First Year Advising and Class Registration

In the first year, every new student will have a faculty advisor. First Year Students are linked to advisors who also teach their First Year Seminar (FYS) course. New transfer students are linked to an advisor in the major and/or minor department. Advising relationships are an important part of the first year and a great support system for new students. The advisor can help you to “get to know” McDaniel and help to connect you to resources if you need support in your first year.

So what is advising (for those of you to college)? The process of “advising” at the college level means that you will discuss with your advisor the general education courses required for the college (The McDaniel Plan), review the results of your placement exams in English, Math and Second Language and then choose the most appropriate classes for you to take for that semester.

For First Year Students, you will receive the name of your FYS course and advisor by approximately 6/11/13. You will receive this information in your McDaniel email account. Please check this account daily.

For transfer students, once you confirm your major with Academic Affairs (410-857-2790) the college will assign you an advisor in your major department.

The next step will be to contact your advisor by email or phone and set up a time to meet by phone, email or in person. The advising period will start June 17 so please get in touch with your advisor ASAP.  It is important that you contact your advisor as soon as possible so you do not fall behind in the process of advising and class registration. Classes fill very quickly so you do not want to miss any of this process.

Before you have your advising appointment, it is important to do the following:

• Review the McDaniel curriculum called The McDaniel Plan
• Review the 2013/2014 online course catalog. The catalog has all the courses, requirements and academic policies of the college.
• Log into The Archway and click on “Test Summary” to review the results of your placement exams. You can use the links on the left hand side menu in Blackboard to see “what my scores mean” and the math and second language placement charts.

During your advising appointment you will choose classes with the help of your advisor that you will register for the Fall 2013 semester. Please make sure you are proactive and contact your advisor for advising. Your advisor must give his/her consent (clearance) before you will be able to register for classes. When you are done with advising then you will register for your classes online.

Registration ONLINE in the Archway begins Monday, June 24, 2013. You will be assigned a time. You can register at your time and any time after. The sooner you register the better so you have the best chance of getting 1st choices of classes.

When you are ready log onto The Archway with your McDaniel username and password and register for your Fall 2013 classes. You already have one course (FYS) or if a transfer your will already have TSS (Transfer Student Seminar) scheduled. A full course load is four 4-credit academic classes.

If you have questions or get stuck call or email your advisor, they are available to help you complete this process and ease your overall transition to McDaniel.