UMBC offers a stimulating intellectual environment that supports a diverse student body in achieving personal and educational goals. This section describes the environment in which students study, live and work.
The Campus
The UMBC campus is 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 building is located in the center of campus and was designed to serve as the center of student activity and a place to connect with your community. The Commons houses meeting rooms; a campus information center; a full-service print and design center; a bookstore; the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center; Market Street food court; and the Gameroom. Offices located here include the Vice President for Student Affairs; Student Engagement and Belonging; and the Center for Democracy and Civic Life. Fraternities and Sororities, the Student Events Board (seb), the Student Government Association (SGA), and Graduate Student Association (GSA) have offices here. More information is available on the Student Engagement and Belonging website.
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 general campus and event information, campus lost and found, printing, posting approval, and battery, paper, and printer ink recycling. Tickets for major events and organization activities are available on the Events website.
Commonvision, UMBC Design & Print Center/Design Studio
commonvision is a student-centered print, design, and digital studio UMBC Student Design & Print Center is a studio led by professionals and staffed by undergraduate and graduate students. The center provides a range of services including design consultation for student organizations and campus events, photocopying, laser printing, wide format printing, 3D printing, lamination, binding, scanning, and various finishing options. commonvision supports the university community by offering resources for printing papers, reports, and large-format materials such as conference posters and presentations.
The UMBC Bookstore
The staff of the UMBC Bookstore, located in The Commons, takes pride in customer service and in satisfying the diverse needs of the campus community by offering a variety of goods and services. Since the UMBC Bookstore is owned and operated by UMBC, all profits generated from the sale of merchandise are reinvested back into the school.
The bookstore carries unique UMBC merchandise, including adult and children’s clothing, stationery, gifts and more to help promote school spirit and recognition. The bookstore also carries study aids, school supplies, tech accessories, greeting cards, faculty publications, and more.
UMBC Bookstore staff makes every effort to provide low-cost course material options from used texts to rentals to digital. In spring 2016, the university and bookstore embarked upon a new Course Materials Initiative (CMI), UMBC’s own nationally recognized Inclusive Access program. The goals of CMI are to provide students with more affordable course materials, enhance the students’ experience on a common digital platform via Blackboard, and position UMBC to be ahead of the curve with digital content. More information is available at the CMI page of the Bookstore website.
The bookstore also operates the Yum Shoppe, a convenience store located within the Bookstore. The Yum Shoppe offers a wide variety of food options from fresh sandwiches to frozen meals. It carries a large ethnic food selection as well as many vegan products. It is the only place on campus to find non-Coca-Cola beverage products. It also sells health and beauty aids, toiletries, and other sundries. The prices are some of the lowest on campus. And if there is an item the store doesn’t carry, students may let the store know and the store will do its best to stock it.
The UMBC Bookstore operates the Team Store, located in the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena, where students can UMBC athletic team apparel.
Some of the additional services are textbook buyback, balloon inflation, graduation center, and book signings. The store also carries gift cards, postage stamps and has two notary publics on staff. Also, each semester the bookstore hires on average 20 students and has student groups volunteer hours to raise money for their group. Some of those students have become full time employees after graduation. Currently, there are four proud alumni on the full-time staff.
The bookstore uses the social media handle @umbcbookstore to share information about campus events and Bookstore events, promotions, and sales.
Student Engagement and Belonging
Student Engagement and Belonging creates opportunities for involvement, pathways for engagement with the campus community, and seeks to develop a deep sense of belonging for all students. Student Engagement and Belonging encourages students to connect to their collegiate home and make the most of their own, unique experiences. A student’s time at UMBC holds a great number of opportunities to participate in campus activities, learn more about their own values, enhance leadership skills, and have fun. 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 over 250 active clubs and student organizations at UMBC focused on hobbies, academics, service and social action, culture, religion and spirituality, fraternities and sororities, and much more. An important part of connecting to the campus community is finding organizations and programs that spark students’ curiosity and help them feel at home. Student Engagement and Belonging is excited to offer a wide array of programs for campus involvement and encourage students to explore them all.
There is something for every student at UMBC, and activities on campus every day and night of the week. Student Engagement and Belonging is the students’ connector in finding the groups and programs that are right for them, and in supporting learning and development outside the classroom. More information is available by visiting Student Engagement and Belonging in The Commons 336 or the Student Engagement and Belonging website, or attending Involvement Fest, which is held each fall and spring.
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.
Fraternities and Sororities (Greek Life)
UMBC is proud of the leadership, diversity, and academic commitment within the Greek community. With a variety of fraternities and sororities, the community offers students the opportunity to join an organization where they will build lifelong friendships and take part in service, philanthropic, and social activities. Fraternities and sororities were started in the 1800s as values-based secret societies where students could come together in an environment to create more opportunities to learn and grow. While much has changed in the fraternity and sorority landscape, Greek letter organizations still serve as a place for self-exploration and growth for all students. Membership in a fraternity or sorority begins in college but is a lifetime commitment that continues to offer great connections for involvement far beyond graduation. UMBC’s Greek community is unique in that it includes many culturally based organizations. Students can learn more or find information about what chapters are recognized at UMBC by visiting The Commons 2B14 or the Student Engagement and Belonging website. Fraternity and sorority life is an office within Student Engagement and Belonging.
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 Megan Thee Stallion, Snoop Dogg, Trevor Noah, Kesha, Macklemore, Bo Burnham, and Donald Glover. Students can learn more by visiting SEB in The Commons 2B10, from the seb website, myUMBC group, or by calling 410-455-3618.
Student Government Association (SGA)
Every UMBC undergraduate is a member of SGA from day one. 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. Students can learn more by visiting Commons 2B20 or the SGA website.
Student Media
UMBC’s campus life holds exciting opportunities for the aspiring journalist, radio personality or creative writer. The Retriever, 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.
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, utilize campus resources to pursue interests, and make UMBC truly their own. UMBC has over 250 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 and access to programming that make getting comfortable, connected, and involved at UMBC easier. There is something for everyone! Students can visit Student Engagement and Belonging in The Commons, Room 336, and follow organizations on myUMBC for more information.
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, a variety of music ensembles and groups, and the Baltimore Dance Project, a company in residence at UMBC.
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.
Dean of Students
The Dean of Students (DOS) Office provides comprehensive services and tools to assist students: help identifying the right resources, navigating the complexities of campus policies, and connecting with various university programs, as well as coordination with Retriever Support Services, which provides basic needs, off-campus housing resources, and emotional support.
Retriever Student Support Services
Retriever Support Services (RSS) serves as a referral source and entry point for all students, undergraduate and graduate, who experience social, basic needs, and emotional barriers to obtaining their individual and educational goals. RSS, in collaboration with campus partners, fosters an accessible and meaningful educational experience, prioritizing student care and well-being in two areas: Retriever Care is a multidisciplinary behavioral intervention team that assists students experiencing distressing behavior, and anyone concerned about a UMBC community member, with advocacy, resources, and support. Retriever Essential Needs and Connections oversees Retriever Essentials, the campus’ free grocery store; veteran and military-affiliated student services, resources for adult learners, and off-campus housing resources.
Veteran and Military-Affiliated Services
Student veterans, active duty service members, and military dependents are supported by Veteran and Military Affiliated Services to help them navigate and find community as they make the transition into UMBC. It offers opportunities for social networking, as well as workshops and special events. Veteran and Military-affiliated Services works in collaboration with numerous campus partners, including the Registrar’s Office and the veteran student organization, Student Services Members, Veterans, and Families, to offer resources and support. The DOS office also partners with the Veterans Administration to offer Veterans Integration To Academic Leadership (VITAL), which provides support returning to civilian life, including comprehensive counseling services.
Retriever Essentials
Retriever Essentials is a faculty, staff, and student-led partnership that promotes food access in the UMBC community. It includes free groceries, toiletries, baby items, and meal swipes, and has opportunities to engage and get involved. All of the resources are 100% free.
UMBC Transit
UMBC Transit provides a safe and reliable shuttle bus system to both on- and off-campus students with access to local points of interest as well as connections to all major transportation hubs in the region. Regular lines serve large apartment complexes in both Catonsville and Arbutus while also providing direct service to downtown Baltimore. Weekend service extends to Ellicott City via Route 40 and to the Westview Shopping Area, Arundel Mills Mall, and with continuous seven-day-service on all other routes. Other local points of interest on UMBC’s routes include OCA Mocha Café, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Towson Town Center via the Baltimore Collegetown Shuttle, and Washington D.C. via MARC and Amtrak trains.
UMBC’s fleet of buses is ADA accessible and equipped with bike racks for cyclist riders and service ramps allowing easy access for Retrievers with disabilities. Buses also feature real-time GPS tracking so riders can view their next ride via the mobile application. Charter services typically include Maryland, northern Virginia, Delaware, West Virginia, and more. With fleet size ranging from 23 to 52 passenger buses, UMBC Transit can accommodate any immediate or future transportation request. More information is available from the UMBC Transit website, by calling 410-455-2454, or emailing transit@umbc.edu.
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 RAC myUMBC group.
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 RAC also 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 RAC myUMBC group.
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 and student success. 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.
Residence halls, suites, and apartments are available. Resident assistants (RAs), fellow students specially trained and selected, are available on each floor of residence halls to assist students in adjusting to college life. More information and a full list of amenities is available on the Residential Life website.
Living Learning Communities provide first-year 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. 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. Students can learn more about LLCs at the Living-Learning Community page of the Residential Life website.
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. The housing application and the latest guidelines and deadlines can be found at the Residential Life website.
Housing Accommodations
Residential Life offers a wide variety of housing options to meet specific student needs. In the event that UMBC’s standard facilities may not meet a student’s particular need, the student is encouraged to review and request an accommodation.
Accommodations for students with disabilities are available in residence halls, suites, and apartments.
The first step in the accommodations process is to work with Student Disability Services (SDS) which reviews documentation and makes recommendations to Residential Life for housing accommodations. Students with documented disabilities who would like to request a housing accommodation based on a disability/disabling condition will need to register with SDS through Accommodate (via the online SDS Registration Form) and provide documentation of their disability and limitations that would require a modification to housing.
Students should also note their housing accommodation requests on the housing application submitted to Residential Life. Students with specific questions about the type of housing available can contact the Residential Life Accommodations team at 410-455-2591.
Dining Locations
There are five conveniently located facilities that serve the entire campus community. Up-to-date information is available at the Dine on Campus website.
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. Students can also visit True Grit’s Market.
The Commons Food Court
The Market Street food court, open weekdays during the academic year, offers a wide range of choices, including pizza, tacos, sushi, chicken fingers, subs, and so much more.
The Skylight Room
Located on the third floor of The Commons, the Skylight Room offers restaurant-style seating during weekdays from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm.
The University Center
Chick-fil-A and Starbucks Coffee are located in the University Center.
Administration Building Coffee Shoppe
The Coffee Shoppe, located on the ground floor of the Administration Building, offers hot and cold food options and 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. First year on-campus residents are required to park at satellite parking during the heaviest parking times of weekdays. Students 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 blue light 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 Conduct and Community Standards
Student Conduct and Community Standards 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 Conduct and Community Standards promotes the privileges and responsibilities associated with a student’s affiliation with the university.
The office oversees the UMBC conduct process, which is an internal administrative process used by the university to resolve allegations of misconduct made against 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, and assaults.
The Code of Student Conduct is available at the Student Conduct website.
Retriever Integrated Health
Retriever Integrated Health provides a holistic approach to student well-being by combining counseling and medical care (RIH), and health promotion (OHP) services. “Integrated” means that these services work together to address students’ physical, emotional, and mental health needs. By collaborating, they offer comprehensive care that supports students in achieving a balanced and healthy lifestyle, ensuring that all aspects of their well-being are addressed in one place.
RIH is committed to providing the UMBC community with high-quality services, support, and resources. Administrative and health professionals at RIH offer interdisciplinary care including acupuncture, counseling, massage therapy, primary care, and psychiatric care.
RIH and OHP offer trainings, workshops, and resources to support academic success, personal growth, and overall well-being. RIH also supports students, staff, and faculty who are concerned about students through consultation and guidance.
Students can submit their immunization records, receive laboratory testing, and have their prescriptions delivered to RIH Medical as needed. RIH Counseling provides group, individual, and couples therapy, and students can also receive care for a range of concerns including academic stress, anxiety, adjustment to college, depression, relationship concerns, identity development, and more.
Consistent with Maryland State health and mental health laws and regulations for health and mental health professionals, RIH and OHP maintain the legal standards required to protect student information regarding care they receive. Information concerning individuals who have been seen at RIH is confidential and 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.
Fees
RIH Counseling provides free confidential services. RIH Health charges students’ health insurance for medical services. This includes visit fees, procedures, laboratory services, and medications. Students may pay these charges with their UMBC campus card or debit/credit card, or they may have their charges billed to their student account with the Student Business Services office. To maintain student privacy, medical bills do not specifically name the services provided to students. Students can speak with a billing specialist in The Center for Well-Being, to get details about how to improve student privacy or visit our website.
RIH will bill eligible insurance policies for covered services if students provide their current insurance card to us at the time of their visit. Any charges not covered by their insurance will be billed to their student account.
RIH is a participating provider with several insurance companies. Students should check with their insurance provider to determine whether or not their insurance carrier covers medical services provided here. RIH can provide students with a coded bill to present to their insurance carrier for reimbursement if needed.
Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. when the campus is open. More information is available by visiting the Retriever Integrated Health website or calling 410-455-2542.
For routine or urgent questions or concerns during business hours, please call 410-455-2542. For urgent concerns outside of regular business hours, call the After-Hours Support Line at 410-455-3230. It is available for students experiencing a mental health crisis, medical concerns, or sexual assault or relationship violence.
For emergencies (for example, you can’t keep yourself or someone else safe from harm; difficulty breathing, seeing, walking, or severe physical pain) requiring an immediate response on campus, call UMBC Police at 410-455-5555, off campus call 911. If you or someone you know is in suicidal crisis or in emotional distress, you can also call 988.
Office of Health Promotion
Using public health approaches and strategies, the Office of Health Promotion contributes to a culture of well-being at UMBC by providing evidence-informed education, resources, skills, and support that are responsive to the needs of UMBC’s diverse community. The office helps foster a campus community that supports and empowers individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices at UMBC and beyond. Well-being resources, health promotion events, information on the Peer Health Educator internship program, a form for requesting workshops, and more are available at the Office of Health Promotion website.
|
