Keys to Student Success
Janet McGlynn, Office of Undergraduate Education
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.