Leaving Pawprint Across the Globe Study Abroad @ UMBC!

Alicyn Curtis is a Study Abroad Advisor in the Education Abroad Office at UMBC (located on the 2nd floor of the University Center). We reached out to her to help Extra Credit readers gain an understanding of the steps involved with studying abroad, as well as the impact the experience can have on a student’s life. 

EC: Break it down as easy as you can, what are the steps students need to take if they want to study abroad?

AC:  

1) Attend Study Abroad 101! Study Abroad 101 is the first step on your Education Abroad journey! It's an important 30-minute presentation given by our staff members to educate you on the basics: the types of programs we offer, eligibility requirements, scholarships, upcoming events, applying your financial aid, and navigating our website. 

2) Choose a program 

3) Schedule an appointment with an Education Abroad Advisor. 

EC: How has study abroad been impacted by Covid-19. More specifically, is this still impacting where students can go or what programs are recommended?

AC: Students can travel to locations designated as Level 1 or Level 2 by the U.S. Department of State. We have programs in a variety of different locations and work with many program providers that best support students and their needs. 

EC: What should students consider when trying to select a study abroad program?

AC:

  • When and where would they want to study abroad?
  • How many courses do they have left in their degree plan?
  • Are they interested in taking courses toward their major/minor/certificate or general electives?
  • Are they planning to use financial aid and scholarships toward their study abroad program?
  • How much does the program cost?
  • What type of support will they require while on a study abroad program? 

EC: Is there an aspect of the study abroad planning process that many students, in retrospect, wish they had spent more time on/focused on? 

AC:

  • Finances. Students may not realize the extra costs that go into studying abroad. We prepare budget sheets for students that include those costs but it's important to research how much things like local transportation, food, clothing, etc. cost in the local country, on top of the associated program fees for tuition and housing.
  • Visa. Students participating in semester-long or academic year programs will need a visa depending on their location. Obtaining a visa can be a lengthy process so it's important to work with their program provider and host university to secure their visa promptly. 

EC: Apart from some of the more well-known or "cliche" reasons to study abroad, why do you think students should make this part of their college experience?

AC: Studying abroad is truly a transformative and life-changing experience. You may not realize it while you’re in the moment but you'll gain new skills and insights about yourself that you might not have thought about.  

EC: Can you dispel the myth that Science/Engineering majors can't study abroad?

AC: Absolutely! STEM majors can study abroad, any term, and at any location! Our office works with a variety of programs that have courses in STEM disciplines for all terms. Please attend Study Abroad 101 and schedule an appointment with me to learn more. I'd be more than happy to help students find a program that best fits their needs.

EC: Are there any current UMBC study abroad programs you'd like to make a shameless plug for right now?

AC:Of course! I'd like to recommend our three Winter 2025 UMBC Faculty-Led Programs! Applications open in April so I highly recommend students apply. :) I would also like to recommend our UMBC Exchange Program with Swansea University in Wales!

EC: If you yourself could study abroad right now, where would you go and why?

AC:If I could study abroad right now, I would go to Thailand! I would love to learn about Thai culture, visit Buddhist temples, and explore the national parks and nature reserves.

EC: For fun - any good stories from your own study abroad experience?

AC:This happened when I was teaching English in South Korea in a small town called Jinhae in the countryside. I was on my way to work, I always took the bus to the academy I worked at. An elderly Korean woman gets on the bus, sits next to me and smiles. I smile back and say "Hello" in Korean. She greeted me back and told me my hair, which was in a protective style called box braids, was pretty and was curious about how I styled my hair. For the entire bus ride, I spoke with her, in Korean, about my hair, Black protective hairstyles, and showed her pictures of my natural hair. It was one of my favorite conversations because not only was I able to share a piece of my culture, but I was able to do so in Korean without any issues. I'll never forget that! 

]]> Alicyn Curtis is a Study Abroad Advisor in the Education Abroad Office at UMBC (located on the 2nd floor of the University Center). We reached out to her to help Extra Credit readers gain an... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/140419/guest@my.umbc.edu/451bb06550e93e8bfbb9d28aa021b4b1/api/pixel freshman sophomore UMBC Extra Credit https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/credit https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xsmall.png?1629905298 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/original.png?1629905298 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xxlarge.png?1629905298 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xlarge.png?1629905298 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/large.png?1629905298 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/medium.png?1629905298 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/small.png?1629905298 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xsmall.png?1629905298 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xxsmall.png?1629905298 UMBC Extra Credit https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/140/419/deafc8232120d281b34569773de83916/xxlarge.jpg?1711996273 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/140/419/deafc8232120d281b34569773de83916/xlarge.jpg?1711996273 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/140/419/deafc8232120d281b34569773de83916/large.jpg?1711996273 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/140/419/deafc8232120d281b34569773de83916/medium.jpg?1711996273 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/140/419/deafc8232120d281b34569773de83916/small.jpg?1711996273 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/140/419/deafc8232120d281b34569773de83916/xsmall.jpg?1711996273 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/140/419/deafc8232120d281b34569773de83916/xxsmall.jpg?1711996273 13 0 true Mon, 01 Apr 2024 14:41:04 -0400 Wed, 03 Apr 2024 12:46:57 -0400 There's a Map for That! Academic Planning for Graduation

In the midst of the semester grind, it can be a challenge to think beyond just the next semester. But did you know that according to the UMBC Baccalaureate Degree Completion Policy, the university actually encourages all students to have a long-term academic plan established by the time they have earned 45 credits?

What exactly is a long-term academic plan? It’s a map of how you are going to complete ALL your degree requirements- not just those needed for your major. Ideally, you will create a plan that is broken down by semester (including any summer or winter sessions you may use) and include credit totals. 

You may be thinking this sounds like a daunting process, but students who carve out time to do this exercise are able to reap several benefits:

See the Big Picture – long-term planning allows you to visualize the gaps. Open space that you have in your overall academic plan can be used intentionally for things like study abroad, an internship, or a second major or a minor/certificate.

Ensures timely graduation – planning out your academics beyond just the next semester will help you avoid missing degree requirements, such as the 45 upper-level credit requirement. If you create a first draft of your plan and then realize you have “run out of space” to meet your graduation goal, you now have the time to figure out how to move things around, which may include taking more credits in a certain semester or adding in a summer or winter session.*

Allows for greater flexibility and confidence – when you have an overall idea of when you plan to take certain courses, you actually can move things around with greater ease without the worry of accidentally bumping out another required course. Everything needed is right there in front of you and accounted for! Are you a student-athlete? By long-term planning, you can create a plan that allows you to have a lighter course load during your season and a heavier one in the off season. Are you planning to study abroad?You can reserve/hold off on certain courses that you know you can take during your study abroad semester. Do you need to go part-time for a semester? You can determine which future semesters will carry the load of classes you didn’t take in that part-time semester.

This is all about creating a plan that is unique to YOU and your needs, instead of feeling constrained by what’s required. When you don’t long-term plan, you run the risk of boxing yourself in to a course schedule that doesn’t really serve your goals and needs. 

So how do you get started on long-term planning? It’s easy.

1. Find the Academic Pathway associated with your major (you can also download a blank planning document from this website), in conjunction with the Undergraduate Course Catalog (which also includes requirements for minors and certificates). Use these resources to help determine what classes are needed for your program(s) of study. Note – Academic Pathways are guidesintended to show you the order in which to take certain major classes. Each student’s plan will be unique, especially if you entered UMBC with transfer or AP/IB credits.

2. While creating the plan, utilize your Degree Audit, which is linked in your myUMBC Profile to confirm what degree requirements (including General Education and University requirements) you’ve already completed. You can print off your Degree Audit and “check off” the requirements as you put them into your plan.

3. Meet with your academic advisor (listed on your myUMBC Profile page) to review the plan and ensure that you did not miss any important requirements.

Bonus - Enter your plan into the Degree Planner on myUMBC to update your Degree Donut.

*Want to get ahead, catch up, or lighten your load during the regular academic year? Consider summer session at UMBC! Course offerings are mostly online for 2024 and include 4, 6, 8 and 12-week options.

In closing, just because you create a long-term plan, doesn’t mean it can’t be changed. Ideally you will bring this plan with you, in whatever format you choose, to each advising appointment so you can make adjustments with your academic advisor as necessary. Happy Planning! 

]]> In the midst of the semester grind, it can be a challenge to think beyond just the next semester. But did you know that according to the UMBC Baccalaureate Degree Completion Policy, the university... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/138415/guest@my.umbc.edu/67d25707b92b5ad8b741b4ab365ac8f3/api/pixel freshman junior sophomore UMBC Extra Credit https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/credit https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xsmall.png?1629905298 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/original.png?1629905298 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xxlarge.png?1629905298 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xlarge.png?1629905298 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/large.png?1629905298 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/medium.png?1629905298 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/small.png?1629905298 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xsmall.png?1629905298 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xxsmall.png?1629905298 UMBC Extra Credit https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/415/37bae91eff00f9edab97088918501306/xxlarge.jpg?1706280525 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/415/37bae91eff00f9edab97088918501306/xlarge.jpg?1706280525 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/415/37bae91eff00f9edab97088918501306/large.jpg?1706280525 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/415/37bae91eff00f9edab97088918501306/medium.jpg?1706280525 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/415/37bae91eff00f9edab97088918501306/small.jpg?1706280525 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/415/37bae91eff00f9edab97088918501306/xsmall.jpg?1706280525 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/415/37bae91eff00f9edab97088918501306/xxsmall.jpg?1706280525 6 0 true Fri, 26 Jan 2024 09:58:38 -0500 Fri, 26 Jan 2024 14:29:30 -0500 Major Key Unlock the Major for You!

Some students enter college knowing what they want to study, while others take time to explore their options. Sometimes students may start on one path and then end up on a completely different one. Each journey to choosing a college major is unique and that is OKAY!

If you are still considering your options, we are here to offer some thoughts on the major decision process:

  • Educate yourself on all of UMBC’s academic programs - majors, minors and certificates.
  • Consider your strengths and interests - what subjects do you enjoy studying? What type of classroom setting do you prefer? What have you been skilled at academically in the past?
  • Discuss your options with an academic advisor in The Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising - the go-to advising office on campus for students exploring majors or transitioning between majors.
  • Create a few academic plans to determine which program will help you get to your graduation goal faster or will best provide you with the overall college experience you are seeking (for example, if you know you want to study abroad, perhaps seeing which majors would be best aligned with your study abroad goals would help choose your path).
  • Don’t assume that your college major has to align with a specific type of job. Many majors offer pathways to various when you consider the actual skill set you are gaining from a particular major.
  • If you are really stuck, ask for input from those who know you best, but ultimately make the choice yourself.
  • If you have family pressures to pursue a specific major, what other ways you can bring your interests into your academic pathway? A minor? An extracurricular activity?
  • Explore parallel paths when your chosen major isn’t working out academically. For example, if you are struggling with the math and science components of Computer Science, perhaps Information Systems, another technology-focused major, might be a better fit.

**SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT** 

One timely way to explore UMBC's diverse majors is to attend our upcoming Major Event the week of October 30th.

While we certainly support students taking their time to make this important decision, we do encourage students to decide on a major no later than the end of their sophomore year. This will help ensure you are on track for a timely graduation.

Happy Exploring!

Helpful Links

Advising Contact List

FOCUS2 and other self-assessment tools via the Career Center

UMBC Academic Pathways (sample four-year academic pathways for each major)  ]]> Some students enter college knowing what they want to study, while others take time to explore their options. Sometimes students may start on one path and then end up on a completely different... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/136560/guest@my.umbc.edu/b5aae28c064c26514b9eb245fb20115f/api/pixel freshman sophomore UMBC Extra Credit https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/credit https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xsmall.png?1629905298 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/original.png?1629905298 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xxlarge.png?1629905298 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xlarge.png?1629905298 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/large.png?1629905298 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/medium.png?1629905298 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/small.png?1629905298 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xsmall.png?1629905298 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xxsmall.png?1629905298 UMBC Extra Credit https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/560/968de286df78344ce33279515233a0cd/xxlarge.jpg?1698246279 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/560/968de286df78344ce33279515233a0cd/xlarge.jpg?1698246279 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/560/968de286df78344ce33279515233a0cd/large.jpg?1698246279 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/560/968de286df78344ce33279515233a0cd/medium.jpg?1698246279 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/560/968de286df78344ce33279515233a0cd/small.jpg?1698246279 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/560/968de286df78344ce33279515233a0cd/xsmall.jpg?1698246279 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/560/968de286df78344ce33279515233a0cd/xxsmall.jpg?1698246279 3 0 true Wed, 25 Oct 2023 11:06:29 -0400 Academic Advisors are Ready to Chat with You! A run-down of advising at UMBC

Believe it or not, next month it will be time to register for the spring semester! Academic Advisors are ready and eager to chat with you about your academic progress and answer your questions about spring classes.

The Spring 2024 schedule of classes will be available on Monday, October 23rd and you should plan to meet with your Academic Advisor before your registration appointment date. At UMBC, students must meet with their advisor before registering for the next semester.

Your academic advisor is a vital member of your academic support team and someone we recommend you connect with regularly to take full advantage of their support when it comes to:

  • Your adjustment to college
  • Major and career choices
  • Course selection
  • Long-term academic planning
  • Academic difficulty
  • Academic "extras" such as minors, internships, education abroad, etc.  

Before your advising appointment, you can review your degree card on your myUMBC Profile. This allows you to:

  • Access your Academic Advisor’s contact information
  • Develop and update your degree plan
  • Check your degree progress
  • See how coursework transferred over from your previous institution
  • Access suggested four-year pathways for completing your degree program  

Additionally, you can develop a list of questions/topics to discuss with your Academic Advisor in order to structure your meeting. To help with that conversation, ask yourself:

  • How am I doing in my major?
  • Do I need to make any changes or seek academic support next semester?
  • How long will it take me to complete all my coursework?
  • Does my academic plan contain all my GEPs, upper-level credits, and writing intensive?
  • Should I plan to take a winter class?
  • Are there other topics I'm interested in exploring by adding a minor or certificate program?
  • What’s the best way to get in touch with you if I have further questions?  

Supplemental Advising

If you are pursuing a pre-professional pathway or have questions about these pathways, you can seek non-mandatory advising through the following places:

Have any questions?   

Contact the Office of Academic & Pre-Professional Advising at oapa@umbc.edu or visit our office in Sherman Hall, B-wing, rm 224.  

 

Happy Advising!   

]]> Believe it or not, next month it will be time to register for the spring semester! Academic Advisors are ready and eager to chat with you about your academic progress and answer your questions... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/136280/guest@my.umbc.edu/718cdf4fc8d8bc162da17e7515e21279/api/pixel freshman UMBC Extra Credit https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/credit https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xsmall.png?1629905298 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/original.png?1629905298 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xxlarge.png?1629905298 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xlarge.png?1629905298 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/large.png?1629905298 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/medium.png?1629905298 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/small.png?1629905298 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xsmall.png?1629905298 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xxsmall.png?1629905298 UMBC Extra Credit https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/280/8fb7796d545978ab9e38cf5cc38e4bb7/xxlarge.jpg?1697421277 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/280/8fb7796d545978ab9e38cf5cc38e4bb7/xlarge.jpg?1697421277 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/280/8fb7796d545978ab9e38cf5cc38e4bb7/large.jpg?1697421277 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/280/8fb7796d545978ab9e38cf5cc38e4bb7/medium.jpg?1697421277 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/280/8fb7796d545978ab9e38cf5cc38e4bb7/small.jpg?1697421277 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/280/8fb7796d545978ab9e38cf5cc38e4bb7/xsmall.jpg?1697421277 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/280/8fb7796d545978ab9e38cf5cc38e4bb7/xxsmall.jpg?1697421277 0 2 true Sun, 15 Oct 2023 21:56:03 -0400 Mon, 16 Oct 2023 22:01:18 -0400 Keep Graduation in Mind! Create a Long-Term Academic Plan

As you settle on to campus and into your fall classes,it can be challenging to think beyond this semester. But in the spirit of Extra Credit’s mindset of “do more to gain more,” we are here to encourage you that it is never too early to start thinking about progressing toward graduation and how some simple long-term planning can help ensure that you graduate on time!

What exactly is a long-term academic plan? It’s a map of how you will complete ALL your degree requirements- not just those needed for your major. Ideally, you will create a plan that is broken down by semester (including any summer or winter sessions) and include credit totals.

You may think this sounds like a daunting process, but students who carve out time to do this exercise can reap several benefits, including seeing the big picture, ensuring timely graduation, and allowing for greater flexibility...Not to mention, it's a great confidence booster! 

This is all about creating a unique plan for YOU and your needs instead of feeling constrained by what’s required. When you don’t have a long-term plan, you risk boxing yourself into a course schedule that doesn’t serve your goals and needs.

So, how do you get started on long-term planning? It’s easy.

  • Find the Academic Pathway associated with your major (you can also download a blank planning document from this website) in conjunction with the Undergraduate Course Catalog (including requirements for minors and certificates). Use these resources to help determine what classes are needed for your program(s) of study.Note – Academic Pathways are guides intended to show you the order in which to take certain major classes. Each student’s plan will be unique, especially if you entered UMBC with transfer or AP/IB credits.

  • While creating the plan, utilize your Degree Audit to confirm what degree requirements (including General Education and University requirements) you’ve already completed. You can print off your Degree Audit and “check off” the requirements as you put them into your plan.

  • Meet with your academic advisor to review the plan and ensure that you did not miss any important requirements.

  • Bonus - Enter your plan into the Degree Planner on myUMBC to update your Degree Donut 

*Want to get ahead, catch up, or lighten your load during the regular academic year? Consider the winter session at UMBC! Course offerings are mostly online for 2024.

Just because you create a long-term plan doesn’t mean it can’t be changed. Ideally, you will bring this plan with you, in whatever format you choose, to each advising appointment so you can make adjustments with your academic advisor as necessary.

]]> As you settle on to campus and into your fall classes,it can be challenging to think beyond this semester. But in the spirit of Extra Credit’s mindset of “do more to gain more,” we are here to... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/135257/guest@my.umbc.edu/3830a934544ed4f4ef67105e48adecf7/api/pixel freshman sophomore UMBC Extra Credit https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/credit https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xsmall.png?1629905298 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/original.png?1629905298 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xxlarge.png?1629905298 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xlarge.png?1629905298 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/large.png?1629905298 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/medium.png?1629905298 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/small.png?1629905298 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xsmall.png?1629905298 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xxsmall.png?1629905298 UMBC Extra Credit 0 0 true Thu, 07 Sep 2023 22:20:01 -0400 Fri, 08 Sep 2023 10:50:53 -0400 Don't Delay - Create a Long-Term Academic Plan Today!

Fall 2023 registration is almost here! In the midst of the semester grind, it can be a challenge to think beyond just the next semester. But did you know that according to the UMBC Baccalaureate Degree Completion Policy, the university actually encourages all students to have a long-term academic plan established by the time they have earned 45 credits? 

What exactly is a long-term academic plan? It’s a map of how you are going to complete ALL your degree requirements- not just those needed for your major. Ideally, you will create a plan that is broken down by semester (including any summer or winter sessions you may use) and include credit totals.

You may be thinking this sounds like a daunting process, but students who carve out time to do this exercise are able to reap several benefits:

  1. See the Big Picture– long-term planning allows you to visualize the gaps. Open space that you have in your overall academic plan can be used intentionally for things like study abroad, an internship, or a second major or a minor/certificate
  2. Ensures timely graduation – planning out your academics beyond just the next semester will help you avoid missing degree requirements, such as the 45 upper-level credit requirement. If you create a first draft of your plan and then realize you have “run out of space” to meet your graduation goal, you now have the time to figure out how to move things around, which may include taking more credits in a certain semester or adding in a summer or winter session*
  3. Allows for greater flexibility and confidence – when you have an overall idea of when you plan to take certain courses, youactually can move things around with greater ease without the worry of accidentally bumping out another required course. Everything needed is right there in front of you and accounted for!Are you a student-athlete? By long-term planning, you can create a plan that allows you to have a lighter course load during your season and a heavier one in the off season.Are you planning to study abroad?You can reserve/hold off on certain courses that you know you can take during your study abroad semester. Do you need to go part-time for a semester? You can determine which future semesters will carry the load of classes you didn’t take in that part-time semester.

This is all about creating a plan that is unique to YOU and your needs, instead of feeling constrained by what’s required. When you don’t long-term plan, you run the risk of boxing yourself in to a course schedule that doesn’t really serve your goals and needs.

So how do you get started on long-term planning? It’s easy.

  1. Find the Academic Pathway associated with your major (you can also download a blank planning document from this website), in conjunction with the Undergraduate Course Catalog (which also includes requirements for minors and certificates). Use these resources to help determine what classes are needed for your program(s) of study. Note – Academic Pathways are guides intended to show you the order in which to take certain major classes. Each student’s plan will be unique, especially if you entered UMBC with transfer or AP/IB credits.
  2. While creating the plan, utilize your Degree Audit in myUMBC to confirm what degree requirements (including General Education and University requirements) you’ve already completed. You can print off your Degree Audit and “check off” the requirements as you put them into your plan.
  3. Meet with your academic advisor to review the plan and ensure that you did not miss any important requirements.
  4. Bonus - Enter your plan into the Degree Planner on myUMBC to update your Degree Donut.

*Want to get ahead, catch up, or lighten your load during the regular academic year? Consider summer session at UMBC! Course offerings are mostly online for 2023 and include 4, 6, 8 and 12-week options.

In closing, just because you create a long-term plan, doesn’t mean it can’t be changed. Ideally you will bring this plan with you, in whatever format you choose, to each advising appointment so you can make adjustments with your academic advisor as necessary. Happy Planning! 

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An exciting aspect of college is the opportunity to take on a leadership role in activities/programs/initiatives that you love. Doing so 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.  

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 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 UMBC’s new job search platform, Handshake, to find open positions.  

Support the UMBC Student Community

  • 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 2023-2024 candidate application is open now (Deadline is March 1st)
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • The A-Team – This consists of various student leadership opportunities around supporting new UMBC Students.You can learn more about the following positions here and apply for the 2023-2024 cycle.
Teaching Assistant for Academic Transition Courses
Orientation Peer Advisor (OPA)
Peer Advisor in The Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising (OAPA) 
Academic Peer Advocate in Academic Success Center (ASC)
  • 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. 

Whatever way you choose to get involved in leadership opportunities on campus, we promise you won’t be disappointed! Not only with you develop lifelong skills that you can add to your resume, you’re also bound to build strong friendships and memories of your time at UMBC! 

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Winter break is finally here!

You worked hard this semester and it doesn’t go unrecognized. Now is the time to get some well-deserved rest and recharge before the spring semester begins!

It’s easy to binge-watch your favorite tv shows or go down the Tik Tok rabbit hole, but we’d like to challenge you to do some things that will genuinely restore you during your winter break.

Mental Health and Wellness

  • Re-establish good sleeping habits and get the rest you deserve!
  • Take a break from your typical college diet and enjoy some hearty, homecooked meals. Check out these easy meals for college students and Retriever Essentials winter hours, if needed.
  • Spend an afternoon exploring the great outdoors! If you call Maryland home, you could explore many of the state parks that are still open. If you like skiing, there are many local spots to check out too! And if you aren’t feeling as adventurous, even a walk around your neighbourhood can do a world of good!
  • Reconnect with family and friends to keep your support system strong and growing into the spring semester. 

Academics

  • Take some time to evaluate your fall semester and plan for the spring.

Note:There is still time to register for Winter Session!

  • How did your course load feel this semester? How did you do in online vs. in-person classes? Did you connect with professors or advisors in your department? Did you seek academic support when you needed it? This can be a great time to ensure you get all the help you need to move forward!
  • Create, revise or update your academic plan. Here are suggestions for a pathway you can take toward graduation, including a helpful planning worksheet! Don’t forget to refer to your myUMBC profile for more academic information!

Future Planning

  • Take time to research graduate or professional programs. Whether you are just starting to think about grad school or currently working on applications, many schools offer virtual fairs or meetings to prospective students.
  • Find out what a profession is like and connect 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?” Keep a journal to record notes from these experiences. We also have a lot of UMBC alumni for you to connect with through ourRetrievers Connect network!
  • Update and upgrade your resume. Opportunities sometimes come up quickly, and you want to be ready with that polished resume. Check out these tips from the Career Center!
  • Are you looking for funding? Check out Scholarship Retriever, which offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to new and current UMBC students. The Scholarship Retriever lists institutional, merit, financial need, and department scholarships.
  • Look ahead to summer and get a jump on searching for summer internships, which can provide both $ and valuable experience. The more competitive internships have deadlines in the 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. Check out some tips for getting started here!  

 

We wish you all a restful and well-deserved winter break! We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year!  

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Written by Irene Thomas, UMBC '21

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 can be challenging. You may think, "But that's so far away," or "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 utterly unfamiliar because they were not taught in high school. Individualized Study (the "build your own major" major), Public Health, Geography, and Environmental Systems, and Business Technology Administration are interesting majors students may not have been aware of before arriving at UMBC. There's no harm in looking through the list - you never know what you might find! 

**SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT** 

One timely way to explore UMBC's diverse majors is to attend our upcoming Major Event on November 16! 

Educate yourself on potential majors. 

Talk to an advisor or current students in the major you're interested in so that you can get a better understanding of the potential courses and paths you may want to pursue in your selected major. Researching on your own is highly recommended, as well. 

List 5-8 possibilities based on your interests and aptitudes. 

Take courses that are steered towardthe potential majors you have chosen. Read the entire catalog sections, all the course descriptions, faculty bios, and any other information about these majors 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, and it is okay to listen to their insights, but ultimately it is essential to make your own choice. You are the student, and you are making the decision that could affect your future career trajectory (at least in the short run – many people change careers throughout their lifetime!). 

Refrain from assuming 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 only have an indirect relationship to their positions. 

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 may indicate that it is inappropriate. Consider other options in which you can be more successful!

If you think you need extra support in major exploration, The Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising is always here to assist you! Students are always welcome to set up an advising appointment with an OAPA advisor.

Helpful Links

Advising Contact List

"What can I do with my major?" via the Career Center

FOCUS2 and other self-assessment tools via the Career Center

UMBC Academic Pathways (sample four-year academic pathways for each major)  

]]> Written by Irene Thomas, UMBC '21 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 can be... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/128921/guest@my.umbc.edu/6e39d0e562abf53ca6cebd40c9d1250f/api/pixel freshman sophomore UMBC Extra Credit https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/credit https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xsmall.png?1629905298 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/original.png?1629905298 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xxlarge.png?1629905298 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xlarge.png?1629905298 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/large.png?1629905298 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/medium.png?1629905298 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/small.png?1629905298 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xsmall.png?1629905298 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/156/c603f9a73974cd04500b265609abdd6f/xxsmall.png?1629905298 UMBC Extra Credit https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/921/dae6042416a1c9e5ffbb1d51e9dab7d0/xxlarge.jpg?1667443814 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/921/dae6042416a1c9e5ffbb1d51e9dab7d0/xlarge.jpg?1667443814 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/921/dae6042416a1c9e5ffbb1d51e9dab7d0/large.jpg?1667443814 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/921/dae6042416a1c9e5ffbb1d51e9dab7d0/medium.jpg?1667443814 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/921/dae6042416a1c9e5ffbb1d51e9dab7d0/small.jpg?1667443814 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/921/dae6042416a1c9e5ffbb1d51e9dab7d0/xsmall.jpg?1667443814 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/921/dae6042416a1c9e5ffbb1d51e9dab7d0/xxsmall.jpg?1667443814 2 0 true Wed, 02 Nov 2022 23:00:41 -0400 Connecting with your Professors

Whether you are enrolled in online, hybrid or in-person classes, building relationships with your professors can greatly impact your satisfaction and overall success in a course. But with larger class sizes and less frequent class meeting times than in high school, you may be tempted to think that initiating a conversation with your professors is challenging or daunting. 

However, we are here to tell you that it is quite simple and absolutely something that professors want you to do! Just having the assurance that your professors know who you are by name can make all the difference in your motivation and feelings of connectedness to your courses. 

Additionally, building connections may open the door for future support/opportunities, including:

  • Serving as a teacher’s assistant
  • Independent Study/Research
  • Letters of recommendation for professional or graduate school 

Below are some easy ways to get started and tips for doing so! 

How to Connect: 

Stop by During Office Hours 

Utilize your professor’s office hours! The sole purpose of these hours is to help you outside of class. Whether it be the 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. 

Office hours or 1:1 meetings may or may not still be held virtually at this time. Refer to your class syllabus to determine where and when these hours are held.  

Helpful Tip: Many professors are willing to set up meetings with you on days, and at times, outside of their listed hours to better accommodate you. Some professors with challenging schedules are willing to have meetings via phone call. Just take the initiative to ask.  

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. As a courtesy, please allow for a 24-hour response time. It may take a bit of back and forth to get your questions answered, but in the end, you should still be able to get the assistance you need. 

Note – Your emails should include an initial greeting, your name, Campus ID,  what class you are in (sometimes professors are teaching multiple courses/sections), and a respectful closing.  

When to Connect: 

· Don’t wait to set up a meeting until you are struggling in a course. Connect early in the semester! If there are extenuating circumstances, including student-athlete travel schedules or accommodations you receive through Student Disability Services, these are helpful things to let your professor know about at the beginning of 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 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.  

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