Bulldog Update: Student Edition

- Resume & Career Fair Prep Drop-in Hours with the Career Center | 9.21.26 | 1-3 PM | LSBE Cyber Cafe & SCC 22 (the Career Center)
- Handshake Workshop | 9.22.26 | 2-3:15 PM | LSBE 125
- SPS Commerce Company Day | 9.23.26 | LSBE Cyber Cafe
- Business Career Fair | 9.24.26 | 10 AM - 2 PM | Kirby Ballroom 

Career Events

How have the first few weeks of classes been?  Do you feel you are on the right path? Perhaps some classes are going great while others are going… not so great?  Did you know you are assigned to an Academic Advisor to help with academic planning and progress?  You can find your assigned Academic Advisor listed at the top of your APAS or on the MyU > Academics tab. There, you will have either a faculty advisor or a professional advisor.  Both can be helpful in navigating your educational pathway.  Below are some helpful tips taken directly from UMD’s wonderful Advising offices:

Advisor's Role:
•        Help you clarify your educational values and goals;
•        Provide accurate information on educational options, policies, and procedures;
•        Guide you toward an academic program in which you can be successful;
•        Acquaint you with campus resources that support your academic and personal success.

Student’s Role:
•        Be responsible for scheduling, preparing for, and keeping advising appointments.
•        Meet with your adviser regularly to review the academic schedule for the following term and progress toward degree completion.
•        Seek out contacts and information, and know the basic requirements of their degree program.
•        Take final responsibility for making their own decisions based on the best information and advice available.

Students' essential needs are the foundation of a successful experience at UMD.  Unfortunately, we can all feel disconnected and lost at times.  While there are many supportive and encouraging things available for students, navigating those waters and finding those spaces can be challenging.  The Lighthouse is a regular spotlight focusing on a resource at UMD.  This week’s highlight is Academic Advising.
 

Hello Students,

We’re still seeking participants for our "What Makes a Bulldog: Student Workshop & Discussions," hosted by Enrollment Marketing & Communications and the Office of Admissions as we reimagine our messaging for recruitment. Your perspective at UMD is invaluable, and you'll get FREE FOOD to share it! 

WHO: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors (and First-Years in their second semester)

WHAT: A facilitator will ask about the personality of the UMD student body, how to characterize different groups of students, and what makes them similar or different. You know this campus better than anyone, and your insight will directly shape how we tell UMD's story in recruitment and marketing. We'll have small-group discussion and a little writing. Coffee, snacks, and treats will be provided!

WHERE & WHEN: Griggs Center - Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Interested? Sign up for one session

Workshop #1: 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Workshop #2: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Workshop #3: 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Questions? Reach out to [email protected].

Best,
Stephanie Bartsch
Enrollment Marketing & Communications, Interim Director

Marti Fasteland
Office of Admissions, Interim Director

Did you know 1 in 8 UMD students report carrying some level of credit card debt over the past month?  Of those students, 22.8% reported the debt as $3,000 per month or more.  These numbers are according to UMD’s College Student Health Survey Report from 2024.  By now it’s clear: the cost of college goes beyond the classroom.  From groceries, to gas, to rent, and even saving a little money for a fun weekend, financial wellbeing can be a complicated balance.

Fortunately, there is more than loans and borrowed money to get you through your college journey.  The Career Center at UMD is one of those spaces on campus.  From brushing up your resume and cover letter, to building confidence with interviews, to attending a career fair, the Career Center can help you land that part-time job, secure an internship, or even map out your future career path.

Student essential needs are the foundation of a successful experience at UMD.  Unfortunately, we can all feel disconnected and lost at times.  While there are many support services available for students, navigating those waters and finding those spaces can be challenging.  The Lighthouse is a monthly spotlight focusing on a resource at UMD.  This month’s highlight is the Career Center.
 

Students and community members are invited to enjoy freshly made pancakes with a variety of delicious toppings at this exciting pop-up event in the Kirby Garage from 9:30-12 Sept. Tues. 22nd

- College of Science & Engineering Career Fair | Sept 22 & 23 | 11 AM - 4 PM | UMN Twin Cities
- Business Career Fair | Sept 24 | 10 AM - 2 PM | UMD
- UWS Fall Career & Internship Fair | Oct 1 | 12-3 PM | UW-Superior
- Health Careers Fair | Oct 7 | 12-3 PM | UMN Twin Cities
- Government & Nonprofit Career Fair | Oct 23 | 11 AM - 3 PM | UMN Twin Cities
- Health & Human Services Career Fair | Nov 4 | 10 AM - 1 PM | College of St. Scholastica

UMD Career Events

Dear Students,
Welcome to Fall Semester 2026. We are writing to provide information about how to request disability-related accommodations.  

UMD Disability Resources (UMDDR) works with students who are experiencing access barriers on campus related to various disabilities and health conditions, including non-apparent disabilities like chronic health and mental health conditions. Students may request disability-related accommodations by completing the Request for Accommodations Form on the Disability Resources website or by contacting UMDDR (218 726-6101, [email protected]).

A student’s self-disclosure of a disability to UMDDR will initiate an interactive process to identify and implement needed reasonable accommodations for that student. Common accommodations include:  
Classroom accommodations such as priority seating, breaks, accessible furniture, or access assistance 
Time or space adjustments for testing 
Note-taking tools 
Access to housing or dining facilities
Sign language interpreting or captioning 
Accessible alternative formats such as braille or electronic text

Disability Resources maintains the confidentiality of students’ disability and health-related information. Disability Resources can also assist students who are unsure whether they have a disability.

We invite you to schedule a meeting with us or to connect with us via phone or email. We look forward to working with you.

The Office for Equity and Diversity is reopening the application for the undergraduate Scholarly Excellence in Equity and Diversity (SEED) Award on August 31st. This decision was made to ensure representation from campuses outside of the Twin Cities.

The SEED Awards honor undergraduate students for their outstanding work in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Minnesota and in the broader community. The award is open to all students, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Undergraduate SEED Awards range from $3,000 to $5,000. The application will open on August 31, 2026 and will close at midnight on September 25, 2026. Learn more and submit applications at z.umn.edu/SEEDapp. Please email [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

This academic year, a variety of departments have coordinated common Drop-In Hours to help students find their way and get connected to the various supports that surround them.  This means you can stop by participating departments during those drop-in hours with no appointment necessary.  From Academic Advising to Disability Resources, from Kirby Student Center to many more, students can find their way, learn their space, and get connected.  Understanding how to navigate college and advocate for one’s needs is an essential component of a successful college experience.  UMD envisions students building meaningful connections this school year and sees drop-in hours as a low-stakes way to begin.

Common Drop-In Hours are held Mondays & Thursdays from 1-3 pm across much of campus.

Student essential needs are the foundation of a successful experience at UMD.  Unfortunately, we can all feel disconnected and lost at times.  While there are many support services available for students, navigating those waters and finding those spaces can be challenging.  The Lighthouse is a monthly spotlight focusing on a resource at UMD.  This month’s highlight is Common Drop-In Hours across campus.