First Year Students | Exploratory/Undecided Students | Transfer Students
Pre-Professional/Graduate School Planning

Advising — First Year Students

Academic Advising is primarily provided by professional and faculty advisors in the academic departments. Office for Academic and Pre-Professional Advising advises all students who are exploratory/undecided. First-year students meet with an academic advisor during the new student orientation program, held prior to the start classes to discuss academic and career goals, and select and register for courses for the upcoming semester. Prior to registering for subsequent semesters, students are required to meet with an academic advisor review academic and career plans and to monitor progress towards degree completion. Outside of these key touchpoints, students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor on an ongoing basis.

The Office for Academic and Pre-Professional Advising welcomes all UMBC students to learn more about major opportunities, as well as graduate and professional school planning. The center is staffed by Peer Advisors, current UMBC students, from a variety of academic disciplines who are able to answer questions and guide you through the vast resources available. Some of the Office’s exciting features include:

• The Self Directed Search—An online major exploration tool designed to help students think about their interests and abilities in connection with their major choice.
  
• Resource Library— Printed resources in major exploration, student academic success, graduate school planning and pre professional school exploration and planning.
  
• Computer Terminals—Comprehensive listing of internet resources exploring majors and pre professional school links.
  
• UMBC Majors—FAQ and major checklists for each academic discipline.
  
• Workshops—Peer Advisors conduct workshops each semester on topics such as the “What's Your Story? Choosing a major in X discipline” series, “Preparing to Graduate” and “The ABC's of GFRs.

FUEL Program
All Exploratory/undecided students are encouraged to participate in the FUEL Program (For Undecided & Exploratory Learners). Beginning with an orientation in August, new students are invited to join this special community for those exploring major options. Workshops, individual advising and online resources (including the FUEL Blackboard Community) are available to students through the FUEL Program. FUEL participants are also highly encouraged to engage in activities offered through the Office for Academic and Pre-Professional Advising.

Career Development Center
Center provides assistance in career exploration and job and internship placement.

First Year Seminars
Limited to 20 first-year students per class, the seminars are designed to create an active-learning environment enriched by field work, original research, group projects or performance as well as more traditional reading, writing and lecture formats.