As you read this at the beginning of your UMBC journey you may wonder why we’re asking you to consider developing your long-term/graduation plan. After all, you may not even feel fully committed to a major yet. You may be more focused on still trying to adjust to online learning or just getting through your mid-term exams – why add the additional work of developing a long-term academic plan?
We’re glad you asked!
Long-term academic planning has several benefits:
UMBC has developed several online tools and resources to aid you in the process of developing your long-term/graduation plan – all of which you can access through your myUMBC Profile. Here you can:
If you didn’t get a chance to participate in this year’s Major Event – we invite you to listen to the recording of our Create your MAJOR Roadmap program. In this program, we will review some of these tools, as well as walk you through how to begin developing a long-term/graduation.
Prior to listening to the recording, please take a minute to pull up the following documents on your computer:
Set-up a Meeting
Utilize your Professor’s office hours! The sole purpose of these hours is to help you outside of class. Whether it be an assignment you’re confused about or a simple check-in on your progress in the class, you’d be surprised at the kind of insight you can gain from one-on-one sessions.
Note: It’s likely that right now, office hours or 1:1 meetings will be held virtually. Your Professor can provide information on setting up an appointment/access to their virtual space, whether through Webex or Blackboard Collaborate.
EMAIL EMAIL EMAIL!
Our busy schedules as students don’t always allow for a 1:1 meeting. Connecting through email is better than no correspondence at all. When you email your instructor:
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 an assurance that you are implementing their advice correctly—or to 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 and discover new interests.
Whether this is your first semester at UMBC or you were with us in the spring, it’s clear we are all still adapting to learning and connecting within a virtual community. Some days you may feel like you have a good handle on online learning, while other days may feel overwhelming. We understand and want to ensure you that this ebb and flow is normal!
UMBC’s faculty and staff are committed to ensuring you have all of the resources and support you need to have a successful semester. Yes, we are virtual, but similar to in-person learning, it’s often the extra steps you take to stay organized, manage your time, and utilize campus resources that influence the outcome of your semester.
We encourage you to check out The Academic Success Center’s Online Learning Resource website, which includes a series of videos and a link to an interactive module to prepare you for success.
The Division of Information Technology’s (DoIT) Learning Online website also includes some helpful information about how to make the most of the technology you are using for your classes.
If you are looking for a student’s perspective, see what some of our OAPA peer advisors have to say about how they’ve navigated online learning:
Note: Not all online classes are similarly structured. Some of your courses this semester may be synchronous, meaning you meet with the instructor and your class online at the same time, while others may be asynchronous, where your instructor provides you the course content to access at any time.
“Personally, I have found listing all the assignments I need to complete for the week on my laptop to be the most helpful to keep me organized. It can get overwhelming at times, but setting a schedule and planning the day can help tremendously. I've found myself doing assignments back to back just to get it over with, and it can be very draining. Make sure to give yourself breaks in between! The majority of my classes are asynchronous, so when I have a question, I've noticed the Blackboard discussion board [is] the most beneficial [way] to find the answer to my questions.” – Irene Thomas, Biological Sciences
“I keep in contact with other engineering students by utilizing the app Discord. It allows for different forms of chatting, including voice and text. Also, similarly to Webex, it allows you to share your screen with other people in your group. In general, communicating with other students, even outside my major, helps with this new online format and not feeling completely isolated during the semester.” – Tre Barr, Computer Engineering
“When it comes to synchronous classes, I have found one savior...alarms. Using calendars is a great way to schedule and divvy up your time, but when it comes to getting to a class on time from the comfort of your home (or wherever you're beaming in from) that can be tricky. Since this pandemic has started my sleep schedule is relatively non-existent, so having alarms go off throughout the day has been helpful--even if I'm already up it's very in-my-face.” – Jenika Brown, English
“Although most of my classes are asynchronous, something I found helpful to stay on top of work is that I try to do work for each class at that normally scheduled time. (ex: if anatomy was supposed to be from 10-11am, I do my anatomy work at home from 10-11am, even though there is no live lecture.) This helps me stay on top of all the assignments, and not wait till the last minute to do it all.” – Leah Mathews, Health Administration & Policy
Finally, it’s important to make sure you connect with your professor, academic advisor, or another member of your support network, early on if you find you are having difficulty with your online classes. This will ensure you get the help you need with enough time to get back on track.
If you would like to speak to someone in the Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising, our advisors are available to meet via scheduled appointments. Additionally, if you would like to speak with one of our peer advisors, we now have a virtual front counter that can be accessed Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Did you know that every student at UMBC has an assigned academic advisor?
For most students, this will be a professor in your academic major department. Others will work with a professional (full-time) advisor, at least until they have reached their junior year or selected a major (in the case of our office who work with undecided/exploratory students).
Something a bit unique to UMBC is that all students are required to meet with their advisor at least once a semester, prior to registration.
But let’s back up a bit. What exactly is academic advising?
An academic advisor’s role is to assist you in planning your academic career at UMBC. You can talk to your advisor about:
In preparation for an advising appointment, it’s helpful to review your degree card on your myUMBC Profile. Here you can:
Additionally, you will want to develop a list of questions/topics to discuss with your advisor in order to give the meeting some structure.
In terms of spring advising and registration (I know, we just started the fall semester, but time flies!), the schedule of classes will be available on Monday, October 26th. You can review the course offerings and discuss them with your academic advisor when you meet.
Be ready to discuss any outstanding items or questions you might have from previous advising meetings. We also recommend that you take notes (your advisor will as well and you have the ability to access these notes in your Advising History on myUMBC)!
Spring 2020 registration begins Tuesday, November 3. Your exact registration date depends on the total amount of credits earned. 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
Contact the Office of Academic & Pre-Professional Advising at oapa@umbc.edu.
If you have a quick question, you can also send us a DM on Instagram @umbc_advising or pop into our virtual front counter M-F from 8:30am-4:30pm.
It has been quite a year, to say the least!
We have witnessed UMBC grit at its finest. Together, our campus community has worked hard to remain connected, and has pressed forward in the midst of great adversity and uncertain times.
We are all still adjusting to the changes brought on by COVID-19, and we know that it is still on the forefront of most every student’s mind. It may be difficult to remember what the academic year was like before we became a virtual community.
However, as spring semester winds down, we encourage you to approach the summer season as a time of well-earned rest and reflection. Recognize the growth and development that took place over the entirety of this past year and be proud of your accomplishments. Identify any obstacles or challenges you faced and take the opportunity to develop new goals and/or strategies that will better position you for the road ahead.
Consider the following:
Academically, what kind of year did I have?
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 online 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!
Note: If you have still not registered for fall semester and are in need of advising assistance, please contact the Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising at oapa@umbc.edu.
What was my social/extra-curricular involvement like?
Tip: It’s never too late to get involved. If you are looking for opportunities on campus, be sure to check out the following sites:
What is my current satisfaction and confidence level with my academic major?
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?
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 virtually! Click here to access the COVID-19 student site for a centralized list of campus contact information and resources.
Written by Jenika Brown, OAPA Peer Advisor
It’s time to dispel the notion that taking advantage of people is bad! Okay, before you judge, let me explain. You shouldn’t take advantage of people, but more so the opportunities around you. As a student at UMBC, you are literally surrounded by professionals who are in your desired career field, know people in that field, or are able to provide you with the fundamentals that you need for this field…take advantage of that while you can. It’s as easy as 1,2,3! Keep reading to see how.
Make everyone your advisor!
Believe it or not, the successful professionals around you had to discover themselves, their path, and their passion…just like you. Just asking a professional in your field(s) of interest about their story will open your eyes and doors to countless opportunities! Remember, establishing a good rapport with professionals around you can lead to letters of recommendation, internships, jobs, etc.
Use social media like a pro!
First impressions are everything, and for your potential employer this can mean social media. Forget Instagram; Snapchat; or Facebook, LinkedIn is the place to be!
LinkedIn is a social media site catered to building professional connections. As opposed to funny videos and cool selfies, your LinkedIn profile works as an interactive resume. You can list your credentials, join professional groups, and search and apply for jobs!
P.S.- There’s a UMBC Alumni group on LinkedIn, click here to follow them now!
P.S.S.- Make sure you have a professional email handy, i.e.- your first and last name and minimal numbers.
Start right here at UMBC!
Where better to learn how to effectively network than the Career Center? In addition to hosting a plethora of events that function to further your professional endeavors, like the Career Fair and informational sessions, there are plenty of helpful sources available to you online such as: Networking 101, 10 Effective Tips for Networking, Informational Interviews
Community work is always important and a bonus, and the Shriver Center has plenty of programs, mentorships, etc. that are based in vital civic duties/community service. Click here to learn more about the Programs and Initiatives The Shriver Center sponsors!
]]>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:
SEB (Student Events Board)
Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
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.
Learn more about LinkedIn and how you can use it effectively as a college student here.
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.
]]>We get it: the financial struggle is REAL at times! Taking out student loans, paying bills, managing expenses and saving money all require strategic planning and decision making. Developing financialsavviness takes knowledge, and often time, 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 important 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 still saving money for the future and saving money now can have a serious impact on your future!
College can be stressful, between balancing classwork, extracurricular activities and having a social life it’s 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 every week like; Karaoke Nights, Yoga sessions, or Glow Dodgeball! Another example is FinancialSmarts @ UMBC which hosts events during Money Smart Week (April 6th-11th) where students will be entered to win $25 Campus Cash just by attending the 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 all 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 important to be able to prepare yourself for unexpected or emergency expenses.
In January 2019 Forbes reported that 78% of U.S. workers are living paycheck to paycheck. This means that these individuals are using most or all of their monthly income on their monthly expenses with no money left over or in savings. Don’t be part of the statistic! Consider the 50/30/20 model when creating a budget. Plan to spend 50% of your monthly income on fixed costs like; rent, groceries or transportation. 30% of flex costs like; Eating out or going to concerts. And then allocate 20% of your monthly income to savings. 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 biggest way you've seen undergraduate students utilize it?
Hannah: FinancialSmarts @ UMBC provides students with the tools necessary to make informed and effective decisions about your finances. Managing money is an important part of your daily life and we encourage students to be well versed in this important life skill that many find challenging. We have arange of programs available to all students! The biggest 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, as well as talking to them about the working world! Student can find more information about how to enroll in the course on our website at https://financialsmarts.umbc.edu/programs/cashcourse/
In addition to the CashCourse we encourage students to attend one of our many events during Money Smart Week, April 6th-11th. All of our events are fun and engaging and by attending certain events student will be entered into a drawing to win $25 Campus Cash! To learn more about these events and Money Smarts Week please visit the FinancialSmarts myUMBC page!https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/financialsmarts/events
Extra Credit: What would you say to a student who is 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. If you primarily pay with cards or digital payment methods try taking out cash (while being mindful of non-network ATM fees). This is a helpful way to stop spending once you’re out of money. There are also budgeting applications that help users track their spending like the Mint App!
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, we encourage students to sign up for our CashCoach program which will begin its next cohort in Fall 2020! Visit our website to sign up today!https://financialsmarts.umbc.edu/programs/mybudgetcoach/
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 important to seek out trustworthy guidance and leverage the resources that are available to you now for free as a student!
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 (and Disney+...and Hulu...and Xfinity...even Crunchyroll...) just won’t suffice, check out some of the suggestions below:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Take time to reconnect with family and friends
Tell your friends you cherish them! Keep your support system strong and growing into the Spring semester. 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.
4. 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!
5. Take a day trip somewhere that you haven't been or spend an afternoon exploring your hometown, or you can 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.
If Maryland is home, here is a list of 100 day trips from Baltimore, and places to volunteer!
6. 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.
7. Set up an informational interview with a working professional.
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 pilot/engineer/dance therapist?” Shadowing can help you determine if a profession is really for you! Keep a journal to record notes from these experiences.
8. Update and upgrade your resume.
Opportunities sometimes come up quickly and you want to be ready with that polished resume. Every college student needs a polished resume!
9. Plan an independent research or creative project and prepare an application for the UMBC Undergraduate Research Award (URA).
The URA provides up to $1500 to support research expenses such as equipment, travel, and materials. Applications are due no later than May 1, 2020. Here is a link to the full details.
Summer internships can provide both $ and valuable experience. The more competitive internships have deadlines in fall, but some are still open in January-March. If you have already missed a deadline, get all the information so you can apply early next year. Some internships are open to recent college graduates.
10. Work on your graduation game plan.
Winter break is an excellent time to create, revise or update your plan. Here are suggestions for a pathway you can take for graduation, and it includes a worksheet to start the plans on! Don’t forget to refer to your degree audit on myUMBC!
Read more about this here.
]]>Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, your sophomore year of college can be one of heightened uncertainty and lower motivation, as many students start to second guess choices and paths that were chosen during their first year. In fact, this time frame has a name – The Sophomore Slump.
Fear not, this is a very normal experience for a lot of students!
If you currently find yourself in the midst of the slump, we’ve laid out some ideas for how to cure any “symptoms” you might be experiencing.
COUNTERING THE SLUMP SYMPTOMS
Social Symptoms may include no longer feeling that “click” with some friends made in freshman year or feeling like you don’t quite belong in a certain friend group.
Solutions: It’s okay to gradually move away from the friends you no longer feel close to and create situations in which you will naturally meet new people. Start trying to form connections with other students in your classes, in your residence hall, or even in a student org you’ve recently joined.
Academic Symptoms may include lack of motivation to attend class and study, sometimes accompanied by second guessing the major you are pursuing.
Solutions: Find some ways to bring novelty and excitement to your academic life. Change study groups, start using electronic flashcards and study tools (See Study Stack, for example), make a point of speaking in class, etc. And start planning now to take something really intriguing or outside your comfort zone during Winter session. (Winter 2020 registration in now live and you do not need registration clearance!) With respect to the major, talk to your academic advisor, visit the Career Center to take an interest inventory, and network with students in majors that appeal to you.
Life Direction Symptoms may include guilt about the cost of college given your indecision about the future, or general boredom alternating with feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
Solutions: Plan some very positive next steps! Plan to study abroad. Plan an internship in a field related to your current major or a potential major. And sign up for new recreational and extracurricular activities like intramural sports, taking up a musical instrument, or joining new clubs or campus organizations.
GENERALLY SPEAKING
Sophomore slump tendencies are a reflection of your “middle child” status on campus—no longer new and not yet in the big leagues of academic work. You are no longer eligible for the extra attention given to freshmen, but you are starting to take some challenging upper level courses along with juniors and perhaps even seniors.
The solution to the malaise of sophomore-hood is almost always action. This would be action to make changes in social habit patterns, action to try new courses, join new organizations, and plan new enriching activities. Sometimes the action you need to take is to collect additional information – about majors and careers, about internships and study abroad programs. Less stewing and more motion will help you beat the slump and stay on course toward graduation and all around success.
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