Academic Advising

Academic advising for students admitted to the M.E. Department is performed by Mechanical Engineering faculty members. Specifically, the M.E. Department chair, Glen Prater (office: 200 Sackett Hall, telephone: 502-852-6560, email contact), advises B.Sc. and structured research track (non-thesis) M.Eng. students. The ME graduate studies coordinator, Peter Quesada (office: 449 Lutz Hall, telephone: 502-852-5981, email contact), advises all non-thesis track MSc students and thesis track MSc and PhD students before selection of an thesis/dissertation mentor. After selection of a thesis/dissertation research advisor, that faculty member replaces Dr. Quesada as academic advisor.

Prior to formal admission to the M.E. Department (Basic Studies) after the first year of study, students intending to major in mechanical engineering are advised through the Speed School Engineering Fundamentals Advising Office. Students must meet with their assigned advisor prior to registering for courses (this includes the summer term of the freshman year). Vivian Lochner (office: 123 JB Speed Hall, telephone: 502-852-0399, email contact) currently advises mechanical engineering freshmen.

During a typical advising session, the advisor will review the student’s progress through the program, answer questions regarding course content and requirements, and make recommendations on courses to be taken over the next three semesters. While on coop, B.Sc. students may contact their advisor by phone or by email to ask questions or seek help in resolving problems. Students in all degree programs are welcome to consult their advisor throughout the year as questions arise.

B.Sc. and M.Eng. Programs

Academic advising prior to registration for courses each semester is mandatory in Speed School until students successfully complete sixty credit hours. Advising for undergraduate mechanical engineering majors is optional beyond 60 hours, but it is strongly recommended that they see Dr. Prater before registering for their final semester to make sure that their last schedule will complete all the program requirements.

Every Speed School student is required to complete a three semester cooperative internship or receive credit for equivalent experience through the advanced standing process. The semester prior to the first co-op period, the student must register for a non-credit co-operative education seminar, ME 288. This course includes information about preparing for interviews, placement procedures, and submitting co-op reports.

M.Sc. and Ph.D. Programs

Students pursuing the Master of Science (MS) degree and the doctoral degree are encouraged to sign up for an appointment during the Priority Registration period. All non-M.E. elective courses must be approved by the faculty advisor (requests may be made via email).

Students interested in earning a graduate certificate (including M.Eng. students) should consult with the certificate program director about requirements and administrative deadlines.

Advanced Standing for Co-op

If a student has technical work experience prior to enrolling in Speed School that seems equivalent to one or more cooperative internships, they may apply for advanced standing credit. The student should first discuss the details of the experience with the staff of the Cooperative Education Office. If the result of this discussion is favorable, the student should then complete an Application for Advanced Standing for Co-op form, which will be further evaluated.

Attending Classes During Co-op Internships

Speed School students occasionally wish to take a course during an internship. If so, several restrictions apply:

A student may not enroll for more than 4 semester hours while on co-op.
The student must obtain prior approval for the course using the form entitled "Permission to Take a Course While on Co-op."
The course must meet at a time that does not interfere with the duties of the internship. If the course meets during normal work hours, a letter of permission from the employer is required.
The student is responsible for obtaining a Visiting Student letter from the Office of Academic Services if enrolling at an institution other than the University of Louisville.
Students attending an institute other than the University of Louisville during the co-op period are responsible for seeing that an official transcript from the host institution is forwarded to the University Registrar's Office.

Advising Hours

Normal B.Sc and M.Eng. Advising Hours Feel free to walk in without an appointment during these hours. If they are not convenient, contact the ME office (502-852-6331) to make an appointment.

Expanded Pre-Registration Advising Hours Visit (SH 200) or call (502-852-6331) the ME Office if you need to schedule an appointment prior to spring semester registration. Registration for spring 2012 begins Friday, Nov. 4 for graduate students, Monday, Nov. 7 for post-baccalaureates and seniors (90+ hours not including fall semester 2011), Tuesday, Nov. 8 for juniors (60+ hours not including fall semester 2011), Wednesday, Nov. 9 and Thursday, Nov. 10 for sophomores (30+ hours not including fall semester 2011), Friday, Nov. 11 freshmen (under 30 hours prior to fall semester 2011). See the link below for specific start times on these dates.

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