Academic Advising Services

COEIT Advising remains committed to supporting students in the coming weeks and looks forward to providing our regular services in technology-driven ways.

Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS:

• Email coeitadvising@umbc.edu
• Contact Our Staff

COEIT Staff will monitor email messages 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Questions and requests will be routed to the appropriate staff member for response. Requests may also be submitted via RT request.

Advising Appointments

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Advisors will be available electronically via email, WebEx, and Google Hangouts Meet (chat and video). Students may contact any advisor via email with questions. Students who would like to request a virtual appointment, whether for registration clearance or other reasons, may use the appointment website.

SUMMER REGISTRATION

• Summer registration does not require advising clearance and is already available to students. However, advisors are happy to discuss your plans for summer classes as well as any related questions. Please be sure to contact an advisor if you plan to take a course off-campus at another institution.

FALL REGISTRATION CLEARANCE

• All advising clearances for fall semester will require an appointment. Pre-Computer Science and Pre-Engineering (Chemical, Computer, Mechanical) majors should continue to set up appointments via the appointment website. You will have the choice of options for communicating with an advisor.
  • If you select an email appointment an advisor will email you by your appointment date/ time. You MUST respond to that email to receive advising clearance.
  • If you select a Google Chat/Meetup an advisor will contact you during the appointment time to review relevant information.
• All engineering and computer science students who have passed their gateway, except first semester transfer students, should contact their faculty advisor for advising clearance. Please contact a COEIT Advisor by email if you need assistance connecting with your faculty advisor.
• Information Systems and Business Technology Administration majors should contact their faculty advisor for advising clearance.

Blackboard course shells for SU2020 were created on April 21, 2020.

NOTE: In recognition of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing social distancing practices, UMBC’s summer session will be offered entirely online in 2020. View related information about teaching this summer, or contact the Office of Summer & Winter Programs at summer@umbc.edu for questions. Please see these resources to prepare:

• DoIT’s Academic Continuity & Student Technology Resources

• Instructional Technology Training  

• Faculty Development Center’s Keep On Teaching

• Check our extensive FAQ collection

About SU2020 Course Shells

The Ultra Course Preview setting is again enabled in SU2020 courses to allow faculty adoption with anupdated support schedule of Ultra (see prior announcement). The Ultra Course Preview tool allows faculty to convert an existing Original course and see what it looks like in Ultra. 

Ally, an accessibility tool, is also enabled in all new course shells as of last summer. Ally automatically scans uploaded and created course content, then performs a series of steps to make that content more accessible. Please review the Ally FAQs for more information about the accessibility indicators on course content and alternative formats.

• If you are an instructor, and your name is not associated with the course you are teaching in the SOC, please see your Departmental Scheduling Coordinator to resolve the issue. Once you are listed in the SOC, your Bb course shell will be created automatically. 
• If you and your Department Scheduling Coordinator believe you are correctly assigned as the instructor of record in the SOC and you do not see your course shell in Blackboard, please submit a Request Tracker (RT) ticket via my.umbc.edu/help.
• If you need a Bb shell for a research or independent study course, please submit a new course request.

Instructors who teach multiple sections of the same course will find those enrollments merged into one Bb course shell. These sections may be split upon request by an RT ticket, which we recommend submitting at least one week before the semester starts, if not as soon as courses are created in Blackboard.

Student enrollment in Bb mirrors the official registration in SA and updates hourly. However, courses are not accessible to students by default until the instructor of record makes them available.

As always, if you have any questions, please consider the following options:

• Academic Continuity | Keep On Teaching | Student Technology Resources
• Check our extensive FAQ collection 
• Open a ticket via RT
• Follow the Instructional Technology & DoIT myUMBC groups
• Sign up for a webinar & other training 
• Request a consult with instructional technology staff

We are following our “Innovating in a Time of Crisis" Program with a

two part workshop led by Human Centered Design expert Tom Heffner for teams and companies that are looking to pivot, iterate, and design solutions during this unprecedented time.

This two part series starts this Friday from 1:00-3:15 with the second

on Friday, May 1st at 1:00pm.  The program includes separate office

hours. Please register here. 

https://forms.gle/HGxsFLpUEUboypfV8

Workshop Syllabus & Agenda

Workshop Description

This workshop is focused on teaching you advanced Innovation methods and principles using Design Thinking as the primary driver.  You will learn what innovation is and how Design Thinking is a driver of innovation. You will learn to accelerate your decision making, collaboration, ideation, and ultimately your innovation skills.  You will accomplish this by learning to use various Design Thinking methods and tools for research, analysis, synthesis and decision making.

Workshop Goals

This workshop will be most useful for teams interested in driving

innovation as an individual, in a community, or in a company/organization.  It will also provide a system so that you can

repeatedly generate new ideas, concepts, and decisions.  Once you learn this system, it’s domain agnostic.  That is, you’ll be able to apply

these methods to new product development just as easily to service

Design.

 At the completion of this training, students will be able to:

1.Upon completion of this workshop, students will understand what

innovation is and how design thinking can be a major driver of it.

2.Upon completion of this workshop, students will be able to plan

and conduct design research.

3.Upon completion of this workshop, students will be able to

synthesize themes, patterns, and insights from qualitative design

research data.

4.Upon completion of this workshop, students will be able to plan,

structure, and facilitate ideation and concepting sessions.

5.Upon completion of this workshop, students will be able to use

design thinking tools to frame, plan and execute a challenge relevant to their work, community or personal.

We have a limited number of spaces. Please register as soon as possible.We realize that the timing of this event is tight, but we are hoping to help teams as they deal with this crisis.

https://forms.gle/HGxsFLpUEUboypfV8

https://forms.gle/HGxsFLpUEUboypfV8

• Share a quick “welcome to UMBC” message for incoming students
• What advice would you give a brand new UMBC student? 
  
• Why are you glad to be part of UMBC?
• What do you/your team have to offer new students that will help them as they start their time at UMBC?
• Who can new students turn to for help and support?

Student Org Highlight: Cleftomaniacs! If you are not following them, you should be! Their social media packs a punch with their awesome solos and other original content. They are a prime example of #UMBCTogether - we cannot wait to see more. #UMBC

Show us how your organization stays connected by using #UMBCTogether!

Instagram: instagram.com/umbnullc_cleftomaniacs

Facebook: facebook.com/umbccleftomaniacs

Twitter: twitter.com/Cleftomaniacs

Dear We Believe You Community,

Greetings from social distance!

We hope that this message reaches you and your loved-ones healthy and in good spirits during this difficult time. It is hard to believe it has been nearly a month since we were last together. By now, you are well into social distancing and online learning; however, we understand that that the transition to online life and the journey to finding a “new norm” is proving to be a harder adjustment than initially anticipated. We, too, deeply lament and mourn the loss of our ability to connect with you on-campus, especially when we were able to create and share such a vibrant atmosphere of open discussion around topics of sexual violence and culture change at UMBC. We understand that there are still many unanswered questions and it is scary time for many, especially as we begin to travel through unfamiliar territory that generates many new and complex emotions. Rest assure, we are still committed to working with you during this challenging time and remain dedicated to the missions that we set out to address earlier this semester and academic year.

Meanwhile, everyone should continue to follow the critically important recommendations of social distancing and personal hygiene. University status is open, with employees working remotely. Facilities will remain closed. Maryland is currently under a Stay at Home Order and face-coverings are required when in retail establishments and public transportation.

For the most updated information and more information on actions to reduce COVID-19 risks in our community, please visit covid19.umbc.edu.

Here is a list of important updates regarding We Believe You and other essential services and resources:

• We Believe You Discussion Group: The WBY Discussion Group is still offered weekly on Wednesdays at 4PM via Webex. If you are interested in joining We Believe You Discussion Group, please send an email to either Amelia ( meman1@umbc.edu ) or Scout ( hertl1@umbc.edu ) and let them know you would like to join!

Today’s (4/22/20) meeting topic will be on sitting with and processing emotions.

• Continuing Support and Services: As you probably already know, all in-person We Believe You and collaborative events are cancelled for the remaining duration of the spring 2020 semester. General Body Meetings are currently not being conducted, however; we are willing to meet with members of our community if you wish to schedule a one-on-one with a member of our executive board. Overall, we are willing to do whatever it takes to support you all as we make our way through these unsure times. To get connected with a member of the We Believe You team, please email us at: webelieveyou.umbc@gmail.com

**To report and seek services for incidents related to sexual violence, relationship violence, and all other sexual misconduct, complete the online form located on the Office of Equity and Inclusion's website.  

Off-Campus Resources:

• TurnAround, Inc. Helpline (Available 24/7): 443-279-0379; Office: 410-377-8111
• MCASA is still open and supporting survivors.
• The National Sexual Assault Hotline is 24/7, confidential and free: 800-656-HOPE (4673 and through chat.
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 24/7, confidential and free: 1-800-799-7233 and through chat. 
• Visit Retriever Courage for a more extensive list of off-campus resources and support
• We Believe You’s Resources Guide 
• Sexual Assault (Local Resource) Flyer
• GBMC Safe Exam Program 

• UMBC’s 2020 Virtual Sexual Assault Awareness Month: There is still time to participate in April’s SAAM events. Join us as we come together to honor survivors and participate in UMBC Women Center’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) 2020 online.

“Each week during April, we will focus on a specific topic/theme as it relates to sexual violence awareness and prevention (see image below). Together, via out social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, we can watch videos, read articles, and engage in other content for learning and skill-building.”

Each week during April, the Women’s Center will be focusing on various topics and issues related to sexual violence awareness and prevention [see flyer below]. Follow UMBC Women’s Center on social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) to watch videos, read articles, and engage in other content for learning and skill-building. Leave comments or ask questions. Stay tuned to the Women’s Center’s myUMBC for more details.

• UMBC Women’s Center: //We are sharing the following message from the UMBC Women’s Center//

The Women's Center will continue providing support and services remotely for the rest of the spring semester based on the 3/19 guidance from UMBC beginning March 23rd. The Women's Center space including the lounge and lactation room will not be open until further notice.

• Individualized Support Meetings: The Women's Center professional staff are available for individual meetings and support which they can provide via phone or video chat; to schedule an appointment, email womenscenter@umbc.edu. If you are already working with a specific staff member and need to set up additional meetings, feel free to reach out to the staff member you have been working with directly (via email or even g-chat!).

• The Women’s Center is offering Virtual “Free Hour” Hangout Sessions! “Join some of your favorite Women's Center staff in our virtual lounge for some fun check-in questions, ice breakers, and general catching up all while maintaining appropriate social distancing and staying home!”

Visit the Women’s Center myUMBC Event’s page for more information. 

• Women's Center Program/Events Cancellations: All Women's Center programming and events for the rest of the spring semester are cancelled in place for a virtual format. Please continue to closely monitor this myUMBC page and your email accounts as virtual options are made to accommodate our community members. The Women’s Center will post which events are going virtual on their specific events post via myUMBC.

• Follow UMBC Women’s Center on social media for more resources and further updates: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram  

• Student Disability Services: Students registered with SDS as a way of keeping in touch during the COVID-19 pandemic, SDS is wanting to ensure that you are able to utilize your approved accommodations when needed now that UMBC is conducting courses and campus operations completely online. SDS staff is working remotely Monday through Friday during regular business hours, so please reach out to SDS if you have any questions or concerns.
• For general questions, you can call the main number at 410-455-2459 or you can email  disAbility@umbc.edu
• If you want to speak with an individual staff member about any specific challenges you are facing, you can either email that staff person directly or schedule a virtual appointment in the Accommodate online portal.
• For Notetaking questions, email: SDSnotetaking@umbc.edu
• For Deaf and hard-of-hearing services, assistive technology questions, or testing concerns, email Michael Canale at canale@umbc.edu or schedule a General Appointment in Accommodate
• For academic support and advising resources, and for Shady Grove campus students, email Cassie Kilroy Thompson at mthomps2@umbc.edu or schedule a General Appointment in Accommodate.
• To request additional (or a change in) accommodations, make sure you have submitted your supporting medical documentation and then email disAbility@umbc.edu.  SDS will send you instructions for scheduling an Update Accommodations appointment.

• Haven at UMBC: The Haven at College, a UMBC partner providing outpatient treatment and recovery housing, is now admitting students to its confidential virtual outpatient program tailored to the specific needs of college students.

All online outpatient services are covered by student health insurance (telehealth services in-network with Carefirst) and students can connect with like-minded peers who, along with Haven clinicians, provide community, accountability, and relief from isolation during this challenging time.

Treatment services include group, individual and family therapy; case management; life skills and educational sessions. Community support includes recovery coaching, family support, online recovery meetings and online peer support. UMBC's Haven Recovery Residence has suspended services at this time. The Haven Residence at College Park is open to UMBC students.

Additional information is provided in the attached flyers. For more information, please call 888-224-2836.

• University Health Services: During the remote instruction period, University Health Services will be providing services remotely using phone and audio/video services weekdays from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Please call 410-455-2542 and leave a message and a provider will contact you. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have never been seen at UHS before, we cannot currently see “new patients” via telehealth visits. Please call your Primary Care Provider, if you have one, or a local office/clinic, urgent care, or emergency room.

• UMBC Counseling Center: The Counseling Center staff will be providing services remotely until further notice. If you would like to speak with a Counseling Center clinician, you may call 410-455-2472 and leave a message including your name, email address, phone number, and UMBC ID#. Voicemail is checked regularly between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. A representative will respond to your call as quickly as possible during business hours. If you are experiencing a life-threatening mental health emergency and cannot wait for our return call during business hours, please call UMBC Police at 410-455-5555 or off campus call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
• Counseling Center’s Statement on Coronavirus and Xenophobia
• Covid-19 Resources
• NAMI HelpLine Coronavirus Information and Resources Guide: The resources were organized based on 12 questions that focus on vulnerable populations.
• Grief and COVID-19: Morning our bygone lives
• Speaking of Psychology: Managing Your Mental Health During COVID-19

In addition to individual counseling, UMBC is still offering remote, virtual Group Counseling services and webinars. Please visit the Counseling Center’s myUMBC page for more details and information on how to sign-up for the series:

• LET’s MEDITATE @UMBC: A free drop-series of 30-minute guided meditations.
• Women of Color Coping Circle: Virtual Drop-In Webinar Series
• Trans Drop-In Group: Occurs weekly on Fridays at 2pm
• Grad Students Drop-In
• Skills 4 Success Session

Monday, April 27 (10am-11am), UMBC Counseling Center is offering an online interactive 1-hour webinar, Coping with COVID, which will “discuss the unique stressors of living through a pandemic and coping strategies as outlined by Dr. Russ Harris”.

• UMBC Retriever Essentials: At the present time, under the COVID-19 guidelines issued by the UMBC campus, the Retriever Essentials Food Pantry is closed for visitors. However, if you need food and toiletry items, the UMBC Campus Police Department has pre-packed bags of nutritionally balanced nonperishable food and travel size toiletry items. Contact the Campus Police at (410) 455-5555. Address: UMBC Police Department 1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250. The UMBC Police Department is located across the parking lot from the Performing Arts and Humanities Building (PAHB).
• The Stay Black and Gold Emergency Fund acknowledges that sometimes we are faced with circumstances we could not have predicted ... circumstances which require us to seek help from others. Please support us in doing all we can to help students continue their education in the face of challenges they could not have anticipated. In the midst of challenging times, the UMBC community always finds ways to support each other. Please consider making a donation to the Stay Black and Gold Emergency Fund.
• If you wish to make a donation directly to Retriever Essentials, please visit the following link and select the drop down menu that indicates “Retriever Essentials”.

• Food and Housing: While Retrievers Essentials items will be available at the Campus Police Station and True Grits for immediate relief, please refer to the following resources in case you or anyone you know needs further assistance relating to food and housing access.

• Search your nearest food pantry here:
  https://211md.org/211provider-md-food
  
• Food pantries around UMBC:
  Catonsville Emergency Assistance
  Southwest Emergency Services
  Elkridge Food Pantry

• Shelters and Emergency Services:

211 Maryland
Baltimore County Westside Men's Shelter (open 24 hours within a mile’s distance)*
My Sister’s Place
Women’s shelter

• UMBC Office of Equity and Inclusion:  The University’s Office of Equity & Inclusion remains open and functioning through remote access at this time. OEI has launched a new online reporting form for matters which include sexual misconduct and/or discrimination. The form permits anonymous reporting by students, faculty, and staff. Interviews, investigations and resolution meetings will be conducted remotely, and matters will proceed.  We will ensure that all parties are able to continue to participate in the process, utilizing remote communication options. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact OEI at oei@umbc.edu

Additional information about the University’s Policies and Resources can be found here.

General Updates

The Office of Equity and Inclusion is open and fully operational. OEI is working remotely during this time. For general updates about OEI through the remainder of the semester and beyond, please visit the OEI website. Information about applicable policies and procedures can also be found at the former human relations website.

Communication

The team is responding by email, phone, and Webex to both new and ongoing matters. Contact OEI@umbc.edu with any further questions or concerns.

Support Services

The Counseling Center, UHS, and the Women's Center are all providing services remotely at this time. Employees can also seek support through the University's Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  To report a complaint of sexual misconduct or discrimination, please submit this online form. 

Lastly, we cannot thank you enough for your unwavering support and participation in We Believe You. We wish to support members of our community any way possible and hope to continue fostering our growing community throughout the social distance and beyond.

For more resources and ways to connect with We Believe You, visit We Believe You’s Resources Guide 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at webelieveyou.umbc@gmail.com

Although we are physically separated, our community is strong. No matter what, always remember that we will get through this together.

We see you. We believe you. You matter. Always.

Take Care and Be Well,

- We Believe You Team

Links with additional important information:

• For up-to-date details on how to access these resources during this time of distance learning visit UMBC’s COVID-19 resources page:

https://covid19.umbc.edu/

• UMBC Town Hall video (captioned and transcribed):

https://covid19.umbc.edu/town-hall

• Student Academic Success Center Resources:

https://academicsuccess.umbc.edu/student-academic-success/

• Academic and Enrollment Policies, including new grading and withdrawal options for Spring 2020:

https://academicsuccess.umbc.edu/student-academic-success/academic-and-enrollment-policies/

• Undergraduate Student - Academic and Enrollment Policies FAQ: https://academicsuccess.umbc.edu/student-academic-success/enrollmentpolicies/

• To report and seek services for incidents related to sexual violence, relationship violence, and all other sexual misconduct, complete the online form located on the Office of Equity and Inclusion's website.  TurnAround's 24/7 helpline is 443-279-0379. For a full list of off-campus resources, visit Retriever Courage.

• For information about Academic Success Center's services and support (tutoring, Writing Center, SI Pass, academic advocates, etc.) visit their website.

• For access to health and human services information, visit 2-1-1 Maryland or dial 2-1-1.