Prerequisites

From Thinairlabs

Please pass this information to any and all IFSM students you know.

UMUC has computerized the class enrollment process - something many of you have wanted for a long time. However, the drawback is that when you register for a class, the system checks your prerequisites, and if you don't have them, you don't get in the class. Period. End of Story. No prerequisite, no class. And you can not take the prerequisite at the same time - the prerequisite must be completed and a grade issued before you can take the next class. While the teacher can waive the prerequisites in certain circumstances, it is not automatic, blanket waivers are not allowed, and the teacher would have to write an individual letter for each student - and realistically, thats just not going to happen, especially if you wait until the day classes start to sign up. I have been telling everybody who has ever taken a class with me in the past that prerequisites were important - well, now they are mandatory, and you will not get away with prerequisite jumping anymore.

Here is a prerequisite flowchart I have come up with (This chart shows the prereqs in the 2008/09 catalog, but be sure to work with your advisor so that you know how best to complete your own degree):

What does this mean? Let's say, for example, that I wanted to teach IFSM 450 (I'm not sure what class I am going to teach) when I come back in January. Well the prerequisites for IFSM 450 are IFSM 300 (and it's prerequisite IFSM 201) and IFSM 310 (and it's prerequisite CMIS 102/102a). So if you want to take IFSM 450 in January, you better have completed by January: IFSM 201, IFSM 300, IFSM 310, and CMIS 102. If you don't have those classes, you can't take IFSM 450. No Ifs, No Ands, No Buts. No Kidding. And if you don't think UMUC is serious about this, just try and sign up for the class without the prerequisites.

So here is what you need to do: Start taking the lower level classes! IFSM 201, IFSM 300, and CMIS 102 for starters. DE them, DANTES them, CLEP them, transfer them, I don't care. Get it done. I know you may hate these classes, think you don't need them, waiting to take them last, etc... but not anymore. And sign up early... Its all up to you guys.