Some Tips, Tricks, and Common Sense Suggestions for your Student!
Your student's academic advisor is a vital member of their support team at UMBC. Often an advisor is a professor in your student's major department, but could be a professional advisor (full-time advisor). If your student has any doubt at all about WHO their advisor is, here is a link to Departmental advising info for all majors:
WHEN would it make sense for your student to see their advisor?
The short answer is: EARLY! Students may see an advisor as early as October 10th for matters related to Spring 2017 registration.
Are there things other than registration students should be discussing with their advisor?
Absolutely yes, although sometimes students forget to ask for help in these other areas. Other topics include such “important but not urgent” issues as:
Is this the right major for me?
Which track or concentration within the major is best for me?
Should I pursue a minor or certificate in addition to my major?
How do I become involved in undergrad research, become an undergrad teaching assistant, formulate a study abroad plan consistent with my major, or find relevant internship opportunities?
Can an advisor help if your student encounters academic or other difficulties?
Yes, academic advisors can consult with students if they are struggling with a course or courses (in addition to the course instructors). The advisor may have very helpful suggestions, such as study strategies, schedule adjustments, ways to get help from tutors or advanced students, and more. Academic advisors can also make referrals to offices on campus such as Residential Life, Counseling Services, or the Office for Academic and Pre-Professional Advising. Academic advisors can be the first point of contact for many issues that arise for undergraduate students.
TIPS FAMILIES CAN SHARE TO ENSURE THE NEXT ADVISING SESSION IS ENGAGING AND REWARDING:
Encourage your student to make an appointment to see their advisor rather than “dropping by” their office. Most advisors at UMBC wear many hats (teaching, researching, writing grants, serving on committees, etc.) while also managing a considerable number of advisees. Making an appointment not only gives them time to prepare, it also extends a professional courtesy to their advisor so he or she can be better prepared to help. Sending an e-mail to make an appointment usually works although each department may have its own rituals and procedures.
BE PREPARED. Students should review their degree audit, transfer credit report in advance and go with a list of topics/questions to cover. Moreover, students may also want to use our new Academic Pathways resource for comprehensive academic planning. If students are going to discuss their schedule for the next semester, encourage them to take a list of courses they are interested in.
Encourage students to always keep their appointments! Make this one of their highest priorities!
Listen carefully and take notes! Students should never go to an advising session without the capacity to take notes, whether with pen and paper or on laptop.
IN CONCLUSION
Like all important relationships, a students advising relationship will benefit from purposeful nurturing. If they are prepared, attentive, and keep appointments, this will go a very long way toward fostering a strong bond with their academic advisor that will lead to very productive exchanges:
Courtesy of UMBC Extra Credit Team
