University Offices and Unit Services

Auxiliary and Business Services

The Office of Auxiliary and Business Services is a self-supporting unit that provides non-academic services to students, faculty, staff and guests of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. These services include dining, catering, vending, concessions, postal, hotel and conference accommodations, bookstore, Greyhound Bus Service, HawkCards (ID cards), movie tickets, and printing and document services.

The Hawk Center, located on the second floor of the Student Services Center (SSC), is the pulse of Auxiliary & Business Services. It serves as the service center for the UMES community and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information about Auxiliary & Business Services, please visit https://www.umes.edu/auxiliary/.

Campus Life

Student Engagement

The Office of Student Engagement manages and implements a number of student activities based on student interest and input, both on and off campus. Student Engagement is dedicated to providing social, cultural, recreational, and educational leadership opportunities for all students to be actively engaged inside and outside the classroom. We strive to develop and employ strategies that are responsive to the diverse needs of the University community and foster an environment conducive to increase retention and graduation rates. With over 50 registered student organizations to choose from, there is something designed specifically for everyone to get involved!

Student Organizations

All official extracurricular organizations, activities, and enterprises of students on the UMES campus operate under the broad guidance of the Executive Director of Student Engagement. The following is a listing of some of the many organizations currently functioning on the UMES campus: Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, Alpha Phi Sigma, Criminal Justice Society, Eta Rho Mu,  Women of Distinction, Men of Distinction, Women Of Respect Tact and Honor (WORTH), Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Human Ecology Club, African Students Association, Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS),  National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), National Pan-Hellenic Council, Pep-Band, Haus of Legacy, Models Collective, Ambiance Dance Company, Diamonds Dance Team, Student Rehabilitation Association,  Uniquely Defined, Exercise Science Club, and American Marketing Club. All students are encouraged to design and create any organization of their desire.

Student Government Association (SGA)

Made up of elected student officers and advised by the Office of Student Engagement, 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 National Pan-Hellenic Council

The purpose of the UMES National Pan-Hellenic Council shall be to foster cooperative actions of its members in dealing with matters of mutual concern. To this end, the NPHC promotes the well-being of its affiliate fraternities and sororities, facilitates the establishment and development of local councils of the NPHC and provides leadership training for its constituents. 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, Iota Phi Theta, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho, and 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 here.

Career Services and Professional Development Center

The Career & Professional Development Center at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, is committed to further enhancing student’s self-confidence and career readiness skills, while assisting students with building clarity, confidence and career exploration skills. This will empower students who navigate through the professional development process while, acquiring the opportunities and experiences that will enable them to compete in a global workforce. This office is the catalyst to students being successful in the workforce. The Center recognizes its place as a leading example of excellence by acknowledging the unique needs of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. This Center is the linkage between a global workforce and an academic environment.

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.  Exploring career paths as freshmen, cultivating transferable skills, internship involvement and further enhancement of career focused activities is critical. 

The Center is well positioned to prepare students for an ever changing global workforce. The Career and Professional Development Center can help students identify their own range of skills through a strategic plan. Students have access to numerous career related services offered by the University Career & Professional Development Center that involve positive career related programming, career exploration, graduate/professional school information, immersive experiential learning, internships that assist with building major specific skills, employer engagement and also exposure to state of the art career related technology.  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

As a part of the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Experience, 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 as well as transfer students with less than 30 credits, CAAS offers students’ access to comprehensive academic support services which strengthen their performance and promote student success and retention. The Center houses a team of Professional Academic Advisors who are committed to inclusivity while advising, and to empowering their students to achieve their goals while supporting them to overcome any challenges along the way. Academic Advising consists of the advisor building a relationship with the student to promote their active engagement with their academic journey in addition to focusing on the student and their needs in order to grow–academically and as individuals.

In addition to advising, CAAS provides student enrichment programs such as, “Future Outstanding Cohort of University Students” (FOCUS), the Step Beyond summer bridge program, and the Student Success Workshop series. Other academic support services include: Peer Tutoring and Mentoring certified under the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) and teaching all First-Year Experience courses as part of the First-Year Experience (FYE) program. CAAS is funded to deliver and manage Title III programming for the FYE program as well as the Hawk Mentoring Partnership, called “Comprehensive Retention Initiatives for Student Success” (C.R.I.S.S).

New student onboarding is a primary function of CAAS. This orientation experience managed by CAAS, is called “UMES Hawk Flight School” which includes an introduction to all campus resources and services as well as academic advising and scheduling. CAAS offers both an on-campus and a virtual online orientation (VOO) program for incoming first-year, transfer, and international students. The virtual experience resembles all aspects of traditional orientation and includes live chat and assistance for students and families who need additional support before arriving on campus. Another major effort by the CAAS team is specifically designed for first-year students; CAAS works with academic departments to prepare and pre-load their first semester academic schedules. Also, as part of the onboarding process, all first-year students participate in “Freshmen Week” which provides an opportunity for first-year students to get acclimated to college life before classes begin. 

The CAAS team partners with personnel from each divisions on campus—Academic Affairs, Administrative Affairs, Student Affairs and Institutional Advancement to support and create initiatives that will assist in student retention. In a continuous effort to support student progress and success, CAAS uses the Hobson Starfish Retention Solutions platform for Early Alert, coordinating and scheduling services, and to communicate with students and faculty. Overall, the team 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 (CITOL) at UMES supports the development and delivery of online and hybrid programs, classes, and workshops with a focus on flexibility, equity, accessibility, and privacy (FEAP). Additionally, CITOL assists faculty, staff, and students in all aspects of digital teaching and learning, including in the use of the Blackboard Learning Management System, Blackboard Portfolio, Blackboard Collaborate Web Conference, Enterprise Surveys, Respondus 4.0, Respondus LockDown Browser, and Echo360. Founded in 2006, CITOL is funded by a grant awarded through Title III. The Center is located in Suite 3071 Engineering Aviation Science Complex and is open Monday through Friday during normal business hours. For additional information, please call (410) 651-6557.

Center for International Education

The purpose of the Center for International Education (CIE) 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 early care and learning environment for sixty-three children ages six-weeks through school age. One director, an interim assistant director, three classroom teachers, supporting full-time staff and Human Ecology/SANS students manage the full-day program which is in operation year-round and serves University students, staff and faculty, and the local community. The CFDC has a twenty-four year history of supporting children’s growth and development in a caring and enriched environment. Bi-weekly tuition fees are reasonable. Maryland child care scholarships are 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) 651-7666.

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.  For more information, please visit: https://www.umes.edu/CounselingCenter/.

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.

Student Media

The university offers experiential learning opportunities for students interested in media and/or communication careers. They include a student video crew, involved in both studio and field production, and Hawk Radio, an online student radio station. Both are headquartered in the Engineering and Aviation Science Complex and managed by the Department of English and Modern Languages’ digital media staff.  For additional information, please contact faculty member Marilyn Buerkle at (410) 651-8349 or mlbuerkle@umes.edu.

The Frederick Douglass Library

The Frederick Douglass Library, led by the Dean of Library Services, was named for the self-educated abolitionist, orator, and author, who was born on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The three-story facility, located in the academic oval of the campus houses a multiplicity of print and non-print resources to support the mission and academic programs of the university.  As a member of the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions (USMAI) consortium, the library is affiliated with 16 libraries at the public universities and colleges in the state of Maryland.  The integrated, comprehensive library system ALEPH makes it possible for patrons to have 24/7 access 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.

An online one credit Library Information Literacy course is taught each academic semester by librarians. 

There are nine departments within the library which are comprised of Acquisitions/Collection. Development, Cataloging; Circulation, Information Technology, Interlibrary Loan, Media Services, Reference, Serials/Documents, and Special Collections

Please visit the library homepage at http://www.umes.edu/FDL for further information about the library.

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 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 for the university by ensuring the integrity and completeness of students’ academic records. The following services are representative of, 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; Transfer Credit Processing; Change of Major; Degree Certification; Course Withdrawal; and Inter-Institutional Enrollment. The Office of the Registrar is located on the first floor of the Student Development Center (SDC).  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 Accessibility Services

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Student Services Center

The Student Services Center, or SSC, is the hub for student engagement on the UMES campus. The Center offers a variety of recreational, educational and employment opportunities for UMES students
and student organizations. The SSC provides an environment in which students are encouraged to grow through self-discovery, social interaction, academic development, cultural leadership and recreational
programs. Its mission is to provide quality customer service while meeting the needs of students, faculty, staff, administrators and the outside community.  Stretching 147,000 square feet, the length of two football fields, this two-story building houses the Student Government Association, registered student organizations offices, UMES Bookstore, recreation center that includes a six lane bowling alley and billiards, Dining services, vending machines , lounge areas, Grand Ballroom, Theatre, meeting rooms and campus post office.  In addition, several administrative and support offices are located in this facility, including The Office of the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Experience,  Auxiliary & Business Services, Office of Student Engagement, Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, Office of Student Outreach and Leadership Development Services, and Career and Professional Development Center.  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 several food options, and an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), sponsored by the State Employees Credit Union of Maryland.

UMES Bookstore

The UMES Barnes and Noble bookstore is located on the first floor of the Student Services Center (SSC) and provides course materials (both new & used), general reading and reference books, school and office supplies, and computer products to ensure every UMES student is prepared for success. The bookstore also has official UMES apparel and paraphernalia as well as Greek apparel and accessories (available in the store).  All students, family members, alumni, faculty, and staff are welcome to visit the campus bookstore or shop online at https://umes.bncollege.com​. The bookstore accepts the HAWKCARD, cash, checks, and all major credit cards.

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 eleven (11) residential communities in the University’s array of housing options. Combined, these facilities accommodate over 1700 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 strives to promote a living-learning environment that respects the privacy and security of all residential students. More importantly, the Office of Residence Life encourages the creation of good academic habits, non-traditional learning, and managed social opportunities. All residential facilities have policies that incorporate quiet hours that promote study and rest and restricted hours for disruptive group activities.

For students to acquire on-campus housing, students must complete a housing contract on Hawkville, the Office of Residence Life online room reservation system. Room deposits are due upon completion of the housing contract. The room deposit is $300 for the academic year (fall/spring ONLY). The room deposit is applied towards the student’s account to assist in covering their housing charge; it is non-refundable. Forfeiture of the deposit occurs if the student decides not to enroll at UMES. Information regarding housing policies, descriptions, and how to reserve a room may also be found at the Office of Residence Life’s website at https://www.umes.edu/reslife/.