Occasionally, students leave the University and later decide to return to the College of Biological Sciences to complete their degree. In these situations, course content and requirements may have changed significantly, and previously completed courses may no longer represent the thinking and teaching in these areas of study. New information in biology is expanding at a rapid rate and advanced-level courses are continually modified and updated. Students may need to retake dated courses or take alternative courses to bring their education up-to-date.
Dated Credit Evaluation
To ensure a solid understanding of current content in the life sciences, all returning students who have taken their foundational level biology (Foundations of Biology or equivalent) courses more than 10 years ago must have those courses evaluated by the director of undergraduate studies for their intended major.
In addition, each department in the College of Biological Sciences has an established policy for evaluation of dated credits. Students majoring in one of the following disciplines who have taken 3xxx-level and higher courses required for the major more than seven years ago must have those courses evaluated by the director of undergraduate studies of their intended major.
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Cellular and Organismal Physiology
- Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
- Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
- Neuroscience
- Plant and Microbial Biology
Students majoring in Microbiology who have taken 3xxx or higher microbiology major-specific courses more than five years ago must have those courses evaluated by the Director of Undergraduate Studies for Microbiology. Non-microbiology CBS core coursework more than seven years old must also be evaluated by the Director of Undergraduate Studies for Microbiology.
Process
Discontinued students who wish to return to the University after a lapse of enrollment should schedule an initial meeting with an advisor in CBS Student Services to develop a sound academic plan for returning to school. After reviewing previously completed courses and the current curriculum for their major with a CBS advisor, students may schedule an appointment to discuss any dated credits with the director of undergraduate studies in their major. To make an appointment with a CBS advisor, please call 612-624-9717.
Please note that the U of M policy regarding Leave of Absence (LOA) states that students with an approved LOA who return to school after two or more years must follow new major requirements upon their return. Discontinued students without an approved LOA must apply for readmission to their college and follow new major requirements after a one-year absence from school. See Leave of Absence policy for more information.