Normally, the academic advising process begins when the student officially declares a major or minor in Africana Studies with the Registrar’s Office by completing its “Undergraduate Declaration of Major/Minor/Certificate” form. A copy of this form is shared with the department.
The student’s initial point of entry into the department is a meeting with the Advisement Coordinator who assigns the student an advisor based upon the student’s curricular and career interests. If necessary, students can later change advisors. When this occurs, the student will be required to complete another copy of the Undergraduate Declaration form that includes the new advisor’s signature.
Students should meet with their advisor each semester to chart their progress towards completion of the major (or minor) and other degree requirements, and to receive electronic authorization to register for classes. Students should also consult their advisor if they encounter academic performance problems during the semester. Meetings with advisors can normally be arranged via e-mail if their posted office hours are not convenient for advisees.
When necessary, faculty advisors can make necessary changes (e.g., waiver of any required courses) to the student’s major (or minor). In such cases, students should get a signed copy of the agreed-upon changes since they will become a part of the official requirements for the major. Records of these changes, along with the student’s transcript, constitute the portfolio that is used by the advisor to determine whether or not the student has completed requirements for the major (or minor) when (s)he applies for graduation.
For additional information, contact Dr. Gloria Chuku at chuku@umbc.edu