2006-2007 Student Handbook
Table of Contents
Greetings from the
President 2
Greetings
from the Vice President for Student Affairs 3
The
Academic System
Academic
Services............................................................................ 5
AOK Library & Gallery......................................................................... 7
Learning Resources Center.............................................................. 7
Student Support Services................................................................ 8
International Education Services 9
Student Services
Office of the Vice President for Student
Affairs 9
Career Development Center 11
University Counseling Services 13
University Health Services............................................................. 14
Off Campus Student Services 14
Residential Life................................................................................... 15
Student Judicial Programs............................................................. 16
Transportation Services – UMBC Transit 17
The Commons..................................................................................... 17
UMBC Bookstore & OTC Store 20
The Women’s Center....................................................................... 21
Office of Information Technology 21
The Campus Card (ID)...................................................................... 23
Dining and Food Services.............................................................. 24
UMBC Police....................................................................................... 25
Co-Curricular
Involvement
Office of Student Life...................................................................... 25
Student Government Association 27
Graduate Student Association 27
Shriver Center.................................................................................... 29
Recreation.......................................................................................... 31
Varsity Athletics................................................................................ 32
University Policies................................................................................ 136
Greetings from the President
I am delighted to
welcome you to the UMBC community. Ours is a special community — committed to
nurturing people, ideas, and the values that support excellence and service. We
also are an exciting university, where faculty, students, and staff are always
working hard to excel.
This commitment to
excellence has earned UMBC membership in the nation’s oldest and most
prestigious scholarly honor society, Phi Beta Kappa. Of Phi Beta Kappa’s 255
member institutions — which represent less than 10% of all colleges and
universities in the
We have created a
campus environment in which students not only succeed, but thrive on success - an
environment that will engage and challenge you to discover and achieve your
potential, whether in the classroom or lab, in the studio or on stage, in the
library or residence hall, out in the community, in internships or co-ops, in
intellectual or athletic competition, in the United States or abroad.
The faculty,
undergraduate and graduate students, and staff you meet at UMBC will be an
important part of your experiences here, and I encourage you to reach out
actively to others — not simply to learn from them, but also to be helpful.
You will be interested
to know that a third of UMBC’s graduating seniors each year go immediately to
some of the nation’s finest graduate and professional schools, while most of
our other graduates move easily into professional positions in industry and
government. UMBC graduates include thousands of doctors, scientists, lawyers,
teachers, social workers, artists, and other professionals.
Again, welcome to UMBC.
We wish you the very best and hope that your experience is deeply rewarding.
Sincerely,
Freeman A. Hrabowski,
III
President
Greetings from the Vice President for Student
Affairs
Welcome to UMBC! UMBC is not only a “hot” school,
but one of
At UMBC you have found a place where scholars
like yourself will join with you in the exploration of complex thoughts and
questions. At UMBC you have found a place where leaders like yourself
will energize you with the prospects of personal engagement in worthwhile
programs and causes. Here you have found a place that will allow you to prepare
yourself for the world after college.
Whatever you want to do at UMBC, there are people
here who will help you make it happen. The Division of Student Affairs proudly
stands as a testament to the development of the social, intellectual,
recreational, spiritual, emotional and career aspects of your life. Through
departments of Student Affairs, you will find opportunities to focus on the
qualities of teamwork, loyalty, creativity, dedication, leadership and service
that will enrich your life and your learning. Don’t hesitate to call on Student
Affairs staff members to help you realize your goals. You can also send us an
email at studentaffairs@umbc.edu to get assistance.
When you leave here, have no regrets. Reap the full
reward of your education. Your accomplishments will open doors of opportunity
not yet imagined, and they will remain with you throughout your lifetime. Use
this student handbook to help you begin to make the most of your UMBC
development. You have my best wishes for a successful year and a rewarding
college career.
Sincerely,
Charles J. Fey, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
ACADEMICS
THE
ACADEMIC SYSTEM AND HOW IT WORKS
UMBC’s academic system is governed by policies and procedures
with which students should become familiar. Regulations govern academic status,
dropping and adding courses and handling of academic records. Specific
graduation requirements pertain to each major course of study. (More
information is available in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs, the
Schedule of Classes, the policies section of this handbook and its links at www.umbc.edu/saf.)
Integrity lies at the heart of the academic endeavor. To that
end, the UMBC Faculty Senate adopted the following statement:
By enrolling in this course,
each student assumes the responsibilities of an active participant in UMBC’s
scholarly community in which everyone’s academic work and behavior are held to
the highest standards of honesty. Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, and
helping others to commit these acts are all forms of academic dishonesty, and
they are wrong. Academic misconduct could result in disciplinary action that
may include, but is not limited to, suspension or dismissal. To read the full
Student Academic Conduct Policy, consult the UMBC Student Handbook, the Faculty
Handbook, or the UMBC Policies section of the UMBC Directory.
The university assumes that all students read and understand
the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs, the Schedule of Classes and this
Student Handbook. Students are responsible for seeking help with academic
requirements and regulations they do not understand. Students are strongly
encouraged to consult regularly with their academic advisor. In addition, the Office of Academic Services
provides an array of services to assist students in achieving their academic
goals.
This section introduces the basic information and services
that students need to know about the UMBC academic system. More information is
in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs.
OFFICE OF ACADEMIC SERVICES
102 Academic Services/Academic Services Building
410-455-3158
Academic
Advising
Academic advising plays an important part in the
academic experience at UMBC. The advising process provides an opportunity for
students to meet one-on-one with faculty or staff members to discuss their
interests and goals, academic plans and progress toward degree completion.
Academic advising is ongoing and can occur both formally and informally over
the course of a student’s academic career.
Each semester prior to registration, advisors meet with their advisees
to provide guidance in selecting courses for the following semester. Academic
advisement at UMBC is a collaborative relationship between students and their
advisors. Ultimate responsibility for meeting University requirements lies with
students.
Staff
advisors in the Office of Academic Services (OAS) provide academic advising for
many first year students, including students who are undecided as to a major
and students interested in health professions. Faculty members advise other
students in their major. Specific advisor assignments are made by individual
academic departments. Graduate students are advised through their academic
department.
The
The Office of Academic Services provides advising to all students
who are undecided in their major. In
addition to general advising, students are invited to participate in FUEL (For
Undecided and Exploratory Learners), a comprehensive major exploration program
to help students navigate through information in order to make informed
decisions about their educational planning.
In addition, the
The Office of Academic Services also assists students
experiencing academic difficulty by helping to identify its source and by
selecting appropriate interventions. Some students are referred for specific
assistance such as tutoring, while others may reconsider their choice of
courses or major. Still others find that talking it through and adjusting study
and work hours ease the difficulty.
Students wishing to enroll for more than 19
credits and those who wish to enroll in courses off campus during their final
30 semester hours can request permission through the Office of Academic
Services. The department also processes requests for credit by UMBC
examination.
Registration
A student’s first registration occurs during an
orientation/course selection session. From that point on, the registration
process occurs during the latter part of each semester. Assigned times to
register are noted on a student’s myUMBC account. Prior to registration, students must make
separate appointments with their advisors to get course clearances.
Undergraduate
students should contact the Office of Academic Services when questions about
the registration process arise. The Office of Academic Services can also help
adjust schedules or answer questions about academic standing. Graduate students should start with the
graduate program director in their department.
Add/Drop Classes
There
are times during each semester when students might add or drop classes. Those times will be listed on the UMBC
website and in myUMBC. Notices will
include the schedule adjustment period: the first two weeks of classes during
fall and spring semesters. All first year undergraduate students contemplating
adding or dropping classes are required to meet with advisors.
When dropping a course, the mark of “W” will
appear on the semester’s grade report. A “W” will be recorded on permanent
records for all courses dropped after the fourth week of the semester. Only
courses completed with grades of A, B, C, D and F – not P, W or I – will be
used in computing semester and cumulative GPAs.
THE LIBRARY
410-455-2232
www.umbc.edu/library
The Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery is a
great place to study, conduct research, or just explore. Those who have never
been in the library before probably don’t know that:
...
the library has more than
975,000 bound volumes as well as more than 4,200 magazine and journal
subscriptions, many available online.
... the library is easy to
use and skilled professionals in the
Reference Department can help with finding information for any paper or project
requiring research.
... the library’s online
catalog can locate books and journals at UMBC and at other University System of Maryland (USM)
libraries. Through this catalog, students can request books held by the other
USM libraries and have them delivered to the UMBC library for their use.
... many reserve readings
for courses can be obtained online or are available in the library at the Media
or Circulation desks.
... the Special
Collections Department has rare materials dealing with
... the Internet can be
reached from more than 200 computers throughout the library. Wireless access for laptops is available in
most study areas. Printing and photocopying
is also available for a fee.
... the building lounge is open 24 hours. It
has a restroom, provisions for security
and vending machines for food, coffee, and soft drinks.
345
Academic IV (B Wing)
410-455-2444
410-455-2584
(Math Lab)
410-455-3291(
http://www.umbc.edu/lrc
Most
undergraduate students find that the academic demands of university courses
require different study skills and techniques than those that were effective in
high school or community college settings. New students learn quickly that new study skills,
like forming study groups, using tutoring early, and spacing study over time,
help them to accomplish their academic goals.
The
Learning Resources Center (LRC) operates a free peer tutorial program for UMBC
undergraduate students., Student tutors are available to tutor many 100- and
200-level courses in mathematics, physics, biology and chemistry
;technology-based courses in computer science, information systems and
engineering; the social sciences
including psychology, history, political science, economics, geography and
sociology; and the humanities and language areas of philosophy, French, German,
Spanish, Latin and Russian. Students should visit the LRC to make tutoring
appointments for the more than 100 courses in these areas. Additionally, the LRC operates two walk-in
tutoring labs in the lower level of the Library for math and writing
assistance, no appointments are necessary here.
Labs operate daily from 10 a.m. and evening hours, Monday -
Wednesday. Call or visit the LRC for
hours. Log on to the department’s
website for other program descriptions, activities, and staff profiles.
STUDENT SUPPORT
SERVICES
345
Academic IV (B Wing) 213 Math/Psychology
410-455-3250 (Voice)
410-455-2459 (Voice)
410-455-3233 (Voice/TTY)
The Student
Support Services (SSS) Department provides support services to a select
population of UMBC students who have specific needs for academic support. A federal grant supports these services, and
students must meet federally defined eligibility criteria.
SSS also
coordinates accommodation services for students with properly documented
disabilities. Users of the services
include blind and visually impaired, deaf and hearing impaired, physically and
learning disabled students, and others with other chronic, disabling
conditions. Services include note
takers, readers, electronic books, scribes, mobility training, and
interpreters. Personal counseling and
special orientation are provided as needed.
Students with disabilities should make an appointment to discuss their
specific needs for services and accommodations.
A resource and information center, in 213 Math/Psychology, houses some
adaptive equipment. Additional adaptive
equipment is available in the Kuhn Library, and a public access TTY pay phone
is available 24 hours a day in the University Police Department.
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
SERVICES
STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM
224
Admission Building
410-455-2624
www.umbc.edu/ies
International
Education Services (IES) provides guidance to UMBC’s growing population of
international students, faculty and researchers on all matters related to
obtaining and maintaining legal visa status for the duration of their academic
programs, helping to ensure that they fulfill requirements mandated by the
Department of Homeland Security.
International students MUST
contact the office upon their arrival at UMBC and consult them on such matters
as travel outside the
IES
is also committed to promoting study abroad as part of the academic student
experience. The Study Abroad Coordinator helps students identify programs in
other countries that will count toward their degree programs while providing
them with exciting summer, semester and academic year study opportunities
throughout the world.
Student Services
OFFICE OF THE VICE
PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS
The Commons,
410-455-2393
www.umbc.edu/saf
The Vice President for Student Affairs provides
leadership and direction for the Division of Student Affairs, the mission of
which is to foster student success through active student learning in and
beyond the classroom. Through the
efforts of the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the division
provides high quality services that extend learning beyond the traditional
classroom experience.
This office provides leadership for the quality
of campus life for students through administrative coordination of Residential
Life, Student Life, the
Student Affairs is committed to supporting
students’ unique academic experiences, enhancing the activities of a diverse,
multicultural student body, providing activities that enrich students’ quality
of life, and helping students develop life skills to become tomorrow’s leaders.
Students who are unable to find the answer to
questions, need to be pointed in the right direction, are having trouble maneuvering
through the University, or wish to become involved in student life or
leadership opportunities, should stop by the Office of the Vice President for
Student Affairs for assistance.
410-455-2537
www.umbc.edu/gradschool
Hours: Monday-Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The
Contacts in the
·
Orientation to campus – Lisa Morgan, x58142
·
Registration problems – Vicki Greisman, x53564
·
Inter-campus registration – Vicki Greisman, x53564
·
Residency classification – Vicki Greisman, x53564
·
Admission provisions – Kathie Nee, x52944 (domestic students) or
Kathy Ruth, x52908 (international students)
·
GPA audits – Lisa Morgan, x58142
·
Retroactive leaves of absence –
Jackie Brooks, x52673
·
Transfer of credits – Kathie Nee, x52944
·
Assistantships/tuition remissions – Kelly Caples, x51071
·
Degree requirements – Jackie Brooks, x52673
·
Student counseling – Angela Walton-Raji, x 53514
·
Student grievances – Janet Rutledge, x53659
·
Graduation certification and application for diploma – Linda
Thomas, x52440
·
PROMISE program – Renetta
Tull, x52930
·
General questions – Elizabeth Douglass, x51337
204
Math/Psychology Building
212
Math/Psychology Building (
410-455-2216
Hours for fall and spring semesters: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30
a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. – 7
p.m.
Walk-in hours: Monday – Friday, 2:00-4:00pm
Career
Advisement -
The
To help students obtain career-related work
experience, CSC maintains listings of major-related part-time jobs that offer
hands-on experience. Students can also test career decisions by working with a
variety of employers.
Major
Decision Making - Choosing
a major is a first step in the career development process. Many students are
initially undecided and many more change majors at least once. There is no
single ‘best method’ for choosing a major or deciding on a career. Rather, the
choice should be based on considerable discussion, personal planning and
investigation. Students should meet with a CSC Career Specialist, as well as
with academic advisors, to obtain help with this important decision-making
process. There are also resources on the
Full-time
Career Opportunities-
Students who are seeking full-time career opportunities can access a one-stop,
on-line program that lists hundreds of jobs.
This system allows students to sign up for on-campus interviews with
various recruiters from public, private and government sectors; make their resumes available to employers by
posting them on-line for access by authorized employers; and give them access
to job listings.) Students can also upload other documents in order to market their talents to employers. The system also features an Event Calendar
that lists all career and job search events.
The
Students should view CSC services and programs as
an integral part of their educational experience at UMBC and begin to use the
services as early as the Sophomore year.
Part-time Jobs - Many students
may need to seek part-time employment to help pay college expenses. Before taking on any additional
responsibilities, however, they should carefully consider the cumulative
effects of school and work time commitments. Each ten hours of work is the
equivalent of enrolling in a three-credit course. Students also might consider
on-campus employment, the added benefit of involvement with members of the
university community. Many departments and offices hire student assistants with
Food Services, Residential Life, The Commons, Library, Office of Information
Technology and Athletics employing the largest numbers. Various part-time and
seasonal jobs are also advertised through the one-stop, on-line jobs program.
Career Services Website
For a comprehensive view of career services, students are encourage to visit the career services website at www.careers.umbc.edu. Numerous resources and job sites are posted to assist all students with a successful job search.
UNIVERSITY
COUNSELING SERVICES (UCS)
Student Development and
410-455-2472
http://www.umbc.edu/counseling
University Counseling Services (UCS) provides psychological services to assist
students in achieving academic, personal and career goals. Services include
intake interviews, short-term individual counseling, group counseling,
substance abuse assessments, skill-building workshops on topics related to
academic achievement and personal growth, consultation, outreach programs,
multimedia self-learning materials, referral resources, and scholarship
programs for returning students.
Psychiatric services may be provided to students who are engaged in
counseling at UCS and are referred by their counselor. Consultation related to student problems and
concerns is available to faculty and staff.
Typical concerns that might lead a student to
contact UCS include:
·
Stress/anxiety
·
Feeling overwhelmed
·
Time management
·
Problems with relationships
·
Test anxiety
·
Feeling depressed
·
Problems making decisions
·
Alcohol/drug use
·
Feeling unmotivated
·
Body image
·
Loneliness
·
Sexual issues
·
Adjusting to college
·
Career confusion
·
Procrastination
·
Self-esteem
UCS
staff are legally and ethically required to keep the information clients share
confidential with the rare exceptions when there is a clear and imminent danger
that someone’s life is at risk, there is a case of apparent or suspected child
abuse, or there is an enforceable court order.
UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES
Erickson Hall, ground floor
410-455-2542
410-455-5555 (24-hr. on-call service)
www.umbc.edu/uhs
Hours
for fall and spring semester: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Friday, 8
a.m.-5 p.m.
University Health
Services (UHS) provides convenient primary and urgent care and health education
to UMBC students. Professional staff members include certified nurse
practitioners, board-certified physicians and health educators.
UHS
charges for it services. Students’
insurance companies can be billed for covered services or charges may be paid using
the campus (debit) card or billed to students’ university accounts.
Students may be seen at UHS by appointment or on
a walk-in basis. 24-hour on-call service is available by calling UMBC Campus
Police at 410-455-5555 or 911.
OFF-CAMPUS
STUDENT SERVICES
The Commons 309
410-455-2770
410-455-3399 (Off-Campus Housing)
www.umbc.edu/ocss
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Off-Campus
Student Services (OCSS) maintains information about off campus living, roommate
referral, transportation resources, student parking appeals, transfer student
services, and educational and social programs.
OCSS designs programs
with commuting students in mind. OCSS programs, services and advocacy help
students make the transition to UMBC’s campus community, providing social and
academic support, community building opportunities, information services and
referrals. The Transfer Student
Network, Campus Connections and Commuter Living and Learning Communities programs help make contacts with
faculty mentors and other students of like majors. Friendly Community
Assistants (CA) and staff meet with students who take time to stop by and say
“hello”.
Off-Campus Housing - For students desiring
to live off campus, the Off-Campus Housing (OCH) area maintains housing and
resources. Commuter Assistants (CA), peer
advisors and staff will 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 also
available for students on line via myUMBC.
Transfer Student Network - new transfer students can interact with other transfer students
and the Transfer Student mentor or get to know about upcoming events and
workshops, or coordinate study groups with other students via the TSN
electronic blackboard community. TSN offers bi-monthly workshops that address a
range of academic, social and transition topics of interest to new transfer
students. To enroll in the TSN go to
http://blackboard.umbc.edu.
Carpool Parking,
Rideshare & Mass Transit Bus Pass
•Rideshare is
a carpooling program available to currently enrolled UMBC students. This free
program operates throughout the academic year. Students who desire to carpool
may apply for a special permit. Applications are available at the
RESIDENTIAL LIFE
184 Erickson Hall
Residential
Education 410.45.-3932
Residential
Facilities 410.455.FXIT (3948)
Residential
Operations 410-455.8832
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Residential Life’s (RL) central office is located
in Erickson Hall. Residence hall communities are Susquehanna,
Chesapeake, Patapsco,
Susquehanna, Erickson Hall and most floors in Harbor Hall close to residents on
the evening prior to scheduled Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks.
Apartments,
Residential Facilities staff manages maintenance,
housekeeping, renovation and construction of facilities, health and safety,
evacuation drills, and facilities education.
Maintenance Assistants (students trained to assist with minor repairs)
and FXIT staff (ext. 5FXIT is the maintenance hotline) are supervised by
Residential Facilities staff.
Residential Operations staff manages housing
applications, room assignments, billing, room changes and coordination of the
spring recontracting process. These
operations are managed by Capstone Management for