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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.
Start strong, finish strong! Review your course syllabuses and Blackboard modules. Be sure you secure all your course materials as soon as possible to stay ahead of the game--this includes double checking technology such as laptop compatibility and Blackboard access. Use your calendar planning tools of choice to track upcoming readings, deadlines, and exams. Blackboard has a built-in feature to check out!
If your semester is off to a rocky start, seek help early and communicate with your professors about any concerns you may be facing. Office hours are usually labeled at the top of your syllabus--use them to notify the professor one-on-one when something is hindering your success.
Proactively seek academic support. While it may seem counterintuitive, seeking academic support before you encounter academic difficulty can help provide accountability and a solid foundation for tackling the workload you'll face during the semester. The Academic Success Center offers support services, including appointment and drop-in tutoring, the Writing Center, academic success meetings, and much more.
Perhaps you've had time to reflect over the last year and are considering an alternative academic pathway. Advisors in the Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising(OAPA) welcome the opportunity to discuss your academic plans, including any potential significant changes you are considering.
Connect with other students in a way that feels right to you. Building relationships with your peers provides you with an invaluable support network as you navigate back onto campus.
Are you living on campus? The Office of Residential Life is hosting various programs throughout the semester to build community in your Retriever neighborhood. Are you commuting to campus? There is also programming through the Off Campus Student Services offices that exclusively cater to students on-the-go throughout the week and looking to stay connected to campus life.
Cheers to a fresh start on prioritizing self-care, forming habits conducive to balance and academic success, and ultimately maximizing your time on campus (and virtually) to bridge connections with dedicated resources and vibrant student life.
We hope your semester is a great one!
