Year-by-Year Preparation
What are some actions I can take to set myself up for success?
- Check your UM email regularly and use it as your primary mode of communication with university employees.
- Meet with your advisor to understand the benefits of advising, along with your requirements for graduation.
- Explore course offerings for gen-eds and electives. Make a list of ones you're interested in taking.
- Familiarize yourself with campus services and resources that may be valuable to you during your time here.
- Understand the course add/drop deadlines and the withdrawal policy.
- Explore University platforms and software (CyberBear, Degree Works, Navigate, etc.).
- Start developing professional relationships with instructors and staff.
- Understand Navigate alerts/cases and when it is appropriate to talk with an advisor.
- Explore co-curricular activities and other ways to maximize your college experience (volunteer, internships, work study, research, study abroad, etc.).
- Meet with the H&S Career Planning Center to workshop your resume if you are looking for job opportunities.
- Develop a firm understanding of your graduation requirements and University policy/procedure.
- Understand the importance of meeting with an advisor at least once a semester. Know how to schedule with your academic advisor and how to prepare for an appointment.
- Strengthen relationships with your academic departments and faculty. Meet with a faculty member to discuss interests, goals, and experiential learning opportunities.
- Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic goals and prepare semester plans.
- Understand your Degree Works page and be able to assess your progress towards graduation.
- Participate in at least one experiential learning opportunity that supports your personal, academic, or career goals.
- Work with the H&S Career Planning Center to begin narrowing down prospective careers after graduation. Learn how to articulate the skills you have learned in school on your job application materials.
- Meet with your academic advisor for a final degree audit. Note the remaining requirements you have for graduation.
- Complete your graduation application.
- Meet with the H&S Career Planning Center to understand the job or graduate school application process.
- Consider participating in a mock interview. - Attend resume/cover letter workshops, student loan workshops, or any other events that will prepare you for your transition out of college.