Advising and FAQ

ME Program Advisement Policy

The Mechanical Engineering (ME) Program considers student advisement as crucial for student success in the Program, and as an integral component of faculty duties. The following policies have been developed to complement the general advising policies set forth by the College of Engineering.

Student Assignment to Advisors

All first year and sophomore ME students are assigned advisors as outlined on the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering Advising page. Juniors and seniors are assigned to faculty mentors/advisors.
Upon entering the ME Program, transfer students are assigned to Dr. Smitesh Bakrania.
If a student wishes to change his/her advisor, the request should be made in writing to the ME Department Head, Dr. Wei Xue, and the ME faculty member they wish to have as their new advisor. If the request is granted, the student, the original advisor, and the new advisor will be notified.
For any other advising related questions, students may contact Professor Melanie Amadoro, ME Undergraduate Program Coordinator.

Advanced Placement and Transfer Credits

If you are interested in applying AP and/or credits from other institutions toward program requirements, please refer to the registrar's web page for information on transferring credits: Credit Transfers If you wish to take credits at community colleges, please refer to the course equivalency page to determine if courses are equivalent to Rowan courses. The web page can be found here: Course Equivalents. Please note that if you are taking classes at other institutions, you must obtain an official transcript from that institution and submit to the Rowan registrar so the credits you earned can be noted on your Rowan transcript.

Students who transfer into the Mechanical Engineering program with 30 credits completed are waived from First Year Engineering Clinic 1. Students who transfer into the Mechanical Engineering program with over 60 credits completed are waived from First Year Engineering Clinic 1 and First Year Engineering Clinic 2.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Graduate Programs

FAQs for Graduate Programs are available under each of the following areas:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Current Undergraduate Students

I have an advising question, who do I ask?

Your academic advisor is listed in Banner under your student profile, and in RSN under Network. Reach out to your advisor by email with questions regarding the Mechanical Engineering curriculum.

First and second year Mechanical Engineering students (freshmen and sophomores) are advised by Mrs. Dashefsky.

All Mechanical Engineering Technology students are advised by Dr. Wei Xue.

If you are a Mechanical Engineering transfer student, your advisor is Dr. Smitesh Bakrania.

My academic advisor wasn’t able to fully help, or I have an unusual issue that still needs to be resolved, where do I go?

Contact Prof. Melanie Amadoro, Undergraduate Program Coordinator at amadoro@rowan.edu.

All course sections for a Mechanical Engineering class I need are full, who do I contact?

Contact the instructor for the course section and ask for a capacity waiver. If the professor is listed as STAFF, contact Dr. Wei Xue, department head for ME. It is always helpful to share your Banner ID number and the course CRN number. Note that if the course has reached room capacity the instructor cannot give you a capacity waiver due to fire code restrictions for that classroom. You can check this in the Section Tally before you make the request.

(Please register for an open section of the course if there are seats available before requesting capacity waivers).

I need a waiver for a course outside of Mechanical Engineering (Freshman Engineering Clinic, Sophomore Engineering Clinic, a Math Department course, etc.), who do I contact?

You will need to contact the instructor for the course, or the department that is teaching the course. For a waiver into FEC and SEC, email engr-advising@rowan.edu and provide your Banner ID and course CRN.

I was given a waiver, what do I do now?

After you are given a waiver, you are still required to register for the class. Do this as soon as possible after receiving your waiver.

When should I register for my classes?

Register as early in the morning as possible on the day that registration opens for you. The Banner registration system opens at 7:00 am on the first day of registration.

What is DegreeWorks and how can it help me?

DegreeWorks is a software program within Banner that you can use to track your progress in your curriculum at Rowan University. It is to be used as a guide that shows you what courses you should be taking each term, as well as what courses you have completed or still need to complete. Students should ensure that all requirements listed will be shown as completed in DegreeWorks by the time they apply for graduation.

How do I know if I am on track with my curriculum?

Students should refer to the curriculum guide that is posted on the Mechanical Engineering website to choose their courses and use DegreeWorks to keep track of their progress. Always go by course number, not the course name as other departments offer courses with similar names. Any questions should be brought to your advisor. Students are responsible to ensure that they are taking the necessary courses each semester. A flowchart that shows prerequisites is also on the website.

How can I check course prerequisites?

Students can check all course prerequisites in the Undergraduate Catalog on the main Rowan website. A flowchart that visually shows prerequisites is also on the Mechanical Engineering website.

I am considering studying a semester abroad, where do I start?

You may start by reviewing the study abroad programs currently running on the Education Abroad Department website.

How do I use Section Tally?

Section Tally lists all course sections that will be conducted in a given semester. It lists the instructor, number of available seats, number of students enrolled in the section, and the capacity limit for all course sections. For more information, see the Registrar’s website on Section Tally https://sites.rowan.edu/registrar/services-resources/section-tally-info.html.

I need a prerequisite waiver to register for a class, what should I do?

The Mechanical Engineering Department does not allow prerequisite waivers for our courses except in specific circumstances. For example, if a student has completed Linear Algebra and Ordinary Differential Equations as two separate courses, this is equivalent to Math for Engineering Analysis and a prerequisite waiver for courses requiring MEA is permitted.

How do I apply for a CUGS that is offered by Mechanical Engineering?

Students should email MechE_MajorMinorCUGS@rowan.edu . The deadline is April 1 for Fall semester admission.

I won’t be completing the CUGS listed on my student profile before graduating. Do I need to remove that before applying to graduate?

Students who will not be completing a CUGS do not need to remove the CUGS from their student profile before applying to graduate.

I received an email indicating that I am not in full-time student status and my financial aid is going to be affected, what should I do?

To be considered a full-time student, students must be registered for 12 credit hours that are applying to their major, a minor, or a CUGS. The only exception is in a student’s final semester. Students should reach out to the Financial Aid office to determine how many credits they need to register for in their final semester, as it depends on the type of aid package a student has received.

What constitutes a Technical Elective for the B.S. in Mechanical Engineering curriculum?

The B.S. in Mechanical Engineering requires two Technical Electives as part of the curriculum. A Technical Elective can be any 3 or 4 credit 400 level course in Engineering, Science, or Computer Science (i.e. ME 104##, ENGR 104##, etc.).

I failed and/or withdrew from a course twice and need to take it a third time. What should I do?

Rowan University’s Repeating a Course Policy indicates that the same course may not be taken more than twice, including withdrawals. Enrollment in a course for a third attempt is permitted only with special approval and must be supported by a compelling reason. Please note that both W and F grades count toward the total number of attempts.

Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Department Head and the Undergraduate Program Chair. Please be aware that the department does not grant waivers for a fourth attempt. Students who are unable to successfully complete a required course within three attempts will not be able to continue in the ME program.

To request permission, please complete the ME Third-Time Repeat Request Form and follow the instructions carefully. In particular:

Meet with your academic advisor to discuss your plan to retake the course.
Acknowledge that third attempt is a privilege and that a fourth attempt will not be permitted.
Provide a clear and specific explanation of your previous two attempts and outline what you will do differently to ensure success.
Take responsibility for your performance and avoid attributing outcomes solely to external factors without strong justification.
Be specific in your plan and avoid vague statements such as “I will work harder” without concrete actions or strategies.
Submit the signed form to both the Department Head and the Undergraduate Program Chair for review.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Co-Op Programs

I am interested in participating in a co-op program. Where can I find more information?

You can find more information about the Mechanical Engineering co-op program here:

Co-op Program in Mechanical Engineering

How do I apply for a co-op opportunity?

Most co-op companies conduct information sessions and interviews during the Fall semester of the junior year. The department will share information about available opportunities and company information sessions.

Attend the company information sessions to learn more about the co-op opportunity and application process.

Selection for interviews and final participation is determined by the respective co-op company.

I have been selected for a co-op program and accepted the offer. What should I do next?

Congratulations!

Please notify the ME Department Head that you have accepted the co-op offer. This is important because your participation may qualify you to receive course credits for the senior Fall semester.

When does the co-op experience take place?

Students typically work full-time for an industry partner during the summer between their junior and senior years and continue through the Fall semester of their senior year.

Students must complete the required junior-level courses before beginning the co-op.

I am participating in a co-op program. How do I receive the course credits?

The senior Fall co-op experience can count for 4 credits of Senior Engineering Clinic. Students must complete the following steps:

Junior Spring Semester

Notify the ME Department Head when you accept the co-op job offer. The department needs to maintain a record of your participation in the co-op program.

Junior/Senior Summer

At the end of the summer, typically in mid-to-late August, the Department Head will contact co-op students with instructions for the Fall semester. This process will include:

Enrolling in the designated Senior Engineering Clinic section(s) for co-op students.
Providing your co-op manager's contact information so the department can verify your continued participation in the co-op during the Fall semester.

Senior Fall Semester

At the end of the Fall semester, all co-op students must submit the required Senior Engineering Clinic Final Report based on their co-op experience to receive the 4 clinic credits.

The report should focus on your engineering design experience and should not include proprietary or confidential company information. You should submit the report to your co-op manager for review before submitting it to the ME Department Head.

Which courses should I take to maintain full-time enrollment during the senior Fall semester?

Plan your Fall courses to provide flexibility for your co-op work schedule. Consider taking evening or online courses when available. You may also want to schedule courses on the same days of the week so that you can work at the company on the remaining days.

Discuss your course plan with your co-op manager before the semester begins and make sure work and course expectations are clearly established.

My Senior Engineering Clinic Final Report is delayed by my co-op manager. What should I do?

Please work with your co-op manager to have the report completed and submitted as soon as possible.

If a co-op student does not submit the required final report by the end of the semester, the Department will assign an Incomplete (IN) grade. The grade will be updated once the final report is received, likely during the following semester.

If the required final report is not submitted, the IN grade may be converted to an F.

I am participating in a co-op program. Do I need to complete a CUGS? Which CUGS should I take?

Some co-op opportunities require a specific Certificate of Undergraduate Study (CUGS) designated by the company. This requirement is typically communicated during the company's information session.

If your co-op requires a CUGS, you should plan your CUGS coursework with your ME academic advisor and co-op manager.

I have an internship at a company during my senior Fall semester. Can I use it to receive the 4 clinic credits?

No. The 4 Senior Engineering Clinic credits are available only to students participating in an official ME co-op program. The industry partners participating in these programs have established agreements with Rowan University.

I have an internship with one of the ME co-op companies during my senior Fall semester, but I am not participating in the official co-op program. Can I receive the 4 clinic credits?

No. The 4 Senior Engineering Clinic credits are available only to students participating in the official co-op program.

Who are the current ME co-op industry partners?

The Department of Mechanical Engineering currently has the following co-op industry partners:

Lockheed Martin (via ECE)
InductoTherm Group
Holtec International
Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD)
SP Wilmad
Runway Safe

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Prospective Students: Majors and Minors

I am considering a minor, what minors integrate best with the ME degree?

Mechanical engineering covers a wide breadth of topics. We recommend you review the ME Minors page and the engineering minors page to explore options most commonly pursued by our students.

How do I apply for a Minor in Mechanical Engineering or another program?

See directions on the ME Minors webpage. The deadline is April 1 for Fall semester admission. Note that there is a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 to be accepted into the Minor in Mechanical Engineering.

To apply for a Minor in a major other than Mechanical Engineering, please reach out to the department that is responsible for that Minor.

I won’t be completing the Minor listed on my student profile before graduating. Do I need to remove that before applying to graduate?

Students who will not be completing a Minor DO need to remove the Minor from their student profile before applying to graduate. Please contact the Registrar’s office to do so if necessary (registrar@rowan.edu).

I am a non-Rowan student, but I am interested in transferring to Mechanical Engineering. Where can I find more information and how do I apply?

You can find more information on the College’s Prospective Students page. There are dedicated resources for both external transfers (non-Rowan students) and internal transfers (current Rowan students).

For non-Rowan students applying to Rowan Engineering programs, please refer to: Information for External Transfers.

I am a current Rowan student and I am interested in switching my major to Mechanical Engineering. Where can I find more information and how do I apply?

Current Rowan students interested in changing their major to Mechanical Engineering can find GPA requirements, required courses, and application timelines here: Information for Internal Transfers.

What are the requirements for changing my major to Mechanical Engineering?

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum consideration: A 3.4 GPA is required in both the required courses (listed below) and overall (cumulative GPA).
Automatic admission: Applicants with a GPA of 3.6 or higher in both the required courses and overall (cumulative GPA) will be automatically admitted.

Required Courses

COMP 01111 – Composition I
MATH 01130 – Calculus I
MATH 01131 – Calculus II
CHEM 06100 – Chemistry I
PHYS 00220 – Introductory Mechanics
MATH 01230 – Calculus III or PHYS 00222 – Introductory Electricity and Magnetism

Applicants must have completed, or be on track to complete, all required courses by the end of the current semester. Applicants who have not met this requirement are not eligible to apply and are encouraged to submit an application in a future semester after completing the required coursework.

Application Deadlines

December 1 – Spring admission
May 1 – Fall admission

Admission decisions are made after final semester grades have been posted and the Rowan transcript has been updated.

Spring admission: Decisions are typically released around January 10.
Fall admission: Decisions are typically released around June 10.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please email MechE_MajorMinorCUGS@rowan.edu and include your full name and Banner ID.

Please note: Admission requirements are reviewed annually and may change. Applicants should always refer to the application page for the most current eligibility requirements and deadlines.

What are the requirements for changing my major to Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET)?

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum consideration: A 3.2 GPA is required in both the required courses (listed below) and overall (cumulative GPA).
Automatic admission: Applicants with a GPA of 3.4 or higher in both the required courses and overall (cumulative GPA) will be automatically admitted.

Required Courses

COMP 01111 – Composition I
MATH 01222 – Pre-Calculus
MATH 01130 – Calculus I
CHEM 06100 – Chemistry I
PHYS 00210 – Physics I without Calculus

Application Deadlines

December 1 – Spring admission
May 1 – Fall admission

Admission decisions are made after final semester grades have been posted and the Rowan transcript has been updated.

Spring admission: Decisions are typically released around January 10.
Fall admission: Decisions are typically released around June 10.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please email MechE_MajorMinorCUGS@rowan.edu and include your full name and Banner ID.

Please note: Admission requirements are reviewed annually and may change. Applicants should always refer to the application page for the most current eligibility requirements and deadlines.

I have applied to change my major to Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology. When will I hear back, and who should I contact if I have questions?

Admission decisions are made after final semester grades have been posted and the Rowan transcript has been updated.

Spring admission: Decisions are typically released around January 10.
Fall admission: Decisions are typically released around June 10.

You will receive the decision via email.

If you have any questions, please email MechE_MajorMinorCUGS@rowan.edu and include your full name and Banner ID.

I have been admitted to Mechanical Engineering. What should I do next to get on track with the curriculum?

You should contact Professor Melanie Amadoro, ME Undergraduate Program Chair, for academic advising and guidance on course planning.

I have been admitted to Mechanical Engineering Technology. What should I do next to get on track with the curriculum?

You should contact Dr. Wei Xue, MET Program Advisor, for academic advising and guidance on course planning.