Advancing Student Success Through Strategy, Support, and Purpose

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:18:04 -0400
admissions, aid, enrollment, financial, management, news, oapa, ofas, orientation, registrar, scholarships, undergraduate

In Enrollment Management, student success is the result of intentional work—driven by strategy, fueled by collaboration, and grounded in the belief that every student should have the opportunity to thrive. Throughout the 2024–2025 academic year, Enrollment Management has advanced this mission through coordinated action, early student engagement, and critical financial support.

From launching a department-wide project management framework to unlocking essential funding, Enrollment Management is creating systems and support that help students not just stay on track—but move forward with confidence.

Executing with Excellence: Structuring the Work That Moves Students Forward

Led by the Office of Enrollment Management (OEM)

Behind every successful student-centered initiative is a solid foundation. This year, the Office of Enrollment Management (OEM) took a major step forward by building a unified project management approach that brings structure, accountability, and momentum to work.

In collaboration with the Associate Directors Workgroup, OEM created EM-specific best practices, established a standardized project intake process, and implemented Smartsheet as a project management tool across all offices. This effort is already strengthening key initiatives, including:

University Innovation Alliance (UIA) + National Institute for Student Success (NISS): Scaling strategies that support student completion

Maryland Transfer Intensive (MTI): Enhancing transfer and degree attainment outcomes through statewide collaboration

Smartsheet is now supporting workgroups focused on academic advising, student communication, course outcomes, and financial wellness–helping streamline how work gets done.

Early Exploration, Lasting Confidence: Helping Students Discover Their Path

Led by the Office for Academic and Pre-Professional Advising (OAPA)

When students explore career pathways early, they make more confident and informed academic choices. That insight led the Office for Academic and Pre-Professional Advising (OAPA) to create UNIV 102: Exploring Health Careers, a first-year seminar that helps students discover and navigate opportunities in the healthcare field.

Developed by Assistant Director for Allied Health Programs, Ericka Thompson, UNIV 102 combines guest lectures, personal reflection, and academic planning to help students build purpose-driven paths. One student shared how learning about occupational therapy through the course led her to the Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program she will be entering this summer at Towson University.

“I want to express my gratitude for [the] support during my time at UMBC, especially providing me exposure to the OT field in the FYE Allied Health class.”

Beyond the classroom, OAPA's efforts extend to an Allied Health website and a well-attended annual symposium that connects students directly with graduate and professional programs.

Now in its fifth year—and preparing for a presentation at the Northeast Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NEAAHP) Conference—UNIV 102 shares its impact for pre-health advising across the region.

“UNIV 102, along with our symposium and website, is a love letter to students interested in allied health,” says Thompson. “It’s about giving students the tools and confidence to see what’s possible.”

Funding Futures: Removing Financial Barriers to Progress

Led by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (OFAS)

For many students, financial uncertainty can threaten academic progress. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (OFAS) is working to eliminate that barrier—by connecting students with resources that make completion possible.

Since 2014, over $60,000 has been awarded annually in degree completion funds, supporting more than 25 students each year in their final push to graduation. This year, additional funding included a $10,000 PATH Scholarship from the Ellucian Foundation, aimed at students with outstanding balances who might otherwise be unable to continue.

OFAS continues to promote the Scholarship Retriever tool, helping students identify and apply for aid they might not otherwise access.

“This scholarship gave me the chance to focus fully on my final semester,” one student shared. “It reminded me that hard work pays off—and gave me hope for what’s next.”

Meeting Needs: Strengthening Systems That Support Completion

Led by the Registrar’s Office

Transfer students bring unique strengths—and unique needs. This year, the Registrar’s Office led UMBC’s part in the implementation of the University System of Maryland’s updated ARTSYS platform, designed to better support students transferring from Maryland community colleges.

As part of that process, the team reviewed and validated nearly 24,000 UMBC course equivalencies and developed 90 Program Transfer Guides—ensuring students have timely, and accurate information to confidently plan their transfer journey.

ARTSYS helps students and advisors build stronger academic plans—before, during, and after the transition to UMBC—while also supporting current students who may be interested in pursuing coursework at community colleges.

One Department, One Mission: Empowering Student Success at Every Step

Through each initiative, Enrollment Management reinforces its commitment to supporting students at every stage of their journey. From behind-the-scenes systems to life-changing scholarships to early career exploration, this work is united by a single goal: ensuring all UMBC students have the opportunity to progress, persist, and succeed.

As the department looks toward the future, its efforts are growing stronger—with better tools, clearer pathways, and deeper resolve.

Enrollment Management is dedicated to providing our constituents the highest level of quality and innovative enrollment services. Our responsive and personable staff supports and engages our students from recruitment to graduation, promoting their academic and personal success. Learn more about our commitment.