The University of Texas at Austin
College of Engineering

ME Student Guide

Welcome to the Student Guide! This section addresses most of the issues you will encounter in the course of your studies while working toward your B.S. in M.E. If you can't find your answers feel free to contact us.

Orientation

After being admitted to UT, you will be invited to enroll in orientation - register for it if you possibly can! Orientation is the best way to get yourself started on the right foot at the University of Texas at Austin. Not only do you get a preview of the campus and your program, but you also get to register for courses earlier than those who choose not to attend orientation.

One of the first things you'll do is fill out a student folder for our department. Every Mechanical Engineering student has a departmental student folder where important student records are kept. After you fill yours out during Orientation, it will be sent to the Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Office. The most important piece of paper in your folder is your ME Degree Flowchart. It should be updated on a regular basis to accurately reflect your progression through the ME curriculum. Your folder also must contain a current photograph and method of contact (phone, mail or e-mail). Eventually, your folder will contain a registration trail showing advisor recommendations throughout the semesters, degree check information, Career Gateway Form, etc. You are welcome to check out your folder at any time to look over your records or update vital information.

Some of the questions answered during Orientation:

How many credits are required for a BS in Mechanical Engineering?
For students planning to graduate under the '96-'98 catalog, 128 credit hours are required; under '98-'00, 126 hours; under '00-'02, '02-'04, 128 hours are required; and for '04-'06 and '06-'08, 127 hours are required.

What is the required course load in Mechanical Engineering?
The Cockrell School of Engineering requires that students register for at least 14 credit hours, 12 of which must apply toward the engineering degree during each long semester.

Where should I go if I need academic advice during the semester?
The staff in the Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Office is available to assist students with questions and problems on a regular basis. Counselors in the Student Affairs Office in ECJ 2.200 are able to assist you with questions concerning academic probation, major sequence application, graduation, the honors program and much more. Many Mechanical Engineering faculty members will be glad to help you sort out specific problems by appointment. Stop by the Undergraduate Office for the names and office locations of Transfer Advisors, Honors Program Advisors and Co-op Advisors.

Tips on adjusting to university life:

  • Be flexible when planning for registration each semester. Register for critical courses first and schedule electives and lesser priorities later. If you find the course you want is full, keep trying and do register -- you still need to establish a registration record in order to be eligible for add/drop access periods.
  • Be familiar with the course schedule. It shows course offerings, advising dates, registration schedules, and much more. Mark registration and add/drop payment deadlines on your calander. Final exam times are listed in the course schedule: take note of them.
  • Always verify your schedule through UT Direct and make sure your name appears on the instructor's class roster on the first and twelfth class day. If in doubt, ask your professor to check the roll for your name. If you aren't registered, you won't get credit, and may be in violation of the 14-hour rule.
  • Get acquainted with your professors. Be sure to write down TA names, phone numbers, and office locations.
  • Network. Get involved! Join an Engineering or other University of Texas student organization.
  • Learn about the History and Traditions of the ME Department.