Student Services
The Commons
The Commons, which opened in January 2002, is the hub of student life on campus. It consists of multiple dining opportunities, the campus bookstore, off-campus student services, the Women's Center, various student lounges, meeting rooms and administrative offices, as well as office space for many of the 220-plus UMBC student organizations, including the Graduate Student Association. Occupying more than 144,000 square feet, The Commons is high-tech, with wireless computer technology and information displays. Architecturally, the facility is transparent with a multitude of glass windows, which provide an appealing environment for the many social activities taking place therein. The Commons' facilities and services make it the place to be on campus.
The Campus Convenience Store (OTC), located on the ground floor of The Commons, offers a large variety of snacks and beverages. Additionally, fresh sandwiches, salads and fruit, frozen entrees, “healthy choices”, ice cream, bagels and coffee are also available. The OTC also stocks a huge selection of magazines and newspapers, as well as reasonably priced sundries and health and beauty aids. The OTC is the only location on campus where film may be dropped off for developing.
The Women’s Center is located on the ground floor near the southern entrance to The Commons. The Women’s Center exists to help all women in achieve their full potential in education, career and personal life through academic and intellectual growth, professional development and personal empowerment. The center offers safe space, resource and referral services, and meeting/ programming space for departments and groups on campus whose goals are in keeping with the centers mission. Other amenities include a private lactation and meditation room equipped with a hospital-grade breast pump, meditation and relaxation tapes, meditation cushions and religious/spiritual texts. The Women’s Center welcomes participation from women and men throughout the UMBC community and serves faculty, staff and students. All are welcome so long as they respect women’s experiences, stories and potential.
The UMBC Campus Bookstore, located on the first floor of The Commons, provides required and recommended books and supplies for classroom use. Every effort is made to offer new and used textbooks, and book buy-backs are conducted throughout the academic year. The bookstore also carries study aids, technical and reference materials, school supplies, lab supplies, computer equipment, software, UMBC-imprinted clothing and gift items. The bookstore staff is committed to providing excellent service to students, faculty and staff, and it is available to special order books, supplies, software and computer equipment.
Commonvision, located on Main Street in The Commons next to the campus bookstore, is a full-service print and copy shop that provides great promotional services such as VideoNet (The Commons TV network), graphics design services and input capabilities for information onto LED displays in The Commons and at the University Center. Commonvision serves UMBC’s students, faculty and staff, as well as academic departments, clubs and student organizations.
The Campus Information Center (CIC), located in the north lobby, provides information about the campus, The Commons facility and its services. Information about scheduled meetings and campus events are available at the CIC counter, which is the first point of contact for many off-campus visitors and new students. Laptop computers with wireless Internet connectivity are available for UMBC staff and students with a valid ID. Tickets to Student Events Board events and other student-sponsored programs may be purchased at the CIC.
The Cabaret, located at the north entrance behind and above the CIC desk, provides a unique venue for entertainment and socializing. The upper floor is home to “Flat Tuesdays”, a Mardi Gras-themed lounge, which operates as a 21-or-older club on scheduled nights of the week. Members of “Flat Tuesdays” Pub Club have access to club specials and listserv notices of pub nights and associated specials. The lower Cabaret has a New Orleans-style theme and is open to all. There is weekly programmed entertainment. This is the spot for nightlife at UMBC.
The “Retriever Sports Zone” is located on the mezzanine level of The Commons and is decorated with UMBC sports memorabilia and photographs of UMBC teams. The “Zone” is home to comfortable booth seating that looks out upon a 12-foot TV projection screen and two flat screens that are programmed mainly for sporting events. Food specials from the Retriever Grill, located next door, accompany the programmed sports viewing.
The Gameroom, located above the southern Commons entrance on the second floor, offers videogaming (Xbox) opportunities as well as billiards and Ping-Pong tables. Three flat-screen TVs add to the lounge atmosphere, as does the availability of snacks and beverages available for purchase. Numerous tournaments allow students to compete locally and regionally. There are games and cultural programs provided in The Gameroom, which celebrate the diversity of the UMBC student population. The Gameroom is the place to go to get away and have some fun.
The Off-Campus Student Services’ mission is to meet the diverse needs of students who live off campus. The department, located on the third floor of The Commons, maintains information about off-campus living, roommate referral, public transportation, bus schedules and resources available in the Greater Catonsville and Arbutus communities.
Off-Campus Housing
For students who want to live off campus, the Off-Campus Housing (OCH) area maintains housing information and resources. The graduate student transitional housing coordinator and staff assist with housing searches, transition issues, and landlord or roommate concerns.
OCH’s Apartment Locator Listing is available for review. This self-service referral system allows students to look for a roommate or an apartment/ house to share. Off-campus housing postings are available for students online via myUMBC.
Transfer Student Network (TSN)
Transfer and non-traditional students can interact with one another and get to know about upcoming events, workshops or coordinate study groups via the TSN electronic blackboard community. TSN offers bi-monthly workshops, which address a range of academic, social programs and discussion groups. To enroll in TSN, visit http://blackboard.umbc.edu/.
Rideshare and Priority Parking
Rideshare is a carpooling program that is available to anyone at UMBC. This free program operates throughout the academic year. Also, a limited number of priority parking permits are available for students who want to carpool or who travel great distances. Applications are available at the OCSS Resource Center located in The Commons, Suite 309.
Publications and Online Services OCSS produces the Living Beyond the Loop: Graduate Student Resource Guide. The guidebook is developed by graduate students for graduate students and offers listings of campus resources; helpful hints for offcampus living and information about local retail services, food establishments and venues. Graduate students may begin their housing or roommate search online. The e-mail address is ocss@umbc.edu. The housing information coordinator is available to assist with housing. A complete guide to off-campus living and renter’s handbook complete with forms and sample lease agreements are available at the OCSS Web site, www.umbc.edu/ocss.
The Commons is a unique facility as it centralizes many of the services that students, faculty and staff need on campus. Students are invited to take advantage of all it has to offer. More information can be found at www.umbc.edu/thecommons.
UMBC Retriever Activities Center
UMBC’s Retriever Activities Center (RAC) Arena seats more than 4,000 spectators for concerts, speakers and athletic contests. The UMBC volleyball team and both the men’s and women’s basketball teams compete in America East Conference competition in the arena.
Indoor recreation facilities include three full-court basketball/volleyball/tennis courts. There is also a weight room and a cardio-balcony with dozens of exercise bicycles, StairMasters and treadmills. In the arena, there is a 1/10-mile jogging track, and the UMBC Natatorium features an eight-lane, 25-meter pool and diving well. Adjacent to the indoor pool is an Olympicsized outdoor pool. Other outdoor recreation facilities include tennis courts; softball, flag football and soccer fields; and beach volleyball courts. There is also a 1/4-mile track at the UMBC stadium. UMBC’s lacrosse, soccer, field hockey, track and field, baseball and softball teams all compete at the Stadium Complex area.
Permanent locker and workout gear are available for a nominal fee. Sign-up forms are located at the RAC equipment desk. Semester schedules are posted around the campus and are available at the Recreation Office or on UMBCs Web site at www.umbcretrievers.com. All information about the recreation program is available at the RecSports office. Retriever apparel, including sweatshirts, T-shirts, hats, shorts, etc., is on sale daily at the Pro Shop in the lobby of the RAC.
Parking Services
The Parking Services Office issues permits, manages parking, enforces campus parking rules and regulations. UMBC requires a parking permit for all non-metered spaces throughout the year, Monday through Friday. Metered visitor parking is available for non-permit holders. Meters are located at the parking structures on Administration Drive, Commons Drive and Walker Avenue. The meter fee is 25 cents for 15 minutes. Change machines are located on the metered lots. Meters are enforced Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
UMBC students can apply for a parking permit online by logging on to myUMBC from the UMBC homepage, www.umbc.edu. Student parking registration is accessed from the Business page on myUMBC. A student must be registered for classes to obtain a UMBC student parking permit. For additional information or questions regarding parking at UMBC, visit the Parking Services Web page at www.umbc.edu/parking, or contact Parking Services at parking@umbc.edu or 410-455-2551.
International Education Services
The Office of International Education Services (IES) offers comprehensive assistance to the university's international population. It provides international students with the specific guidance and documentation necessary in order to come to the United States and commence study at UMBC. Once at UMBC, IES gives international students assistance to ensure that they are able to maintain their legal status in the United States for the duration of their program of study. International students and scholars need to contact IES to get help with such matters as F-1 visa extension, change of visa status, obtaining a Social Security number, travel outside the United States, off campus work eligibility and bringing dependents to join them in the U.S. The IES office also sponsors an International Student Orientation at the beginning of every semester and workshops throughout the year to answer questions and give guidance on issues related to federal regulations as they pertain to international students. It is essential that international students give their e-mail addresses to the IES office so they can be placed on the IES listserv and be mindful of updates sent out by IES regarding visa issues and deadlines. Students with questions should address them to ies@umbc.edu or call 410 455-2624. Students are also welcome to visit the office, room 224, Administration Building for additional guidance and should also visit www.umbc.edu/ies.
The IES office also houses the Study Abroad Office (SAO) which helps students identify programs abroad appropriate to their discipline and UMBC coursework. Through study abroad, students develop an understanding and appreciation for other cultures and/or regions of the world. An experience abroad prepares students for an increasingly interdependent world and provides them the opportunity to enrich their academic background and gain new skills and knowledge that extend beyond the classroom. Students can study abroad for a winter session, summer, semester or full academic year. Students with questions are encouraged to visit www.umbc.edu/ies/studyabroad for an overview of available programs. They may also e-mail sao@umbc.edu with their questions. The Study Abroad Office is located on the second floor of the Administration Building, room 222.Residential Life
HousingOn-campus housing is available to graduate students in the Walker Avenue Apartments (443-612-7541 or www.walkeravenueapts.com). Many graduate students also find reasonably priced apartments in and around Baltimore. A number of apartment developments are located both on and off the campus shuttle bus routes near the UMBC campus in Catonsville and Arbutusquiet residential areas offering a small-town atmosphere. For more information, visit www.umbc.edu/ocss.
Accommodations are available in both residence halls and apartments for students with documented special needs. Students with questions also may contact the Residential Life office, located in Erickson Hall, or call 410-422-2591. For more information, also visit www.umbc.edu/reslife.
Food Services
Three conveniently located dining areas serve the campus community during the academic year:
- The Resident Dining Hall, primarily for on-campus residents, is open to the campus community seven days a week during the school semesters for three meals, plus late-night snacks, Monday through Friday, and for brunch and dinner on weekends.
- Carry-out breakfast and lunch service is available year-round, Monday through Friday, in the Coffee Shop in the Administration Building.
- The Commons food service is open seven days a week, 7:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Campus Security
UMBC employs a force of sworn police officers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A campus escort service is available from dusk to dawn to accompany students around campus and to and from their residence halls. Emergency blue-light phones, located around the campus, are directly connected to the UMBC police station. For emergencies, call 410-455-5555 or from the campus extension x55555. Also consult the UMBC police department Web site at www.umbc.edu/police.
Child Care
The YMCA Child Care Center at UMBC provides pre-school education and child care for students, faculty and staff members. This is a licensed child care center located on campus, serving 2- to 5-year-old children. It implements the Creative Curriculum and works in partnership with the early-childhood education department of UMBC. The child care center is operated by the YMCA of Central Maryland.
The center is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering full-day or part-time care. Schedules are tailored to fit parents’ school or work schedules. To visit, call Susanna Twigg at 410-455-6830.
University Health Services
University Health Services (UHS) is staffed by skilled, caring health professionals who focus on the student’s health and wellbeing. At the heart of their clinical services are nationally certified nurse practitioners. Board-certified physicians from the University of Maryland Medical System provide primary care, consultation and emergency on-call services.
Located on the ground floor of Erickson Hall, University Health Services is committed to providing holistic, high-quality primary and urgent care services for all UMBC students. Services include diagnosising treating of acute illnesses and injuries, treating and managing of chronic illness, immunizations, preventative care, routine gynecological care, allergy shots, laboratory testing, limited pharmacy services, massage and acupuncture.
Health educators work hand-in-hand with the clinical staff to see that students get the information they need to maintain good health.
Hours and Appointments
Spring and fall semester hours are Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During all other times when UMBC is in session, the hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. UHS is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
When UHS is closed, there is 24-hour emergency on-call service available by calling the University Police at extension x55555 (on campus) or 911.
Students are encouraged to make an appointment to be seen at UHS by calling 410-455-2542. Although walk-ins are accepted, without an appointment, the wait may be considerable. There is a $10 fee for most visits to UHS; there may be additional charges for in-house lab work, medications and certain procedures such as EKG, nebulizer treatments, injections and minor surgeries. These charges may be paid at UHS using a UMBC debit card. Charges also can be forwarded to the students account in the UMBC Bursar’s Office.
Immunization Requirement
UMBC, like other schools in Maryland, has an immunization requirement for all students. Immunizations required include two measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shots. International, nursing and paramedic students also must have a tuberculosis test. For international students, the tuberculosis test must be done in the United States within three months of entering UMBC. Nursing and paramedic students also must have the vaccination series for Hepatitis B. A certificate of immunization must be kept on file at the UMBC University Health Services. A Mandatory Immunization form is available at the UHS Web site, www.umbc.edu/uhs. All vaccinations are available at a low cost through Health Services.
Health Insurance
In addition to having a certificate of immunization, all domestic students are strongly encouraged, and all international students in F-1 and J-1 status are required, to have health insurance. Student health insurance is available through the UMBC campus. The plan provided meets all federal requirements for students on J-1 and F-1 visas and meets the American College Health Association guidelines for health insurance for all international students. Students in F-1 and J-1 status automatically will be billed for the UMBC insurance policy, except for those who hold teaching assistant or research assistant positions. Students interested in the university’s health insurance plan should call UHS at 410-455-2542 for more information. UHS will bill the student’s insurance company directly, whether he or she has the UMBC sponsored-plan or another plan, for services provided there. More information about the UMBC sponsored plan can be obtained at www.umbc.edu/uhs.
Information about insurance for graduate assistantships can be found in the Graduate Assistantships section of the Financial Information chapter.
University Counseling Services
University Counseling Services (UCS) provides personal and career counseling services designed to assist students in achieving academic and personal goals. Services include short-term individual counseling, group counseling, skill-building workshops, academic major and career choice workshops, consultation and outreach programs and scholarships for returning women. Faculty and staff consultation is also provided. All UCS services are free of charge to UMBC students. UCS is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services.
Galleries
The Center for Art and Visual Culture and the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery offer visual art exhibitions that bring exciting works of art to campus and occasionally draw from the universitys extensive photography collections and from faculty and student work. Seminars are frequently offered in conjunction with these exhibitions. For more information about the gallery, visit the Web site at: www.umbc.edu/fineartsgallery.