Frequently Asked Questions
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Does XYZ course count as a cognate?
Please check the section on cognate courses in the Graduate Student Handbook. In general, most graduate-level courses in math, statistics, physics, chemistry, or biology will count as cognates, but not MFG and AUTO courses that are cross-listed with ME courses. Be sure to check the handbook for exceptions.
Does XYZ course count as a math?
Please check the section on math courses in the Graduate Student Handbook.
How do I petition a course?
The petition form can be found here on the Forms and Policies page in the Graduate Handbook. If the petition involves a course outside of U of M, a syllabus for the course must be included. Please keep in mind these other specific requirements:
- Request to retroactively add/drop/modify a course(s) for a previous term: When adding/dropping/modifying a course for a past term, a drop/add form (signed by the instructor and the graduate chair) must be attached; if withdrawing for an entire term, a Term Withdrawal form is required. NOTE: Ph.D. students must use a Ph.D. Fall and Winter Term Withdrawal form in lieu of a Petition for Modification or Waiver of Regulation form to drop an entire fall or winter term of registration.
- Request for extension of time to degree: A new deadline (month/year) should be specified along with an explanation of why the extension is needed. A timeline must be included. An additional memo from the department chair supporting the request and stating that the degree will still be "state-of-the-art" is also required.
- Request for graduate credit for an undergraduate course: Must include information about what additional work the student will do to be considered for graduate credit. The course must be at least 400 level.
What research course should I sign up for?
Your research course is dependent on where you are in your academic program.
ME 590 - Direct PhD entering without a relevant Master’s
ME 695 - Direct PhD earning embedded Thesis MSE, after completing 6 cr ME590
ME 990 - Pre-candidate direct PhD (coursework or individual research embedded MSE) OR PhD entering with relevant master's
ME 995 - PhD Candidate
How do I sign up for ME590?
- Watch this video, but search for "590" rather than "490".
- Go to Wolverine Access. Under “Enrollment,” click on “Enrollment: Add Classes.” Click on the Search tab (at the top of the page). Fill in the “Class Search Criteria” form as follows:
o Course Subject: MECHENG
o Course Number: 590 OR 990 OR 995 (see above criteria for which section you should enroll in)
o UNcheck the box for “Show open classes only”
o Check the box for “Include independent study classes”
o Click on “Additional Search Criteria,” and type your advisor’s name under “Instuctor last name”
- Once you click Search, your advisor’s ME590 research course should appear.
o Next to “Section,” copy the 5-digit number in parenthesis
- Go to the “Backpack/Registration” tab at the top of the page, and enter the - digit number in the space marked “Enter Class Nbr” under “Add to Backpack.”
o Click Enter.
Do I have to submit a proposal for ME 590?
Everyone who signs up for ME 590 must submit a research proposal and final report. More information and the proposal submission website can be found here.
Why hasn’t my grade for ME 590 shown up yet, but my final report has been approved?
Please check with your advisor to make sure that he/she has submitted a final ME 590 grade via Wolverine Access after approving your final report.
Who do I see for various questions?
Funding, fellowships, GSI applications, GSI questions: ME Academic Services Office
Grader applications: Barb Behm – Mechanical Engineering Main Office
Room reservations: Mechanical Engineering Main Office