Written by OAPA Peer Advisor, Malaysia McGinnis, Class of ‘19.

The common stereotype of a middle child is exemplified in the sophomore year of college. It is the year where the school, the people, the academic life no longer feel new, but it is not quite old. The classes become a steady slew of assignments, studying, and cramming. This overwhelming feeling often gives rise to the “Sophomore Slump.” During this period, a lack of motivation, boredom, and anxiety about the future (and present) are at their peak.

Socially, the friends you made in the first year of college may no longer be the people you click with, or they are not the people you want to be around.

But recognize that there is nothing wrong with needing a different circle of people to feel right at home. Your group of friends can make or break your college experience, and it is important to keep friends that you feel comfortable and positive with around you.

With so many vibrant organizations on campus, you can try to meet new people, and gain some new experiences to shift your life’s perspective.

Additionally, as there is a general perception that you should make friends and connections to people “higher” than you (in terms of success, social prowess, etc.); it is also beneficial to make friends “across” from you. The lateral relationships you develop in college can result in a stronger mutual uplift.

Academically, you may realize your major is just not what you want, or you simply grow tired of learning the same subject. You may realize that you may not be in the right field, and you want to go through a complete revolution in your academic career.

This is okay. Take time to explore, and utilize any time you have outside of class to gain insight about what you want to do, including meeting with your academic advisor. Even if you are in the right field, maybe the 18 credits you took this fall in the same subject was just too much? UMBC is a liberal arts university, so you can balance out the GEP courses throughout your career to take classes that add a bit of diversity to your course load.

Sometimes it may seem as if everyone around you has it all figured out and are throttling into their success quicker. A word of advice: in college, no one has it 100% figured out. The journey to success and self-assurance is ever changing. So for those who feel late in finding out who they are, sophomore year is a great opportunity for growth.

Plain and simple, there is no one way, or right way, for a student to select a major. The process is unique to each student and many factors can influence the decision.

At UMBC, we want to support you in your journey to choosing a major. We believe this process is so important that we created a three-day event solely dedicated to major exploration: The MAJOR Event.

Have you already declared your major? Great! Still check out the following events to learn how to make the most of your academic major, including internship, study abroad, research opportunities, etc.

Monday, October 1

3pm – Fine Arts Building Recital Hall

Internationally recognized career expert, Dr. Don Asher, will give a dynamic talk entitled “You Can Major in Anything You Want: If and Only if You do These 5 Things in College.”

The first 55 students to attend will receive a free copy of Don Asher’s book!

4:30pm-5:30pm – UC Ballroom

Join us for a MAJOR Networking Event! Come play People Bingo to meet department/program alumni and student representatives and discuss how majors work in the real world.

Food will be provided.

Tuesday, October 2

1:00pm-4:00pm – Commons 318. 328, 329

What Can I Do with This Major? Several of UMBC’s unique academic programs will showcase ways to experience what it’s like to pursue a particular major. Featured programs will include: 

• Dental Hygiene
• Education
• Theatre
• Geography and Environmental Systems
• Individualized Study (INDS)
• Management of Aging Services
• Bioinformatics

This will also include a session on “How Do I Talk with my Parents About my Desired Major?”

Wednesday, October 3

10:00am-12:00pm – UC Ballroom

Majors Fair. Join us for a fun and lively opportunity to meet with faculty and staff representatives to explore and learn more about the vast and diverse majors at UMBC.

Free breakfast and a free t-shirt will be provided!

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Participants at any of our events will be entered into a drawing for a $100 UMBC Red Card Credit.

We hope to see you next week!

The end is in sight! If you've earned 90 or more academic credits, you received a message from the Registrar's Office informing you that you are eligible to apply for graduation.

However, eligibility is only the start of the graduation application process. Below are four simple steps you can take now to ensure that you’ll soon be shaking hands with Dr. Hrabowski as you receive your UMBC diploma.

Note: Even if you do not plan to attend the commencement ceremony, you still need to apply to graduate in order to earn your degree.

Step 1: Apply for Graduation!

Saturday, September 15^th is the last day undergraduates can apply for December Graduation.

Only those students who have every single requirement needed for degree completion on their fall semester schedules will be permitted to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

If you are taking a course at another institution that you plan to transfer, you must have an approved Verification of Transferability formon file with the Registrar’s Office and be prepared to submit a copy of your schedule.

Step 2: Embrace your degree audit!

Your degree audit indicates your progress toward degree completion. If you see “unsatisfied” items, these are requirements that appear to be missing and need to be addressed immediately. Your degree audit is located on myUMBC, under the guide link “Advising and Student Support.”

Makesure any substitutions or waivers of major requirements are documented in your degree audit; you may need to submit a Help/RT ticket to the Registrar’s Office to add these notations to your record.

Step 3: Wrap up any outstanding details ASAP!

If you have Advanced Placement or CLEP scores, transfer transcripts, foreign language waivers, or other items you need to provide to UMBC, delay no longer!  If the major, minor, or certificate program on your record is out of date, or if you have additional majors or minors that you need to remove, submit a new Declaration of Major form.  Any of these items could prevent you from being able to graduate.

Step 4: Let the celebration begin!

Participating in the commencement ceremony* and other celebratory activities on campus is the culmination of all of your hard work. Take time to recognize all it took to get you to this moment and be proud of your accomplishments!

Finally, use this link to check your Honors eligibility, which will be recognized at the ceremony and on your diploma.

As a college student, you can use the summer to re-charge. It’s also a great time to reflect back on the academic year and re-focus for what’s ahead.

This doesn’t have to be a formal process. It also should not cause you to feel anxious or overwhelmed at what might have gone wrong. Instead, look at this time of reflection as a learning opportunity, and a change to better grasp how your time at UMBC is growing and shaping you.

So while you’re soaking up the sun this summer, here are some topics to reflect on:

Academically, what kind of year did I have?

• What were my successes and what were my challenges?
• Did I complete as many credits and courses as I had planned?
• Was there a particular class that gave me a new perspective?

Tip: Consider taking summer courses as a way to play catch-up or get ahead. Summer registration is still open and doesn’t require advising clearance. Remember, Finish 15 to stay on track!

From a social/extra-curricular standpoint, what was my involvement like?

• Did I get involved on or off-campus in activities/events that interest me?
• How did I do balancing your social and academic life?
• What are my biggest takeaways from getting involved? What lessons did I learn?

What is my current satisfaction and confidence level with my intended major of study?

• What aspects of my major am I enjoying and what uncertainties do I still have?
• How does what I'm studying impact my future career goals?
• If you are still undecided or are considering changing your major: what steps can I take to make progress towards a decision?

Tip: Check out the self-exploration resources online via UMBC’s Career Center.

Financially, where am I right now?

• How did I budget my money during the academic year?
• Do I have concerns about paying tuition or funding other aspects of college
• Am I aware of the financial tools and resources available to me as a UMBC student?

Tip: Explore the Financial Smarts @ UMBC website for great information on financing your education, living on a budget, and the concept of credit.

Finally, if you need support this summer, please know that UMBC is still up and running! While many faculty members will not be on campus, and staff might have limited hours depending on vacation schedules, campus offices are still open and available to assist students.

Before you know it, your undergraduate education will come to an end. You’re probably excited to say good-bye to papers, lab reports, and exams (unless you plan to attend graduate school)!

Lifelong learning can come in a variety of forms, including, but not limited to: meeting and engaging with new people, traveling, community involvement, reading and keeping up to speed on current events, pursuing career opportunities, certificate programs, and picking up new hobbies! Learning does not have to end when you graduate; your educational journey could just be getting started.

Below are a few tips/resources to becoming a lifelong learner:

• UMBC Graduate School: If you plan on pursing an advanced degree, look no further! This fall, UMBC is awarding newly admitted alumni with a $1,000 scholarship! Visit the Graduate School web site to learn more about our exciting program offerings!

• UMBC Division of Professional Studies: Already have a job lined up but still interested in continuing your education? UMBC's Division of Professional Studies has courses, certificates and programs, designed to fit the busy schedule of the working professional. New program offerings include Data Science; Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership; Technical Management; and Integrated Product Development and Manufacturing.

• UMBC Training Centers: If you are looking to gain a new skill and need flexible and affordable options, you may want to visit our Training Centers. High quality, flexible professional education and training opportunities are available year-round! Some courses are open to all individuals (no application needed)!

• Remain active: Clubs/organizations are available outside of college! A simple Google search will direct you to a variety of local activities where you can participate, take lessons from aerobics, to sports, to even learning a new language! Meetup.com is an excellent resource for connecting with people who share similar interests!

• Build your brand: Our Career Center is not just for current students! Alumni can make connections through various services that the Career Center offers. Seek out professional development opportunities within your workplace, including conferences, workshops, mentoring programs, or leadership trainings. Now that you are in a real-world setting, there will be other skills you will need to learn!

Stay in touch: As your graduating class prepares to travel down different paths, you will have so much to offer one another as you gain further knowledge and life experiences. By staying in touch with former classmates, you may encounter opportunities to collaborate in work or network in a field different than your own. To start, you can join UMBC’s Chapter of Young Alumni, open to graduates of the last decade. Membership is free via the UMBC Alumni Association, which offers chances for networking and fun throughout the year. Join our LinkedIn page to see where over 55,000 UMBC alumni are working!

Life after college is what you make of it. Keep an eye open to the countless experiences that are waiting for you outside of UMBC. Your very next lesson may be one that carries you through life!

Bonus Links:

Why You Should Strive to be a Lifelong Learner by Matt Mayberry

You are not at UMBC only to seek recognition. You are here to gain an education. But, if you are a strong student, you may find yourself making the Dean’s List, joining (or even leading) honor societies, working toward an Honors College Medallion, or applying for merit scholarships in your field.  Here is some information to help you navigate these opportunities at UMBC.

Academic Honors based on Semester Grades

The academic honor available to the largest number of UMBC students is completely automatic. Full-time students who achieve certain semester grade point averages receive a notation on their permanent UMBC transcripts as follows:  

Semester Academic Honors = 3.50 and up

Dean’s List Honors = 3.75 and up

President’s List Honors = 4.00

The beauty of this recognition is that you get a chance at it every fall and spring semester. It is definitely a morale boost also and resume-worthy when you see one of these notations on your transcript. It places you among the most successful students at UMBC in a given semester.

Honor Societies-Multi-disciplinary

Honor societies may be identified by Greek letters, but they are not fraternities or sororities in the usual sense of “Greek life” on campus.  Based on your academic performance at UMBC, you may be invited to join one or more of these organizations. You do not apply for membership. The most active honor societies on campus are:

Phi Beta Kappa:  The big Kahuna of American scholarly honor societies, PBK was founded at the College of William and Mary back in 1776 (a big year for the American colonies!). To win a Phi Beta Kappa key, a student has to achieve very high grades in a course of study that includes courses across the liberal arts well beyond minimum general education requirements for a degree.  A faculty committee here at UMBC evaluates potential selectees for Phi Beta Kappa honors. UMBC’s faculty and staff who were PBK members from their undergraduate days had to demonstrate the breadth and rigor of our academic program in order to establish a chapter of this prestigious honor society in 1998.  This is one invitation you will definitely want to accept if offered. Learn more about PBK.

Phi Kappa Phi:  Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi honors high-achieving students in all disciplines, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.  The UMB-UMBC chapter was installed at UMBC in 2010 and is hard at work at creating campus presence. Phi Kappa Phi’s motto is “Let the love of learning rule humanity.” 

Golden Key International Honor Society:  Golden Key membership is extended to high-achieving students in all disciplines. The national and international organizations offer a large program of scholarships and awards open to members as well as regional and national conferences. UMBC’s award-winning chapter of Golden Key is well known for its extensive community service commitments, such as hosting an annual Halloween party for children at Villa Maria Children’s Center.  A tutoring program at Arbutus Middle School is another project recently launched. Learn more about Golden Key at UMBC.  

Tau Sigma National Honor Society:  Founded in 1999 at Auburn University, Tau Sigma recognizes and supports talented transfer students at four-year universities. This society does require students who believe they meet the criteria to apply for membership. Membership is available to transfer students who achieve high-grade averages during their first full-time semester of enrollment at UMBC. The UMBC chapter was created in 2007. Learn more and apply.

Graduation Honors

Honors are based upon coursework taken over the duration of a student’s entire undergraduate academic career at UMBC. To be eligible for Honors, students must have earned at least 60 graded credits at UMBC (excluding Pass/Fail and Audit grades) with a GPA as follows:

Summa cum laude (“With highest honor”): Students graduating with a GPA between 3.95 and 4.0.

Magna cum laude (“With high honor”): Students graduating with a GPA between 3.75 and 3.9499.

Cum laude (“With honor”): Students graduating with a GPA between 3.5 and 3.7499.

Visit the Registrar’s website for how graduation honors in calculated.

Academic Recognition for Varsity Athletes

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and other external organizations sponsor a variety of awards recognizing the academic achievements of varsity athletes.  UMBC athletes and whole teams regularly receive recognition for maintaining high academic standards despite demanding athletic schedules. In addition, UMBC sponsors a chapter of the National College Athlete Honor Society, Chi Alpha Sigma. 

Academic Merit Scholarships

The great bulk of academic merit scholarships at UMBC are awarded to students at the time they are admitted to UMBC.  However, there are some opportunities for students enrolled at UMBC to compete for scholarships based primarily on academic achievement, sometimes in combination with service and need.  For example, UMBC sponsors a small scholarship for returning women students. The UMBC Alumni Association also sponsors scholarships for continuing students. The Honors College and the Ancient Studies Department have some study abroad scholarships. The UMBC Theatre Department provides modest scholarships to majors based on academic performance and service. An extensive listing of such scholarships is available.

These scholarships are as much a way for UMBC to recognize top students as they are a means of financial support.  Applying for merit scholarships at UMBC is therefore very worthwhile, even if the amounts involved are modest. These scholarships come and go, so be sure to do careful research.

Did you know that, according to the Kauffman Foundation, two thirds, or more than 2,000 U.S. universities and colleges offer at least one course in entrepreneurship?  Fortunately you attend UMBC – a bold institution that not only offers entrepreneurship courses and a very popular, fast-moving minor in the field, but is also home to the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship. 

Markus Proctor, pictured here (news.umbc.edu) designed an Interdisciplinary Studies (INDS) major which focused on Tech Entrepreneurship and Organizational Management. The creator of a web-based platform that helps students keep organized, on task, and up to date with changes in their course syllabi, launched a company called  EduPal which pivited into new directions including virtual reality and analytics.  An Extra Credit staff writer sat down with Markus to talk about entrepreneurship, his experience at UMBC and some recommendations for current students. 
 
EC: How can UMBC students approach their education (course decisions, internship choices, major choices) in an entrepreneurial fashion?
 
MP: Entrepreneurship can extend beyond its economic/business definition into many different areas of our lives because, in simple terms, it's all about value creation through innovative problem-solving. Students should focus on the "value-add" of their choices as often as possible whether its selecting courses, applying for internships, or declaring a major/minor. Before making rushed decisions, students should ask "how does this create value for me?" and "how can I confirm my assumptions?". This is where leveraging resources on campus to make an informed, decisive decision is critical. 
 
EC: What do you feel has been your greatest success at UMBC and what resources from UMBC contributed to that success?
 
MP: My greatest success at UMBC is building a reputable start-up in the Baltimore region that has allowed me to meet exceptional people, receive awards, and fully enjoy the process of learning. There are many resources that have contributed to that success: 
 

*The opportunity to design my own degree with the Interdisciplinary Studies Department

*The study abroad program which allowed me the opportunity to conduct preliminary, exploratory research in Switzerland

*The Alex Brown Center for Entrepreneurship

*Outstanding administrators and professors supporting me along the way

 
EC: What experience, course, relationship, or resource at UMBC do you consider to be the greatest "difference-maker"  as a student and entrepreneur at UMBC?
 
MP: The Cangialosi Business Innovation Competition was the one experience that made the biggest difference in my journey as an "edupreneur" and student; I highly recommend that students participate in this event.
 
EC: If you could go back and "redo" your first three years at UMBC, what would you do differently and why?
 
MP: I would network with more students on campus because we have an abundance of talent on campus. Who knows what can happen if more students integrated their talents to solve big problems?
   
If you are inspired by Markus’s story and experience, be sure to explore the many events, activities, and tools that the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship (Public Policy, Room 115) offers. 
 
KEY LINKS:  
The Minor in Entrepreneurship at UMBC  
The Shattuck Family Internship Program for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Social Change    
                                                                       
BONUS LINKS:
Markus Proctor, founder of EduPal, is ready for career as an entrepreneur Class of Spring 2016 Graduate Profile
"Five TED Talks Every Entrepreneur Should Watch" by  Jayson Demers on entrepreneur.com