1. "What academic resources are available for me to utilize in the Academic Resource Center (ARC)?"
There are many academic resources available to you in the ARC! The Learning Resource Center (LRC) tutoring is on the 3rd floor of the ABS Information Common, where you can access tutoring for many courses such as Precalculus with Trigonometry, Calculus, and more! The Writing Resource Center (WRC) tutoring is on the 4th floor of the ABS in room IC-401. You can also meet with academic advisors on the 3rd floor of the ABS in rooms IC 310-IC 312. 

2. "What study strategies can I use to be successful in my courses?"
There are numerous study strategies that you can use to help you be successful in your courses. You can schedule tutoring and study time in your calendar each week, as well as prioritize your assignments and set manageable goals. You can also meet with your professor during office hours if you have any questions. It is important to take notes during class and while you are reading, and there are many note-taking strategies that you can utilize. In addition, it can be helpful to re-write and review your notes. Choosing an optimal study environment is key; it can also be beneficial to study with friends. These are just a few of the many study strategies that you can use as building blocks to be successful during your time here at MMA. Come see the Academic Advisors for more guidance on effective study strategies.

3. "What are prerequisites and corequisites? Why are they important?"
Prerequisites are courses that you are required to pass prior to registering for subsequent courses. For example, HU-1222 Writing About Literature has a prerequisite of HU-1111 College Writing, which means you need to pass HU-1111 College Writing prior to taking HU-1222 Writing About Literature. Corequisites are courses that must be taken either prior to or at the same time as another course. For example, SM-1131 Chemistry I has a corequisite of SM-1111 Precalculus with Trigonometry, which means you can take Precalculus prior to or at the same time as Chemistry. Understanding prerequisites and corequisites is important while planning the sequencing of the courses in your program with your advisor.

4. "How many credits do I need to register for to be considered a full-time student?"
Full-time status is maintaining a minimum of 12 credits each academic semester. 

5. "Am I on track to graduate in four years?"
Students typically take 5 or 6 three-credit academic courses per semester to graduate in four years. You can view the curriculum for your major to see how many credits are suggested for each semester. If you fail any courses, you will want to plan on taking additional courses during a future semester, or you may want to consider taking winter or summer courses to ensure that you are on track to graduate in four years. Your advisor is a great resource to utilize–they can guide you through a credit review to check which courses you have completed and which courses you still need to take.

6. "Is there a way for me to plan out my future courses for each semester?"
Yes! You can create a graduation plan with your advisor to plan out future courses for each semester. Please note that the order of these courses are suggestions and choosing which courses you will register for each semester is ultimately your decision.

7. "I’m looking to change my major. Do you have any suggestions for how to know what major would be best for me?"
Each student's educational goals and career paths differ. To gain a better understanding of the majors offered at MMA, you can take a look at the curriculum for each major and read course descriptions. You can also talk to the department chairs of the majors and meet with career services to explore possible career options.

8. "What are minors and concentrations? What minors and concentrations are offered at MMA?"
Minors are a program of study of at least 18 credits outside of the student's major program that typically begins in the junior year. Concentrations are programs of study with at least 12 credits outside of the student's major program. It is important to note that courses cannot be counted twice to fulfill a major or minor requirement, unless it is a department elective or free elective. To add a minor or concentration, students must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and get departmental permission by submitting the "Add a Minor" form found here.  You can find a list of minors and concentrations offered at MMA in your "Student Academic Handbook" or the "Massachusetts Maritime Catalog" found here.

9. “I was on an IEP/504 Plan in high school. How do I receive academic accommodations in college?”
Students who face a barrier to full academic participation related to a documented disability should consult with Academic Accessibility Services to explore what accommodations they may be eligible for. Please contact adacompliance@maritime.edu with any questions.

10. “What does it mean to ‘bump up,’ and how do I know if I qualify?”
‘Bump up’ is also known as regimental reclassification. To qualify, an incoming student with transfer credits would need to have completed 30 or more credits by the end of their first term. Although your specific curriculum requirements will not change academically, you will receive changes for regimental status such as rooming assignment, inspection differences and responsibility/duty differences. This process is done through the Commandant of Cadets Office. You must contact their office for further information. 

11. “I took AP and/or dual-enrollment classes in high school. How do I get credit for them?”
MMA accepts credit for most AP tests with scores of 3 or higher. To get credit for your AP tests, please send an official score report from the College Board to the Registrar’s Office at MMA. If you participated in a dual enrollment program in high school in which you took some college classes along with your high school classes, you will need to send an official transcript from the college you worked with to the Registrar’s Office at MMA.

12. “What is the difference between a Faculty Advisor and an Academic Advisor? How do I know who my Faculty Advisor is?”
Academic Advisors are available to help all students in any major with planning and course registration, answering questions about majors, minors, etc. Academic Advisors are available Monday- Friday, 0800-1630, in the Advising Offices, ABS IC 310-312. No appointment is required to see an academic advisor. Faculty advisors are assigned to each student and will work with students to review and approve their schedules prior to registration. Students should reach out to schedule appointments during Advising for registration periods. The Faculty Advisor name and contact information is listed in Self Service. Students will be assigned a faculty advisor in their major during their sophomore year.

13. “Where do I find the deadline for Add/Drop or course withdrawal?”
Specific deadlines for each semester are listed on the Academic Calendar, found here: https://www.maritime.edu/academic-calendar 

14. “How do I get cleared for registration?”
You must be cleared by your assigned Faculty Advisor, separate from the advising office staff. You can locate the name of this person on your self service. You must meet with this instructor to review your plan and once you address any feedback they will select ‘Clear for Registration’ in self service. This will allow you to register for classes during your predetermined registration window. 

15. “How can I request Program Changes (like Change of Major) or a Prerequisite Waiver?” 

• Go to the MMA homepage.
• Click the 3 line menu button top left of page.
• Select "Resources for" ... Current Students.
• Under "Cadet Resources", click on "Registrar". You may be prompted to log in.
• Under "Program Requests and Changes" click on any of the related forms you require.
• This will bring you to a page where you complete the form and submit. 

Additional Questions? Come see us in the Academic Advising offices, ABS IC 310-312.

asullivan2@maritime.edu
Make Appointment
(508) 830-5408

As the Veteran and Student Transfer Specialist in the Academic Advising Office, Amy is dedicated to supporting students as they navigate the many adjustments to life at Massachusetts Maritime Academy—support that can make all the difference in student academic success.
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Amy holds a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Assumption University and brings five years of experience with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she worked with veterans navigating educational and career transitions. That experience helps her understand how overwhelming a new academic environment can feel—especially when you’re figuring out transfer credits, degree requirements, and what’s expected of you in the classroom.
Amy welcomes students to stop by her office to talk through academic questions or challenges. And don’t let the serious nature of her work fool you—she’s incredibly personable and is happy to go by Sully or Mrs. Sully! Outside of the office, Amy is a proud mother who enjoys spending time outdoors. A balance that reflects the approachable and supportive presence she brings to her work with students.
 

Mikaela Toni
Academic Advisor; Accommodations Specialist

mtoni@maritime.edu
Make Appointment
(508) 830-5406

As an Academic Advisor and Accommodations Specialist, Mikaela is dedicated to helping all students maximize their potential during their time at MMA. 

Mikaela holds a Masters in Social Work from Boston University and a BA in English Literature from Simmons University. She has worked in the field of higher education student services for 15 years in various positions. Originally from Cape Cod, Mikaela has spent the last ten years moving around the country as a military spouse–but she is very happy to be back home in Massachusetts! Mikaela lives in Barnstable with her husband, daughter, and cat. 
 

Jill Doherty
Associate Director, Student Academic Support

jdoherty@maritime.edu
Make Appointment
(508) 830-5403

Jill grew up working with her family in the commercial fishing industry and is proud to be working at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Jill works with all students at Mass Maritime on transitioning to college, study skill, organization, graduation planning and also helps facilitate the MAPS program. She is dedicated to helping students on their path to success here at MMA.

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Jill has worked in Education for over 20 years and holds a Masters in Language Acquisition from Middlebury College and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Leadership from Northeastern University. Her passions are reading, travel and yoga. Jill lives in Marion, MA with her husband and three boys.
 

Amy Heine
Director, Student Academic Support

aheine@maritime.edu
Make Appointment 
508-830-5122

Amy supports a team of academic advisors dedicated to helping students navigate their academic journey at MMA.  An essential part of her work focuses on ensuring she and the advising staff collaborate closely with departments across campus so students receive coordinated, wraparound support. Connecting students with the right people and programs at the right time promotes success and persistence.

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Amy has worked at Massachusetts Maritime Academy since 2018. She brings both professional expertise and personal perspective to her role, supporting students with the same care and guidance she offers her own family. A dedicated mom of three (ages 25, 23, and 16), she lives in Plymouth with her husband, youngest daughter, two dogs, and a cat.