Written by OAPA Peer Advisor, Jenika Brown
Stressed over your grade, or that oh-so important GPA? You know who’s great at alleviating that stress…your professors. It’s easy to forget that the person teaching in front of the class has been through some variation of what you’re going through right now as a college student. Your professors make the best study partners and are some of the best relationships you could leave college with. Get to know your professor and allow them to get to know you. All you have to do is connect. Want to know how? Keep reading!
How to Connect:
Set-up a Meeting
Don’t wait until your struggling in a course to set up a meeting. Connect early in the semester!
When emailing, try to stay within the frame of typical business hours or their office hours if possible—you may get a faster reply this way.
After You Connect:
Follow up with your professor after your sessions. Whether it be assurance that you are implementing their advice correctly—or to simply say thank you—following up with your professor shows you care and makes the relationship one of reciprocity.
Network:
Attend departmental events or other campus events your professors promote in class to establish a relationship that surpasses the classroom, as well as discover new interests.
College is a time for self-discovery and personal growth. Part of that self-discovery comes from deciding what you see yourself doing in the future, which isn’t always easy. You may think “But that’s so far away," “I’m too young to be thinking about that”- although that may be true, having an idea of what you see yourself doing in the future will help you be as academically successful as you can be here at UMBC.
Consider these “Do’s” and “Don’ts” for choosing a major:
“DO’s” for Choosing a Major:
Get to know all the majors available at UMBC.
Some major fields may be completely unfamiliar because they were not taught in high school. Interdisciplinary Studies (the “build your own major” major), Health Administration and Policy, Geography and Environmental Systems, and Business Technology Administration are interesting major’s students may not have been aware of prior to arriving at UMBC. There’s no harm looking through the list- you never know what you might find!
Educate yourself on potential majors.
It’s a good idea to talk to a friend or advisor about the major you’re interested in, so that you can get a better understanding of the potential courses and path you may want to pursue in your selected major. Doing research on your own is highly recommended, as well.
List 5-8 possibilities based on your interests and aptitudes.
Take courses that are steered towards potential majors you have chosen. Read the entire catalog sections, all the course descriptions, faculty bios, and any other information about these majors available on the Department websites.
“DON’Ts” for Choosing a Major:
Don’t let anyone else choose your major for you.
Your parents, friends, and siblings all have ideas about what you should major in, but it is very important to make your own individual choice. You are the student and you are making the decision that could affect the rest of your life.
Don’t assume that a college major will necessarily lead directly to a specific type of job.
The skills acquired from college are of a general nature that can be applied to many different professional settings. The workforce is full of people whose undergraduate majors bear only an indirect relationship to the positions they hold.
Don’t stick with a major when it is clear that you are performing poorly in the required courses.
If you notice your grades are low in your major, this is an indication that it is not appropriate for you. Consider other options in which you can be more successful!
**SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT**
To further your exploration of UMBC academic pathways, please check out our upcoming Major Event!
Helpful Links
“What can I do with my major?” via the Career Center
List of UMBC majors, minors, and certificates
UMBC Academic Pathways (sample four-year academic pathways for each major)
]]>Spring 2020 registration is just 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 2020 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.
**Want to connect with someone in your department sooner? Join us for a Majors Fair on October 3rd as part of our office’s 2nd Annual Major Event**
What should I do to prepare?
Review your degree audit and, if applicable, 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 21nd. 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 2020 registration begins Monday, October 28th. 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?
Check out information on several personalized degree planning tools offered at UMBC
Share your concerns in the comments section below or contact the Office of Academic & Pre-Professional Advising at oapa@umbc.edu.
If you have a quick question, send us a DM on Instragram @umbc_advising!
]]>The summer is a great time to reflect back on the academic year and re-focus on what’s ahead.
This doesn’t have to be a formal process. It also should not cause you to feel anxious or overwhelmed at what might have gone wrong. Instead, look at this time of reflection as a learning opportunity, and a chance to better grasp how your time at UMBC is growing and shaping you.
So while you’re soaking up the sun this summer, here are some topics to reflect on:
Academically, what kind of year did I have?
What were my successes and what were my challenges?
Did I complete as many credits and courses as I had planned?
Was there a particular class that gave me a new perspective?
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 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!
What was my social/extra-curricular involvement like?
Did I get involved on or off-campus in activities/events that interest me?
How well did I balance my social and academic life?
What lessons did I learn from getting involved?
Tip: It’s never too late to get involved. If you are looking for opportunities on campus, be sure to check out the Student Involvement Festival early in the fall semester. In the meantime, feel free to explore the list of campus organizations here.
What is my current satisfaction and confidence level with my academic major?
What aspects of my major am I enjoying and what uncertainties do I still have?
How does what I'm studying impact my future career goals?
If you are still undecided or are considering changing your major: what steps can I take to make progress towards a decision?
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?
How did I budget my money during the academic year?
Do I have concerns about paying tuition or funding other aspects of college?
Am I aware of the financial tools and resources available to me as a UMBC student?
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! While many faculty members will not be on campus, and staff might have limited hours depending on vacation schedules, campus offices are still open and available to assist students.
You are not at UMBC only to seek recognition. You are here to gain an education. But, if you are a strong student, you may find yourself making the Dean’s List, joining (or even leading) honor societies, working toward an Honors College Medallion, or applying for merit scholarships in your field. Here is some information to help you navigate these opportunities at UMBC.
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.
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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:
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.
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.
]]>Rose Malone is a Study Abroad Advisor in the Study Abroad Office at UMBC (newly located in Administration 301!). As an undergraduate student, Rose studied abroad in London, England and Skibbereen, Ireland. She sat down with us to discuss not only the steps involved with studying abroad, but also the impact the experience can have on a student’s life.
Break it down as easy as you can, what are the steps students need to take if they want to study abroad?
Simply put, if students plan to study abroad they should (in the following order):
• Attend a Study Abroad 101 session
• Determine which courses/requirements they still need to fulfill (this can be done through meeting with their academic advisor or a degree audit)
• Pick out 1-5 study abroad programs from our website that offer the coursework they need
• Schedule an appointment with a Study Abroad advisor
• Meet with The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to discuss which scholarships, grants or loans can be applied
What should students consider when trying to select a study abroad program?
Students should consider:
• Coursework needs
• If they want to become more proficient in a language (if so, study abroad where that language is spoken)
• Do they want to live in a rural area, big city, college town, city campus, warm environment, colder environment?
• Which type of housing they want (homestay, residence hall, apartment?)
• What type of credit they can receive (resident or transfer)
• Level of immersion (i.e.- how much separation do you want from your home culture?)
• Internship or service learning, etc.
There are so many things to consider, which can seem daunting but there is something for everyone!
Is there an aspect of the study abroad planning process that many students, in retrospect, wish they had spent more time on/focused on?
This is a great question, but hard to answer across the board. I think one aspect that students should spend more time planning is the alignment of their language requirement and their study abroad experience. The best way to learn a language is through immersion, so if you study Spanish at UMBC because it would be useful in a future job, but study abroad in Germany and take one language course, you're probably not going to be proficient in either language. So if you want to put "proficient in Spanish" on your resume, you should probably study abroad somewhere Spanish-speaking! But students can study abroad anywhere they want!
Apart from some of the more well-known or "cliché" reasons to study abroad, why do you think students should make this part of their college experience?
I am not sure most students realize this but only 1 in 10 students nationally study abroad. This means that by studying abroad, you are setting yourself apart from all other graduates. When you walk into an interview for a job or apply for a graduate program, that study abroad experience is an immediate talking point. There are many examples from study abroad that you could use to "describe a time when you worked on a team" or "had to think on your feet.”
Are there any current UMBC study abroad programs you'd like to make a shameless plug for right now?
Yes! Our faculty-led programs for Summer 2019! They are open to all majors and many fulfill major, minor or GEP requirements! Most have a deadline of 2/15 except for our program in Cuba, which has a deadline of 1/31.
Make the most of your summer and apply today: https://goabroad.umbc.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.FeaturedPrograms
If you yourself could study abroad right now, where would you go and why?
There are so many places I haven't been yet that this is a hard question! I think I would want to go somewhere in Asia! I think one of the most undervalued aspects of study abroad is the structure and support that comes along with it. When you go on a program, you have so much more support than if you were traveling as a tourist. I would love to have program support in Asia, somewhere that I don't speak any of the languages, so that I could feel supported and venture out on my own.
Any good stories from your own study abroad experience?
Too many to include here! I think one of the most rewarding moments of my first study abroad experience in London was when a tourist asked me for directions and I was able to give them. That is when I knew I was a "Londoner!" I didn't need to look up tube stop names or landmarks because I knew them!
]]>It’s finally here – Winter Break!
You worked hard this semester and it doesn’t go unrecognized. Now is the time to get some well-deserved rest and relaxation before the spring semester begins.
As you think about how you want to spend this time away from UMBC re-charging, and if binge-watching Netflix just won’t suffice, check out some of the suggestions below:
1. Eat a good meal! Or two. Or three…
Take a break from your typical college diet and use this time to enjoy some healthy meals. And as a note for when you get back to campus, check out these easy healthy meals you can cook up right in your residential hall!
2. Catch up on sleep.
Did you pull more all-nighters this past semester than you would like to admit? Now is the time to re-establish some good sleeping habits. No early alarm clocks necessary!
3. Try out a yoga class to learn some relaxation techniques or another form of exercise -your choice. Even just getting outside for a walk in the fresh air can do wonders!
4. Visit a graduate or professional school.
Whether you are just starting to think about grad school or are actually working on applications, in-person visits are always informative.
5. Take a day trip somewhere that you haven’t been or spend an afternoon exploring your hometown. If Maryland is home, here is a list of 100 day trips from Baltimore!
6. Volunteer in your local community.
The local food bank, animal shelter, or soup kitchen can all be great ways to spend time supporting the community. A quick Google search can help you find hundreds of ways to get involved this January.
7. Set up an informational interview with a working professional or job shadow for a career you are considering.
Find out what a profession is really like and make connections with people in your future field by conducting an interview unrelated to a job search. Sample question: "What are the most important qualities for an aspiring museum curator/computer scientist/sports psychologist?” Shadowing can help you determine if a profession is really for you! Keep a journal to record notes from these experiences.
8. Trade in your school textbooks for a book you can read for fun.
9. Do some light brainstorming for next semester plans.
If you found yourself too overwhelmed and busy last semester, consider what activities you may need to let go of. On the other end, if you feel you had too much time on your hands, consider some clubs or activities you may be able to get involved in this spring.
10. Take time to re-connect with family and friends.
Spend some time with the elders in your family learning more about your family history and heritage. This discovery about your family roots can be the inspiration you need to keep pushing forward when the going gets tough.
See below for some of the ways the Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising’s Peer Advisors are spending their Winter Break:
“Over Winter Break, I will be preparing for the DAT (Dental Admission Test) and planning my application process for dental schools. I will also be working at a dental office and shadowing other dentists” –Christine Lee, Biological Sciences
“My plan for the winter break is basically to relax and kick back with friends and family, go the gym, and learn something new regarding my major.” – Michael Unuigbe, Computer Science
]]>The Albin O. Kuhn (AOK) Library and Gallery is a prominent focal point on UMBC’s campus.
With comfy chairs and study rooms, a coffee/snack shop and sweeping campus views (check out the 7th floor!), the library is the perfect place to hunker down as you prepare for final exams and complete end of the semester assignments. Don’t believe us? Ask yourself some of the following questions:
Will your study sessions with classmates likely go into the late hours of the night? Not to worry! The Retriever Learning Center (RLC), located on the main floor of the library, includes a 24-hour group study space equipped with computers, comfortable seating and white boards.
Need some final pointers before your math final or editing suggestions on your last paper? The Math and Science Tutoring Center and Writing Center are also part of the RLC.
Prefer to study alone in a quieter setting? Fear not! The library has 17 open study rooms that are open on a first-come, first-served basis.
That horrible moment when your laptop dies days before your final paper is due? You're saved! The library has loaner laptops available at the circulation desk.
Need a book for a project or research that our library doesn’t have? The AOK Library is actually connected to a network of other university libraries. Librarians can request materials from another library and have them sent to you free of charge.
And what's studying without a little caffeine or snacks (sweet or savory - your preference)? The new Einstein Bagels is located in the main atrium and ready to serve you when you need a break!
As you prepare for finals week, make sure to check the library website for information on extended hours (select the Library Hours link halfway down the page).
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