UMBC offers a stimulating intellectual environment that supports a diverse student body in achieving personal and educational goals. This chapter describes the environment in which students study, live and work.
The Campus
The UMBC campus is ideally located minutes from downtown Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), and it is only 30 miles north of the nation’s capital. Theatre, sports, museums, aquaria, zoos, botanical gardens, restaurants, historic monuments, national treasures, national and regional libraries, research institutes, operas and symphonies are all within a short drive of the campus.
With easy access to all that surrounds it, the campus itself is located in suburban Baltimore. Atlantic beaches are 2.5 hours away to the east, and Appalachian Mountain hiking and ski trails are 2.5 hours to the west, allowing students the opportunity to take advantage of diverse recreational areas.
The UMBC campus is a planned collection of more than 30 major buildings enclosed by a two-mile elliptical drive known as the “the Loop.” Ten housing complexes and the dining facility are clustered on one side of the campus. On the other side, a series of modern academic buildings line an esplanade that leads to the center focus of the campus: the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery and The Commons.
The Commons
The Commons is the perfect place to catch up with friends, meet with study groups, or gather between classes. The services and programs presented in The Commons promote individual development, responsibility, and social competency. Additionally, they celebrate the diversity of the student body, emphasize excellence of service, and enhance campus life and school spirit through cooperative participation and collaboration. A high-tech, wireless facility, The Commons houses a restaurant, meeting rooms, a campus information center, a full-service print and design center, PNC E-Branch, a bookstore, the Women’s Center, Market Street food court, The Gameroom and Flat Tuesdays, a unique performance and entertainment venue. Offices located here include the Vice President for Student Affairs, Student Life, The Commons Administration, and Off-Campus Student Services. Greek Life (fraternities and sororities), the Student Events Board (seb), the Student Government Association (SGA), and Graduate Student Association (GSA) also have offices in The Commons. Visit http://www.umbc.edu/thecommons/.
The Campus Information Center (CIC)
The Campus Information Center (CIC), conveniently located in the main lobby, is the first place to go with questions. The CIC maintains information on campus activities and programs, services and directories, and The Commons operating schedule. Services include, event ticket sales, university lost and found, and posting approval for The Commons. Tickets for major events and organization activities are sold at the CIC - cash or Campus Dollars may be used for purchases. Visit http://my.umbc.edu/groups/cic.
Commonvision, Design & Print Center/iNet Digital Signage Studio
commonvision/iNet is a state-of-the-art graphic design and specialty printing center and digital signage studio. Available services include color or black and white copying; banners, posters and flyers; electronic advertising and video-screen design [animation, video and motion graphics] and high-quality color laser printing. Designs may be submitted by clients or created by talented student staff designers. Check the Web at commonvision.umbc.edu/.
The UMBC Bookstore
The UMBC Bookstore, located in The Commons on Main Street, offers required and recommended textbooks and supplies for classroom use. Staff members make every effort to stock both new and used texts. Selected textbooks are offered for rent or in digital format. Used textbook buy-backs occur at the end of each semester, with an on-going daily buyback most times throughout the year. The store also carries study aids, technical and reference materials, school supplies, lab supplies, computer equipment and software at educational discounts, and UMBC clothing and gift items. The Bookstore operates a convenience store, The Yum Shoppe, located on the ground floor of the Commons. Visit our website at bookstore.umbc.edu.
Flat Tuesdays
Upper Flat Tuesdays provides the UMBC community members and guests with a friendly and relaxing environment to interact with each other. They offer a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during pub hours.
Lower Flat Tuesdays is a great event venue, housing open mic nights, musical acts, and karaoke. Visit http://www.umbc.edu/thecommons/flattuesdays/.
Gameroom
The Gameroom, an exciting “hot spot” on the second floor, provides billiards, table tennis, video games, board games, multiple large plasma-screen TVs, music, and weekly recreational tournament events. Visit the website at http://www.umbc.edu/thecommons/gameroom/.
Galleries
The Galleries at The Commons are unique spaces dedicated to exhibiting art in a variety of mediums. They are accessible spaces for UMBC students to display and learn as well as showcase UMBC and visiting artists’ works. Through diverse show, cultural exhibits, collaboration with the art department and programs related to current exhibitions, the gallery environment promotes appreciation, understanding and growth to patrons of The Commons.
Retriever Activities Center (RAC) Arena
The Retriever Activities Center (RAC) Arena seats more than 3,500 spectators for athletic events, concerts and speakers. Chairback seating is in place in the lower concourse of the arena. A 0.1-mile jogging track encircles the upper concourse, and both the natatorium (indoor pool) and outdoor pool are located at the north end of the facility.
UMBC’s outdoor facilities include the Stadium Complex, with an artificial-surface field for lacrosse, soccer and field hockey; a track and field complex at the stadium (capacity 4,500); the Soccer Stadium (grass surface); The Baseball Factory Field at UMBC; softball diamond and several practice fields. There are also lighted tennis courts located just outside the RAC.
Campus Activities
UMBC is committed to the development of the whole person, both inside and outside the classroom. The Office of Student Life (OSL) provides cocurricular opportunities that will enhance students’ collegiate experience. Research shows that students who are active in student life have a more rewarding college career than those who are not involved; getting involved in cocurricular opportunities will make a difference. The Office of Student Life works closely with UMBC students, faculty and staff to promote and produce major campus events, including Welcome Week, Homecoming and our annual spring festival, Quadmania.
Cultural Activities
UMBC’s academic departments and student affairs division present an array of special lectures, seminars, visual arts exhibitions and performances year-round. The Humanities Forum features regular presentations by noted scholars in a small group setting. The Social Sciences Forum presents topics and perspectives of vital interest to the social-sciences community and beyond. The Honors College hosts a visiting scholar each semester who delivers a public lecture. The Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture and the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery offer exhibitions that bring exciting works of visual art to campus. The Gallery also draws from the university’s extensive photography collections and from faculty and student work. Seminars frequently are offered in conjunction with these exhibitions. The theatre, dance and music departments offer frequent performances by students, faculty and other professional artists.
Cultural and Spiritual Development
UMBC is one of the most culturally diverse campuses in the nation. Those interested in learning more about the many cultures and diverse groups represented on campus and connecting with other students interested in cultural issues are invited to become involved with the Mosaic Cultural Center or the Interfaith Center. The Mosaic Center is many things at once: an event space; a collection of information and resources; a place for relaxation, friendship and conversation; a resource in developing cultural events and programs; and a support network for all. The Mosaic Center encourages sharing experiences with other students and contributing to UMBC’s rich campus life. The Interfaith Center is a space for students to gather for spiritual growth and exploration. All are invited and welcome to spend time in each center. To learn more, visit The Mosaic in The Commons 2B23, http://my.umbc.edu/groups/themosaic or call 410-455-2686.
Fraternities & Sororities (Greek Life)
UMBC has a strong and diverse greek community. With more than 20 fraternities & sororities, the greek community offers students the opportunity to join an organization where they will build lifelong friendships and leadership skills while taking part in service, philanthropic, and social activities. Fraternities & sororities were started in the 1800s as values based secret societies where men and women could come together in a single sex environment to create more opportunities to learn and grow. Greek letter organizations still serve that original purpose today. Membership in a fraternity or sorority begins in college but is a lifetime commitment that continues to offer opportunities for involvement far beyond graduation. UMBC’s community is very diverse and includes many culturally based organizations. The membership in the greek community is approximately reflective of the diversity of the UMBC undergraduate population. To learn more, or find information about what chapters are recognized at UMBC, visit the The Commons 2B14 or www.umbc.edu/studentlife/greek.
Leadership Development
UMBC encourages students to engage in Leadership Learning through student organization involvement, immersive retreats (such as STRiVE and LeadingOrgs), online reflection, and in societies dedicated to Leadership Development (ODK and the Leadership Advisory Committee). These programs are open to all students. In addition, UMBC offers courses (including PSYC 216 and POLI 205 ) in leadership development and social change. Participants in all of these activities gain a greater understanding of their own character and values, interpersonal dynamics, cultural issues, management challenges and social change strategies, and develop the confidence to succeed in formal and informal leadership roles. For more information visit my.umbc.edu/groups/lc.
LGBT Student Outreach and Support
The UMBC community recognizes that sexual orientation and gender identity contribute to our rich diversity. To that end, our campus community provides various educational, social, support services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) students, staff, faculty and their allies. For more information, visit the Office of Student Life Mosaic Center, Commons 2nd floor. Additionally, there are 2 student organizations focussed on LGBT outreach - the Freedom Alliance and QUMBC.
Campus life at UMBC is all about the student: a person with talents, knowledge, aspirations, fears, hopes and dreams. A student’s time at UMBC can be an amazing journey, in which he or she becomes a little wiser, clearer about his or her own values, more active and comfortable as part of the UMBC community, and better prepared to make a difference in the world. The more a student puts in, the more fulfilling the experience will be. Research shows that students who are active in campus life develop valuable skills, feel a stronger sense of community, are more likely to achieve academic success, and are generally more satisfied with their college experience than those who are not involved.
There are well over 265 active clubs and student organizations at UMBC focused on sports, academics, service and social action, culture, religion and spirituality and much more. An important part of connecting to the campus community is finding organizations and programs that spark your curiosity and help you feel at home. We encourage all first year students to make such connections.
One special resource for students new to UMBC is the First Year Council, composed entirely of first year students. The First Year Council helps members build connections and leadership skills, and develops initiatives to serve and support the entire first year class. Look for more information about the First Year Council when you arrive on campus. Also consider participating in STRiVE, a week-long, off-campus retreat during winter break for aspiring leaders.
There is something for every student at UMBC, and activities on campus every day and night of the week. Think of the Office of Student Life as your helper in finding the groups and programs that are right for you, and in supporting your learning and development outside the classroom. To learn more, visit us in The Commons 336 or www.umbc.edu/studentlife, or attend the Involvement Fest held each fall and spring.
Religion and Spirituality
More than a dozen student organizations are devoted to the study and practice of religion on campus. Through these organizations and the Office of Student Life’s Interfaith Center, students have and create opportunities to conduct prayer services, produce religious festivals, host discussions and meditate in a quiet environment. Those wishing to study and worship with peers or explore religion and spirituality find support at UMBC. To learn more contact interfaith@umbc.edu or call 410-455-2686.
Student Events Board (seb)
SEB is the central student-run programming board that produces many of UMBC’s social and educational events including bus trips, open mic nights, Breakfast & Bingo, and so much more! SEB’s programming lineup has included Snoop Dogg, Lupe Fiasco, Owl City, Wale, fun., and Donald Glover. Visit SEB in The Commons 2B10 or at www.umbc.edu/seb, or call 410-455-3618.
Student Government Association (SGA)
Every UMBC undergraduate is a member of SGA. SGA’s elected and appointed officers take responsibility for reaching out to undergraduates and helping them to advocate for their interests and contribute to campus life. SGA also manages the Student Activity Fee, which supports programs, services and student organization activities. Students become involved with the SGA by running in a campus-wide election or by applying for one of dozens of appointed positions within departments focused on academic affairs, environmental sustainability, finances, campus services and other issues. To learn more, visit Commons 2B20 or www.umbc.edu/sga.
Student Involvement Center (SIC)
The Student Involvement Center (SIC) is the Office of Student Life’s one-stop shop for involvement and leadership opportunities. The SIC’s professional staff and involvement peers help students to explore and link up with UMBC’s student organizations, identify community service opportunities, make connections between academic work and campus activities, find resources for personal hobbies and interests or provide assistance with planning events. The SIC is a launching pad for UMBC adventures. Visit the SIC in Commons 2B24.
Student Media
UMBC’s campus life holds exciting opportunities for the aspiring journalist, radio personality or creative writer. The Retriever Weekly, UMBC’s campus student newspaper, covers student life and learning on campus, as well as regional and national issues. Students are responsible for reporting, photography, production, ad sales and management. Copies of The Retriever Weekly are distributed through stands located across campus.
WMBC, our Web-based campus radio station, provides an on-campus, local and international audience with original music programming, sports broadcasts, scholarly presentations, talk shows and public-service announcements.
The creative arts journal, Bartleby, offers students a chance to develop their skills and publishes works in attractive, bound volumes.
Student Organizations
Joining student organizations helps students form lifelong friendships, get funding and other resources to pursue interests, and make UMBC truly their own. UMBC has 265+ student organizations, including departmental councils, Greek letter organizations, cultural and ethnic groups, student media, honors societies, sports clubs, political and service and social action groups, intellectual sports groups, and spiritual/religious organizations. On-campus residents and commuting students have organizations that make getting comfortable, connected and involved at UMBC easier. Whether students are interested in animé or the Army, Catholicism or crew, debate or digital gaming, Linux or lacrosse, women’s studies or wrestling, there is something for everyone! Visit the Student Involvement Center in Commons 2B24.
The Arts
Numerous opportunities exist to create, explore and enjoy art at UMBC. Students in theatre, dance and music frequently perform for campus audiences, as do faculty members and guest artists. UMBC is home to a community symphony orchestra and the Phoenix Repertory Dance Company.
Student and faculty artwork appears in The Commons and at the Albin O. Kuhn Library along with works from a variety of visual artists through a partnership with the Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture. Several UMBC student organizations study and produce art in such forms as creative writing, dance and film. In addition, UMBC’s location and transportation service make it easy for students to take advantage of cultural and artistic opportunities throughout the Baltimore-Washington region.
Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS)
Non-residential students who commute or live in close proximity to the campus are connected through off-campus living and learning networks, referral services, community resource materials and student-peer advisement programs provided by Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS). Commuter Assistants and professional staff are experts at helping students get involved in campus life, finding the latest in campus and community information, organizing study groups and developing community-building programs to connect new, returning or transfer students to the campus.
OCSS programs and services include:
- Off-campus housing services and roommate referral
- Social and learning communities for first-year commuters
- Student-based outreach programs
- Commuter Connection
- Transfer Student Network (TSN)
- Public Transportation and UMBC Transit Resources
- Carpooling Resources
Additional information about these and other off-campus students’ resources are available from OCSS in The Commons Room 1A02, online at www.umbc.edu/ocss or by phone at 410-455-2770. The office is located on the first floor of The Commons next to the Bookstore.
Vets 2 Vets
Student veterans and active duty military personnel are supported by the Vets 2 Vets program as they make the transition from “soldier to student.” Vets 2 Vets offers opportunities for social networking and peer mentorship as well as workshops and special events. Additionally, Vets 2 Vets works in collaboration with campus departments, the veterans student organization and the Maryland Vet Center to offer resources and support to UMBC Veterans. For online information visit www.umbc.edu/veteran.
UMBC Transit
UMBC Transit, the campus shuttle bus system, focuses on the needs of local, off-campus students. Its goal is to provide those students with optimal access to campus for classes, study, research and social events. Regular lines serve large apartment complexes in Catonsville and Arbutus and connect UMBC with MARC train stations in Halethorpe and BWI. Weekend service extends to the Westview-area shops, Arundel Mills mall and connecting service to the Greenbelt Metro station. Special trips to Baltimore and other local points of interest expand student leisure options. Charter services are available for student organization events. For more information please visit us at www.umbc.edu/transit or call 410.455.2454.
Sports and Recreation
Intercollegiate Athletics
All UMBC teams compete on the NCAA Division I level. UMBC is affiliated with both the America East Conference and the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). The Intercollegiate Athletic Program offers the following teams:
- Baseball
- Men’s and women’s basketball
- Men’s and women’s cross country
- Men’s and women’s lacrosse
- Men’s and women’s soccer
- Softball
- Men’s and women’s swimming and diving
- Men’s and women’s tennis
- Men’s and women’s track and field
- Volleyball
Pep band, dance squad, cheerleaders and student trainers are all part of the athletic department.
UMBC students are admitted free to all athletic events upon presentation of a valid ID.
Recreational Activities
The Retriever Activities Center (RAC) provides the UMBC campus community with extensive opportunities for recreational activities.
Many students find relaxation in the RAC, where a range of recreational activities - including competitive intramural sport activities, open recreation and pool time, free group fitness sessions and various club sports are sponsored. Other amenities of the RAC include locker room facilities for both men and women and an expanded lobby with a pro shop and ticket booth. Students have access to all of these activities at no additional charge, but they must bring a valid UMBC student ID during each visit to gain access.
Intramural activities allow students of various skill levels and interests to compete with other UMBC students. Competitive intramural activities include soccer, softball, flag football, tennis, basketball, floor hockey and volleyball.
Entry forms, rules and sign-up times are available in the Office of Recreational Sports (RAC 321) and through the Web site www.umbc.edu/recsports.
The RAC also serves as home to nearly two dozen club sports, allowing students of more advanced skill levels to engage in intercollegiate competition. Popular sports include men’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s rugby, crew, ice hockey, fencing, sailing and martial arts. Open recreation time allows all students the opportunity to engage in fitness-related activity. The RAC includes a cardio-balcony with 48 pieces of state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment ranging from treadmills to Stairclimbers.
The 3,000-square-foot fitness studio is capable of hosting activities such as group fitness, wrestling, fencing and martial arts. A synthetic surface and divider curtains allow the RAC gymnasium to host up to three activities simultaneously, including tennis, volleyball, batting cage, floor hockey and basketball.
The weight room features 27 Body Master weight machines, 20 free-weight stations with plates and dumbbells, and mtvU. The pre-existing area of the RAC contains three full-court basketball courts or two volleyball courts; a 0.1-mile indoor track and a natatorium with an eight-lane, 25-meter pool and separate diving well.
Outdoor recreation facilities include tennis courts; softball, flag football and soccer fields; volleyball; an Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool and an outdoor 400-meter track.
Schedules and other additional information can be obtained from the front desk of the RAC, by calling 410-455-8888 or from the Web site www.umbc.edu/recsports.
Living On Campus
Living on campus helps students become more closely involved in the many academic, social and recreational activities that are integral to the university experience. UMBC offers housing convenient to classes, campus activities and university resources. Included as part of the on-campus living experience are the programs, services and leadership opportunities provided by the residential life staff.
Suites, singles, triples, quads, and four bedroom apartments are available. All rooms are carpeted and feature self-controlled heating and air conditioning. Cable television and connections to a computer network are included. Wireless is also available in residence hall rooms. Conveniences include laundry, ice and vending machines. All of the residence halls and apartments provide a co-educational living environment and several academic living learning communities are available. 24-hour service desk coverage is provided in the residence halls.
Residence Halls
Susquehanna, Chesapeake, Patapsco and Potomac Halls are suite-style living arrangements with two double rooms connected by a shared bathroom. Typically, students share a bathroom with no more than 3 other students. In Erickson and Harbor Halls, students live in suites that also have a shared living room/common area. Lounges on each floor provide additional places for study or socializing with friends. A resident assistant (RA), a fellow student specially selected and trained, is available on each floor to assist students in adjusting to college life. RAs also work with students to provide social and educational programs that help students get to know one another, develop important life skills and have fun, too.
Apartments
West Hill, Terrace and Hillside communities are available to students beginning their second year and to students who are admitted to the university as transfer students. The apartments are open continuously from the beginning of the fall semester until the end of the spring semester. These garden-style apartments accommodate students in four-bedroom apartments featuring single bedrooms, a study/living room, kitchen and bathroom. Each apartment has self-controlled heating and air conditioning and students share the monthly utility charges. Apartment kitchens are equipped with refrigerators, stovetops and either microwaves or oven units. RAs live in each community to assist students and help plan activities. The apartment communities are co-ed, containing apartments for women and men within the same building. Accommodations for students with disabilities are available in both residence halls and apartments. Through a private partnership, housing is also available at Walker Avenue Apartments to full-time resident students in privately managed apartments. Two-, three- or four- (single) bedroom units with kitchens, washers and driers make these apartments an attractive option for upper-class and graduate students looking for year-round housing.
Eligibility and Application for On-campus Housing
To be eligible to live on campus at UMBC, a student needs to be admitted and enrolled as a full-time student at UMBC. Application for admission to UMBC and application for housing are two separate application procedures.
It is important to apply early for housing. Incoming freshmen who apply and return their deposits for housing by May 1 are guaranteed housing. Students already living in the residence halls or apartments, and whose university bill is paid by the specified date, have priority for a space in campus housing for the next academic year.
Living Learning Communities
Living Learning Communities provide students interested in being part of a peer learning community with a shared residential experience. These residential communities allow students to connect informally with faculty, staff and students who share common academic interests. Current communities include: Shriver (community service focus); Intercultural Living Exchange; Humanities; Visual and Performing Arts; Center for Women and Information Technology; Women Involved in Leadership and Learning; Discovery Scholars; and Honors. Typically students are not required to major in the area of their living learning community, but they may have required academic and or co-curricular expectations.
For more information about living learning communities visit www.umbc.edu/reslife/communities/llc.html
Dining Locations
There are five conveniently located facilities that serve the entire campus community.
True Grit’s Campus Dining Hall
Open seven days a week during the academic year for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night meals, Monday through Friday, and for brunch and dinner on weekends.
Outtakes Quick Cuisine C-Store is located in True Grit’s and provides guests with a wide variety of snacks, convenience items, beverages, ice cream, candy and more. This location is open 23½ hours, seven days a week. It closes from 2:00 to 2:30 am daily.
The Commons Food Court
There are a wide variety of choices in The Commons. The Market Street food court, open Monday - Thursday from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm and Friday 7:30 am to 2:00 pm during the academic year, offers a wide range of choices, including Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina, Famous Famiglia Pizzeria, Jow Jing Asian and Olo Sushi, Au Bon Pain, Gelahto, Fresh Fusions, and Outtakes Food to Go.
Mesquite Ranch BBQ and Grill, on the mezzanine level, is open 7:30 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 1:00 am on Friday and 11:00 am to 11:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. Mondo Subs is open Monday - Thursday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm and Friday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm.
The Skylight Room, located on the third floor offers restaurant-style seating during the weekdays from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm
The University Center
Chick-fil-A and Starbucks Coffee are located in The University Center. Open Monday through Thursday 7:30 am to 7:00 pm and Friday 7:30 am to 3:00 pm
The Library Lobby Pura Vida Café
Organic Fair Trade Coffee can be purchased at the Pura Vida Café in the lobby of the AOK library, open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Friday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Saturday and 11:00 am to 10:00 pm Sunday.
Administration Building Coffee Shoppe
The Coffee Shoppe, located on the ground floor of the Administration Building, is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm and features great entrees at Chef’s Table, wonderful sandwiches at Wheat Street Deli and Dunkin Donuts Coffee. Additionally, our signature Outtakes Food to Go options can also be found here.
Cars on Campus
All students, residential and non-residential, may have a car on campus. Freshmen on-campus residents are required to park at satellite parking during the heaviest parking times of weekdays. Students will receive a parking permit and a copy of UMBC’s Parking and Traffic Regulations in the mail after registering, or they may pick them up at Parking Services. Faculty and staff who drive to campus also pay the same parking permit fee and can obtain a parking permit and Parking and Traffic Regulations from the Cashier’s Office. Regulations are enforced on all university calendar days. Posted and restricted areas are enforced at all times.
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 bluelight phones, located around the campus, are directly connected to the UMBC police station.
For emergencies, please call 410-455-5555, or from the campus, dial extension 5-5555.
Student Judicial Programs
The Office of Student Judicial Programs supports the university’s dedication to student success and its educational purposes and goals by publishing, enforcing, drafting and interpreting standards of student behavior and related policies and procedures. The office also facilitates student and community development, as well as ethical growth opportunities promoting personal integrity, civility, self-responsibility, citizenship and appreciation for diversity and works to maintain a safe and productive environment supporting the university’s educational purpose and the students’ educational goals. Finally, Student Judicial Programs promotes the privileges and responsibilities associated with a student’s affiliation with the university.
The office oversees the UMBC judicial system, which is an internal administrative process used by the university to resolve allegations of misconduct made against our students. UMBC students are responsible for knowing and abiding by all university rules and regulations. The Code of Student Conduct lists specific rules and processes used to adjudicate incidents of misconduct. The university is committed to providing a safe and productive environment. To that end, the university responds firmly to misconduct involving drugs, alcohol, weapons, hate crimes, assaults and sexual assaults, and harassment and sexual harassment.
University Health Services (UHS)
University Health Services is staffed by skilled, caring professionals who help students focus on their health and wellbeing. Nationally certified nurse practitioners are the heart of clinical services. Board-certified physicians from the University of Maryland Medical System provide primary care, consultation and emergency on-call services. Health educators work hand-in-hand with clinical staff to provide the information that students need to take care of themselves. University Health Services is accredited by the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).
Clinical Services
UHS clinical services are designed to provide holistic, high-quality primary and urgent-care services. These include diagnosis and treatment of acute illnesses and injuries; treatment and monitoring of chronic illnesses under the direction of a private physician; immunizations, including chicken pox, MMR, Td, meningitis and hepatitis A and B; preventive and routine gynecological care; allergy shots under the direction of a private allergist; and limited laboratory testing and pharmacy services.
Students are encouraged to make appointments to be seen at UHS. Walk-in visits are permitted but might require more time.
Fees
UHS charges for visits, procedures and lab work using Baltimore-area “usual and customary fees.” UHS is a participating provider with many health insurance companies. Co-pays, if applicable, will be collected and insurance companies billed for the balance of charges for services provided. UHS fees may be paid by UMBC Campus Card, personal check, or charged to a student’s account maintained by the Student Business Service’s Office.
Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Twenty-four-hour emergency services are available by calling University Police at extension 5-5555 or 911 off campus.
UHS is located on the ground floor of Erickson Hall, Center Road. For more information, call 410-455-2542.
University Counseling Services (UCS)
University Counseling Services (UCS) provides professional psychological services designed to support the academic, personal and career goals of UMBC students. Services include short-term, group and substance abuse counseling. UCS refers students to area mental health providers when long-term counseling or counseling for services outside its scope of expertise is needed. (See confidentiality requirements .)
Workshops and Career Issues
UCS offers self-help resources and success workshops on topics related to academic achievement and personal growth, including anxiety, stress management and procrastination. Career counseling helps students choose or change majors and career paths.
Staffing
All UCS services are provided or supervised by licensed mental health professionals. A consulting psychiatrist provides psychiatric services to clients referred for consultation by a UCS counselor.
Typical Concerns for Contacting UCS for Therapy:
- Problems adjusting to college life
- Desire to understand and feel better about oneself
- Feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping
- Inability to make decisions
- Procrastination or time management
- Academic anxiety
- Lack of motivation
- Difficulties in interpersonal relationships, including family
- Loneliness or depression
- Sexual orientation or identity concerns
- Alcohol or drug concerns
- Body image concerns or eating disorders.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
UCS is located in the Student Development and Success Center (between Chesapeake and Susquehanna Halls on Center Road), call 410-455-2472.
Confidentiality: UMBC policy, consistent with Maryland State Health and Mental Health Laws and Regulations for health and mental health professionals and facilities, requires confidentiality of information shared with staff of UHS and UCS. Information concerning individuals who have been seen at UHS and UCS may not be released on campus or off campus without the prior written consent of the individual (or parent or legal guardian if younger than age 18), except in certain legally defined circumstances.
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