Academics

Academics Questions & Answers

Who is my academic advisor?

Academic advisors from the Office of Academic Services will build your first-semester schedule based on the information you provided on your first-year questionnaire. Students may view their schedules starting in early June and will have an opportunity to meet with academic departments during June Orientation. In July, all new first-year students will be invited to a required 30-minute virtual academic advising meeting with an academic advisor, mostly likely your FSEM instructor. After August 1, all students who completed advising will have their advising hold removed and be able to make course adjustments directly in Banner. Your First-Year Seminar instructor will be your academic advisor through your first year at UMW.

What courses should I think about taking as a first-year student?

Our staff will have preregistered you for a full fall course schedule based on the interests you identified in the First-Year Student Questionnaire. You will have an opportunity to review and discuss your schedule during June Orientation and again during virtual advising in July. After August 1, you may make changes to your schedule as needed. Please only make changes after consulting with an academic advisor.

When can I declare my major? What if I declare but change my mind later? What about minors?

New students are undeclared when they enter the University. Once a student completes his or her first year of study at UMW, he or she can declare a major. To declare a major, complete the Major Declaration Form. Then go to the department chair of the appropriate academic department who will assign you a major advisor. Declaring a minor is done with the same form. You can always change your mind about the major you select. In doing so, we urge you to speak with an advisor.

I’m struggling a bit. Where do I go for help?

First, you should always think of your professor as a valuable resource. Every professor has office hours during which you can ask for assistance. These hours are listed on the course syllabus. Many options for tutoring are available through the Office of Academic Services. Stop by Lee Hall for more details.

The Speaking and Writing Center, located on the 4^th floor of the Hurley Convergence Center in Room 429, offers help with any oral or written project for any class on campus as well as personal projects. The Digital Knowledge Center, also located on the 4^th floor of the Hurley Convergence Center in Room 408, provides assistance with a wide range of digital projects and assignments for classes and beyond.