Frequently Asked Questions about the Baltimore Student Exchange Program (BSEP)
How does it work?
If you are interested in taking a class at another campus, check the course catalogs to see what is available. Once you find a class, talk with your academic advisor to make sure it will work with your program and then go to your campus registrar’s office and they will set it up with the host campus.
Who can participate in BSEP?
Matriculated, degree-seeking undergraduates from participating institutions. First year students are not eligible. If you are a part-time student, you must be enrolled in the same number of credits at your home institution as your BSEP institution.
What about community college students?
Students from the Community College of Baltimore County are now eligible to participate in cross registration. Some campuses, including Towson University and UMBC, may decline cross-registration requests from CCBC students since there are other programs for community college students to take classes on these campuses.
Is there a limit on the number of classes I can take through BSEP?
Yes, students may cross register for up to two courses per year and may not cross register for more than eight courses during their academic careers.
Can I participate in Independent Study as part of BSEP?
No, independent study and other types of courses that consume a large portion of faculty time are generally not included in the program.
Can I take my BSEP class as pass/fail or audit my BSEP class?
No, students participating in BSEP programs are expected to take courses for regular grades, unless granted special permission by home institution.
Can I take a summer class through BSEP?
No, BSEP is only offered during the fall and spring semesters.
Can I take an online class through BSEP?
Yes, in general students can cross register for online classes.
Will my grade in my BSEP class display on my home institution transcript?
Yes, your credits and courses are posted to your academic record at your home institution and calculated in your academic totals (earned hours, quality hours, attempted hours, quality or grade point average). Your home institution also determines the course’s applicability toward degree requirements.
Is there any extra cost for taking a class through BSEP?
Generally, no. Students pay tuition and fees to your home institution. Some courses, however, may require an additional fee to cover materials, facilities, or equipment use and cannot be waived. In this case, these fees will be paid to the host institution.
How do I get to class?
Students take the Collegetown Shuttle, Charm City Circulator, or other public transportation to reach Baltimore Collegetown member campuses. Students who drive may be required to purchase a parking pass at their host institution.
Do I need an ID?
Host campuses may require cross-registration students to get a student ID prior to the start of classes. Your home campus registrar can give you the specific requirements for the college where you want to take a class.
Who should I contact at my college or university about the Baltimore Student Exchange Program about specific questions?
Contact the Registrar’s Office at your home institution.
How do I register for my BSEP class?
The registrar on your home campus will help you cross register at another campus.
What else do I need to know?
Both home and host campuses must approve cross registration requests and either can deny requests for any reason. In general cross-registration should be used for classes that are not available at your home institution.
Hundreds of students cross register each semester and get a chance to take interesting classes, fulfill degree requirements, and see life on another campus. For complete program details, please read the BSEP agreement below or contact your campus registrar.
Read the Baltimore Student Exchange Program Agreement.
