Frequently Asked Questions
Who is my "Academic Dean"?
For engineering majors, and PR-ENGIN majors, your academic dean is Kathleen Rubin. To make an appointment to see her, please go to the Office of Student Affairs in Marston Hall, Room 126 or call 413-545-2035.
How can I find out who my faculty advisor is?
To find out who your faculty advisor is, check on SPIRE http://www.spire.umass.edu or come into the Office of Student Affairs, located in 126 Marston Hall. All engineering students have an assigned faculty advisor.
Who is the Chief Undergraduate Advisor/Undergraduate Program Director in my department?
The names of the Chief Undergraduate Advisors/Undergraduate Program Directors are as follows:
Chemical Engineering: George Huber, huber@che.umass.edu
Civil & Environmental Engineering: Thomas Lardner, lardner@ecs.umass.edu
Electrical & Computer Engineering: T. Baird Soules, soules@ecs.umass.edu
Mechanical & Industrial Engineering: James R. Rinderle, rinderle@ecs.umass.edu
You may also call the department directly:
Chemical Engineering: (413) 545-2507
Civil & Environmental Engineering: (413) 545-2508
Electrical & Computer Engineering: (413) 545-0962
Mechanical & Industrial Engineering: (413) 545-2505
Additionally, you may call or visit the Office of Student Affairs, 126 Marston Hall, (413) 545-2035 to obtain this information.
How do I withdraw from a course?
If you need to withdraw from a course during the semester you may drop the course, with no record, during the add/drop period, by using SPIRE. After the add/drop period, "W" drops are accepted with instructor's signature, up to the mid-semester date. A course change form needed for this process is available in the Registrar's office or in the Office of Student Affairs, Marston 126. After the mid-semester date to withdraw, a course may only be dropped if there are extenuating circumstances and the student must petition Dean Rubin for approval.
PLEASE NOTE: There are several factors to keep in mind when withdrawing from a course that will bring your enrollment total below a full-time load of 12 credits. If you are currently under your parents' health coverage, you may become ineligible. Most health insurance carriers require these students to remain full time in order to continue benefits. Also, if you are receiving financial aid and you change your status, your aid may be reduced. Please check with the Office of Financial Aid.
I am a PR-Engin. How do I get into my engineering major?
Each engineering department has their own specific criteria for admission. For the class of 2015 and later:
For Chemical Engineering: An overall cumulative gpa of 2.0 and grades of "C" or better in Math 131, Math 132, Chem 111, Chem 112, Physics 151, and Engin 110.
For Civil Engineering: An overall cumulative gpa of 2.0 and a "C" or better in Math 131, Chem 111, Englwr 112, and Engin 111.
For Electrical or Computer Engineering: An overall cumulative gpa of 2.0 and grades of "C" or better in Math 131, Math 132, Englwr 112, Physics 151, Engin 112 and CS 121.
For Mechanical or Industrial Engineering: An overall cumulative gpa of 2.0 and grades of "C" or better in Math 131, Math 132, Physics 151, Chem 111, Engin 113 and MIE 124.
Notes: For majors that require a "C" or better in the above courses, a "C-" or lower is not sufficient to satisy the requirement.
Any Engin course (110, 111, 112, and 113) can satisy any other for admission to majors. For example, if a student takes Engin 110 (Intro to Chemical Engin.) and then decides to major in Civil Engineering, he/she does not need to take Engin 111. The exception is Electrical or Computer Engineering. Students entering one of these majors must take Engin 112.
How can I find out about scholarships at the college?
All full-time engineering students may apply annually for engineering scholarships. Click here for the scholarship information page, the application and the deadline to apply. Entering freshmen are not eligible to apply for these scholarships.
How can I find out about advising and registration?
Visit the College registration page:
http://www.ecs.umass.edu/registration
How can I find out if my schedule is correct?
Check on SPIRE (http://www.spire.umass.edu). If you still have problems, you can contact the Office of Information Technology (OIT) help desk at (413) 545-9400.
How do I access the College of Engineering Computer Labs?
You will need an Engineering Computer Services (ECS) account. To obtain an ECS account, go to 100 Marcus Hall, or call (413) 545-3579.
Who can help me write my resume?
The College of Engineering has a Career Office to help you with your resume. Visit 114 Marston Hall for office hours and to make an appointment. This center also provides information on career fairs, co-op positions, career planning, and placement.
I am interested in studying abroad, where do I start?
The International Programs Office, located at 467 Hills South, (413) 545-2710, can assist you with your study abroad inquiries.
