All students should make an appointment with an academic advisor at least once a semester for course selection assistance as well as other academic strategies for success.
SPECIAL NOTE: If you are a FIRST SEMESTER FRESHMAN, avoid an advising checkstop! Schedule your MANDATORY APPOINTMENT WITH AN ACADEMIC ADVISOR as soon as possible before registering for Spring 2008 classes!
***If you are a first semester freshman who particularly came to UB undecided about a major, be sure that you schedule your MANDATORY ADVISING APPOINTMENT with STUDENT ADVISING SERVICES. Call us today at 645-6013 or stop by 109 Norton Hall to arrange your appointment!
BE PREPARED FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT!
Be sure and consult the Dos and Don’ts of Choosing Courses and Registration when arranging your appointment with an advisor. And be informed of all information regarding Spring 2008 Registration!
Confused about MAJORS and CAREERS? Please join us at…
UB MAJORS & CAREERS NIGHT
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Student Union Lobby & Social Hall
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
· FREE PIZZA & a chance to win GREAT PRIZES ($100+ gift card to the UB Bookstore, free Kaplan course, gift certificates to local restaurants and establishments, and more!)
· ADVISORS FROM UB DEPARTMENTS will be available to meet with you to discuss majors and minors! Spring 2008 course registration is right around the corner! Are you ready? Get your questions answered!
DEPARTMENTS REPRESENTED:
African American Studies * American Studies * Anthropology * Architecture & Environmental Design * Asian Studies * Biochemistry * Bioinformatics * Biology * Biomedical Sciences * Biophysics * Biotechnology * Chemistry & Medicinal Chemistry * Classics * Communication * Computer Science * Economics * English * Exercise Science * Film Studies & Media Study * Geography * Geology * Global Gender Studies * Graduate School of Education * History * Linguistics * Mathematics * Medical Technology * Millard Fillmore College - Certificate Programs * Music * Nuclear Medicine Technology * Nursing * Occupational Science/Occupational Therapy * Pharmacology & Toxicology * Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences * Philosophy * Physical Therapy * Physics * Political Science * Pre-Health * Pre-Law * Psychology * Romance Languages & Literatures * Social Sciences Interdisciplinary * Sociology * Special Major * Speech & Hearing * Theater & Dance * UB Engineering * Visual Studies & Art History * Undecided/Exploratory….and more!!
· A rare chance to meet with UB ALUMNI & PROFESSIONALS in a variety of career fields who want to speak to YOU and help you with your career decisions!
CAREER FIELDS REPRESENTED:
Business & Finance * Business Administration * Education (Coaching, Higher Education, Teaching) * Human Services (Social Work, School Counseling) * Engineering & Technical * Healthcare * Human Resources * Information Technology * Marketing & Sales * Media & Broadcasting * Non Profit * Public Relations * Writing… and more!
BE SURE YOU PLAN AHEAD! HERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS YOU MAY WANT TO ASK THE NIGHT OF THE EVENT!
ACADEMIC QUESTIONS
* Where do my strengths need to be to do well in this major/program?
* What programs do you offer? Major(s)? Minor? Joint majors? Combined degrees? Other? Which program would fit my needs best?
* What courses and experiences are required for this major? What are the pre-requisite courses and are there internships, research opportunities, and other opportunities needed?
* What skills and other competencies will I develop through this major?
* Where have graduates of your program gone?
* What is the size of the department? Typically, how large are the classes?
* Who is the advisor for this department and what is his/her contact information?
ALUMNI/MENTOR QUESTIONS
* What is your educational background (major, graduate or professional degrees, etc.)?
* How did you get started in this field?
* What kind of experience, skills, and talents are necessary to succeed in this field?
* What is your typical workday like?
* What do you like best/least about your work?
* What advice would you have for students considering this career field?
* May I contact you sometime in the future if I have additional questions?
KEEP THESE THINGS IN MIND THE NIGHT OF THE EVENT!
* Think broadly about majors as many majors relate to numerous career fields and prepare students for similar work environments and graduate programs.
* Think broadly about career and industries. Many of the alumni/mentors have experience in more than one career field or industry so be sure to spend some time in more than one area of the room.
* Collect any handouts, business cards or other materials as you speak with departments and alumni/mentors. This way, you can follow up with them later when you have any additional questions.
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! No pre-registration is necessary, just come on over to the Union on Tuesday evening!
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The UB MAJORS AND CAREERS NIGHT is brought to you by Student Advising Services, Career Services, and the UB Alumni Association.
As we reach the mid-point of the Fall 2007 semester, NOW is the time to talk with your instructors about your progress in their courses.
If you are a FIRST SEMESTER STUDENT, your instructors will be reporting whether you are progressing satisfactorily in their classes or not. An e-mail message will be sent to your UB e-mail account informing you if you are currently performing Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U).
While mid-semester evaluations are not grades, nor do they predict your final grades, if you receive an “Unsatisfactory,” it does mean that there may be concerns about your:
• Attendance;
• Inadequate preparation for class;
• Poor study skills;
• Adjustment issues;
• Or poor performance on tests.
If you receive an Unsatisfactory evaluation or if you have concerns with your current courses, you should do the following at once:
1. Make an appointment with the instructor or visit the instructor during posted office hours to discuss the course and to obtain additional help.
2. Make an appointment with an academic advisor. Your advisor can help you develop strategies to improve your performance.
3. Consult the information about mid-semester review, success strategies and resources available to you.
If you are considering resigning from a course after speaking with your instructor, make sure that you understand the consequences of course resignation. Changes in your course load may impact your: (1) financial aid; (2) medical insurance eligibility; (3) sequence of required courses; or (4) time to graduation. Prior to resigning, you should talk with an academic advisor and a financial aid advisor.
***TAKE NOTE: The last day for a student to RESIGN from any Fall 2007 semester course(s) is by Friday, November 9, 2007 by 11 pm via MyUB or BIRD.
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As We Reach the Mid-Point of the Fall Semester, Do You Identify with Any of these Warning Signs that may Predict Academic Difficulty?
1) Are you falling behind on assignments?
2) Have you missed several classes recently?
3) Do you feel lost or confused?
4) Are you relying heavily on a friend for help in completing assignments?
5) Do you feel restless and listless, as if something is wrong but you’re not sure what it is?
6) Do you feel constantly tired or spend a lot of time sleeping?
Source: Adapted from McWhorter, Kathleen T. (2000). Study and critical thinking skills in college. New York, NY: Addison Wesley Longman, Inc.
If You Are Experiencing Warning Signs that may Predict Academic Difficulty:
• Remember that you are not alone.
• But be sure you utilize these important additional resources to assist you.
Academic Departments
College of Arts and Sciences
Counseling Services
Tutoring Assistance
Student Advising Services’ Student Success Workshops Program
Caitlin is one of two Peer Assistants in the office of Student Advising Services. Her advice to fellow UB students on the topic of the Dos and Don’ts of Choosing Courses and Registering for Classes is:
DO…
• Set up an appointment with your advisor and/or meet with any department(s) you are considering for your major(s) and/or minor(s)
• Make sure you know your registration window – this is the date you’ll be able to register
• Know how to search courses online using the Undergraduate Catalog and the Spring 2008 Electronic Class Schedule
• Read the Class Descriptions of the courses you are thinking about taking
• Use the Schedule Planning Worksheet to help you plan your schedule
• Know the prerequisite classes you need to apply to your intended major(s) and minor(s)
• Make sure you plan out a few schedules as back-up plans in case you don’t get into some classes
• Take into account your other obligations and commitments (work, clubs, sports, etc.) when planning your schedule
• Continue to check the web registration “view open course” frequently to see if the course you are looking for has opened up if you did not get into a course when you first registered
• Know the Repeat Policy if you are thinking about repeating a course
• Check out the SA Teacher Evaluations, by logging in with your UB IT name and password
• Attend UB Majors and Careers Night October 30th
• Attend an Academic and Study Skills Workshop – particularly on Registering for Courses
• Be aware of the General Education Requirements you still need in order to graduate
• Consider taking UBE 202 - a course to explore majors and careers
• Take courses in the subjects you are interested in to explore various majors & minors
• Check out the Discovery Seminars offered in the Spring
• Consider taking Methods of Inquiry (GSE 155) – an elective to help with study skills and critical thinking
• Jot down all courses that sound interesting and save this list for future semesters (you can always add to it and mark off courses as you take them)
• Visit a Peer Assistant located in Student Advising Services! (109 Norton Hall)
DON’T…
• Base your decisions on professors, solely on what other peers say
• Be afraid to take an elective course outside of your major(s) or minor(s)
• Overload yourself with too many credit hours (15 is the average a semester)
• Feel as though you have to continue with your current major if you dislike it
• Wait until the last minute to choose courses or meet with an advisor
• Allow a checkstop to prevent you from registering on time
• Miss your registration window or wake up late on the day of registration
• Take a course because you heard it’s easy or the professor isn’t difficult
• Take too many courses you know are going to be difficult in one semester
• Worry about “staying on track” – most people do not graduate in the typical 4 years
• Put off your General Education Requirements until senior year – you don’t want to have to worry about these as you near graduation
***Do you have a question for one of our Peer Assistants? Remember you can contact them at sas-peer@buffalo.edu or visit them in Student Advising Services in 109 Norton Hall!
Posted October 15, 2007 in General
As you are planning your Spring 2008 semester schedule, are you looking for:
• Engagement in an exciting area of inquiry?
• A small class experience with one of UB’s best faculty members?
• An extra credit to complete your semester schedule?
• Exposure to a field that interests you?
If so, then check out UB’s Discovery Seminar Program! This 1-credit hour course meets for 50-minutes per week.
Spring 2008 Seminars Include:
Fraud and Financial Forensics
Global Economy
Global Warming: Science, Impacts and Mitigation
Pulp Fiction and Pop Culture at UB
Scientific Methods: Science, Technology, and Human Values
Solving Crimes Using Referent Tracking . . . and more!
Check out the Undergraduate Education - UE 141 spring seminars today!
Vanessa is a senior at UB and one of our Peer Assistants in Student Advising Services. You can contact our Peer Assistants at sas-peer@buffalo.edu or visit them in 109 Norton Hall!
Vanessa’s advice is that it is time to set up an appointment and see your advisor! She offers the following tips in preparation for making your Spring 2008 semester schedule.
Tip 1: See your advisor to see what classes you should take next semester!
Tip 2: Look at the course schedule and catalog to see what is offered for the spring.
Tip 3: Use the “Schedule Wizard” or write down all of the classes and times you are interested in taking.
Note: If you don’t know what the “Schedule Wizard” is or how to successfully use it, feel free to stop by Norton 111 and ask for a Peer Assistant to show you.
Tip 4: Come up with a “back up plan.” While you should write down every class and course number that you are interested in, you may not be able to get into certain classes on the date of your Registration Window. So, it is best to be prepared if it is closed. You may have to sign up for different classes at different times, but make sure you write the course number and registration number next to everything.
Tip 5: Design your anticipated courses the day before your registration date. Let’s say I wanted to take PSY 101, SOC 101, and MUS 265 for the Spring 2008 semester.
Possible Courses, Registration #’s, Days and Times for PSY 101 are:
1) PSY 101, 068646 , T, 7-9:40 p.m.
2) PSY 101, 259501, TR, 8-9:30 a.m.
3) PSY 101, 372214, TR, 11-12:20 p.m.
*Since PSY 101 has several class options being offered in the spring, I would write down at least your top three choices. Also, I ranked them from my favorite class to my least favorite. That way on registration day if I notice I can’t get into my first choice I would then try my second choice and so on.
Possible Courses, Registration #’s, Days and Times for SOC 101 are:
1) SOC 101, 336801, M, 7-9:40 p.m.
2) SOC 101, 067703, MWF, 2-2:50 p.m.
*Since there are only two choices for SOC 101 this spring, make sure you write all of them down, and as before, rank them from your most favorite to your least favorite.
Possible Course, Registration #, Days and Time for MUS 265:
1) MUS 265, 266420, TR, 3:30-4:45 p.m.
*NOTE: There is only one choice for MUS 265 and there are not many seats as well. In this case, you may need to look at OTHER music classes if you are using this to fulfill the Arts General Education Requirement. You should then check your DARS report to see other music, art, art history, media studies, theater classes, etc., you can take. Make sure you do this so you will not be stressed on the day of registration!
Tip 6: Write down some other classes that you’re thinking of taking that could be counted as electives or other requirements just in case all of your classes may be closed. This could be added to your list like seen above just to add some “in case of emergency classes,” which is what I like to call them.
***REMEMBER: If you have any questions about how to register, stop by Norton 111 and ask for a Peer Assistant! Registering for classes doesn’t have to be as stressful as some say it is. We will help you to be prepared and stress free!
For more information on Spring 2008 Registration visit: src.buffalo.edu/register/spring.shtml.
Can you identify with the following three most common choice challenges students face in college? According to Peter Vogt’s article, Identify and Avoid These Career-Decision Making Traps, many college students spend more time planning their next spring break than their post-college career!
1) The Herd Mentality: The tendency to do what everyone else seems to be doing. Example: “All my friends are majoring in business, so I will too.”
2) Anchoring: Attaching great importance to something that may have little or no bearing on your best interests. Example: “My parents have always wanted me to be a lawyer.”
3) Decision Paralysis: Becoming so overwhelmed with choices that you can’t decide, or you decide not to decide. Example: “I don’t know what I want to do, so I’ll just go to graduate school to keep my options open.”
To avoid career traps and miscalculations, Vogt encourages students to ask better questions about their future careers and to take the time to gather information from a variety of sources.
There are numerous resources at UB to offer students assistance with their career-decision making. Be sure you take advantage of the following UB resources to help you!
Career Services
College of Arts and Sciences
Counseling Services
Meet-A-Mentor Program
Student Advising Services
UB Majors and Careers Night
Choosing, Changing & Applying to a Major: sas.buffalo.edu/major/index.php
Are you looking to gain volunteer experience within the greater Buffalo community?
Would you like to learn more about many volunteer agencies representing the fields of health, youth, the environment, elderly care, education and more?
If so, then don’t miss the Community Engagement Fair!
Monday, October 22, 2007 • 11 am - 2 pm • Student Union Lobby
For more information contact the Center for Student Leadership & Community Engagement - 235 Student Union, 645-6469.
Student Advising Services is offering several Student Success Workshops before the end of October. If you are looking for help with time management, study skills, or other academic strategies for success, then be sure to attend one or more of the following workshops!
TIME MANAGEMENT
Understand academic tools and resources that will help you develop and manage your academic plan.
Monday, October 15th • 4-4:50 pm, Room Norton 111
STUDY SKILLS
Learn helpful study techniques and strategies in the areas of reading, note-taking, preparing for tests, and retention of material.
Thursday, October 18th • 1-1:50 pm, Room Norton 111
MAJOR DECISIONS: CHOOSING AN ACADEMIC PROGRAM THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
Are you interested to learn common myths and realities that often shape students’ decisions when choosing a major? Do you think that once you choose a major you are locked into a specific career for life? Do you want to learn from UB students regarding how they made their major choice? Come and gain valuable tips on navigating the process and discover the information you need to make good choices regarding majors, minors, and other academic opportunities at UB.
Tuesday, October 23rd • 3-4:30 pm • Room 210 Student Union
ACADEMIC PLANNING: REGISTERING FOR COURSES
This workshop is designed for new freshmen and transfer students. Learn how to build a schedule using the Undergraduate Catalog, DARS, the Electronic Class Schedule, and Web Registration.
Thursday, October 25th • 1-1:50 pm • Room Norton 111 OR
Friday, October 26th • 2-2:50 pm • Room Norton 111 OR
Wednesday, October 31st • 4-4:50 pm • Room Norton 111
*****For a list of additional Student Success Workshops offered this fall or for a multitude of academic and other workshops being offered this semester, visit the Life and Learning Workshops program.
Plan ahead! The Spring 2008 Electronic Class Schedule is now available.
NOW is also the time to meet with your academic advisor to plan a schedule for the spring semester! If you are undecided about a major, schedule your appointment with Student Advising Services.
If you have an intended or approved major, consult the Advising Directory for your appropriate advising unit.
ATTENTION FIRST SEMESTER FRESHMEN: Many new students must attend MANDATORY ADVISING appointments before they can register for spring semester classes. Be sure that you check with your academic advisor and schedule your appointment immediately!
ALL STUDENTS need to also verify when their Spring 2008 Registration Window opens and they are eligible to register for spring classes. Note: Students’ registration windows are determined by the number of credit hours they have COMPLETED prior to their currently enrolled semester.
Be sure that you are informed of all critical information regarding Spring 2008 Registration!
