Undergraduate Advising

Student Advising, Guidance & Maintenance of Confidentiality

Prior to the start of classes, students who are newly admitted to the program receive an extensive orientation.  Students receive information regarding departmental policies and procedures, student affairs practices, diversity training, campus life, financial aid, academic progression, grading policies, appeal and grievance procedures, attendance policy, campus security, parking, faculty and student mentor opportunities and registration protocols. Junior students receive a comprehensive orientation that includes laboratory safety. 

Every effort is made to treat each student fairly and with impartiality and confidentiality.  Upon admission, students are assigned a faculty advisor whose responsibility is to serve as a mentor and to assist and guide in academic endeavors.  A standard DMRT counseling form is used to document student academic and personal advising. Confidential Student Counseling Forms are maintained securely in the student’s Departmental file in the DMRT Office of Student Affairs. 

Students in academic difficulty are formally notified in writing by the course coordinator.  A copy of this notification is forwarded to the Program Director.  The course coordinator may assign tutors, offer additional assistance as needed, or recommend a referral to UMB Academic Development, UMB Student Counseling, the UMB Office of Financial Aid or the DMRT Program Director. 

Professional counseling is available for students through the UMB Student Assistance Program.  Students are able to receive, free of charge, professional guidance from trained social workers, psychologists and/or psychiatrists depending on the circumstance. The Program Director arranges administrative referrals for professional counseling.

Advising on professional and career planning is conducted through both informal and formal channels.  Formal career advising activities include the annual DMRT Career Forum in which alumni from the Department return to discuss their career choices and progression.  In addition, students develop a five-year career plan and prepare a professional resume as part of the course requirements for MEDT 309 Professional Development.