New Student Advising Office
Student Advising and Resource Team
START New Student Advising is here to help students begin their academic careers at UM-Dearborn with a strong foundation for success. We assist students in making their way as they enter the university. Students receive advising with START Advising beginning at orientation. Students will transition from START Advising to their academic unit's advising office on an individual basis depending on their academic progress. Because a successful finish needs a strong START!
Meeting with an Advisor
Meetings can be scheduled through the My Dearborn Portal by visiting my.umdearborn.edu, by email (umd-start@umich.edu), by phone (313-593-5576), or by visiting START Office Virtual Front Desk. Advisors are available for drop-in hours listed below by advisor.
Virtual Front Desk
START academic advising works with all incoming students, except College of Business transfer students. Our services include assisting students in:
- Making the transition to UM-Dearborn
- Understanding degree requirements
- Scheduling
- Choosing a major
- Creating a preliminary graduation plan
- Creating a manageable school/life balance
- Improving study skills
- Finding ways to be involved on campus
START advisors also work with students who are on probation or at-risk to help them identify areas of challenge and opportunity, and find new ways of approaching their education to push them toward reaching their full potential.
You may see a START advisor any time you have a question related to your academic planning or future career goals. START advisors meet with students by appointment, but we also offer drop-in advising. Drop-ins are for quick questions, and you may see any advisor available for drop-in advising. For more complex or time consuming advising questions, a quick drop-in conversation may not be sufficient, and you may be asked to make a follow-up appointment with a START advisor who specializes in advising for your field of study.
START recommends that you prepare for an appointment by first creating a list of questions you know you would like to ask. Then, take the time to review your Degree Works audit. If the review of your audit answers some of your questions or creates new ones, modify your list. Most importantly, remember to bring your list of questions with you to your appointment.
If you are seeing an advisor to get a form completed (SAP Appeal, for example), make sure you are prepared with a copy of the form beforehand and have it with you when you meet with your advisor.
If you are seeing an advisor to discuss choosing a major, take some time to reflect on your interests and explore the options available at UM-Dearborn. Use some of the resources listed in the Selecting a Major on the New Student Advising Basics webpage. Take notes, and bring those notes with you to your appointment.
If you are seeing an advisor to do a probation contract, start to reflect on your last semester. What were the biggest challenges that you faced? What were some successes that you would like to build on in your next semester? Come prepared to have an open and honest discussion with your advisor, and we will work together to find ways to help you get back on track and on your way to academic success.

Andrew Beverly, START Director
Email: beveram@umich.edu


CECS Advisors

Kerri Madeleine
Email: kmadelei@umich.edu
Drop-in Advising (virtual and in-person):
Thursday 2 PM - 4 PM

How to Reach Us
In-Person and Virtual
During the Fall 2021 semester, we’ll be conducting university business in-person and virtually during normal business hours. Our in-person services are available at the START main office in the University Center room 2149.
The START Virtual Front Desk operates during normal business hours. Students are able to meet in real-time with our office assistant staff who are able to assist with scheduling an appointment, appointment check-in, or re-directing to other campus resources.
We are answering our phone (313-593-5576) and responding to voicemails during normal business hours. You can continue to reach our office by email (umd-start@umich.edu) or through our Virtual Front Desk.
Regular Hours
- START is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm.
- Advising appointments are Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm.
- Appointments should be scheduled 24 hours in advance.
- Appointment times outside of our regular hours can be made available upon request.