Academic Advising Guide - University of Maine at Augusta

The information below is organized by topic to help you navigate key academic tasks and understand the roles of your advisors. Explore the sections to learn more and get connected to the resources that matter most to your success.

Understand your advising team

Monitor your academic progress

Understand core requirements

Register for courses

Academic Catalog

Student Handbook

Moose Answers Q&A

Understand Your Advising Team

Student Services Coordinators

Professional Academic Advisors

A Student Services Coordinator (SSC) is a professional staff member who has been assigned to you based on your physical location and/or program.

Here’s how your SSC can support you:

Understand and choose a major.
Register for your courses.
Understand University academic policies & procedures
Navigate academic program prerequisites and study sequences.
Connect you to support services.

Faculty Advisors

A Faculty Advisor is a professor from your field of study who has been assigned to you.

Here’s how your Faculty Advisor can support you:

Provide expert advice in your field of study.
Offer professional networking and graduate school guidance.
Help you select elective courses aligned with your academic and career goals.
Recommend a balanced course load.
Write letters of recommendation when appropriate.

How do I know who my advising team is?

You can find your assigned SSC (academic advisor) and faculty advisor in your MaineStreet Student Center, MaineStreet Classic Student Center, Navigate360 app, or by contacting UMA Academic & Career Advising at umaadvising@maine.edu or 207.621.3149.

Advising Contacts

Is it possible to request a different SSC?

Students can request a change of advisor by emailing Dr. Tessa Pyles, Director of Academic & Career Advising at umaadvising@maine.edu or by calling 207.621.3149.

Emails should thoughtfully explain why the request is being made. All requests are reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis.

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Monitor your Academic Progress

A Degree Progress Report (DPR) serves as a “road map” guiding you through your program of study. It outlines the specific requirements for your degree and tracks the progress you’ve made toward completion. All grades earned are shown on your DPR.

Refer to your Degree Progress Report regularly and before meeting with your faculty advisor or your Student Success Coordinator (SSC). You can find your DPR in the MaineStreet Student Center or the MaineStreet Classic Student Center.

How do I find my DPR?

Your DPR can be found in the MaineStreet Student Center or MaineStreet Classic Student Center. Click the button below for detailed instructions and an explanation of the content in your DPR.

How to find & understand your DPR

How do I change my program/major?

Many students revise their academic plans as their goals and interests evolve. However, it’s important to understand how these changes could affect your financial aid, graduation timeline, and overall academic progress.

Before You Make a Change

Before submitting any forms, we strongly recommend completing the following steps:

Contact Financial Aid
If you are receiving financial aid, please be sure to contact the UMA Financial Aid Office to discuss how any changes to your enrollment or academic plans may impact your financial aid eligibility.
Meet with your SSC
Your SSC can help you understand how the change may impact your financial aid and graduation timeline, and can offer support throughout the process.
Connect with Career Connections
This is a great opportunity to explore career paths and academic options that align with your interests and goals. Schedule an appointment with a career counselor.

To change your program/major or minor, you must complate a Change of Program (COP) form. If you need help completing this form, contact your SSC.

Change of Program Form

I think I am close to completing my program – what should I do next?

First, confirm with your SSC or your faculty advisor that you have completed all of your degree program requirements. Once this is done, submit your graduation application via the UMA Portal.

If you have completed the requirements for a certificate, please submit the Completion of Certificate form found on the Registrar’s webpage.

Please note: If you are completing both a degree program and a certificate, you must submit both the graduation application and the Completion of Certificate forms.

Be sure to connect with UMA Career Connections for job search support.

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Understand UMA’s Core and General Education Requirements

In order to receive your degree or certificate, you must complete all core requirements specific to your major or program. Additionally, there is a minimum GPA requirement—typically a 2.0 in both your overall coursework and your major-specific courses. Meeting these academic standards is essential for graduation and reflects your successful completion of the program’s academic expectations. If you are unsure about your progress, it is important to consult with your SSC for guidance.

Refer to the UMA Catalog for complete details.

UMA Catalog

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Register for Courses

Before You Register
Review your course options using Class Search in your Student Center or Classic Student Center.

Registration Methods
Register with your SSC or faculty advisor in person or by Zoom, phone, or email.

Please Note: Architecture, Art, Biology, English, Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, Education, Interdisciplinary Studies, Med Lab Tech, Music, Nursing, Photography, and Vet Tech degree students all require advisor permission to register. For students participating in self-registration, adding courses to your Shopping Cart does not automatically register you for a course. You must “Finish Enrolling” to officially register for your selected courses.

Registration Checklist & Tutorials

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