Welcome to the UMBC Office of Undergraduate Education!

Working closely with the academic departments and other units on campus, The Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE) strives to provide an honors university experience for every UMBC undergraduate. Such an experience engages students in the intellectual life of the university and promotes academic excellence “by combining the traditions of the liberal arts academy, the creative intensity of the research university and the social responsibility of the public university” (UMBC vision statement). Through this web site we provide information about the many UMBC programs that embody the honors university experience. These include First-Year Seminars; undergraduate research activities, including Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD), Undergraduate Research Awards (URA) and the UMBC Review; Living Learning Communities and the New Student Book Experience. UMBC’s many honors programs focus on specific academic areas including The Meyerhoff Scholarship Programs, Honors College, Linehan Scholars Program, Center for Women and Information Technology, Sondheim Scholars, and Humanities Scholars.

You will also find information about the many programs and opportunities designed to help first-year and transfer students with transition issues as they join the UMBC community and progress through the undergraduate experience. In addition to the programs described above, students may participate in Collegiate Success Institute, Welcome Week, and Introduction to an Honors University (IHU) seminars. At UMBC, our primary focus is on student success. We want our students to reach their potential academically and to complete degrees that will prepare them for new careers and enriching intellectual experiences throughout their lives. Tutoring and other academic support provided by the Learning Resources Center and the positive traditions of academic integrity are part of our commitment to student success. In addition, all new first-year students are included in the First Year Intervention (FYI) reporting. Because we know the expectations at the university vary greatly from those many students experience in other settings, the FYI reporting provides an opportunity for mid-semester warnings to occur. Along with the FYI notification, students are provided with suggestions as to how improve their performance.

UMBC believes that students should receive a broad liberal arts education along with their major area of study. The Office of Undergraduate Education plays an active role in the development of general education requirements and the incorporation of communication skills into the curriculum. Liberal arts education at UMBC cultivates intellectual and ethical judgment, fosters social responsibility, and prepares students to assume leadership roles. From first-year learning communities, to field-based internships, undergraduate research and service learning, our students have many opportunities to connect interdisciplinary study with real-world experiences. Indeed, there are many exciting possibilities that integrate learning outside the classroom including online and distance learning, engagement with the arts, study abroad, and participation in the many student clubs and organizations on campus.

If you have a concern, interest, or question in any of these areas, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you. To help support the work of the Office of Undergraduate Education, gifts can be made through Support UMBC, by listing "Office of Undergraduate Education" in the "Other Designation" field.

Diane M. Lee
Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education