First-Year Advising Meeting 4: So, How Did the First Semester Go?

First Semester in Review  How did the first semester go?  What did you learn about yourself?  What worked, what didn’t?  Do you have tips for your fellow freshmen?

What is Academic Standing?  All University of Mary Washington students are expected to make satisfactory academic progress by maintaining a 2.00 overall cumulative GPA, the standard required for graduation.  Students who fall below a 2.00 overall cumulative GPA are in academic jeopardy and are subject to the University’s probation, suspension, and dismissal policy.  When your cumulative GPA drops below a 2.00, you are placed on probation.  When you are on probation, you have to remain within a certain GPA range in the next semester in order to avoid suspension.  Academic Standing is calculated after the fall and spring semesters (not during summer sessions).

Academic Standing Chart Total “Attempted Credits”Minimum Overall Cumulative GPA needed to avoid suspension:

Suspension and Dismissal  First Suspension is for 1 semester. (Ask Academic Services about summer option after first suspension).  Second Suspension is for 1 year.  After the Second Suspension, if you still can not make the chart, you are permanently Dismissed from the University.  We do not want you to continue unless you are able to earn the 2.00 GPA necessary to graduate.

Tips  Repeat courses that are dragging down your GPA, keep in mind that you are only allowed to repeat 3 courses a semester, and 7 courses total at UMW. Reread the repeat regulations in the Dictionary of Academic Regulations. Only one attempt can be made to repeat unique courses.Dictionary of Academic Regulations  If you are having trouble in the discipline you thought you wanted to major in, try something else for a semester that fits into your General Education requirements. It may help your cumulative GPA (you also need a 2.00 in your major) and even help you find something else that you never knew you had a passion for.

Not Satisfied With Your Academic Performance?  Learn from your mistakes!  Make use of professor’s office hours  Attend the Study Skills WorkshopsStudy Skills Workshops  Take advantage of tutoringtutoring  See the online tutorials for subjects and study skillssubjectsstudy skills  Make an appointment to speak with your advisor to formulate a plan

Keeping Records  Print and keep copies of grades.  Print and keep copies of your schedule EVERY TIME you make a change to it.

Scheduling Time  Did you utilize the “Scheduling Worksheet” to manage time wisely (e.g. study time, class time, time for projects, down time, etc.) for the first semester? Try it for this semester to schedule your time accordingly.  Basic economics – if you have to cut back on work, partying, and TV now, it should pay off in the future with a better job and more money. Living frugally now (but balanced – mental/physical health is important, too) means you’ll have more later.

Looking Forward  Think about majors you are interested in pursuing  Look at the Major Requirements  Talk to professors/chairs in the disciplines in which you are interested  Go to Career Services and sign up for My Plan access. It is a free online resource for career and major guidance. After taking questionnaires that assess interests, skills, and personality it directs you to possible career paths.  Review the career sheets provided by Career Services at: can-i-do-with-my-major/. can-i-do-with-my-major/  Take advantage of programs offered by Career Services concerning topics from internships to networking strategies.

Declaring a Major  You must have 28 or more credits to declare  Once you have reached 28 credits the option to declare your Major is available online through EagleNet.  Shortly after declaring online you will receive an from the Department Chair for your new major with additional instructions explaining how to complete the process and receive your Major Advisor.  Check the Dictionary of Academic Regulations for more information.Dictionary of Academic Regulations

“Homework”  Think of at least two majors you would be interested in pursuing and come to the next First-Year Advising Meeting on April 9 th ready to discuss them.