Welcome back, Retrievers! Take a deep breath and get excited for a new season—a fresh start. Fall 2024 is upon us, and UMBC is dedicated to supporting you with resources to gear you up for success. Below are some tips as you start the fall semester:
Take care of your emotional and mental well-being.
First and foremost, checking in with yourself throughout the semester is essential to prioritizing your health. UMBC invests its resources to support you holistically so you can be the best version of yourself!
The Center for Well-Being is between Chesapeake and Susquehanna Halls on Center Road. The Center for Well-Being includes Retriever Integrated Health (University Health Services, the Office of Health Promotion, and the Counseling Center); Student Conduct and Community Standards; and the Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging (i3b) Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being. It also includes the Mind Spa—a student space equipped for mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation practices—and an informal student meeting/lounge space.
You can also visit the newly renovated Retriever Athletics Center for a workout or facilitated class.
Start strong, finish strong!
Review your course syllabuses and Blackboard modules. Ensure you secure all your course materials as soon as possible to stay ahead of the game—this includes double-checking technology such as laptop compatibility and Blackboard access.
Use your calendar planning tools of choice to track upcoming readings, deadlines, and exams using your calendar planning tools of choice. Blackboard has a built-in feature to check out!
If your semester is off to a rocky start, seek help early and communicate with your professors about any concerns you may be facing. Office hours are usually labeled at the top of your syllabus—use them to notify the professor one-on-one when something is hindering your success.
Proactively seek academic support.
While it may seem counterintuitive, seeking academic support before encountering academic difficulty can help provide accountability and a solid foundation for tackling the workload you’ll face during the semester. The Academic Success Center offers support services, including appointment and drop-in tutoring, the Writing Center, academic success meetings, and much more.
Perhaps you’ve had time to reflect over the last year and are considering an alternative academic pathway. Advisors in the Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising (OAPA) welcome the opportunity to discuss your academic plans, including any potential significant changes you are considering.
Connect with other students in a way that feels right to you.
Building relationships with your peers provides an invaluable support network as you navigate back onto campus. One way to do this is by joining a student organization. This year’s Involvement Fest will be on Wednesday, September 4th, in the Retriever Activities Center. Mingle with students who share your academic or hobby interests and consider joining clubs to enrich your college experience.
Are you living on campus? The Office of Residential Life hosts various programs throughout the semester to build community in your Retriever neighborhood.
Cheers to a fresh start on prioritizing self-care, forming habits conducive to balance and academic success, and maximizing your time on campus (and virtually) to bridge connections with dedicated resources and vibrant student life. We hope your semester is a great one!
Want to connect with us? Check out Advising Quick Links below!