University Seminars (UNIV)

UNIV101 is intended to help new first-time freshmen have a successful transition to UMBC by building the knowledge, skills, and practices needed to thrive at a public research university. Students in UNIV101 will identify, understand, and take a deep dive into an academic discipline/major, explore and utilize academic success resources, connect with and integrate into the campus community, and develop themselves both personally and professionally. Students have the chance to learn from faculty, staff, and their peers within their academic discipline and across the larger campus community.

Seminar Topics Include: Campus Community Exploration & Traditions, Time Management & Procrastination, Academic Success & Learning Strategies, Personal & Community Values, Academic Advising & Planning, Research in the Discipline, Professional Development, Inclusive Excellence, and Health & Well-Being

Seminar Deliverables Include: Developing an Academic & Parallel Pathway Plan, Creating a Professional Portfolio, and Creating & Implementing a Time Management Plan

NOTE: UNIV101 Sections are intended ONLY for new first-time freshmen at UMBC. Please contact Dr. Laila M. Shishineh (lailams@umbc.edu) with questions about these sections.

UNIV102 is designed for to help students in academic jeopardy succeed at UMBC through coaching and reflection, interactive class discussions, and cooperative learning. The curriculum focuses on helping students understand how humans learn and how to enhance human functioning through behaviors that help to motivate and achieve success. In addition, cross-cultural skills, study techniques, and time management practices are addressed. Students are connected with campus resources and support, such as Academic Advising and Financial Aid & Scholarships.

NOTE: UNIV102 Sections are intended ONLY for students with a GPA below 2.00. Please contact Dr. Laila M. Shishineh (lailams@umbc.edu) with questions about these sections.

UNIV201 is designed for students in their second year at UMBC to assist with furthering their academic success while also enhancing their personal and professional development. Students in UNIV201 will explore academic pathways and meaningful career opportunities, understand and grow their leadership skills, and enhance their connection to faculty, staff, and peers within their academic discipline and across the larger campus community.

Seminar Topics Include: Goal Setting, Academic Skills Exploration, Leadership Styles & Transferable Skills, Career Exploration, Networking & Professional Development, Academic Advising & Planning, Graduate School and/or Industry Exploration, Civic & Community Engagement, and Health & Well-Being

Seminar Deliverables Include: Creating an Academic Discipline/Major Portfolio, Creating a Career Map/Vision Board, and Engaging in a Graduate School or Industry Exploration Project

NOTE: UNIV201 Sections are intended ONLY for students in their second year at UMBC. Please contact Dr. Laila M. Shishineh (lailams@umbc.edu) with questions about these sections.

UNIV301 is intended to help new transfer students have a successful transition from their previous institution to UMBC. Students in UNIV301 will understand and take a deep dive into an academic discipline/major, explore and utilize academic success resources, connect with and integrate into the campus community including connecting with other new transfer students, and develop themselves both personally and professionally. Students will learn from and connect with faculty, staff, and peers within their academic discipline and across the larger campus community.

Each section of UNIV301 is taught by a faculty or staff Instructor and a transfer Teaching Assistant who is committed to helping transfer students get connected to UMBC.

Seminar Topics Include: Campus Community Exploration & Traditions, Academic Success & Learning Strategies, Professional Development, Research in the Discipline, Applied Learning Opportunities, Academic Advising & Planning, Inclusive Excellence, and Health & Well-Being

Seminar Deliverables Include: Developing an Academic Pathway Plan, Creating a Professional Portfolio, and Conducting an Individual Research Project

NOTE: UNIV301 Sections are intended ONLY for new transfers at UMBC. Please contact Dr. Laila M. Shishineh (lailams@umbc.edu) with questions about these sections.

UNIV401 is designed for students who are preparing to graduate from UMBC to assist them in finishing their academic career while enhancing their personal and professional development as they prepare for their next steps after college. Students in UNIV401 will learn about meaningful career opportunities and/or graduate programs, grow their professional portfolios, explore financial literacy, and understand what it means to be an engaged citizen in society beyond their college experience.

Seminar Topics Include: Goal Setting & Graduation Planning, Graduate School and/or Industry Exploration, Networking & Professional Development, Financial Literacy, Leadership Styles & Transferable Skills, Civic & Community Engagement, Life Design Thinking

Seminar Deliverables Include: Life Design Project, Financial Literacy Micro-Credential, and Engaging in a Graduate School or Industry Exploration Project

NOTE: UNIV401 Sections are intended ONLY for students in their last year at UMBC. Please contact Dr. Laila M. Shishineh (lailams@umbc.edu) with questions about these sections.