Social media is most likely part of your daily routine and can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family. But how can you also use social media to maximize your own college experience?
We checked in with UMBC Alumna Frankie Cerquetti ’14 (B.F.A, Intermedia) for some insight on how to engage more meaningfully online. Frankie co-owns Storia Studio, a company that specializes in branding photography and videography for small businesses.
Her pro-tip? Treat engaging on social media like networking an event: “I am a firm believer in the power of one. One person. One conversation. One lead. If we begin to treat social media as a networking event, it might give us a fresh perspective. Let’s focus on the quality of meeting that one person instead of trying to appeal to hundreds or thousands. Let’s look at social media as a place to build community and exchange our passions!”
So how can you use social media usage for academic and networking purposes? Here are some tips for you to think about!
Get to know the UMBC community
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 for students. And many also welcome DMs (direct messages) from students regarding any questions or concerns. This can be an interactive and approachable way to connect with different groups across campus!
Check out some of these UMBC social media accounts:
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 about its mission, values, and community. This can give you some insight into whether a place would be a good fit for you. Some companies and organizations might even use their social media accounts to advertise employment opportunities.
Suppose 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. - learn about how they entered into the field or learn more about their job). You could also use 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.
You can also check out Retrievers Connect, a networking platform just for UMBC students and alumni. In partnership with the Office of Alumni Engagement, the Career Center has launched this platform to connect alumni with students to foster the career success of the UMBC community. You will have the chance to learn from those who have been in your shoes, discover industries and trends, and possibly get feedback on your resume and interviewing skills. These connections could provide you with an inside look into internship and career opportunities.
Use social media for research and collaborative purposes
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, consider using social media to 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, suppose a class assignment requires community-based work or research. In that case, you can use social media to help you connect and network with local organizations that may be able to assist you. The use of social media in education is an especially engaging topic right now amid the increase in online learning and examining trends on social media or using social media as a tool for collecting data could give projects an interesting angle!
Beyond class assignments, social media can be a great way to collaborate with your classmates and make studying more efficient. Platforms like Facebook and services like Google Drive and Box can help you create study groups, organize class materials, and share resources.
It seems that more and more, social media has the potential to help you engage with your professional connections as you navigate your time in college and beyond. We hope this helps you realize just how many ways you can use social media to your advantage! What are some other ways you use social media to build meaningful community online?
We get it: the financial struggle is REAL at times! Taking out student loans, paying bills, managing expenses, and saving money require strategic planning and decision making. Developing financial savviness takes knowledge, 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 essential 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 saving money, and saving money now will seriously impact your future.
College can be stressful; balancing classwork, extracurricular activities, and social life makes it 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 (online and in-person) every week like; Karaoke Nights, Yoga sessions, or Glow Dodgeball! Another example is FinancialSmarts @ UMBC which hosts events during hybridMoney Smart Week, where students can win prizes just by attending an 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 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 crucial to prepare yourself for unexpected or emergency expenses.
In January 2019, Forbes reported that 78% of U.S. workers live paycheck to paycheck. This means that these individuals use most of their monthly income on their monthly expenses with no money left over or in savings. This statistic has been exacerbated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Don't be part of the statistic! Consider the 50/30/20 model when creating a monthly budget. Plan to spend 50% of your monthly income on fixed costs like; rent, groceries, or transportation. 30% on flex costs like; Eating out or going to concerts. And then allocate 20% of your monthly income to savings or paying back debt. 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 most significant way you've seen undergraduate students utilize it?
Hannah: FinancialSmarts @ UMBC provides students with the tools necessary to make informed and effective decisions about their finances. Managing money is an integral part of your daily life, and we encourage students to be well versed in this vital life skill that many find challenging. The most significant 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, and the working world. Students can find more information about enrolling in the course on ourwebsite.
In addition to the CashCourse, we encourage students to attend one of our many events during Money Smart Week. I encourage students especially to attend workshops led by our peer money mentors! These are free, fun, and engaging workshops related to budgeting, saving, banking, and repayment of student loans. Students can find more information about our peer lead workshops on ourwebsite. To learn more about these events and Money Smarts Week, please visit the FinancialSmartmyUMBC page.
Extra Credit: What would you say to a student 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. You can try tracking your spending for a month to see how much you spend in each of your budgeting categories, and that will help you design a more accurate budget for your spending habits. You can even multiply your monthly spending by twelve to see how much you spend in a specific category on average per year! It may change your opinion on the impact of saving money that’s spent on nonessential expenses.
If you're still feeling overwhelmed, check out our CashCoach program. Visit ourwebsite to sign up today.
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 essential to seek trustworthy guidance and leverage the available resources to you now for free as a student.
An exciting aspect of college is the opportunity to take on a leadership role in activities/programs/initiatives that you love. By doing so, you will make a difference in the UMBC community, forge everlasting relationships, and add new, advantageous skills to your resume.
Read on to learn about a few of the countless leadership opportunities UMBC offers.
Note: Expect that some organizations, leadership positions, and jobs will be structured differently due to the virtual nature of our campus community at this time.
Join a Student Organization
Whether 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 and help you initiate positive changes on campus or in the community. Check out this link for a full list of our incredibly diverse organizations.
Get a Campus Job
Put some extra money in your pocket, and extra skills on your resume. Most student positions promote leadership, teamwork, and responsibility. Log in to your UMBCworks to find open positions.
Still don’t know where to start? Let me give you a hand
Join forces with the SGA! As an undergrad student you’re already a part of the SGA, you might as well assume a role and work hand-in-hand with faculty to implement the change you want to see! The 2021-2022 candidate application is open now.
Campus residents stand up and get involved with the Resident Student Associate (RSA)! UMBC is not just your school, it is your home. Engage with residential life staff to make the most out of your on-campus living experience. Email umbcrsaexec@umbc.edu to find out ways to get involved.
Orientation Peer Advisor (OPA) – Be a part of a close-knit team of students who welcome new students and their families to campus during the summer and winter terms during New Student Orientation.
Welcome Week Leaders (Woolies) – As part of the Woolie team you will serve as a resource to all incoming students during Welcome Week, supporting students in their transition to campus and helping them connect to events and upcoming opportunities.
IHU Peer Facilitator & Academic Peer Advocates – IHU Peer Facilitators are an integral part of all Introduction to an Honor’s University (IHU) courses, assisting instructors in course preparation, lesson implementation and serving as a resource to students throughout their time in the course. The Academic Peer Advocate (APA) Program pairs incoming first-time, full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students with trained and compassionate peers dedicated to providing individualized support during their transition to college. Apply to these positions here. Application opens next week through March 16th at noon!
Become a part of the Grit Guides team through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Whether as a student assistant or a tour guide, this position allows you to work with prospective students and share your passion for UMBC! Email Gina Ralston (gralston@umbc.edu) for more information.
Are you an international student? The Global Ambassador Program is a peer-mentoring program at UMBC that seeks to create a welcoming and considerate community for UMBC’s international students.
Join the Office of Academic and Pre-Professional Advising (OAPA) as a Peer Advisor! This may sound like a shameless plug...but I can assure you it’s not. This is in fact a very prideful plug! From a former peer advisor- “Despite being very shy, working as a Peer Advisor has made me self-assured due to the tasks entrusted to me. Not to mention, my interpersonal skills have increased immensely due to the diverse students I interact with and help daily.” Jenika Brown, Class of 2021. We will be hiring new peers at the end of the semester. If you’re interested, you can apply here.
You often hear talk of the sophomore slump- a time where students can experience heightened uncertainty and lower motivation, in addition to second guessing choices they have made in their first year of college.
However, with all of the uncertainty the pandemic has brought to our lives, we recognize that this same type of slump is likely impacting students at all levels – a college slump, if you will.
Below we lay out strategies and resources for overcoming a challenging season in college.
Socially, you may be feeling isolated and/or disconnected from your friends. You may be craving peer interaction and support in ways you never have before.
It can be hard to take the initial step, but try mixing it up a bit.
Additionally, don’t forget that Campus Life offers opportunities for student engagement. Check out their myUMBC page or follow the Student Events Board (SEB)’s for a list of events. Many student organizations are meeting again in person or are still connecting online.
Academically, you may be feeling a lack of motivation to attend class or study. You may still face challenges in some of your online courses, as it may not align with your preferred learning style. You also may be questioning your choice of major and wondering if you should completely change your academic path.
Generally speaking, slumps are a normal part of any college experience. It may seem like everyone around you has things 100% figured out, but most certainly, that is not the case. It’s what you do in the midst of a slump that will set the course for your remaining time at UMBC. The solution is almost always to take some form of action, no matter how small the step. If making social or academic changes seems too much right now, perhaps a step in the direction of your mental health and well-being is a better fit. If that’s the case, we encourage you to visit University Health Services and Health Promotion or the Counseling Center for support.
]]>Welcome back Retrievers! We are excited to have our campus community connecting again in-person. Whether it is your first time joining us, or it’s been a long awaited return, it’s expected that the transition back to campus will impact students in different ways.
You may be apprehensive about returning or you may be ready to jump in full speed ahead. Wherever you are, it is okay! UMBC is prepared to support you and help ensure that your return to campus is a successful one!
Below are some tips as you start the fall semester:
Take care of your emotional and mental well-being.
First and foremost, it’s important to check in with yourself throughout the semester and prioritize your personal health.
The Center for Well-Being is located on Center Road between Chesapeake and Susquehanna Halls, The Center for Well-Being includes Retriever Integrated Health (University Health Services, the Office of Health Promotion, and the Counseling Center); Student Conduct and Community Standards; and the Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging (i3b) Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being. It also includes the Mind Spa—a student space equipped for the practices of mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation—and an informal student meeting/lounge space.
You can also pay a visit to the newly renovated Retriever Athletics Center for a workout or facilitated class.
Proactively seek academic support.
While it may seem counterintuitive, seeking academic support before you encounter academic difficulty can help provide accountability and a solid foundation for tackling the workload you’ll face during the semester. The Academic Success Center offers a variety of support services, including appointment and drop-in tutoring, the Writing Center, academic success meetings, and much more.
Perhaps over the last year you’ve had time to reflect and are considering an alternative academic pathway. Advisors in the Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising (OAPA) welcome the opportunity to discuss your academic plans, including any potential major changes you are considering.
Additionally, consider attending the 4th Annual Major Event, virtually, on October 20th. This is great opportunity to further explore your major options, or connect with faculty & staff in your selected academic department.
Connect with other students in a way that feels right to you.
Building relationships with your peers provides you with an invaluable support network as you navigate back onto campus.
One way to do this is by joining a student organization. This year’s Involvement Fest , on September 9th, is offered in a hybrid format with both a virtual and in-person component.
If you are living on campus, The Office of Residential Life is hosting a variety of programs throughout the semester. There is also programming through the Off Campus Student Services offices for commuter students.
Still unsure about larger gatherings? Don’t hesitate to keep up with virtual study groups, video game sessions or outdoor meetings with a few close friends.
One Final Note: Please call or check a campus office’s website prior to visiting in-person to check their current protocols. While all offices are physically open this fall, some may be operating in a different capacity due to social distancing measures.
Ultimately, give yourself the chance the take this transition at a pace that feels right to you. In trusting yourself, you are sure to adapt well to the return to campus. We hope your semester is a great one!
You are so close to earning your UMBC degree! Keep up the momentum!
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 celebrating the completion of your UMBC degree.
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: Review your Graduation Card
Once you’ve earned 90 academic credits, you will have access to a Graduation Card on your myUMBC Profile page. The Graduation Card is a personalized, step-by-step guide that will ensure a smooth process forward until you cross the finish line with your UMBC degree.
Please be reminded that UMBC confers baccalaureate degrees to undergraduate students who successfully complete a course of study that meets the minimum university requirements outlined in the Undergraduate Baccalaureate Degree Completion Policy. Only those students who have every single requirement needed for degree completion (i.e., currently enrolled in all remaining courses and/or pending transfer credit to be sent to UMBC), will be permitted to apply for graduation and participate in the Commencement ceremony.
Step 2: Wrap up any outstanding details ASAP!
Step 3: Apply for Graduation
You should check your Graduation Card periodically to ensure that you are staying on track with all degree requirements as this will be the only way to access the application for graduation when the time comes. Please note that students may only participate in one commencement ceremony based upon the semester in which all degree requirements will be complete.
If you intend to complete all degree requirements by the end of the Fall 2021 semester, please note that Wednesday, September 15th is the last day undergraduates can apply for December Graduation by logging into the Graduation Card on the myUMBC Profile page.
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!
If you have any questions about the gradation application or review process please do not hesitate to contact the graduation team.
We see you. Your hard work and dedication to your academics does not go unnoticed. There are a variety of ways we recognize academic achievement at UMBC. This includes the Dean’s List, honor societies, the Honors College Medallion, and merit scholarships in your field. Read below to discover how your success in the classroom may be celebrated.
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 to establish a chapter of this prestigious honor society in 1998. This is one invitation you will definitely want to accept if offered.
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.
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.
Graduation Honors
Honors are based upon coursework taken throughout 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. Also, UMBC sponsors a chapter of the National College Athlete Honor Society.
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.
]]>You may have plenty of Instagram, Tik Tok and/or Snapchat friends, but are you connected with professionals within your career field of interest? Networking and developing relationships with professionals are some of the most effective ways to learn how to navigate your career path. Who knows - someone in your professional network may provide an opportunity for you to take your first or next career step!
Below are a few tips on how to leverage your social network to make professionalconnections!
Tip 1: Ask everyone for advice, ideas, leads and referrals
You may gain a lot of insight just by listening to the fascinating and inspiring career stories from professionals in your field. Many professionals (new and seasoned) are happy to talk about their career pathways with aspiring professionals just like you! Politely asking them if they could share a little time with you via phone, Zoom or email could open up the opportunity for you to discover key facts and details about someone who is “actually doing” the things you are considering doing in the future. Furthermore, they also might help you find “insider” opportunities for internships, part-time jobs or high-profile volunteering assignments.
BONUS: Listen to this panel discussion with UMBC alumni from the 2020 Major Event.
Tip 2: Create a professional email and/or professional networking profile
LinkedIn is a social network created primarily for building professional connections. Your profile serves as an interactive resume, where you can list your professional experience and educational credentials. You can join professional groups and search/apply for jobs. There are over 68,000 UMBC alumni currently on LinkedIn!
Tip 3: Start Connecting at UMBC!
The Career Center hosts networking events and job fairs on a regular basis (even now in our virtual format). Participate in informational interviews, Networking 101, LinkedIn 101 or join the UMBC-Alumni Student Networking Group on LinkedIn!
Now is the time to focus on your “Future Selfie”! In addition to building your personal brand, you can attend events/presentations, grab badges along the way, get connected to the rest of the world and explore professional options!
There are many career networking and professional mentorship opportunities available through the range of services, programs and initiatives sponsored by the Shriver Center – especially with respect to civic engagement and community based service delivery.
And Remember…
Follow up, follow up, and follow up (you get the point) – with your professional contacts! Whether it’s sending them an email every few months, or a message through LinkedIn, or placing a call to check in – it’s important to maintain all of the connections you make. They’ll be sure to come in handy when you are ready to make your next step! ]]>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 advantageous skills to your resume by taking on various leadership roles on campus.
Note: Expect that some organizations, leadership positions, and jobs will be structured differently due to the virtual nature of our campus community.
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 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 incredible diverse organizations.
Get a Campus Job
Put some extra money in your pocket, and extra skills on your resume. Most student positions promote leadership, teamwork, and responsibility. Log in to your UMBCworks to find open positions.
Still don't know where to start? Let me give you a hand:
Join forces with the SGA! As an undergrad student you're already a part of the SGA, you might as well assume a role and work hand-in-hand with faculty to implement the change you want to see! The 2020-2021 candidate application is open now. Applications are due February 26th!
Campus residents stand up and get involved with the Resident Student Associate (RSA)! UMBC is not just your school, it is your home. Engage with residential life staff to make the most out of your on-campus living experience. Email umbcrsaexec@umbc.edu to find out ways to get involved.
Orientation Peer Advisor (OPA) - Be a part of a close-knit team of students who welcome new students and their families to campus during the summer and winter terms during New Student Orientation.
Welcome Week Leaders (Woolies) - As part of the Woolie team you will serve as a resource to all incoming students during Welcome Week, supporting students in their transition to campus and helping them connect to events and upcoming opportunities.
IHU Peer Facilitator - IHU Peer Facilitators are an integral part of all Introduction to an Honor's University (IHU) courses, assisting instructors in course preparation, lesson implementation and serving as a resource to students throughout their time in the course.
Become a part of the Grit Guides team through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Whether as a student assistant or a tour guide, this position allows you to work with prospective students and share your passion for UMBC! Email Kristin Luther (kluther@umbc.edu) for more information.
Are you an international student? The Global Ambassador Program is a NEW peer-mentoring program at UMBC that seeks to create a welcoming and considerate community for UMBC's international students.
Join the Office of Academic and Pre-Professional Advising (OAPA) as a Peer Advisor! This may sound like a shameless plug...but I can assure you it's not. This is in fact a very prideful plug! Despite being very shy, working as a Peer Advisor has made me self-assured due to the tasks entrusted to me. Not to mention, my interpersonal skills have increased immensely due to the diverse students I interact with and help daily. We will be hiring new peers at the end of the semester. If you're interested, you can apply here.
]]>You are so close to earning your UMBC degree! Keep up the momentum!
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 celebrating the completion of your UMBC degree.
Step 1: Review your Graduation Card
Once you’ve earned 90 academic credits, you will have access to a Graduation Card on your myUMBC Profile page. The Graduation Card is a personalized, step-by-step guide that will ensure a smooth process forward until you cross the finish line with your UMBC degree.
Please be reminded that UMBC confers baccalaureate degrees to undergraduate students who successfully complete a course of study that meets the minimum university requirements outlined in the Undergraduate Baccalaureate Degree Completion Policy. Only those students who have every single requirement needed for degree completion (i.e., currently enrolled in all remaining courses and/or pending transfer credit to be sent to UMBC), will be permitted to apply for graduation and participate in the Commencement ceremony.
Step 2: Wrap up any outstanding details ASAP!
If the major, minor, or certificate program listed in your graduation card is out of date, or if you have additional majors or minors that you need to add/remove, submit a new Declaration of Major form.
If you have Advanced Placement or CLEP scores or transfer credits from another institution please make sure that you have an approved Verification of Transferability Form on file and are prepared to submit the official scores/transcripts.
Step 3: Apply for Graduation
You should check your Graduation Card periodically to ensure that you are staying on track with all degree requirements as this will be the only way to access the application for graduation when the time comes. Please note that students may only participate in one commencement ceremony based upon the semester in which all degree requirements will be complete.
If you intend to complete all degree requirements by the end of the Spring 2021 semester, please note that Monday, February 15th is the last day undergraduates can apply for May Graduation by logging into the Graduation Card on the myUMBC Profile page.
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!
If you have any questions about the gradation application or review process please do not hesitate to contact the graduation team.