Academic Advising
Our mission is to facilitate student learning, growth, and success and advising is the cornerstone of that effort. With a holistic approach, our professional advisors can assist with questions related to majors, minors, careers, internships and co-ops, study abroad programs, student groups, undergraduate research, campus resources and support services, and policies and procedures. Don't hesitate to reach out; SCSE advisors are here to guide you.
Advisor's Role:
- Help you clarify your educational values and goals
- Provide accurate information on educational options, policies, and procedures
- Guide you toward an academic program in which you can be successful
- Acquaint you with campus resources that support your academic and personal success
Student's Role:
Learn more about your Academic Rights and Responsibilities.
- Be responsible for scheduling, preparing for, and attending advising appointments
- Meet with your advisor each term to plan your course schedule for the next term and to review your progress towards degree completion
- Seek out contacts and information to assist you in understanding the requirements for your degree program
- Take final responsibility for making your own educational decisions
UMD Academic Advising Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students know and understand their talents, values, and interests.
- Students use information from credible sources in making decisions.
- Students effectively craft and revise educational goals and plans.
How your advisor supports you
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SCSE Professional Advisor
Your SCSE Professional Advisor is your primary advising contact in your first year. They can help you:
- Navigate the transition to college
- Explore majors and choose courses
- Understand your APAS (degree progress report)
- Navigate university policies and procedures
- Connect with campus resources like tutoring, career services, and mental health support
- Build academic skills like time management and study strategies
They also remain a helpful resource after you're admitted to your major, particularly for questions about:
- Liberal education requirements
- University or college policies
- Petitions, forms, and academic standing
- Referrals to college and campus resources
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Faculty Advisors
After your first year, you will transition to a faculty advisor in your department. This faculty advisor is based in your department and serves as your primary advising contact.
They can support you with:
- Major-specific academic planning and course selection
- Understanding technical electives and sub-plans
- Navigating department-specific policies and processes
- Graduation planning and degree completion
They can also support you as you:
- Explore research, internships, and graduate school
- Choose technical electives aligned with their goals
- Submit major-specific petitions or requests
- Get involved in student groups or department activities
- Learn about career paths in their field