Cometline To Success
A world of opportunities are available during your freshman year. To help you make the most of it, fill out the checklist below and track your progress.
Academics
- Get into UT Dallas.
- Meet with academic advisor during Freshman Orientation for major and/or core curriculum information and for registration.
- Request a Freshman Mentor.
- Refer to the Academic Calendar and your academic advisor for dates and time limits for dropping or adding classes.
- Locate your classrooms before your first day of the semester.
- Begin working with advisor toward career and job exploration.
- Undeclared students begin work toward major discovery.
- Meet with advisor concerning any problems or issues.
- For assistance in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics, and study skills visit the Student Success Center.
- Meet with pre-professional advisors if pre-health or pre-law.
- Meet with advisor to set spring course schedule and register.
- Begin to identify faculty with similar interests.
- Meet with advisor for summer and/or fall registration and for off-campus summer course approval.
- Schedule a McDermott Library tour.
- Students with a documented disability needing academic accommodations, contact the Office of Student AccessAbility.
Leadership and Involvement
- Attend Freshman Orientation, and Comet Camp
- Attend Convocation.
- Invite family to attend Family Day.
- Join Road Warriors or the Residence Hall Association.
- Attend at least one campus program or event each month.
- Participate in varsity athletics, intramurals or club sports.
- Participate in at least one multicultural event.
- Attend at least one leadership development workshop, retreat, or program.
- Consider applying for leadership positions such as Orientation Leaders, Peer Advisors or Student Ambassadors for your sophomore year.
- Consider running for freshmen seats in Student Government.
- Become a member of a student organization(s).
- Participate in at least one volunteer opportunity.
- Go on an Alternative Spring Break trip.
- Visit the Comet Card Office to purchase discount tickets to off-campus movies, museums, and other activities.
- Stay in the know with Radio UTD, The UTD Mercury, UTD TV and the Comet Calendar.
Career Development
- Set up a Handshake account and post a resume.
- Attend career seminars. “How To Write A Professional Resume” and “How To Interview” are just a few of the many topics covered. See the Career Center on Comet Calendar for a list of upcoming workshops.
- Explore interests, abilities, and skills through academic courses.
- Take online career assessments or use career planning software provided by Career Center.
- Schedule an appointment with a Career Center Counselor to explore majors and career titles.
- Explore part-time and summer work opportunities on- and off-campus at Handshake.
- Build rapport with professors.
- Talk to people in careers of particular interest and inquire about daily activity.
- Determine ability to pass a drug test.
- Get professional business attire for future career events and interviews.
Taking Care of Business
- Use the Aid Estimator to explore financial aid options and get an early estimate of aid you may be eligible to receive.
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in January.
- Check the UT Dallas Scholarships website for institutional scholarships you may be eligible to receive.
- Research potential third-party scholarships.
- Meet with a Financial Aid Counselor.
- Create a personal budget.
- Be wary of unsolicited credit card offers. Do your research and get educated on how to manage your credit.
- Decide whether you will renew or apply for housing next semester.
- Decide if you want to buy a meal plan as a sophomore.
- Don’t forget to pick up your free DART pass.
Health and Wellness
- Make an appointment with the Student Health Center for care and treatment for acute illnesses, special health needs and minor injuries. Office visits are FREE, with minimal charges for lab, procedures and medications.
- Take advantage of Student Health Center’s free flu shot offerings.
- Participate in Student Wellness Center programs.
- Become familiar with and learn from the Party Smart program.
- Schedule an appointment with the Student Counseling Center for assistance in achieving emotional well-being necessary to success. The center also offers a personal development library and self-help resources on topics related to personal growth.
- Take advantage of University Recreation‘s facilities and programs.
Study Abroad
- Participate in Education Abroad events such as International Education Week, the Education Abroad Fair or a general information session.
- Visit the International Center to learn about your options for studying abroad.
- Meet with your academic advisor and professors to discuss the inclusion of education abroad into your curriculum.
- Increase your foreign language skills, as appropriate to your education abroad goals.
- Apply to your chosen program.
