Get to Know Your Academic Advisor

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 08:45:51 -0400

Spring 2019 registration is right around the corner, and the process starts with connecting with your academic advisor.

Your advisor is a vital member of your support team at UMBC. Often your advisor is a professor in your major department, but could also be a professional (full-time) advisor. If you have any doubt at all about WHO your advisor is, below is a link to the department contacts for all majors. The person listed as “advising coordinator” or “advising contact” can help you find out who your advisor is, or assign you an advisor.

Departmental Advising - Main Campus

Departmental Advising - Shady Grove

When should I meet with my advisor?

We encourage you to schedule an appointment with your advisor as early as possible. In order to register for Spring 2019 classes, your advisor must first provide you with registration clearance (permission). This happens during your appointment when you discuss your semester progress and develop a plan for the next semester.

What should I do to prepare?

Review your degree audit and/or transfer credit report in advance and go with a list of topics/questions to cover.

If you need help planning your coursework, our Academic Pathways provide a suggested four-year pathway for completing your degree program.

The schedule of classes will be available on Monday, October 22nd. Please review the courses that are offered and be prepared to bring a list of courses that you are interested in when you meet with you advisor.

Be ready to discuss any outstanding items or questions you might have from previous advising meetings. We also recommend that you take notes; never go to an advising session without the capacity to take notes, whether with pen and paper or on laptop.

When can I register?

Spring 2019 registration begins Tuesday, October 30th. Your exact registration date depends on the total amount of credits earned. Please note that the dates reflect the earliest time you are eligible to register for courses. You can still register for courses after your designated date and time. Information regarding your exact registration time will be available in early October.

Have questions?

See everything you need to get in your personalized – Guide to Registration – which can be found in your myUMBC.

Share your concerns in the comments section below or contact the Office of Academic & Pre-Professional Advising at arc@umbc.edu.

If you have a quick question, send us a DM on Instragram @umbc_advising!

Remember

While one faculty member or professional advisor provides registration clearance for you each semester, we encourage you to come out and meet other members of our advising community to discuss graduate school, internships and career options.