Four-Year Graduation Plan
Developing a 4-Year Plan for Fire Protection Engineering
Detailed instructions are provided below on how to develop a successful four-year graduation plan. These instructions include everything from long-range goal setting to details on how to submit your plan for approval. It is IMPORTANT to note right from the beginning that submitting a four-year plan does not mean you cannot change your mind at a later date. The four year plan will be flexible, depending on your changing interests or needs. If, for example, you develop a four-year graduation plans this semester and then in the second semester of your sophomore year decide you want to engage in a co-op experience it will be necessary to revise your plan. Even though things might change, it is extremely valuable to have a plan.
- Assessment & Goal Setting
- Review the Curriculum
- Review Benchmarks
- Review the Sample Graduation Plan
- 4-Year Plan Template
- Getting Help
- Submit Your Plan
- Deadlines & Approval Process
- Revise & Update as Necessary
1. Assessment & Goal Setting
The most important thing you can do before developing a four-year graduation plan is assess your situation and set some long-range goals. This requires you to reflect on your abilities and predilections, examine your values, and think about exactly what you want from your undergraduate experience. Being aware of what you want out of a situation and having an accurate fix on your abilities will make it possible for you to recognize and exploit opportunities. You also need to consider your various commitments, including family, activities, internships/work, sports, etc. especially how these commitments affect your available time.
2. Review the Curriculum
Once you have assessed your situation and established specific goals, you need to familiarize yourself with the Fire Protection Engineering curriculum and degree requirements (see http://www.fpe.umd.edu/undergrad/ug-courses.html). The curriculum is divided into the following five main areas: (1) Mathematics and the Basic Sciences, (2) Fire Protection Engineering Courses, (3) Approved Electives, (4) General Education Requirements (CORE) and (5) Technical Writing. This framework will help you understand the structure of the CP curriculum and the nature of your requirements.
3. Review the Benchmarks
The exact courses you need to take as well as the sequence is further constrained by specific benchmarks. Benchmarks are requirements that must be met by the time certain credits-levels are reached, specifically, 45, 60, and 90 credits. The benchmarks exist to ensure you make satisfactory progress towards graduation. In building your four-year graduation plan it is imperative that you satisfy these requirements.
Of course, it may be possible for students with special circumstances to be granted exceptions to the benchmarks. For example, if you decide to pursue a double major in computer engineering and mathematics, you will in all likelihood not be able to meet the benchmarks. However, working in consultation with advisors from both departments you would be able to developed a satisfactory graduation plan that would be approved.
4. Review the Sample Graduation Plan
Once you have examined the benchmarks you should look at the curriculum for Fire Protection Engineering (http://www.fpe.umd.edu/undergrad/ug-courses.html). This model curriculum will provide you with a sample four-year graduation plan that you should adapt to your situation.
As should be obvious, the first two years of the curriculum are very structured. Strict enforcement of prerequisites means there are very few ways to order and complete the lower-level requirements. However, AP and transfer credits may greatly affect the exact layout of your own schedule. Finally, observe how the benchmarks are met for the standard sample plan.
5. 4-Year Template
A template is included for your use. In the blanks next to each course, indicate the semester in which you plan to take each course.
6. Getting Help
If you are having difficulty getting started on your plan or if you need assistance working out appropriate course loads, balancing your academics with extracurricular activities or work, identify special opportunities, etc. them please contact the FPE Undergraduate Office to set-up an appointment with one of the professional advising staff.
7. Submitting Your Plan
Once you have completed your graduation plan and personal assessment questionnaire please submit them by dropping off your plan to the academic advisor, either in person, via email or dropping off a copy in the advisor’s mailbox in the office.
8. Deadlines & Approval Process
You must submit your four-year graduation plan by the time of your registration appointment. (Recall that this is the earliest date you will be allowed to register.
9. Revise & Update as Necessary
As already noted, your graduation plan is not written in stone. It can and should be revised when necessary to meet your emerging interests and changing circumstances. However, this requires that you continually reflect on your situation, assess your progress, and make adjustments in a timely fashion.
Your plan is not a straight-jacket. It is most appropriately thought of as a framework for growth. It provides you with structure and guidance This in turn will help you get the most out of your educational experience as well as ensure you graduate in a timely fashion.
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FPE Undergraduate Advising & Academic Support: "The Student Handbook"
