Get to Know Your Academic Advisor

Spring 2020 registration is just around the corner, and the process starts with connecting with your academic advisor.  

Your advisor is a vital member of your support team at UMBC. Often your advisor is a professor in your major department, but could also be a professional (full-time) advisor.  If you have any doubt at all about WHO your advisor is, below is a link to the department contacts for all majors. The person listed as “advising coordinator” or “advising contact” can help you find out who your advisor is, or assign you an advisor. 

·         Departmental Advising - Main Campus 

·         Departmental Advising - Shady Grove 

When should I meet with my advisor?  

We encourage you to schedule an appointment with your advisor as early as possible. In order to register for Spring 2020 classes, your advisor must first provide you with registration clearance (permission). This happens during your appointment when you discuss your semester progress and develop a plan for the next semester.  

**Want to connect with someone in your department sooner? Join us for a Majors Fair on October 3^rd as part of our office’s 2^nd Annual Major Event**

What should I do to prepare?  

Review your degree audit and, if applicable, transfer credit report in advance and go with a list of topics/questions to cover.  

If you need help planning your coursework, our Academic Pathways provide a suggested four-year pathway for completing your degree program. 

The Schedule of Classes will be available on Monday, October 21nd. Please review the courses that are offered and be prepared to bring a list of courses that you are interested in when you meet with you advisor.  

Be ready to discuss any outstanding items or questions you might have from previous advising meetings. We also recommend that you take notes; never go to an advising session without the capacity to take notes, whether with pen and paper or on laptop.  

When can I register?  

Spring 2020 registration begins Monday, October 28th. Your exact registration date depends on the total amount of credits earned. Please note that the dates reflect the earliest time you are eligible to register for courses. You can still register for courses after your designated date and time. Information regarding your exact registration time will be available in early October.  

Have questions?   

Check out information on several personalized degree planning tools offered at UMBC

Share your concerns in the comments section below or contact the Office of Academic & Pre-Professional Advising at oapa@umbc.edu.  

If you have a quick question, send us a DM on Instragram @umbc_advising!