Did you know that every student at UMBC has an assigned academic advisor?
For most students, this will be a professor in your academic major department. Others will work with a professional (full-time) advisor, at least until they have reached their junior year or selected a major (in the case of our office who work with undecided/exploratory students).
Something a bit unique to UMBC is that all students are required to meet with their advisor at least once a semester, prior to registration.
But let’s back up a bit. What exactly is academic advising?
An academic advisor’s role is to assist you in planning your academic career at UMBC. You can talk to your advisor about:
In preparation for an advising appointment, it’s helpful to review your degree card on your myUMBC Profile. Here you can:
Additionally, you will want to develop a list of questions/topics to discuss with your advisor in order to give the meeting some structure.
In terms of spring advising and registration (I know, we just started the fall semester, but time flies!), the schedule of classes will be available on Monday, October 26th. You can review the course offerings and discuss them with your academic advisor when you meet.
Be ready to discuss any outstanding items or questions you might have from previous advising meetings. We also recommend that you take notes (your advisor will as well and you have the ability to access these notes in your Advising History on myUMBC)!
Spring 2020 registration begins Tuesday, November 3. Your exact registration date depends on the total amount of credits earned. Information regarding your exact registration time will be available in early October.
Have questions?
Check out information on several personalized degree planning tools offered at UMBC
Contact the Office of Academic & Pre-Professional Advising at oapa@umbc.edu.
If you have a quick question, you can also send us a DM on Instagram @umbc_advising or pop into our virtual front counter M-F from 8:30am-4:30pm.
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 receiving your UMBC diploma.
Note: Even if you do not plan to participate in the commencement ceremony, you still need to apply to graduate in order to earn your degree.
Step 1: Apply for Graduation!
Tuesday, September 15th 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 form on 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.”
Make sure 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 is the culmination of all of your hard work. It’s important to 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.
]]>It has been quite a year, to say the least!
We have witnessed UMBC grit at its finest. Together, our campus community has worked hard to remain connected, and has pressed forward in the midst of great adversity and uncertain times.
We are all still adjusting to the changes brought on by COVID-19, and we know that it is still on the forefront of most every student’s mind. It may be difficult to remember what the academic year was like before we became a virtual community.
However, as spring semester winds down, we encourage you to approach the summer season as a time of well-earned rest and reflection. Recognize the growth and development that took place over the entirety of this past year and be proud of your accomplishments. Identify any obstacles or challenges you faced and take the opportunity to develop new goals and/or strategies that will better position you for the road ahead.
Consider the following:
Academically, what kind of year did I have?
Tip: Review your class schedule for fall semester and make sure it still makes sense given the academic year you just completed (i.e.- do you need to repeat a class? Are you enrolled in too many credits?).
Tip: Consider taking online summer courses as a way to catch-up or get ahead. Summer registration is still open and doesn’t require advising clearance. Remember, Finish 15 to stay on track!
Note: If you have still not registered for fall semester and are in need of advising assistance, please contact the Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising at oapa@umbc.edu.
What was my social/extra-curricular involvement like?
Tip: It’s never too late to get involved. If you are looking for opportunities on campus, be sure to check out the following sites:
What is my current satisfaction and confidence level with my academic major?
Tip: If you are still exploring career options related to your academic major, spend time this summer talking to people who have careers that interest you.
Tip: Check out the self-exploration resources online via UMBC’s Career Center
Tip: Participate in The Major Event during the fall semester. Stay tuned for updates!
Financially, where am I right now?
Tip: Check out the status of your student account on myUMBC (under the topic Billing & Personal Finances) to be sure everything is in order.
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 virtually! Click here to access the COVID-19 student site for a centralized list of campus contact information and resources.
Deciding on an academic major is a big deal! We have so many options at UMBC, including a unique major for students who are interested in carving out their own pathway.
Do you have so many academic interests that it’s difficult to pick just one? Are you curious how different academic disciplines can intersect? Do you want the chance to have more “say” in the types of classes you take? The Indivualized Study Program at UMBC might be just what you’re looking for!
We interviewed Carrie Sauter, Assistant Director of the INDS Program, to bring you more information about this exciting opportunity.
EC: Can you briefly describe the Individualized Studies program? What are the benefits to a student who selects this path?
CS: Individualized Study (INDS) is a unique path for a highly motivated undergraduate student to design their own major to meet specific goals. Students in the program merge courses from several disciplines into one themed degree plan. In addition to our core courses, we encourage internships and research outside the classroom. A quote from one of our alums: "My INDS degree has provided me: (1) critical thinking skills (2) tools to facilitate interprofessional conversations (3) fostered my understanding of research methods and application to research projects and (4) developed a sense of curiosity to understand problems from multiple perspectives."
EC: What additional work is involved to officially "declare" INDS. Can you talk a bit about the proposal writing process?
CS: We encourage anyone at any stage of their academic career to consider INDS. Obviously we would like to start advising students as early as possible, even before transferring to UMBC. Our core curriculum is a minimum of four semesters, and we would be happy to talk to students about how that can work with their goal graduation date. To declare INDS, students simply need to meet with an advisor in the program and obtain a signature on the Declaration of Major form. While in the second course in our core curriculum, INDS 335 Degree Writing Seminar, students craft a degree plan, present it to our faculty committee, and secure two degree mentors. The degree plan consists of not just a list of classes in a timeline, but a narrative of why this major is best suited for the student, definitions for particular aspects in the degree, and ways this degree plan connects to immediate and long-term goals.
EC: Besides the fact that you are creating your own degree plan, what do you think sets the INDS major apart from other majors?
CS: INDS students stand out in any application process: employers, graduate school admissions, medical school committees. Our students and graduates say they are able to think across disciplines, consider other viewpoints, and communicate clearly. We also require INDS students to complete a capstone project completed in their final year.
A quote from an alum: "In the public health field I am constantly interacting with professionals from other fields and disciplines such as social workers, medical doctors, policy makers, entrepreneurs, and a variety of researchers. As an Individualized Study student, I learned to see the strengths each different discipline could offer to address a problem and create an optimal solution no discipline could independently develop. Instead of seeing divides between my colleagues from different fields, I see connections and ways to build bridges by avoiding stereotypes of certain fields and communicating with shared language. This perspective will help me work more effectively with colleagues from a variety of professions to help create more comprehensive culturally appropriate health programs as a future physician aiming to promote integrative care."
EC Any notable alumni stories you can share? Any interesting things alumni have gone on to do?
CS: INDS students have gone on to medical school, law school, physical therapy school, doctoral programs, and employment across diverse fields. We also have several alumni who have started their own business after graduation. Notable highlights of graduates from the past eight years: two graduates with fully-funded PhD programs at Harvard University and University of Manchester (UK); full-tuition merit scholarship to George Washington University School of Law; Forensic Chemist at Prince George's County Police Department; software engineer at Northrop Grumman; Biomedical Engineering PhD at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; professor of entrepreneurship and business at Howard Community College; Software Developer at Booz Allen Hamilton.
Sounds like something you might be interested in? Click here to explore this pathway further.
]]>Written by Jenika Brown, OAPA Peer Advisor
It’s time to dispel the notion that taking advantage of people is bad! Okay, before you judge, let me explain. You shouldn’t take advantage of people, but more so the opportunities around you. As a student at UMBC, you are literally surrounded by professionals who are in your desired career field, know people in that field, or are able to provide you with the fundamentals that you need for this field…take advantage of that while you can. It’s as easy as 1,2,3! Keep reading to see how.
Make everyone your advisor!
Believe it or not, the successful professionals around you had to discover themselves, their path, and their passion…just like you. Just asking a professional in your field(s) of interest about their story will open your eyes and doors to countless opportunities! Remember, establishing a good rapport with professionals around you can lead to letters of recommendation, internships, jobs, etc.
Use social media like a pro!
First impressions are everything, and for your potential employer this can mean social media. Forget Instagram; Snapchat; or Facebook, LinkedIn is the place to be!
LinkedIn is a social media site catered to building professional connections. As opposed to funny videos and cool selfies, your LinkedIn profile works as an interactive resume. You can list your credentials, join professional groups, and search and apply for jobs!
P.S.- There’s a UMBC Alumni group on LinkedIn, click here to follow them now!
P.S.S.- Make sure you have a professional email handy, i.e.- your first and last name and minimal numbers.
Start right here at UMBC!
Where better to learn how to effectively network than the Career Center? In addition to hosting a plethora of events that function to further your professional endeavors, like the Career Fair and informational sessions, there are plenty of helpful sources available to you online such as: Networking 101, 10 Effective Tips for Networking, Informational Interviews
Community work is always important and a bonus, and the Shriver Center has plenty of programs, mentorships, etc. that are based in vital civic duties/community service. Click here to learn more about the Programs and Initiatives The Shriver Center sponsors!
]]>It is likely that social media is a part of your daily routine and a main way that you stay socially connected to friends and family.
But perhaps you don’t know some of the more unique ways social media can help maximize your overall college experience. If that’s the case, let us highlight three ways you can use social media as a college student:
Connect with UMBC Offices and Organizations
Many UMBC offices and organizations have their own active social media accounts. You can follow a UMBC office or organization to learn more about the services they provide or exciting opportunities they have for students. And some, like our office, welcome DMs (direct messages) from students regarding any questions or concerns you may have.
Check out some of these UMBC social media accounts:
SEB (Student Events Board)
Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
Network with potential employers
Whether you are on the hunt for an internship, job, or exploring graduate school opportunities, following the social media accounts of places you’re interested in can tell you a lot about its mission, values, and community. This can give you some insight into whether or not a place would be a good fit for you. Some companies and organizations might even use their social media accounts to advertise employment opportunities.
If you are preparing for an internship or job interview, the information you gather from social media can then be used to show that you’ve done your research and have a working knowledge of the company or organization’s practices and current ventures.
Having a LinkedIn account is a great way to connect with professionals working in the field you are interested in. Using LinkedIn, you can message professionals to set up informational interviews (i.e. - to learn about how they entered into the field or to learn more about their job). You could also use a site like LinkedIn to join interest groups and participate in online discussions related to your field of interest.
Learn more about LinkedIn and how you can use it effectively as a college student here.
Gathering Survey Data/Assistance with Class Assignments
Do you need to conduct research for your class? Whether posting qualitative questions you want students to respond to, or sending out a survey link, social media can help you get responses from a larger group of people in a shorter amount of time – just be sure to check ahead of time to make sure your professor is okay with you using this method to gather information!
Additionally, if a class assignment requires community-based work or research, you can use social media to help you connect and network with local organizations that may be able to assist you.
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Bonus:
Check out this UMBC course!
MCS 355 – Social Media: Networking and Mobility; pre-requisites are MCS 101 or 222 and ENGL 100 or equivalent
This course is designed to encourage students to critically engage with the growing role that social media, online networks, and mobile communication technologies play in their understanding of self and community, sociability and privacy. Students will reflect on the centrality of collaboration, networking, and participation in social media technologies. Assignments and readings will require students to interact with core questions surrounding the emergence of social media and the impact of living increasingly mediated lives. Special attention will be paid to the centrality of writing in a digital world, even as the platforms for composition, editing, and publication have changed.
]]>We get it: the financial struggle is REAL at times! Taking out student loans, paying bills, managing expenses and saving money all require strategic planning and decision making. Developing financialsavviness takes knowledge, and often time, but starting now, as a student, can have a life-long impact!
With that in mind, we interviewed Hannah Sadollah, the Programs Specialist for FinancialSmarts @ UMBC (which she’ll talk about in her interview) to shed some light on this important topic.
Extra Credit: Why do you think it is important for college students to build up their "financial savviness” right now?
Hannah: Education is an investment in yourself! College is an experience and an investment, so make sure you get a high return on investment (ROI) or benefit relative to the cost. Your college experience can still be amazing while you become more financially savvy! There are ways to make lasting memories while still saving money for the future and saving money now can have a serious impact on your future!
College can be stressful, between balancing classwork, extracurricular activities and having a social life it’s easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out when throwing personal finances into the mix. Becoming financially savvy can help reduce this stress! For example, hanging out with friends doesn’t always have to break the bank! The UMBC Student Events Board (seb) hosts multiple events every week like; Karaoke Nights, Yoga sessions, or Glow Dodgeball! Another example is FinancialSmarts @ UMBC which hosts events during Money Smart Week (April 6th-11th) where students will be entered to win $25 Campus Cash just by attending the event! These are great ways to hang out with friends, meet new people, and save or even win money! Try following groups like FinancialSmarts on social media to learn more about all their free events.
Extra Credit: What is one financial topic you recommend college students learn more about?
Hannah: Managing money, specifically savings. As a current student unexpected costs come up all the time! Whether it’s an extra book that you need for class or replacing a missing campus ID, it’s important to be able to prepare yourself for unexpected or emergency expenses.
In January 2019 Forbes reported that 78% of U.S. workers are living paycheck to paycheck. This means that these individuals are using most or all of their monthly income on their monthly expenses with no money left over or in savings. Don’t be part of the statistic! Consider the 50/30/20 model when creating a budget. Plan to spend 50% of your monthly income on fixed costs like; rent, groceries or transportation. 30% of flex costs like; Eating out or going to concerts. And then allocate 20% of your monthly income to savings. This model makes saving and money management seem like an attainable goal and helps you create a plan to achieve it!
Extra Credit: What is UMBC FinancialSmarts and what has been the biggest way you've seen undergraduate students utilize it?
Hannah: FinancialSmarts @ UMBC provides students with the tools necessary to make informed and effective decisions about your finances. Managing money is an important part of your daily life and we encourage students to be well versed in this important life skill that many find challenging. We have arange of programs available to all students! The biggest way UMBC students engage with our content is by enrolling in the FinancialSmarts CashCourse! This is a free, self-paced, open enrollment blackboard course that allows students to learn about concepts like budgeting, saving, banking, as well as talking to them about the working world! Student can find more information about how to enroll in the course on our website at https://financialsmarts.umbc.edu/programs/cashcourse/
In addition to the CashCourse we encourage students to attend one of our many events during Money Smart Week, April 6th-11th. All of our events are fun and engaging and by attending certain events student will be entered into a drawing to win $25 Campus Cash! To learn more about these events and Money Smarts Week please visit the FinancialSmarts myUMBC page!https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/financialsmarts/events
Extra Credit: What would you say to a student who is struggling with budgeting their money?
Hannah: Don’t give up, nobody’s perfect and we all struggle sometimes! If you’re struggling to stick to your budget, try revisiting it and see what areas you might need to tweak to make it more realistic. If you primarily pay with cards or digital payment methods try taking out cash (while being mindful of non-network ATM fees). This is a helpful way to stop spending once you’re out of money. There are also budgeting applications that help users track their spending like the Mint App!
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, we encourage students to sign up for our CashCoach program which will begin its next cohort in Fall 2020! Visit our website to sign up today!https://financialsmarts.umbc.edu/programs/mybudgetcoach/
Extra Credit: What is your best piece of financial advice?
Hannah: Keep learning and asking questions! No one person has all the answers so there’s always more to explore and learn about Financial Literacy. You will go through various seasons of your life where you will need a different set of financial skills so it’s important to seek out trustworthy guidance and leverage the resources that are available to you now for free as a student!
We often hear the question, "When should I start
looking for internships and service-learning?"
Our answer: Now!
Tutoring at-risk middle school students, studying abroad in Portugal, interning at Google, and participating in summer research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology are all examples of experiential learning.
Through experiential learning, you will have a chance to learn the coveted "on the job" skills and training that many employers have at the top of their lists. And, in some cases, you can even earn academic credit while learning!
Below are some ways that you can gain hands-on, practical experience:
The Center for Democracy and Civic Life:
Interested in strategies for initiating/bringing about social change? The Center for Democracy and Civic Life develops learning forums in which participants enact civic values and build civic capacities. Two of the Center’s initiatives are immersive learning experiences for students: the STRiVE leadership and social change retreat, and Alternative Spring Break.
The annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD) will take place on Wednesday, April 22! Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD) features research, scholarship, and creative work carried out by UMBC undergraduates. Student work is shared through oral presentations, posters, artistic exhibits, performances, and film. Over 300 presenters participate annually. Researchers work with faculty mentors on independent research or research that is part of the mentor’s on-going projects.
Studying abroad is one of the best ways to acquire global and intercultural skills. Research has shown that students that study abroad have greater self-confidence and maturity have better grades, and graduate from college at higher rates. Attending a Study Abroad 101 information session is the first step to study abroad at UMBC. Sessions are offered three times per week for the entire semester in Admin 301 at the following times:
Mondays at Noon
Wednesdays at 11:00 am
Thursdays at 3:00 pm
If you act quickly, you might also be to take advantage of these special programs that have extended their deadlines!
UMBC Faculty-Led: Picturing Italian Art & Culture in Context in Rome, Italy: 6-credit program (ART 329 or ART216 (C & AH GEP approved) and ART 369 or ART 392) Learn more by visiting the program brochure linked above. Extended Deadline: February 28, 2020
UMBC Faculty-Led: Child
Developmental Psychology & Applied Internship in Granada, Spain: 4-credit program (PSYC200 (SS GEP) &
PSYC398(Internship) Learn more by visiting the program brochure linked above. Extended
Deadline: February 21, 2020
The Shriver Center addresses critical social challenges by bridging campus and community through engaged scholarship and applied learning. Through the work of The Shriver Center, UMBC has become a national leader in applied learning, community engagement, and community-based service delivery.
Gaining real-world experience through internship, research, or co-op experience is one of the best ways to make yourself a competitive candidate for full-time jobs and graduate school after you graduate.
Keep an eye out for Career Month in April 2020! There will be several opportunities to connect with prospective employers who are hiring students for internships and co-ops. You have a chance to win some goodies, as well!
Remember, it is never too early to get a head start on your career! Take the first step today!
]]>Written by Jenika Brown, OAPA Peer Advisor
Who says there can only be one leader? At UMBC you’re never short on opportunities that allow your light to shine as bright as gold! Make a difference in the UMBC community, forge everlasting relationships, or simply add new, advantageous skills to your resume by taking on various leadership roles on campus.
Join a Student Organization
Whether it be a club sport or a sorority/fraternity, you are bound to implement and gain leadership skills, while also becoming part of a supportive family! Serving on an organization’s executive board will allow you to enact skills that you will need in the workforce, as well as help you to initiate positive changes on campus or in the community. Check out this link for a full list of our incredibly diverse organizations.
Get a Job on Campus
Put some extra money in your pocket, and extra skills on your resume. Most student positions on campus promote leadership, teamwork, and responsibility. Log in to your UMBCworks to find open positions right here on campus!
Still don’t know where to start? Let me give you a hand
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!
Friday, February 14th is the last day undergraduates can apply for May Graduation.
Only those students who have every single requirement needed for degree completion on their spring 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 need to be addressed immediately. Your degree audit is located on your profile in myUMBC, under "Degree."
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, 201 lever language substitutions, 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.
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