App Smart: Getting a Party Started With D.J. Apps

1. Students have begun to receive alerts through myUMBC from the First Year Intervention (FYI) program. Alerts are sent to students in danger of getting lower than a C in a course. Ask your student to tell you about the “alert” process in myUMBC and whether he or she has received any lately. Keep asking, as faculty report to the FYI system over several weeks. An FYI alert will direct the student to a page of resources and advice, including recommendations that the student speak with their professors and sign up for tutoring umbc.edu/lrc/tutoring.html. It is very important that students not be discouraged at this point. There is time to make a difference in the grades they will receive, if they make changes now. It is also important for students who are struggling academically to realize that they must change their behavior and learning techniques in order to change their grades.

2. Starting October 28, students may register to take a course during Winter Session umbc.edu/winter. The courses are posted now for review, along with the application for Winter Session course scholarships. Students can concentrate on one three-credit course during this four-week January semester. Winter is a good time to take a course that requires close attention, without the distraction of other classes. Discuss this opportunity with your student. Students select their classes and register online through myUMBC. While not required for winter session courses, it is a good idea for students to consult with an advisor while selecting a winter session course.

3. Registration for spring semester will begin soon. Students should start preparing now by reviewing the online Schedule of Classes, making an advising appointment (required for spring registration), and checking their myUMBC account to be sure they are cleared to register. An unpaid bill or missing immunization record can delay registration. Help your student by clearing up any such issues before registration begins.

4. Scheduling hint for new students: First Year Seminars umbc.edu/oue/fys/ are limited to 20 first-year students per class and are taught by senior faculty. Students in these small classes get to know a faculty member well and may find a long-term mentor.

5. Suggest that your student consider engaging in research umbc.edu/oue/research/index.html or mentored artistic efforts—even starting in the freshman year. Research offers a terrific learning opportunity and it provides a practical foundation for classroom learning. Furthermore, students gain early insights into professional expectations and rewards and research experience strengthens a resume or graduate school application. Research can be done in any field or major.

Janet McGlynn, Office of Undergraduate Education

mcglynn@umbc.edu