10/19/2022
RE: Undergraduate Updates
Dear BME Undergraduates,
Happy Fall, Y’all! I hope the semester has been off to a great start, and I can’t believe we are already in October and
getting ready to register for Spring 2023!
This year we had our first IN-PERSON Sophomore Orientation! Over 60 students attended and were officially welcomed
to BME. We reviewed department policies, introduced faculty and staff, and gave out swag bags! The slides were
circulated to all sophomores so if you did not receive it, please let me know!
RU OK?
BME has a resident COUNSELOR, Ms. Dana Simons, that sits in the BME library/reading room (1st floor by side exit) on
Tuesdays (10 am-12 pm DROP-IN) or by appointment. Please stop by to see her if you need to talk to someone!
Here is a list of other valuable resources available to students:
Food Pantry – http://ruoffcampus.rutgers.edu/food/
Title IX – Report of Sexual Misconduct by a student – https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?RutgersUniv&layout_id=69
VPVA (violence prevention and victim assistance – 848-932-1181 – http://vpva.rutgers.edu/
CAPS – 848-932-7884 – http://health.rutgers.edu/medical-counseling-services/counseling/
Dean of Students -Student Support – https://studentsupport.rutgers.edu
Community Concern Reporting – http://health.rutgers.edu/do-something-to-help/
DEGREE NAVIGATOR UPDATE
Several of you have expressed concerns that your DN is not updating. This is controlled by SOE, and neither Ms. Linda
nor I can assist. Please be patient as SOE works through the delay they are experiencing. I am sure this will be resolved
shortly!
REGISTRATION
Prior to REGISTRATION, all students should meet with their advisor if they have questions or concerns. This is especially
important if you have concerns about your performance this semester and need to withdraw. The last day to withdraw
with a W is October 31. This is a serious decision to make, however depending on personal circumstances, may be the
best.
And now for your regularly scheduled registration reminders!*NOTE* there are some inaccuracies in the course planner; please wait a few days for the system to fix! Registration
opens November 7th
• JUNIORS: please ensure you are registered for 3 core classes plus the lab class this spring. As a reminder, you must
pass 6/8 junior classes INCLUDING the 2 labs; Devices in the fall and Measurements in the spring. You CANNOT take
senior design, which is a full-year course, without meeting this requirement. Keep in mind that passing 6/8 core is a
MINIMUM requirement and is a safety net for students who may have to retake a class, or for students doing co-
ops. By carrying junior core to senior year, you risk conflicts with senior electives you may have been excited to take, and other inconveniences.
• SENIORS: all 3-credit graduate-level courses can also count as Department Electives. In order to be considered for a
graduate course, you MUST follow these instructions:
1) Have a 3.0 GPA
2) GET PERMISSION FROM THE INSTRUCTOR IN AN EMAIL
3) Forward that email to BOTH Mr. Larry Stromberg les42@soe.rutgers.edu and Ms. Carol Hartman
cch@soe.rutgers.edu for your SPN.
PLEASE wait patiently for the SPN as all GPAs need to be verified!
Failure to follow any of these steps will risk a delay in your request and possibly missing getting into a class!
• PRE-MED JUNIORS and SENIORS: If you are interested in taking the 1-cr Clinical Practicum seminar in the spring,
please email Dr. Berthiaume for your permission. fberthia@soe.rutgers.edu This does not count as any elective, but
is a little something we can offer until a clinical immersion program becomes possible.
• ALL: APPROVED internships, co-ops and research can be used for TECHNICAL ELECTIVE credits! Please see the BME
Handbook for instructions and forms which must be completed and approved BEFORE you start your internship/co-
op/research. Requests for credit for past experiences will be denied.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Biomedical Engineering Society is hosting a s’mores night for all BME
students! Please join us Thursday, October 20th from 6-8 pm on the lawn
outside the BME building and Richard Weeks for s’mores, hot chocolate, and
fireplace hangouts.
This is a great opportunity for all BME students to meet new people and
socialize while enjoying delicious treats around a fire!
There will also be a HALLOWEEN PARTY and Door-Decorating contest on
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 26th from 6-8 pm in the BME Building. Bring your
creativity and dress (the doors) to impress! Drs. Shreiber and Labazzo will be
judges. Please use this QR code to register!
The Engineering Medical Society is actively recruiting members! Click here to join the GroupMe and be in the know for
upcoming events!! https://groupme.com/join_group/89537129/6262dCZb
EGC is planning the annual Fall Food Drive. This is a departmental competition so it’s a fun way to increase BME pride
and build community. The proceeds go to the Rutgers Food Pantry…it starts on Oct 31st and will last for about a month.
More details will be sent to students’ emails soon!
(Personal note from Dr. Labazzo….can we PLEASE beat ChemE this year??)
SOPHOMORES: An info-session for the BME Co-Op Program will be held VIRTUALLY on THURSDAY OCTOBER 27th at 6
pm. Hopefully this allows several students to attend, however I will record the session and distribute.
https://rutgers.zoom.us/my/sakala?pwd=U0dOZ1I0ay9SRHdlVm5SckZ6NnJYQT09
MEET YOUR UNDERGRADUATE DIRECTOR
If you wish to speak with me, please drop by my OPEN OFFICE HOURS every Friday from 12-2 pm in BME-107 (in the
front main office).
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns!
Regards,
Kristen Labazzo