First-Year Advising

Meeting 4: How Did the First

Semester Go?

First Semester in Review

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 meet a minimum cumulative GPA threshold at the conclusion of your next semester of enrollment to avoid suspension.

Academic Standing is calculated at the conclusion of every term.

Academic Standing Minimum Cumulative

GPA ThresholdTotal “Attempted Credits”

Minimum Overall

Cumulative GPA needed to avoid suspension:

12-30 1.60

31-45 1.80

46-60 1.90

61-120+ 2.00

Suspension and Dismissal

First Suspension is for 1 semester.

Second Suspension is for 1 year.

After the Second Suspension, if you fail to meet the minimum cumulative GPA threshold in your next term of enrollment, you are permanently dismissed from the University.

We want you to be successful and that requires you to earn a minimum of a 2.00 GPA to graduate.

Tips Strategically repeat courses where you earned

a C- or lower; 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.

If you are having trouble in the discipline you thought you wanted to major in, try something else for a semester that meets 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.

YOU are ultimately responsible for the maintenance and review of your student records.

Not Satisfied With Your Academic Performance?

Learn from your mistakes!

Make use of professor’s office hours

Attend the Study Skills Workshops

Take advantage of tutoring

See the online tutorials for subjects and study skills workshops

Make an appointment to speak with your advisor to formulate a plan

Keeping Records

Print and keep copies of all 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?

Basic economics – if you have to cut back on work, partying, and TV now, it should pay off in the future with a better success and increased opportunities. 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 the Career Services website and log into

Career Beam. It is a free online resource for career and major guidance. After receiving the results discuss with an advisor, mentor or counselor.

Review the career sheets provided by Career Services at: http://academics.umw.edu/careerservices/students/what-can-i-do-with-my-major/.

Take advantage of programs offered by Career Services concerning topics from internships to networking strategies.

Declaring a MajorYou must have 28 or more credits to

declare

Once you have completed 28 or more credits the option to declare your major is available.

Shortly after declaring you can view your major declaration and advisor updates online in EagleNet.

Check the Dictionary of Academic Regulations for more information.

Upcoming Dates

Last day to drop with a “W”: March 15th

Summer registration: Monday March 11https://banner.umw.edu/prod/

umw_clas.p_displayallnocount Advising for Fall Classes: March 11-

22 (sign up on Starfish for an appointment in my office)