Brian Frey, UMBC Ph.D. student in information systems, has been collaborating for the past several years with colleagues at Georgia Tech University on a very simple concept: How can one infuse braille communication with the iPhone? Over these past few years the team has been refining their Braille Touch App in support of that concept. Their efforts were validated with the recent release of the Apple’s new mobile operating system, iOS8. Of the millions of apps that Apple has approved for release in the App Store since the release of the first generation iPhone, only a select few have been tapped for inclusion as a “native” app, included in the iOS software package itself. Braille Touch provides a familiar braille layout for the vision impaired user as well as audio feedback to give the user instant feedback that they are typing the message as they intended.

Second Generation Scholarship Form DEADLINE: Oct 17,2014

Second Generation Scholarship Form

There are many different ways to spice up your undergraduate experience, and Undergraduate Research is in high demand!!

Consider getting involved for a chance to:

*CONNECT WITH FACULTY AND STUDENTS*

*GET PROJECT FUNDING $$$*

*LAND AN INTERNSHIP*

*OR EVEN TRAVEL!*

Check out the link provided for more information and to see what other students in your field have done!

Also, DON'T FORGET to come out to our "How To Get Started in Research" Workshop THIS WEDNESDAY, October 8, 2014 at 12 NOON in SONDHEIM 108!!! See you there!

It definitely wouldn't hurt having a few more bright economists in our society today. Become a pioneer, explore your interests, and much more!

Keys to Student Success

Janet McGlynn, Office of Undergraduate Education

mcglynn@umbc.edu

At this point in the fall semester, parents want to know how to help their students complete their work, learn from their courses, and end the semester with good grades. The Office of Undergraduate Education umbc.edu/oue offers these suggestions:

1. Students have begun to receive alerts through myUMBC from the First Year Intervention (FYI) program.  Alerts are sent to students in danger of earning lower than a C in a course. Ask your student to tell you about the “alert” process in myUMBC and whether he or she has received any lately.  Keep asking, as faculty continue to report to the FYI system over a period of several weeks. An FYI alert will direct the student to a page of resources and advice, including recommendations that the student speak with their professors and sign up for tutoring umbc.edu/lrc/tutoring.html.  It is very important that students not be discouraged at this point. There is time to make a difference in the grades they will receive, if they make changes now. It is also important for students who are struggling academically to realize that they must change their behavior and learning techniques in order to change their grades. 

2. Registration for spring semester will begin soon. Students should start preparing now by reviewing the online Schedule of Classes, making an advising appointment (required for spring registration), and checking their myUMBC account to be sure they are cleared to register. An unpaid bill or missing immunization record can delay registration. Help your student by clearing up any such issues before registration begins.

3. Scheduling hint for new students: First Year Seminars umbc.edu/oue/fys/ are limited to 20 first-year students per class and are taught by experienced faculty.  Students in these small classes get to know a faculty member well and may find a long-term mentor. 

4. Suggest that your student consider engaging in research umbc.edu/oue/research/index.html or mentored artistic efforts—even starting in the freshman year. Research offers a terrific learning opportunity and it provides a practical foundation for classroom learning. Furthermore, students gain early insights into professional expectations and rewards and research experience strengthens a resume or graduate school application. Research can be done in any field or major. Suggest that your students attend an information session October 8th or November 7th, both at noon in Sondheim 108.

Parents and families please share the following information with your student: 

The Schedule of Classes will be available online October 27th and advance registration for Spring classes will begin November 3rd. Meeting with an advisor is required prior to registration.

Five Steps to Successful Advising, Course Selection, and Registration for your Student!

1. Click here to find out your earliest registration time for Spring 2015 classes, which is based on your earned credits (including transfer courses, but not courses in progress now).
2. Contact your academic major department to make an appointment to meet with your academic advisor. Make sure you meet with your advisor well before your earliest registration time. You will not be permitted to register without advising clearance. An updated list of departmental advising contacts and procedures is available here. Students without a declared major or in transition between majors are advised in the Office for Academic and Pre-Professional Advising (410-455-2729).
3. Before your advising appointment you will need to review your degree audit (in myUMBC under "Advising and Student Support") to see what courses you need to take to complete your degree program. Advisors expect that you will review your degree audit before you meet with them. For more information, click here.
4. Meet with your advisor to discuss your educational goals and interests, your long term plan, and your course list for Spring 2015. Your advisor will enter advising clearance for you into the registration system. You, the student, will turn that course list into an actual draft schedule with course numbers, times and section numbers.
5. Log on to your myUMBC account and register for your classes at your earliest registration time. Check your final schedule carefully to be certain that it reflects your intentions and the plan you discussed with your advisor. For detailed instructions, click here.

Address Registration Blocks and Holds Early!

Check your myUMBC account well in advance to be sure you have no outstanding obligations to the university that could prevent you from registering, i.e., past due balances, vaccinations, etc. If you have an administrative hold that would prevent you from registering, you will receive a separate myUMBC alert message to remind you.

Meeting with More than One Advisor

Some students may need to meet with more than one advisor. Students with double majors, minors, and pre-professional programs will obtain registration clearance from the advisor in their primary major and obtain additional advice as needed from supplementary advisors. For example, students pursuing education certificates will need to see an advisor in the Education Department. Students pursuing careers in the health professions usually need to see more than one advisor. Clickhere for additional information.

Please take full advantage of the many campus advising services available to you and do so soon. Registering at your earliest opportunity allows you to enroll in the courses and sections that best meet your needs. If you have questions or need additional advising assistance, please contact us at 410-455-2729 or by email at arc@umbc.edu.

Sincerely,