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Minimum Cumulative Progress

Contact Us

Harold Frank Hall, Rm. 1006
Office hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-12:00 & 1:00-4:00
Email: coe-info@engineering.ucsb.edu 
Phone: (805) 893-2809

This information is provided to help undergraduates in the College of Engineering understand the new Minimum Cumulative Progress (MCP) policy that was established in June 2007 by UCSB's Academic Senate (Divisional Regulation 45). 

What is MCP and why is it important?

The MCP policy was designed and approved by the faculty to provide important guideposts for academic progress for all undergraduate students. By meeting MCP guidelines, students graduate in a timely manner and open up UCSB’s admissions slots for new students. In addition, UCSB receives funds for undergraduate education based on the number of units our students take. This policy is designed to encourage students to take the number of units each quarter that improves UCSB’s claim on university instructional revenues. At the same time, the MCP requirement establishes a reasonable expectation of student workload.

The College of Engineering curricula for all five undergraduate majors are designed to be completed in four years; thus, students who follow the established pattern of courses outlined on their curriculum sheet should be in compliance with this new regulation.

Freshmen who are well ahead of their general education requirements when they matriculate to UCSB, are still expected to take free electives (i.e. seminars, introductory courses, or Exercise & Sports Studies courses) to meet the established MCP thresholds.

What is the MCP guideline?

For students who applied for admission to UCSB as freshmen, the chart below sets expectations for cumulative progress.

Number of MCP Quarters Units Completed

1

12

2

27

3

42

4

56

5

71

6

86

7

101

8

116

9

132

10

148

11

164

12

180

To satisfy the MCP guidelines, students are expected to enroll in a minimum of 12 units during a regular quarter of enrollment (fall, winter or spring quarters) and to meet the units completed target listed for each quarter of enrollment. For example: by the end of their second quarter, freshmen are expected to have completed 27 units, and by the end of their fifth quarter, students who enter as freshmen are expected to have completed 71 units.

Students who applied for admission to UCSB as freshmen should keep in mind that units earned before UCSB matriculation (e.g. Advanced Placement Exam units, International Baccalaureate credit, or enrollment in college courses while in high school) do not count for MCP. MCP is based only on units taken after you become a UCSB student; however, units earned prior to UCSB matriculation will count toward graduation requirements.

For students who applied for admission to UCSB as transfer students and enter UCSB with between 90-105 units, the first quarter at UCSB is considered to be quarter 7 for the purpose of MCP calculations. For these transfer students all units transferred to UCSB will count toward your MCP total. Transfer students who transfer with less than 90 units or more than 105 units are inserted at Quarter 1 of the table. Their MCP units completed is calculated as the units completed after first enrolment at UCSB, including units completed in the UCSB Summer Session immediately preceding their first fall quarter of enrollment.

What happens when I have an MCP deficit?

If, when the college reviews your MCP record, you have an MCP deficit for the previous two consecutive MCP quarters, you may be placed on MCP probation. If you continue to carry an MCP deficit for two further consecutive MCP quarters, you will be subject to dismissal because of failure to comply with MCP.

What if I have more questions?

The College of Engineering academic advisors are available to meet with you on an individual basis to discuss your progress and academic record. Contact us by email: coe-info@engineering.ucsb.edu, call us at (805) 893-2809 or stop by our office, Harold Frank Hall room 1006, (Monday - Friday from 9:00-12:00 and 1:00-4:00).