more successful student.
• My statement is an appropriate length.
  Provide enough information to answer the questions, but don’t be long-winded. The best written statements are concise and get to the point. Each question is answered in at least a paragraph or two, but not longer than one page.
• Where necessary, my statement has specific details.
  For example, if you were dismissed because you did not put enough effort into your classes, it is not sufficient to write, “I’ll try harder and study more.” Provide details about what steps you have taken or intend to take to remedy the situation that led to your dismissal. If you withdrew for personal reasons, please be brief in describing your situation and why you believe you are now in a better position to return to your education.
• My statement shows that I am familiar with the dismissal/withdrawal policies of the University of Maryland and that I understand I am asking for an exception to University policy.
  Read available information. Dismissal students should use the GPA calculator to determine what semester grades are necessary to raise their cumulative GPA to at least a 2.00.
• My statement does not make assumptions or demands.
  Do not assume that you will be reinstated because you have been in the past, or because you believe you provided a good enough reason for your difficulties. We understand that you are eager to get a response, but please try to be patient. You should anticipate that the Faculty Petition Board reviews many applications and it takes time to make an appropriate decision.
• I did not copy and paste a previous written statement.
  The best statements demonstrate progress and are specific to your situation at the time of writing.
• My statement has been proofread. 
  Be careful to avoid spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors.

If you received a previous reenrollment decision requiring you to have a signed graduation plan, your application will not move forward in the review process until we have received a plan signed by a college level advisor, or an email from a college level advisor stating you have an updated plan approved with their office. Please note that a college advisor is different from the major advisor.

All applicants must submit official transcripts for any post-secondary institutions of higher education that they have attended since last enrolled at the University. Please submit the transcripts to: 

Electronic: 

• Have the institution send via email to: rr-admit@umd.edu 
• Select University of Maryland if an option on the other institution’s transcript order form.  
  • We do not receive notification of electronic transcripts sent directly to the University. Please email rr-admit@umd.edu after the transcripts have been sent so we can check for them. 

In person/hard copy: 

• Have the institution send via mail to: Student Success Office/Reenrollment Office, 0110 Hornbake Library, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742.

If you received a previous reenrollment decision requiring you to enroll elsewhere and earn a minimum GPA/credit level before applying again, your application will not move forward in the review process until we have received transcripts showing that you have met the requirements of your previous decision. You should still complete a reinstatement application before the appropriate deadline. We will place your application on hold until we receive your transcripts and your application will not be considered late.

All degree-seeking students at the University of Maryland are expected to make progress toward earning their degrees. The Student Academic Success-Degree Completion Policy establishes a structured framework and criteria to guide all students to completion of an undergraduate degree within a reasonable period of time. If a reenrolled student is not making progress set forth in the policy or has violated the repeat policy, he or she may be required to select a new major before being approved for reinstatement.

Returning to Your Previous Major

The Student Success Office/Reenrollment Office will contact the college of your major to determine your eligibility to return to the major. You may receive notice that you must change your major if you have not met benchmarks or LEP gateways,  you have violated the repeat policy or need an exception to policy. It is recommended that students check in with their advisors in order to verify their eligibility and discuss their remaining requirements. 

If you are not eligible to return to your previous major, you will be required to change your major; you will need to complete the change of major process for the new major. This process differs across campus, please review the major’s website for their change of major process; be aware that this can take several weeks to process. You can find a list of majors by college on the UMD website.  Some majors are Limited Enrollment Programs (LEP) and students must meet the LEP requirements and may be required to complete a separate application.

Approval to change your major does NOT guarantee your ability to return to the University.

Changing Your Major

If you request to change your major or are required to change your major, you will need to complete the change of major process for the new major. This process differs across campus, please review the major’s website for their change of major process; be aware that this can take several weeks to process. We suggest you start this process early so we can review your application in a timely manner. 

Major change approval must come from your college.  Each major is part of a college.  You can find a list of majors by college on the UMD website.  Some majors are Limited Enrollment Programs (LEP) and students must meet the LEP requirements and may be required to complete a separate application.

If you want to change your major to a non-LEP major, an academic advisor from your desired college must send an email to rr-admit@umd.edu granting you permission to change your major.

Approval to change your major does NOT guarantee your ability to return to the University.