Adjusting to college can be a challenge — and doubly so if you are jumping head first into heavy science coursework. Additionally, UMBC’s innovative teaching and testing styles are particularly prominent in our introductory biology and chemistry courses. As a result, the CNMS Advising Office is committed to supporting our students with extra, STEM-specific academic support. Our office coordinates with CNMS faculty in real-time and has tailored our support programming to the evolving needs of our majors.
Throughout the year, the CNMS Advising Office hosts a variety of programming efforts including weekly success workshops, social media campaigns, guest speakers, monitored study halls, monthly college newsletters, summer reading challenges, virtual townhalls, YouTube video drops, and much, much more! In every case, we focus on the fundamental building blocks for STEM success which we have identified as STEM-Specific Study Skills, Cognitive/Adaptive Skills Development, Scientific Resilience, and College/Career Engagement.
In additional to our programming efforts, CNMS Advising has an in-house Student Success Coach who meets individually with students to discuss their specific achievements or needs in their science courses. This Success Coach also maintains regular, typically bi-weekly accountability meetings with students who either elect to meet with them or who have been referred by campus faculty/staff. For more information on this resource and/or to schedule an appointment with our Student Success Coach, see here.
Periodically, the CNMS Advising Office will also perform outreach to at-risk students — students who have been flagged for academic action and/or whose professors have noted the need for early intervention.
For more information, feel free to email CNMSSuccess@umbc.edu and/or follow us on Instagram and YouTube.
