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Get Started for Undergraduate Students PRE-CLASS CHECKLIST

EXPLORE MORE OF UMGC

Tackle a few tasks before class starts so you can concentrate on your coursework when class officially begins. Check off the essentials on your to-do list, and then, if you have time, try to follow the recommendations.

The Essentials

If you're short on time, be sure to take care of these basics:

  • Watch a Tour of the LEO Classroom Videos to learn about the UMGC Online Classroom Experience
  • Watch the Tips For Success video and print the Tips For Success document prior to your first day of class.
  • Pay your application fee. Click on "View Account/Make a Payment."
  • Submit official transcripts from the institution that awarded your bachelor's degree to UMGC. Students receiving financial assistance must complete an official evaluation to continue receiving benefits.
  • Make sure you have submitted your military documentation to receive the military tuition rate.
  • Pay your tuition (Click on "View Account/Make a Payment"). Tuition and fees are due when you register for classes. Be sure you're aware of payment deadlines and grace periods to avoid non-payment penalties.
  • Order your books and course materials, if needed.
  • Sign up for UMGC's MyAlerts to receive text messages and/or e-mails about unexpected delays or closings because of weather or other emergencies.
  • Set up a study space—an area dedicated just for coursework.
  • Log in to your classroom one week before your course starts and follow instructions provided by your faculty member.
  • To log in, go to campus.umgc.edu. If you have not already logged in, enter your username and password in the login fields and and click on the LOGIN button. Once you enter your course,
    • Read the News inside your classroom. This is where your instructor will post any instructions, so pay attention to these before you dive into the discussions.
    • Print your syllabi. The syllabus will detail the structure of your course and the instructor's expectations and provide his or her contact information.
    • Participate in your first discussion and introduce yourself to your fellow classmates. This is how you'll get to know each other.

If you are changing campuses (e.g., switching from UMGC Europe to UMGC Asia), please be sure to log in to MyUMGC and select the "Student Information Updates" link in the lower right-hand corner.

 

Recommendations

If you want to explore more great resources, follow these recommendations. They will pay off in the long run.

After You Register

  • Order your books and course materials, if needed.
  • Log in to MyUMGC via the Student Login page. In the left column click on the yellow "MyUMGC" button, enter your username (not your student ID number) and password that were sent to you and click on the LOGIN button. After you log in, enter the Student Center.
    • Check your contact information (under Personal Information, Name).
    • Check that your UMGC e-mail address is your primary account. (Note: Use of your UMGC e-mail address is optional but encouraged. If you use a personal address, you must ensure that it is valid and current.)
    • Check to see if your transcripts have been received (under My Academics, View My Previous Education).
  • Check your account balance and make sure your account is paid (Click on "View Account/Make a Payment"). Be aware of payment deadlines and penalties for non-payment of your UMGC bill.
  • Sign up for UMGC's MyAlerts to receive text messages and/or e-mails about unexpected delays or closings because of weather or other emergencies.

Settings

  1. Familiarize yourself with UMGC's add/drop policy. Army students should go to ArmyIgnitED for additional information on withdrawing from classes.
    Check the undergraduate Academic Calendar for the last day to register or to drop courses without incurring financial obligation or an official mark on your academic record.
  2. Access your UMGC e-mail account by following these instructions.

Two or More Weeks Before Class

  • Set up your study space—an area dedicated just for coursework.
  • Create a folder on your desktop and in your e-mail. Keep all messages and files related to your course in one place that's easy to find.
  • Identify a strategy for backing up important files (flash drive, e-mail, cloud/Google docs).

Suggestions

  1. Familiarize yourself with the Strategies and Tips for Success.
  2. Create personal goals for the first semester.
    Narrowing down your goals to the short term and writing them down helps ensure that you achieve them, and gives you confidence as you pursue your long-term goals.

One Week Before Class

  • Log in to your courses, access your eReadings, and print syllabi.
  • Participate in your first conference as directed by your faculty member.
  • Introduce yourself to your fellow classmates.

Suggestions

  1. Familiarize yourself with the classroom environment and high-level functions.
  2. Review Help documentation if needed.
  3. Learn about APA citation style, which is the citation style used in all graduate programs.
  4. Look at your syllabus, and add important dates to your personal calendar.
  5. Access the UMGC Library.
  6. Network with two fellow students.
  7. Identify your support network and strategies for dealing with setbacks.
    We encourage you to use all the available resources—including your instructor, classmates, advisors, and other university personnel—when different needs arise.

UMGC GEAR

Shop name-brand apparel and accessories including Nike, Eddie Bauer, and more at gear.umgc.edu. Free shipping!

 

Technical Assistance

Go to Help@UMGC or call 888-360-8682.

Discuss your decision to take classes with family, friends, boss, and co-workers. They are your support group and will be instrumental in helping you achieve your goal.

Sharon Bowling '08 BS, Business Administration

 

Using the Course Planner

The UMGC Spring 2025 Planner provides a convenient place to find important dates and record vital information about each of the courses you are enrolled in for spring 2025. It has been redesigned for both undergraduate and graduate students, and there are separate sections for eight-week session classes (pp 1–4) and four-week session classes (pp 5–7).

Use your course planner to:

  • Keep track of assignments and other requirements.
  • Spend adequate time on course assignments and projects.
  • Develop a schedule and strategy to tackle assignments or projects
    that may have similar deadlines.
  • Break down large assignments or projects.
  • Get an idea of where you should be throughout the course(s).
GO TO THE SPRING 2025 PLANNER
 

Did You Know?

UMGC offers approximately 978 courses online and more than 9,000 course sections in a given term.

Contact Us

Our helpful admissions advisors can help you choose an academic program to fit your career goals, estimate your transfer credits, and develop a plan for your education costs that fits your budget. If you’re a current UMGC student, please visit the Help Center.

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