<p>Hey, does anyone know if a non-scholar can room with a scholar in the scholar dorms? Thanks</p>
<p>I believe only scholars can room in the scholar dorms.</p>
<p>I emailed Scholars the same question for my son. Here is their reply:</p>
<p>"He is guaranteed housing in Chestertown Hall. Rooming with his friend will be up to Resident Life. He will be able to pull his friend into Scholars housing only of there is sufficient spacing in Chestertown.The office of Resident Life may be able to give you a more direct answer but I am sure that there numbers are still unsettled as the deadline for notification is May 1. There is contact information in the link below.</p>
<p>[Department</a> of Resident Life | University of Maryland, College Park](<a href=“http://www.resnet.umd.edu/]Department”>http://www.resnet.umd.edu/)</p>
<p>The technical answer is yes, a scholar can pull in a student that is not in the scholar program…</p>
<p>HOWEVER, on other threads, people have pointed out that it might not be a good experience for the student that is not in the scholars program because the whole dorm will be going out on field trips, special meetings, events, etc. that they will not be able to attend. </p>
<p>The other consideration for you, as the person in the scholars program, is how this will affect your own participation in scholars events - will you feel guilty leaving your friend behind so often and decide not to attend something just to be “a good friend?” </p>
<p>The fact is that it’s expected to not do everything with your roommate, due to normal differences in schedules. But, typically, there are other people around to hang with in the dorm. However, this is a unique situation where the entire dorm is deserted at the same time for a single program that your friend can’t attend. </p>
<p>So, something to think about. Are you really doing your friend a favor by pulling them in with you?</p>
<p>You made a good point… I didn’t realize there are that many scholars related events. But since his friend is accepted in the same school with similar stats, we hope he will benefit from living in a smaller community with students in the same majors.</p>
<p>“… his friend is accepted in the same school with similar stats, we hope he will benefit from living in a smaller community with students in the same majors”</p>
<p>It’s good when friends look out for each other!</p>
<p>FYI, in case you have other friends who ask, the Clark School of Engineering also recognizes this benefit and offers special residential communities, too (I realize this is only helpful to know if that major is engineering - NOT everyone in STS (only program housed in Chestertown) is an engineer!).</p>
<p>Males:
[New</a> living-learning program launched - News - The Diamondback - University of Maryland](<a href=“http://www.diamondbackonline.com/news/new-living-learning-program-launched-1.2594548#.T2ph7sU7WAg]New”>http://www.diamondbackonline.com/news/new-living-learning-program-launched-1.2594548#.T2ph7sU7WAg)</p>
<p>Females:
[WIE</a> Living & Learning, WIE, Clark School of Engineering](<a href=“http://www.wie.umd.edu/undergrad/wie-community.html]WIE”>http://www.wie.umd.edu/undergrad/wie-community.html)</p>
<p>In the email to you it only says “He will be able to pull his friend into Scholars housing only of there is sufficient spacing in Chestertown.” </p>
<p>On the scholars website of FAQ, they actually state that “Space permitting, attempts will be made to assign you as roommates on your program’s floor. If this cannot be done on your program floor, you and your friend will be assigned to rooms on other Scholars floors or buildings.” </p>
<p>To me, the website sounds a little more hopeful that they will honor the request to room together than your email implied!!! So, hang in there. :)</p>
<p>I wonder what’s the requirement to get in the Virtus program? Why don’t they advertise it in their admission or Resident Life website? It’s a huge plus to be able to walk down the hall finding someone taking the same classes as you!</p>
<p>I don’t know if there are any requirements beyond being accepted in Clark School of Engineering (which is a LEP) and the application (which includes an essay 
- but at least it’s not more than 500 words…). </p>
<p>However, it says “Preference will be given to students who are not already invited to another campus living and learning community. This special opportunity can be continued into sophomore year provided the student completes the programs academic components and remains in engineering.”</p>
<p>Application Deadline: May 1, 2012</p>
<p>Here is the link that describes it (and what I’m quoting):</p>
<p>[Virtus:</a> A Living Learning Community, SEEDS Programs, Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland](<a href=“http://www.seeds.umd.edu/programs/virtus.html]Virtus:”>http://www.seeds.umd.edu/programs/virtus.html)</p>
<p>As for your question on advertising:
I think this past year was the first time they offered it (Virtus), so maybe that has something to do with it…? However, the info is on the Clark School of Engineering website. Flexus (for Women In Engineering) is more established and well-known.</p>
<p>“It’s a huge plus to be able to walk down the hall finding someone taking the same classes as you!”
Agreed, but it actually looks like Virtus is much more than that - to me, it actually seems similar in set-up to scholars (except engineering is the only focus whereas scholars is interdisciplinary).</p>
<p>"Requirements for Virtus students include:</p>
<p>Seminar: A one-credit seminar will be required each semester to provide a structured curriculum for technical, professional and personal development. The course will be held once per week for one hour and fifteen minutes.</p>
<p>Course Cluster: Students are encouraged to take their first year math, science and engineering courses in clusters. This will provide support through community and continuity in course work during the first year. The goals are to build community among students in engineering and develop and enhance academic and professional skills.</p>
<p>Participation in community activities and events such as study groups, tutoring and social activities is strongly encouraged."</p>
<p>Hope this helps. :)</p>
<p>That’s a great program! Thanks maryversity.</p>