Understanding a Liberal Arts Education Ms. Nancy L. Miller Office for Academic and Pre-Professional Advising

Topics Welcome, Parents & Family Members! Why is Academic Advising Important? Components of the UMBC Degree Value of a Liberal Arts Education Special Opportunities at UMBC

Advising is… A partnership between student and advisor that supports: Choice of major & career Course selection, credit load Progress toward degree Adjustment to college/UMBC Academic enrichment—research, study abroad, internships

Advisors at UMBC Most advisors are professors in the student’s major Some large depts also have professional advisors (Psychology, Engineering, Biology) Exploratory students (no declared major) advised in the Office for Academic Advising Specialized advising for pre-health professions, Honors College, athletes, students in academic difficulty, intl. students

What Parents Need to Know about Advising Every student is required to meet with an advisor every semester. The student makes the appointment! Students who do not find their initial advisor helpful may request a new advisor. Students are encouraged to talk to more than one advisor. Students who use the advising system make better decisions, graduate sooner.

UMBC Extra Credit Helps students stay on track to graduation and beyond Students receive brief, attention-grabbing e- mails 5-6 times each semester leads to a site where timely topics are presented: How to Find a Mentor Evaluating Grad Schools Importance of Internships Effective Resumes Planning for Graduation Using Social Media Well

UMBC Bachelors Degree

UMBC offers 45 majors! Depth in one area Requires from credits Pre-professional study (pre-med, pre-law) is not an academic major Recommend declare major by ~45 credits, sooner if ready Interdisciplinary studies = design your own major

English Composition 1 “Writing Intensive” course Arts & Humanities (3 courses) Social Sciences (3 courses) Math (1 college level course) Science (2 courses, at least one with lab) Global Cultures (1-2 courses) Foreign language proficiency at the intermediate level

To graduate, every UMBC student must complete: At least 120 academic credits At least 45 credits in 300 & 400 level courses (junior/senior level) At least 30 credits at UMBC Two Physical Education courses A UMBC Grade Point Average of

Selecting Courses Key On Line Tools: Schedule of Classes Undergrad Catalog Student’s Record in myUMBC UMBC Dept Websites

Academic Info On Line Each student has on line access to his or her own info: Placement in English composition Mathematics Class schedule Transfer and AP/IB credit Progress toward graduation requirements Unofficial Transcript

Degree Planning Tools “ What if” Degree Audit Applies a student’s completed and planned courses to a new major or minor Helps student decide on a major or a change to your major/minor Academic “Pathways”– Brand new! Available for each UMBC major Illustrates typical courses semester by semester that would allow completion of degree in 4 years Here’s the link:

Why Liberal Arts Education? CEOs surveyed by Fortune Magazine identified “generalist” skills they look for in new college graduates: Critical thinking, reasoning and analysis Effective communication Sound problem solving Creativity, resourcefulness Where do these skills come from? A broad, rigorous undergraduate education

More Benefits of a Liberal Arts Foundation Informed citizenship Flexibility of career choice Ability to integrate information Cultural literacy Explore multiple areas of interest Avoid narrow, technical education Function in a global, multi-cultural society Develop talents in the arts

Benefits of Liberal Arts Education for Pre-Professional Students Medical & law schools are interested in students with non-traditional majors and minors who bring something “extra” A broad liberal arts education:  Gives a competitive edge in admissions  Helps prepare for “Plan B”  Increases effectiveness in the profession-- broader perspective and wider range of skills

First Year Experiences “ My first year seminar course exposed me to the tools of success for college. It has allowed me to become connected, integrated, and involved in the UMBC community.” --Kristopher de la Cruz First Year Seminars (3 cr.) Intro to an Honors Univ (1 cr.) Transfer Student Seminars (1-2 cr.) Note: First Year courses may be taken during the 1 st or 2 nd semester at UMBC

Transfer Student Initiative Transfer students from Maryland community colleges may be able to use credits earned at UMBC to complete their Associate of Arts degrees. More Info: REVERSEAWARD.UMBC.EDU

Studying Abroad !

Internships Maryland Governor’s Intern Program UMBC Shriver Center (also Service Learning, Co Ops)

Undergraduate Research Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day Undergraduate Research Awards ($ to support research) Research opportunities in academic departments and labs Summer lab placements in universities, agencies (e.g., Johns Hopkins University, NIH, MIT) MARC program (Minority Access to Research Careers)

Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising Academic Services Building, Room 103 Walk In Advising: Mon-Fri 10am-2pm Call or for Appointments Advising Help After Orientation: