University Of Maryland Eastern Shore
Office of Student Activities

Academic Support Services
The University understands the need for, and the value of support services as a key factor in the academic success and retention of students. In particular, academic support services are designed and implemented as extensions of the overall academic program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Indented below you will find programs offered by Academic Support Services.

Basic Skills Testing and Assessment is designed for all first-time students who are required to take a battery of tests in reading, math and writing skills. The scores along with other data are used primarily for advising and placement purposes. The tests are used for diagnostic purposes on an individualized basis. The tests are computer scored and a comprehensive analysis is generated. Evaluations are based on information derived from pre-and post-test scores for individual students.

Center for Academic Advising symbolizes UMES’ commitment to providing educational opportunities for all students. Historically, advising has been a primary concern and responsibility of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Effective advising propels students toward academic achievement. UMES accepts the responsibility to make sure that every student receives adequate and effective advising at all times. Advising is viewed as an on-going process that permeates all aspects of the undergraduate experience.

PACE Summer Program (Preparation and Adjustment for College Entrance)
The PACE Summer Program is a 6-week residential program designed to provide basic skills enhancement and college orientation for applicants whose high school grade-point averages and/or SAT scores do not meet the criteria for admission to the University. For those with CONDITIONAL ADMISSION STATUS, participation in the program is required as a preliminary step to admission to the University. The Program offers students an opportunity to enhance their proficiency in the following fundamental skills areas: math, science, reading/study skills, writing, and college orientation. In addition, students learn to use the library to conduct research, go on cultural and scientific field trips, receive tutoring, and attend seminars with key university personnel, group counseling and basic skills testing.

Upon the successful completion of the summer program, students will be offered admission to the University as a regular admit student. Evaluation of student performance in the program will include the successful completion of math, writing, or science components.

Career Services
The Office of Career Services assists undergraduate and graduate students as well as alumni with all aspects of career development. The staff provides individualized career counseling, which involves the beginning stages of career development, career assessment, gathering of occupational information and the utilization of computerized career guidance programs. Emphasis is also placed on the preparation of resumes, interviewing techniques and other strategies.

Within this office the following items are maintained: a computerized job listing of current employment, employment directories, lists of prospective employers and many other career services available to students and alumni registered with this office. The office supplies information about internships, summer jobs and programming for graduate/scholarship preparation and assistance.

In addition, the office administers and provides information about testing for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers (PRAXIS), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), American Institute for Insurance of America (AICPCU), and the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). All students are strongly encouraged to register with this office prior to graduation in order to establish a Credential Portfolio File and become eligible for the services provided by the Office of Career Services/Cooperative Education.

Commuter Student Services
The Office of Commuter Student Services is the liaison between commuting students and the University. The office provides information and services such as: a ride board, newsletter, off campus housing list, renters information, and commuter's lounge. Commuter Students are encouraged to join the Commuter's Students Association and to participate in the number of field trips, seminars and other activities planed throughout the year. For more information on Commuter Student Services, click here .

Counseling Services
The University Counseling Center provides individual counseling to all students. The Counseling Center is committed to helping college students in many different ways, from solving social and personal adjustment problems, to counseling students unsure about choices of majors and careers, but mental health counseling is its primary purpose. The counseling staff is made up of experienced professionals.

All discussions between a student and a counselor are kept confidential. Testing is provided when appropriate. Services are provided at no cost to all currently enrolled students at UMES. In addition, the Counseling Center provides group counseling, career assessment, peer counselor, campus pal, and drug and alcohol awareness programs as well. Drug counseling is provided for students, faculty and staff. Staff in the Counseling Center can be reached by dialing 651-6449.

Should you feel stressed, need some help, don’t let troubles over shadow you, for someone to talk to call:

* The Counseling Center - Ext. 6449
* The Health Center - Ext. 6597
* University Police - Ext. 6590
* Life Crisis Center - (410) 749-4357
* Student Security - Ext. 7639
* Your Campus Pal

Student
On-campus functions for students (dances, concerts, festivals, intramural sports, homecoming, etc.) are managed by the Office of Student Activities. The student recreation areas are also under Student Activities. The Student Government Association is advised by the Director of Student Activities. Contact the Office of Student Activities for information on registering student organizations, space reservations and any other information relating to student organizations or activities.

Student Government Association
The Student Government Association (SGA), maintains a suite of offices on the second floor of the Student Development Center. The SGA represents the needs of all undergraduate students, it helps promote harmony among students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni, and it reinforces the academic mission of UMES. Student Government produces a number of activities throughout the academic year, as well as assisting other student organizations do the same. Their main programming focus is the Annual Homecoming Celebration during the Month of February, and the Coronation of Mr. and Miss University of Maryland Eastern Shore - Campus King and Queen in October. Students are encouraged to participate in all levels of student governance, such as class office, Student Senate and Student-at- Large Representatives. Student Government elections are held annually during the month of April, supervised by the SGA and the Office of Student Activities. Applications for student government positions can be picked up from the Office of Student Activities.

Upward Bound Program
Upward Bound is a pre-college program designed to help low-income, first generation students (i.e. students neither of whose parents hold baccalaureate degrees). The aim of this program is to develop the skills and motivation necessary for success in college or other post-secondary education (Nursing, Art, Computer Programming, Technical Schools, etc.) A summer work experience program through the Job Training Partnership Act, complements the 6 week summer academic and cultural component. College students with grade point averages of at least 3.00 are hired to work as tutors and counselors during both the academic year and summer sessions.