A new semester brings new opportunities, events, friends and promise, and at The University of Baltimore, there are countless ways for students to make each semester their best yet.
We asked UBalt staff to share the questions and answers to what students ask the most. Whether you’re a new student, already an alum back to finish a graduate degree, or somewhere in between, there’s something for everyone here to have a great start to the semester.
Q: How do I get involved in student life?
A: The Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion offers a wide variety of involvement opportunities on campus. The Bee Involved portal is where to look for leadership opportunities and upcoming events, meetings and programs from student organizations and campus departments.
“Find one way beyond the classroom to get connected at UBalt,” said Pavan Purswani, director for student support and interim Title IX coordinator. “Whether that be a student organization, campus job or getting to know other community members, connecting with campus is one of the best indicators of success.”
Q: How do I order my books?
A: We have an online bookstore where you can access the information to your books. Be sure to read your syllabus to confirm what you’ll need for each class.
The Robert L. Bogomolny Library has some textbooks and additional content that can help you in your classes. Visit Library Services or stop in to learn more.
Q: What happens if the class I wanted to join is closed because it’s full?
A: You should add your name to the course waitlist and contact your adviser to find out if there are any other courses that you can enroll in place of the course that is full.
Q: How can I graduate within four years?
A: Typically, students who enroll in 15 credits per semester (30 credits per academic year) will graduate in four years (120 credits are required to graduate). If you are enrolling in 12 credits per semester, (24 credits per year) it will most likely take you five years to complete your degree.
Q: What can I do to get a job after I graduate?
A: Connect with career services early. If you’re unsure you've chosen the “right major”—or just want to clarify your long-term goals—the Career and Internship Center is a great place to start. Career coaches can help you explore career directions and build a goal-oriented academic plan.
If you’re looking for a federal work study position or another job opportunity now, check out UBWorks.
Contact your career counselor or visit the career center, located on the third floor of the Student Center, for more information.
Q: Where can I find out how to get involved in the community?
A: “The University of Baltimore prides itself on deep engagement in the Baltimore community and beyond. There are many ways to get involved!” said Anthony Butler, director of the Rosenberg Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion.
To get started, log in to the Bee Engaged platform. There, you can find a variety of community organizations, events and volunteer opportunities. You can also record your service hours and reflections to document your good work.
UBalt's Community Service Day, a campus-wide day of service, is Oct. 18.
Q: How can UBalt help me when finances are tight?
A: The Basic Needs Virtual Resource Center serves as a hub to provide community members with a host of information about different resources available to the community and help them get connected with resources that can help provide additional support while navigating paying for college.
The UBalt Campus Pantry is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays (12-6 p.m.) throughout the fall and spring semesters for students, staff, faculty and alumni. A valid Bee Card is the only requirement for participation.
Additionally, our Office of Financial Aid has plenty of information and resources about four types of aid available: grants, scholarships, loans and federal work study.
Q: I submitted my paperwork so why hasn’t my tuition waiver/remission been applied to my account yet?
A: Tuition adjustments occur after the add/drop date and the professors have confirmed attendance. If the adjustment doesn't occur within two weeks of the add/drop date the student should contact the Office of the Bursar.
Q: If financial aid doesn't disburse until after classes begin, how do I know the total amount of my tuition charges?
A: Students should subtract the amount of their anticipated financial aid from their charges to calculate their financial obligation. Or, if the amount of their financial aid equals or exceeds the total amount of the charges there is no action required.
Q: Do you have to be a veteran to use the veteran center?
A: The Bob Parsons Veterans Center is open to the entire veteran and military-affiliated community. That includes spouses, children or anyone that is affiliated with the military. We have three veteran ambassadors (student workers) working in the center right now that never served in the military.
Q: How do I use my veterans and affiliated benefits?
A: Register for classes and then send your Certificate of Eligibility (for chapter 33 and 35 students) or your VA Education Counselor contact information (for chapter 31 students) along with a completed Military and Veteran Semester Enrollment Form to veterans@ubalt.edu.
Q: What can I do if I need help with my classes?
A: “You’re not in any of this alone. There are resources available across campus, from tutoring to advising to Disability and Access Services. These are included in your tuition, so don’t hesitate to use them. A great place to start if you're not quite sure what you may need is with the Student Assistance Program,” said Lexi Wick, academic adviser for the College of Public Affairs.
There are also several academic support services available through Robert L. Bogomolny Library, including the Writing Center, Math and Statistics Center, tutoring, research assistance and more. Stop by the library or visit the library website to learn more and make an appointment.
Don’t forget to look for opportunities to connect with your professor, such as office hours, and your adviser.
Staff Contributors: Lexi Wick, Pavan Purswani, Josiah Guthland, Renee Edmonds, Carey Miller and Anthony Butler