Academic Advocates collaborate across the campus community with a broad network of offices spanning academic advising, financial aid, registrar, student business services, and student affairs. Academic Advocates also work closely with each of the academic colleges with connections to faculty and staff across all academic disciplines.
Undergraduate degree-seeking students identified, or those referred, who may be experiencing barriers to graduation will receive direct outreach from an Academic Advocate to address issues in a timely manner, review their progress and options, and to advise them towards graduation.
Student referrals are encouraged when an academic barrier to persistence, progression and graduation is identified. Referrals may come from a variety of sources including:
- Academic Advisors
- Academic Care Team
- Academic and Pre-Professional Advising
- Faculty/Instructors
- Self-Referrals
- Student Peers
- University Staff and Personnel
For referrals regarding students who are exhibiting concerning behaviors (suicidal expression, threat of harm to self/others, deep sadness, confusion, threats, etc.), please report this concern to the Retriever CARE Team via care@umbc.edu or by calling 410-455-2770. Violent acts should be reported immediately to the University Police at 410-455-5555.
Confidentiality
The Office of Academic Advocacy welcomes family, friends and peers of UMBC undergraduate students with an academic or institutional concern to contact us when there may be a barrier to persistence, progression and timely degree completion. While we will do our best to provide accurate information, timely guidance, and make connections with appropriate resources, please be advised that student information is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) which prohibits the disclosure of many types of student information including that as related to the student’s educational record. Students can complete a FERPA Release Form, permitting staff in the Office of Academic Advocacy to speak with more specificity about a student’s educational record to family, friends or peers.