The Family Science Department provides a multi-tier advising system that will help you design and carry out a program of study best suited to your interests and needs. Several advisors are available, depending on your need: the Family Science Undergraduate Coordinator, Faculty Advisors, and the Director of Student Services in the School of Public Health.

General Questions

For general questions and consultation about degree requirements the Department Undergraduate Coordinator, Zainab Okolo, is available in the main office (1142KK School of Public Health) as a first point of contact. The Undergraduate Coordinator also conducts orientations for students in the major. During the orientation, students receive the Family Science Undergraduate Handbook. Review the Handbook every year and refer back to appropriate sections (e.g. internship, course clusters, senior audit) as the need arises.

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an appointment with the Undergraduate Coordinator, click here.

Advising appointments are typically set up the week before openings are available. If there are no appointments set up for the following week, please check back regularly.

Faculty Advisor

All students are assigned a Faculty Advisor who can provide information about Family Science requirements, courses, department research opportunities, and graduate programs. Faculty Advisors have regular office hours posted on their office doors, and they schedule additional office hours during the course registration process. Many have advising sign-up sheets on their doors. Alternatively, you may phone or e-mail your Faculty Advisor to arrange an appointment. Meeting with your Faculty Advisor will help you to focus on the upcoming semester, select courses, and make decisions about graduate schools and careers.

Student Listserve

The Department also has a listserv for all Family Science undergraduate students. You will receive weekly email messages about department and campus events, internship and research opportunities, career seminars, graduate schools, job openings, and other news. If you are a Family Science major and are not on our listserve, contact our Undergraduate Coordinator, Zainab Okolo, and ask that your name be added to the list.

Students should make every effort to attend the Department, College, and Campus programs that relate to their areas of academic research and career interests.

Who to See About What

Information about Undergraduate Advising can be found here.

The Assistant Dean, Dr. Coke Farmer, deals with a number of special issues (see below). Note that Dr. Farmer's office is located in the School of Public Health building, Room 3310A.

The following chart provides a quick reference for advising assistance.

If you need:

• Change of Major and Orientation to FMSC (for current UMCP students)
• Internship Information
• Academic Warning/Dismissal Block
• Senior Audits

SEE: Undergraduate Coordinator
1142KK School of Public Health
(301) 405-4003

If you need:

• Pre-registration advising - not first time department advising
• General advising information, including electives, course selections, internship ideas
• Information about Department Honors Program
• Information about Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Program
• Information about Undergraduate Research Assistant Program, Senior Summer Scholars, McNair Scholars, or other research opportunities
• Information about graduate programs or careers
• General assistance

SEE: Your Faculty Advisor

If you need:

• Exceptions to policy requiring Dean's signature
• Late Add/Drop/Withdrawal
• Permission to enroll for more than 16 credits
• Late application for Graduation
• Registering for a course more than two times
• Permission to enroll in another institution
• Fundamental Studies Block

Please file a request online here.

If you need:

• Athlete advising

SEE: Zachary Hull, Academic Advisor
1304 School of Public Health Building
(301) 405-1010
zwhull@umd.edu

If you need:

• FMSC Course Equivalency Evaluation

SEE: Dr. Kevin Roy, Chair Undergraduate Program Committee
1142T School of Public Health Building
(301)405-4010
kroy@umd.edu

The Family Science Department encourages student comments about Departmental advising. Faculty advisors want to maintain their strengths and overcome any weaknesses in the advising process. Students should feel comfortable about contacting the Undergraduate Coordinator or the Department Chair with concerns or suggestions about their experience.