University Offices and Unit Services

Auxiliary and Business Services

The Office of Auxiliary and Business Services  is a self-supporting unit that provide non-academic services to students, faculty, staff and guests of the University. These services include: student, faculty and staff dining, catering, snack bar, concessions, mail service, hotel accommodations, conferencing, laundry, bookstore, Greyhound Bus Service, student ID cards, vending, printing and document services.

The HAWK CENTER is the pulse of Auxiliary & Business Services. It serves as the service center for the UMES Community and special programs. The HAWK CENTER is located on the second floor of the Student Services Center. Hours of operations for payments are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. All other services are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. For more information about Auxiliary & Business Services, please visit https://www.umes.edu/auxiliary/.

Campus Life

The Office of Campus Life manages and implements a number of student activities based on student interest and input, both on and off campus. These activities include dances, intramural sports and recreation, plays, movies, lectures, bus trips, leadership training, homecoming, ethnic festival, and Spring Fest.

Student Organizations

All official extra-curricular organizations, activities, and enterprises of students on the UMES campus operate under the broad guidance of the Director of Campus Life. The following is a listing of some of the many organizations currently functioning on the UMES campus: Beta Kappa Chi; Campus Pals Organization; Caribbean International Club; Criminal Justice Society; Drama Society; Education Club; Eta Rho Mu; Engineering Technology Society; Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship; Human Ecology Club; Industrial Arts Club; International Students Organization; Math and Computer Science Club; Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS); NAACP; National Association of Black Accountants; National Student Business League; Pan-Hellenic Council; Pom-Pom Squad; Pep-Band; Poultry Science Club; Recruitment Club; Rehabilitation Services Student Association; Social Work Student Association; Student Activity Advisory Board; Wesley Foundation.

Student Government Association (SGA)

Made up of elected student officers and advised by the Office of Campus Life, the SGA is the official undergraduate student governing body on the UMES campus. The SGA promotes the interests and welfare of the university community and encourages student participation in the solution of student concerns, while cooperating with the faculty and staff in the regulation and promotion of student life and development.

Student Publications

The Yearbook is generated through student fees, appropriated by the Student Government Association. While the Yearbook is an annual publication, students volunteer as editors, photographers, and writers for the publications. For information on how to volunteer for the publication, contact the Student Government or the Office of Campus Life.

The Pan-Hellenic Council

The Pan-Hellenic Council is made up of representatives of the National Greek Letter Organizations of UMES. The Council makes recommendations to the administrative bodies of the UMES campus regarding the activities of the National Greek Letter Organizations on the campus. One of its chief functions is to stimulate and guide each individual Greek Letter Organization so that the best interests of the University community will be served.

Fraternities and Sororities

National Greek Letter fraternities and sororities are represented on the UMES Campus by chapters of the following organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha; Alpha Phi Alpha; Delta Sigma Theta; Omega Psi Phi; Phi Beta Sigma; Sigma Gamma Rho; Zeta Phi Beta.

Any sorority or fraternity which permits any type of activity incidental to the initiation of members will be suspended.

Student Handbook

The UMES Student Handbook is designed to familiarize students with official policies and procedures related to governing students through their educational path with respect and dignity towards all persons associated with the University. This publication is located here.

Career Services and Professional Development Center

The Career and Professional Development Center at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore focuses on the integration of new services that are reflective of the student’s plans to enter the workforce or academic arena after graduation. This will begin in their freshmen year, with the specialization of career and professional development support to students, while further enhancing internship and employment opportunities, mentoring and networking programs, experiential learning opportunities and/or graduate professional school exposure. The Career Professionals in the Center assist with the developing, evaluating and implementation of career goals and objectives. The Center recognizes its place as a leading example of excellence by acknowledging the unique needs of University of Maryland Eastern Shore. This Center is the linkage between the global workforce and academic environment.

Career related programs/seminars will be held targeting the various majors offered at the University. Further emphasis will be placed on developing connections with employers in various industries, including traditional recruiting efforts, while also exposing students to networking opportunities. Students no longer should look towards only attaining their first job, but also examining life and professional development skills, because of the many career changes they will make throughout life. The Career and Professional Development Center can help students identify their own range of skills through a strategic plan. All students should leave this University with a strategic plan of action prior to graduation. For additional information, contact the Career and Professional Development Center at (410) 651-6447.

The Center for Access and Academic Success (CAAS)

www.umes.edu/CAAS

The Center for Access and Academic Success (CAAS) is designed to promote holistic academic and personal student development, providing assistance primarily to first and second year students and transfer students with less than 30 credits, with access to comprehensive academic support services which strengthen their performance and promote student success and retention. The Center offers academic support through the following services: Academic Advising and Coaching, Pre-loading first-time, full-time freshmen schedules, and Peer Tutoring and Mentoring. The Center also encompasses student enrichment programs such as, “Future Outstanding Cohort of University Students” (FOCUS), the Step Beyond summer bridge program, and the Student Success Workshop series. CAAS is funded to deliver and manage Title III programming for the First-year Experience-Hawk Mentor Partnership, called “Comprehensive Retention Initiatives for Student Success” (C.R.I.S.S).

The Center coordinates the academic component of Enrollment 101 (E101) orientation as well as the Virtual orientation option (V101). In this role, CAAS works with academic departments to prepare and pre-load first semester academic schedules for first-time, full-time incoming students. The Center also partners with personnel from each of the divisions on campus—Academic Affairs, Administrative Affairs, Student Affairs and Institutional Advancement to support, and in some instances, creates initiatives that will assist in the retention of every student. The Center has implemented the use of Starfish Retention solutions for Early Alert and to coordinate services, communicate with students and faculty to support student progress and success. The staff is comprised of highly trained and caring professionals who are dedicated to helping students achieve academic and personal success at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. 

Center for Instructional Technology and Online Learning

The Center for Instructional Technology and Online Learning at UMES assists faculty and students in all aspects of e-learning including hosting, training, development and support of the Blackboard Learning Management System, the Blackboard Portfolio System, Respondus, LockDown Browser and Echo 360. Additionally, the Center is responsible for development and delivery of online and hybrid programs offered by the University. Founded in 2006, the Center for Instructional Technology and Online Learning is supported by a grant awarded through Title III. The Center is located in 1106 Wilson Hall and is open Monday through Friday during normal business hours. For additional information, please call (410) 651-7574.

Center for International Education

The purpose of the Center for International Education is to provide a conducive environment that will support the educational, cultural and social interactions among international students/scholars, domestic students, faculty, staff, and the community. The Center will promote global education through student study/research abroad programs and faculty research and teaching abroad. The CIE is located at 11966 Dean Harris Court, across from the Student Apartments Office. For additional information, contact the Center for International Education at (410) 651-8385 or 6079 or oiss@umes.edu.

Child and Family Development Center

The UMES Child and Family Development Center (CFDC), located in the Early Childhood Research Building, is a Maryland State Department of Education licensed preschool environment for one hundred-two children ages six-weeks through school age. One director, five full-time classroom teachers, supporting full-time staff and UMES students manage the full-day program that is in operation year-round and serves University students, staff and faculty, and the local community. The CFDC is committed to facilitating children’s growth and development in a caring, enriched and supportive environment. State approved curricula, The Creative Curriculum and Little Treasures, prepare the children for successful entry into formal educational settings. Tuition fees are reasonable and are set on a sliding fee scale. Purchase of Care funds is accepted. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack are served. For additional information regarding the UMES Child and Family Development Center, visit the Center’s website: www.umes.edu/HE/Pages/Child-and-Family-Development-Center​ or contact the director, Dr. Donna Long at (410) 651-6173.

Counseling Services

The University Counseling Center offers a broad range of services designed to assist students in personal growth, academic success, emotional health and well-being, and human development. The Center’s holistic and student-centered approach to counseling allows the staff to help students learn to make reasoned decisions in the multiple areas of their academic and personal lives.

It is the policy of the Counseling Center to provide comprehensive services to all students. The Counseling Center subscribes to principles outlined by the International Association of Counseling Services (ISACS) and the code of ethics of the American Counseling Association (ACA). These services are offered at no cost to enrolled students.

It is the philosophy of Counseling Services that one of the basic rights of clients in treatment is the right of confidentiality, as counseling is most effective when a student can be direct and honest with the counselor without fear that personal information will be divulged.

Confidentiality is an ethic that prevents unauthorized disclosure about clients, including their names and their care, without the client’s written permission, except under conditions where such disclosure is necessary to protect the student or someone else from imminent danger. While information will not be released outside of The Counseling Center without the student’s written permission, by state law Counseling Center staff may confer with each other in order to improve the quality of its services.

Referrals from the campus community are encouraged as faculty and staff are often the first to identify that a problem exists and can provide support by referring students to Counseling Services. To make an appointment, the student may walk in, or call (410) 651-6449 to schedule the initial session.

Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a Division I member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Athletic scholarships are available to qualified student-athletes in the following sponsored sports.

Mission

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has a long history of excellence in promoting athletic competition, academic achievement, and personal development in a supportive environment. The Department strives to maintain this legacy by producing championship caliber teams while providing student-athletes the opportunity and resources to reach their highest potential in all areas of their lives. The University and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics are committed to the equitable and fair treatment of all student-athletes without regard to race or gender. Emphasis is placed on opportunities for full participation of women in the athletics program.

Through team sports, the faculty and staff seek to develop the student-athletes’ self-esteem and interpersonal skills. It is the philosophy of the Athletics Department that self-esteem is the key to success in any endeavor and should be fostered in all Departmental activities. Pride in one’s self, respect for teammates, and pride in the institution are actively promoted.

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics emphasizes academics as the primary focus in any student-athlete’s life, and assists student-athletes in developing a balance in their social, athletic, and academic pursuits. It is the goal of the Department to produce graduates who are personally and professionally prepared to meet the challenges of the future.

Discover UMES

Discover UMES is an activity designed to strengthen experiential learning opportunities in the field of broadcasting and communications for UMES students. For additional information, please contact Jim Glovier, Interim Producer, Discover UMES, (410) 651-6556 or jmglovier@umes.edu or www.umes.edu/Discover.

The Frederick Douglass Library

The Frederick Douglass Library, led by the Dean of Library Services, provides a multiplicity of reference and technical resources onsite and via the Internet to support the University’s programs. As a member of the University System of Maryland (USM) Libraries, the Frederick Douglass Library is electronically linked via an automated integrated internet system with USM’s eleven campuses and thirteen libraries. Therefore, the Library’s patrons have access to the USM’s extensive library collections, electronic resources, and global access to collections, databases, and/or resources worldwide.

The collection includes over 271,310 volumes; 37,482 bound periodicals; and over a half million microfiche and microfilm collections. As a member of USMAI (University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions) consortium, the library is affiliated with the sixteen libraries at the public universities and colleges in the State of Maryland for the purpose of sharing library resources. The integrated, comprehensive information library system Ex-Libris makes it possible for our patrons to have 24/7access to USMAI library collections and electronic resources. These collections and resources are reflected in the library catalog and include over 148 research databases often including full text journals, books and newspapers. A very competent staff is also available to assist with information needs.

Health Center

The Charles R. Drew Student Health Center provides basic health care for students (residents and commuters) currently enrolled at UMES. The Health Center staff includes a nurse practitioner, a physician and nursing staff that provide evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, counseling, and referral for health needs.

The Student Health Center provides a variety of services such as treatment for acute conditions, immunizations and screenings. There is no charge for office visits; however, some fees may be required for certain services. Students who are referred off campus to other medical facilities (for x-rays, more extensive testing, etc.) are responsible for any expenses incurred. Likewise, costs for prescriptions are the responsibility of the student.

All registered students, including graduate, transfer and international, regardless of number of credit hours being taken are required to provide a completed health history form and proof of up-to-date immunization status for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and tuberculosis (TB) prior to registering for and/or attending classes. Students living in campus housing must also meet the meningitis requirement. Registration blocks will be placed on students who have not submitted the required documents. This will prevent students from registering for/or attending classes until the records are received and processed. To avoid delays, students should submit the records as soon as possible. The deadlines for submission are August 1 for the fall semester and January 1 for the spring semester. Students who encounter difficulty obtaining documentation should contact the Student Health Center for assistance.

All international students are required to have health insurance. A University-sponsored plan is available and international students are automatically enrolled in the insurance plan unless they opt out. To opt out of the University health insurance plan, students must provide proof of current valid health insurance that meets or exceeds the benefits in the university plan. Proof of insurance must be presented by the deadline of September 15 in the fall and by February 15 in the spring. If no proof of insurance is provided, the student’s account will be billed for insurance at the current rate. Copies of the insurance brochure may be obtained from the Student Health Center or the Student Health webpage. Students with questions about using the insurance should contact the Health Center staff.

Hours for the Health Center during the fall and spring semesters are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For medical emergencies after these hours, students may seek assistance through Campus Police or Residence Life staff members. For additional information, contact the Student Health Center at (410) 651-6597 or (410) 651-6702 (fax).

Office of the Registrar

The Office of the Registrar is the official University repository of academic records. The Office of the Registrar strives to provide the highest level of customer service, professionalism, courtesy, and efficiency in servicing students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community. This office plays an essential role in the Division of Academic Affairs by ensuring that all academic policies and procedures are met. The Office of the Registrar is located on the first floor of the Student Development Center (SDC). The following services are representative, but not limited to those offered by the Office of the Registrar: Issuance of Transcripts; Enrollment Verifications; Withdrawal from the University; Graduation Audits; Credit by Examination; Coordination of Cooperative Programs; Change of Major; Degree Certification; Course Withdrawal; and Inter-Institutional Enrollment. For more information please visit www.umes.edu/Registrar.

Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety is responsible for the safety and security of all students, faculty and staff, as well as, the university’s facilities, grounds and property. It is the goal of Public Safety to provide a safe and wholesome environment to facilitate the educational mission of the University. The Department of Public Safety is committed to community policing and continues to develop partnerships that improve the quality of life for our campus community to reduce the incidence and fear of crime. Campus safety is of the utmost importance and we will continue to develop programs to make UMES as safe as possible with honor and integrity, while at all times conducting ourselves with the highest ethical standards to maintain the public confidence. The Department is comprised of investigative and patrol branches and is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Prevention Education

The Department of Public Safety distributes materials recommended by the National Crime Prevention Council, Maryland Crime Watch, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security on various relevant topics. Additional training and information is provided to the University community through classes, lectures, videos, bulletins, emergency preparedness drills, and workshops.

Emergency Telephones

The Department utilizes an emergency text messaging system known as the “Hawk Alert” system. This system give the Department the ability to transmit immediate text messages anytime there is an emergency situation either on or near the campus. Emails, website posting, campus television and an audible alarm system are also used for emergency notifications. In addition, there are twenty five “blue light” emergency telephones strategically located throughout the University, directly connected to the Department of Public Safety for immediate police response. Elevators have similar emergency phones that are also connected to the Department.

Motor Vehicle Registration

All motor vehicles operated on campus by UMES students, faculty, staff and visitors must be registered and display a parking permit or obtain a temporary parking permit from the Department of Public Safety, regardless of ownership. Motorcycles and motor scooters are included in the policy. Each registered vehicle is issued a parking permit that is valid for one academic year. A small fee is charged for each permit. The 1992 Maryland General Assembly passed legislation requiring all out-of-state students attending the University to secure a Non-Resident permit for the vehicle which is to be operated in the State of Maryland for more than 30 days. There is a fee associated with the permit. Contact the Maryland State Motor Vehicle Administration for details.

Campus Parking

There is an abundance of parking on the UMES Campus. All students living on campus may have their own vehicle and are expected to park only in the designated areas for their parking permit. All Students, regardless of whether they have a University registered vehicle, are responsible for knowing the policies for operating motor vehicles on campus and are expected to park only in designated areas. Failure to do so can result in ticketing and/or towing, depending on the violation. Fines must be paid within 15 days of occurrence or a late fee will be incurred. Violators who do not pay parking fines will have their tickets forwarded to the State’s Motor Vehicle Administration for flagging of registration renewal and fines will be added to the student’s UMES fiscal account.

Student Services Center

The Student Services Center, or SSC, is the hub of campus life on the UMES campus. The Center offers a variety of recreational and educational activities and employment opportunities for UMES students and student organizations. Stretching 147,000 square feet, the length of two football fields, the two-story building is the home of the Student Government Association, twenty-five registered student organizations, bookstore, game room, bowling center, dining hall, snack bar, lounges, ballroom, theatre, and campus post office. In addition, several administrative and support offices are located in the facility, including offices for the Vice President for Student Affairs, Director for Auxiliary & Business Services, Campus Life, Career and Professional Development Center, and Auxiliary & Business Services. The SSC is filled with activity during a typical day and is the site for a number of student organization meetings, lectures, plays, and movies. The Center is also equipped with an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), sponsored by the State Employees Credit Union of Maryland.

UMES Bookstore

The UMES Bookstore provides course materials (both new & used), general reading books and references, school and office supplies, and computer products to ensure every UMES student is prepared for success. The bookstore has official UMES sportswear and paraphernalia offered to students, family members, alumni, faculty, and staff. The bookstore has some custom Greek apparel and accessories available in the store. The bookstore, is located in the Student Services Center first floor. The bookstore accepts the HAWKCARD, cash, checks, and all major credit cards. Items can be purchased online at https://umes.bncollege.com​.

Office of University Engagement and Lifelong Learning (OUELL)

OUELL Mission

Our mission is to work collaboratively with local communities to enrich the quality of living on the Shore through outreach programs; to engage faculty and students in scholarly activities that positively impact Maryland citizens; and to provide lifelong learning opportunities to a global community. This Office will promote college readiness and retention while working with local schools to build a pipeline to postsecondary education and identify curriculum-based service learning and civic engagement opportunities for college students.

Community Partners

The Office of University Engagement and Lifelong Learning (OUELL) recognizes and values societal transformations made possible through engaged universities and communities. All organizations and agencies are invited to partner with our office to provide quality faculty and student service-learning and engagement opportunities that are equally beneficial to campus participants and communities within the Eastern Shore.

Service-Learning

Service-learning is an active teaching and learning method that blends meaningful community service with academic instruction and reflection to enrich learning experiences, instill civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.

Model service-learning projects and/or activities address recognized community needs; integrate learning outcomes from classrooms or broader institutional goals with life skills gained outside of the classroom; allow students to “have a voice” as active participants in planning, implementing, and evaluating potential solutions to identified challenges; and promotes collaboration, democracy, and a sense individual responsibility to care and contribute to the betterment of the community. Students can apply and strengthen various skills through the following types of service-learning activities:

• Direct Service: activities requiring face-to-face service that directly impacts the individual(s) being served (e.g., tutoring, creating lessons and presenting them to younger audiences or community members, etc.).
• Indirect Service: working on community development or environmental projects and/or larger issues that benefit the broader community or region, but not necessarily an individual (e.g., restoring ecosystems, preserving community structures, historic landmarks or historic documents, etc.).
• Research-based Service: collecting and presenting information in a particular field of interest associated with an identified community need (e.g., conducting surveys, studies, interviews, and reporting information needed; gathering data/information and creating publications for non-profit organizations; conducting water quality and natural resources for local residents, etc.).
• Advocacy Service: projects focused on educating, creating awareness and/or promoting action on public issues (e.g., planning and organizing public forums, safety and disaster preparation training events, working with elected officials to create legislation, etc.).

University Housing/Residence Life

There are twelve (12) residential communities in the University’s array of housing options. Combined, these facilities accommodate over 2100 residents. Housing options range from traditional double rooms to apartments with single bedrooms. Included are unique options such as apartments with full kitchens. Students who reside in the efficiency apartment communities are not required to purchase a meal plan. The Office of Residence Life (ORL) oversees the operation of all University housing and off-campus leased properties, and strives to promote a living environment that respects the privacy and security of residential students and, perhaps more importantly, encourages the creation of good academic habits, non-traditional learning and managed social opportunities. All residential facilities have policies that incorporate quiet hours for the purpose of study and rest and restricted hours for disruptive group activities.

In order for students to acquire on-campus housing, students must complete a housing contract on Hawkville, the Residence Life online housing reservation system. Room deposits are required upon completion of the housing contract. For the fall semester, the room deposit is $300 and $150 for the spring semester. The room deposit is applied towards the student’s account to assist in covering future charges. It is refundable by notifying the ORL in writing by July 1 for the fall semester and January 1 for the spring semester. Failure to notify the ORL prior to these dates will result in a forfeiture of the deposit if the student decides not to matriculate at UMES. Information regarding housing policies, descriptions and how to reserve housing may also be obtained from the UMES website at https://www.umes.edu/reslife/.