ACADEMICS

UMES provides quality undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and sciences, the food and agricultural sciences, technology, and in professional and pre-professional disciplines. The University accepts and prepares students from varying backgrounds and experiences. Special attention is given to minority students and others with limited accessibility to higher education, as well as to highly motivated honors students. The undergraduate and graduate program offerings are complemented by strong research and experiential learning opportunities resulting from faculty, government, international, and local and national industry collaborations.

GRADUATE STUDIES

UMES is the only doctoral-degree-granting institution on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Nine master's and two doctoral degree programs are offered at UMES. The Master of Science Degree is offered in Agriculture and Extension Education, Food and Agricultural Sciences, Applied Computer Science, Marine- Estuarine-Environmental Sciences, and Toxicology. Master of Education Degrees are offered in Guidance and Counseling, and Special Education. The Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Degree is collaboratively offered with Salisbury State University. The Master of Physical Therapy Degree is offered. The two doctoral programs, both interdisciplinary and inter-institutional within the USM System, are in Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences (MEES) and Toxicology.

The graduate programs are offered through the following five departments: Agriculture; Education; Mathematics and Computer Science; Natural Sciences; and Physical Therapy.

Full descriptions and application guidelines for all graduate programs can be reviewed in the Graduate Catalog. Contact the Office of Graduate Studies (410.651.6507) for a current catalog and/or additional information.

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ACADEMIC HONESTY

Academic honesty and integrity lie at the heart of any educational enterprise. Students are expected to do their own work and neither to give nor to receive assistance during quizzes, examinations, or other class exercises. One form of academic dishonesty is plagiarism. Plagiarism is intellectual larceny: the theft of ideas or their manner of expression. Students are urged to consult individual faculty members when in doubt. Because faculty and students take academic honesty seriously, penalties for violation may be severe, depending upon the offense, as viewed by the Student Judicial System. The minimum sanction for cases of proven cheating is an automatic failure of the course. Instructors will gladly explain procedures for taking tests, writing papers, and completing other course requirements so that students may understand fully their instructor's expectations.

One of the objectives of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is to promote the highest standards of professionalism among its graduates. The integrity of work performed is the cornerstone of professionalism. Acts of falsification, cheating, and plagiarism are acts of academic dishonesty which show a failure of integrity, a violation of our educational objectives and will not be accepted or tolerated. To avoid ambiguity, the following guidelines should be followed.

1. Falsification is to be avoided. Falsification includes but is not limited to:

a. creating false records of academic achievement;

b. altering or forging records;

c. misusing, altering, forging, falsifying or transferring to another person, without proper authorization, any official University record;

d. conspiring or inducing others to forge or alter any official University record.

2. Cheating is also unacceptable. Cheating includes but is not limited to:

a. giving answers to others in a testing situation without permission of the tester;

b. taking or receiving answers from others in a test situation without permission of the tester;

c. having possession of test materials without permission;

d. taking, giving, or receiving test materials prior to tests without permission;

e. having someone else take a test or perform an assignment for you;

f. submitting as your own work, work done by someone else;

g. permitting someone else to submit your work under that person's name;

h. falsifying research data or other research material;

i. copying with or without permission any works, e.g., essays, short stories, poems, etc., from computer, hard drive or discs and presenting them as your own.

3. Plagiarism as a form of cheating, is also unacceptable. Plagiarism is the act of presenting as your own creation works actually created by others. Plagiarism consists of:

a. taking ideas from a source without clearly giving proper reference in a way that identifies the original source of the ideas and distinguishes them from your own;

b. indirectly quoting or paraphrasing material taken from a source without clearly giving proper reference in a way that identifies the original source and distinguishes the paraphrased material from your own compositions;

c. directly quoting or exactly copying material from a source without giving proper reference or otherwise presenting the copied material as your own creation.

Ideas taken from another person's notes or published work without giving that author proper credit according to an established style of documentation, such as MLA (Modern Language Association) or APA (American Psychological Association), constitutes plagiarism. Acts of falsification, cheating and plagiarism are grounds for automatic failure of a course if not a more severe penalty, which may include a hearing before the Student Judicial Council and dismissal from the University.

Students and faculty should be thoroughly familiar with the appropriate forms of documentation required among the various academic departments on the University campus.

Summing Up

It is expected that students will be honest, exhibiting the highest standards of personal integrity. The University also expects to severely penalize acts of dishonesty, academic or otherwise, and urges students to be of good conscience and conduct as they pursue their careers at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Students should be aware of the UMS System Policy on misconduct. In no way does the UMES statement conflict with the System Policy. Please refer to System Policy No. III - 1.10. Faculty should be familiar with related policies as found in the UMES Faculty Handbook. Please refer to UMES Policy, Section IV-I.

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CLASS ATTENDANCE

The University expects all students to take full individual responsibility for their academic work and progress. All students must meet the qualitative and quantitative requirements of each course in their curricula to progress satisfactorily. They are expected to attend classes regularly, for consistent attendance offers the most effective opportunity open to all students to gain command of the concepts and materials of their courses of study. Absences (whether excused or unexcused) do not alter what is expected of students qualitatively and quantitatively

In many courses, in-class participation is an essential part of the work of the course, such as courses requiring group discussion, laboratories, clinics, public speaking or language conversation, or performance of particular skills. In other courses, occasional in-class assessments may occur, without prior notice.

The University will excuse the absences of students that result from instances such as: illness (where the student is too ill to attend class), death in the immediate family (father, stepfather, grandfather, mother, stepmother, grandmother, sister, brother, stepsister, stepbrother, son, daughter, legal guardian, or any person living as an integral member of a student’s home) religious observance (where the nature of the observance prevents the student from being present during the class period), participation in University activities at the request of University authorities, and compelling circumstances beyond the student’s control. Students requesting excused absences must furnish acceptable documentation to their course instructors to support their assertion that absences were the result of one of these causes. However, the nature of some courses will preclude makeup of assessments missed. In these cases, students will not be penalized for excused absences; grades will be computed on actual assessment as explained in the course’s syllabus. Otherwise, students with excused absences will be given an opportunity to make up missed assessments. The responsibility for granting excused absences and determining which assessments can be made up lies with the instructor of each individual course. Absences (whether excused or unexcused) do not relieve the students of their responsibility to complete the course assessments. Instructors are especially understanding in cases related to health and/or death, provided the student provides proper documentation.

Students must notify their instructors of the reason for any absence as soon as possible. Where the reason for an absence from a scheduled assessment is known in advance (for example, in cases of religious observance or participation in University activities at the request of University authorities), students must inform their instructors two weeks prior to the absence, if known that far in advance or immediately upon discovering the impending absence. Prior notification is particularly important in connection with examinations and other major assessments since failure to reschedule them before conclusion of the final examination period may result in loss of credits during the semester. Where the reason is not known in advance (for example, in cases of health related emergencies or compelling circumstances beyond their control), students must inform their instructors as soon as possible after its development.

Each department and school may develop a general policy for class attendance as long as it conforms to this UMES Policy for Class Attendance.

Each instructor is responsible for distributing a written statement as part of the course syllabus at the beginning of the semester to each student in order to inform each class of the nature of in-class participation and assessments expected and what effect absences will have on the evaluation of the student’s work in the course Absences shall be handled by the instructor in accordance with this statement, the general policy of his or her department and school, and this UMES Policy for Class Attendance.

In cases of dispute, the student may appeal to the chair of the department offering the course within one week from the date of the refusal of the right to a make-up assignment. In those instances where the instructor is the chair, the appeal may be made to the dean. The dean’s decision will be final in all cases. When permitted, a makeup assessment must be given on campus unless the published schedule or course description requires other arrangements. The makeup assessment must be held at a time and place mutually agreeable to the instructor and student. The makeup assessment must not interfere with the student’s regularly scheduled classes. In the event that a group of students requires the same makeup assessment, one makeup assessment time may be scheduled at the convenience of the instructor and the largest possible number of students involved, and a second makeup for the remaining group.

All students are expected to attend all classes. Excessive unexcused absences for any reason may result in either a low grade or course failure. All students will be considered excessively absent from a class if they miss a class more hours during the semester or term than the class meets each week. For example, a student should not miss (unexcused absence) a class that meets three hours per week more than three hours during the semester or term or be absent from a class that meets on hour per week more than once during the semester or term. At the beginning of each semester or term, the class instructor will distribute this written policy and other relevant information as part of the course syllabus, regarding his/her expectations or absenteeism, attendance, warnings, requests for withdrawal, and makeup privileges.

Instructors are to document student’s class attendance through the process of taking and maintaining daily attendance during each semester.

REDLINING

All students are expected to be present for class beginning on the first day of instruction for the semester. If personal circumstances prevent a student from attending class, the student is responsible for notifying the Vice President for Academic Affairs (in advance of the first day of instruction) and indicating when she/he expects to be present for class. The Vice President will notify the student’s dean. The academic dean will notify the student’s department chair, who in turn, will inform the student’s faculty of the expected absence and date of return to class.

Students failing to follow these instructions may be dropped from a class when other students are waiting to register for the class. However, students should not consider the Redlining procedure a proper method for dropping a class. To drop or withdraw from a course, students should follow the procedures outlined in this Catalog.

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NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

New Student Orientation is a weeklong summer program designed to familiarize new students to the academic life at UMES. The program is generally offered in late August of each year and is sponsored by the New Student Orientation Committee. Students accepted into the University for the fall semester can expect to receive detailed information and registration materials from the Committee in early summer about the program. There is a minimal fee for the program that is separate and a part from the fall semester charges. A modified program is offered to students entering the university for the first time in a spring semester. Beginning August 2001, New Student Orientation will be required for students entering the University for the first time. First-time entering freshmen, PACE students, Jump Start Students, AMP students, and transfer students with less than 24 hours of credit will be expected to attend.

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HONOR SOCIETIES

There are currently several active chapters of national Greek Letter Honor Societies for students who are outstanding in their major areas of study. Among them are:

Alpha Eta Rho - A professional college fraternity founded to bring together those students having a common interest in the field of aviation. AHP serves as a contact between the aviation industry and educational institutions. It bands together into one organization outstanding students, interested faculty, and industrial leaders for the purpose of studying the problems of everyday life, as influenced by modern industry. Membership is by application and election.

Alpha Kappa Mu - Students must complete at least five (5) semesters of academic work at a 3.3 GPA to be eligible for election to the Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society.

Alpha Tau Alpha - A professional honorary and education fraternity seeks to develop a professional spirit among teachers and teacher trainees in vocational agricultural education.

Beta Kappa Chi - This scientific honor society embraces the areas of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Beta Kappa Chi encourages and advances scientific education through 1) original investigation, 2) dissemination of scientific knowledge, and 3) the stimulation of high scholarship pure and applied science.

ETA Sigma Delta is an international honor society that recognizes exceptional academic achievement among hospitality and tourism students at the baccalaureate level?

The Council administers ETA Sigma Delta on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (CHRIE); the leading international association devoted to hospitality and tourism education.

Kappa Delta Pi is an international honor society that recognizes excellence in education. Elected to membership in the Sigma Nu chapter at UMES are undergraduate and graduate students who exhibit ideals of scholarship, leadership, service, high personal standards, and show promise in teaching and the allied professions. Kappa Delta Pi encourages improvement, distinction in achievement, and contributions to education.

Kappa Omicron Nu is a national Family and Consumer Sciences Honor Society which recognizes those who have declared a major in family and consumer sciences or one of the specializations. KONU promotes scholarship, advances intellectual development and encourages leadership development. To be eligible for membership, the student must have completed 45 semester hours and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Phi Kappa Phi is dedicated to unity and democracy in education and selects its membership from all fields of university study. The society's sole purpose is to recognize and encourage superior scholarship. New members are elected from all schools of their respective universities and are chosen from the upper ten percent of their graduating class.

Sigma Beta Delta is a national scholastic honor society in business, management, and administration. To be eligible for induction, students must rank in the upper 10 percent of their junior or senior class with a minimum overall GPA of 3.3. Students must be Business Administration and/or Accounting majors in the Department of Business and Economics or related majors on other departments on campus. Juniors are eligible for induction the semester after they have earned 75 credits at the UMES. Graduating seniors are eligible for induction the semester they are enrolled in their final course at UMES, providing they meet all other requirements.

Sigma Lambda Chi - A National Honor Society which gives recognition to outstanding students majoring in Construction Management Technology. To qualify for membership, students must be at the Junior or Senior level of study and rank in the top 20 percent of their construction class.

Sigma Tau Delta is a national English honor society. Members must be juniors with 3.0 averages in their majors. The Psi Mu chapter at UMES sponsors two major projects annually, the poet of the Month and Poet/writer Award.

Upsilon Pi Epsilon - An honorary society whose membership consists of outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in computer science. It is the first and only existing national honor society in computer science. The minimum standards for undergraduate students are: a grade point average of at least 3.0 and rank in the highest thirty-five percent of their major in general scholarship provided they have completed at least eighteen semester hours in computer science and sixty-four semester hours overall.

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UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS

UMES offers the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees in the programs listed below. In addition there are many options and specialties which are described in the catalog sections pertaining to each academic program. The university also offers the Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S) degree.

• Accounting
• Agribusiness
• Agriculture
• Aviation Sciences
• Art Education
• Biology
• Business Administration
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Construction Management Technology
• Criminal Justice
• Education
• Engineering (in collaboration with UMCP)
• Engineering Technology
• English
• Environmental Science
• General Studies
• Human Ecology
• Hotel and Restaurant Management
• Mathematics
• Music Education
• Physical Education
• Rehabilitation Services
• Sociology

Teacher Education

UMES offers teacher education programs in the following areas:

Specialty Programs

Art (K-12)
Music (K-12)
Physical Education (K-12)
Special Education (1-8); (6-12)

Secondary/Middle (5-12)

Biology
Chemistry
English
Mathematics
Social Science
Technology Education

Secondary (7-12)

Agriculture
Business Education

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DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

It is the responsibility of departments to publish clearly defined degree requirements. Responsibility for knowing and meeting all degree requirements for graduation in any curriculum rests with the student. Students should check with the departmental academic advisor to ascertain their standing in this respect no later than the close of the junior year. For this purpose, the student should be sure to preserve the copy of the semester grade report issued by the Office of Admissions and Registration at the close of each semester.

In order to earn a baccalaureate degree, the last 30 semester credits of any curriculum must be taken in residence at the UMES Campus.

Academic requirements for graduation are a minimum of 120 semester credit hours with a "C" (2.00) cumulative average.

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SECOND AND DOUBLE BACCALAUREATE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

A student who has already received one baccalaureate degree may receive a second degree from UMES by completing 30 credits at UMES, provided the total number of credits of the first and second degrees combined is 150 credits. In no case will a second baccalaureate be awarded to a student who has not completed the last 30 hours at UMES.

A student who wishes to simultaneously receive two baccalaureate degrees from UMES must complete the regularly prescribed degree requirements of each program and complete a minimum of 150 credits.

Candidates for a double degree must file a formal program outline with the departments involved and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The program outline must include a showing of the courses required to fulfill each major and supporting area, as well as the general education and elective requirements of both curricula. If the double degree involves two different departments, the student must designate which department is responsible for maintenance of records.

No course in either curriculum used to satisfy a major or supporting area requirement may be used to satisfy the General Education Requirements.

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GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Note: A minimum of 40 credits is required.

See Appendix for complete MHEC Regulations.

All students are expected to complete a common body of academic course work. The General Education Requirements are designed to promote the development of a comprehensive educational base which will effectively support a student's choice of a major concentration. Deviations from the General Education Requirements may occur in certain areas owing to specific requirements of the major. Therefore, students should consult with their freshman or departmental advisors when making course selections. See Course Descriptions for descriptions of courses in General Education.

General Education Requirements are distributed as follows:

Curriculum Area I
Arts and Humanities — Total = 9 Credits
(one course in each of two disciplines)
Students must select ENGL 203 plus two additional courses.

Discipline A: Arts
ARTS 101, ARTS 310, MUSI 100, MUSI 101, MUSI 109, MUSI 310H

Discipline B: History
HIST 201, HIST 202, HIST 333, HIST 334, HIST 341, HIST 360

Discipline C: Language
FREN 101 and FREN 102
GERM 101 and GERM 102
SPAN 101 and SPAN 102

Discipline D: Literature
ENGL 211/H, ENGL 212/H, ENGL 315/H, ENGL 324, ENGL 360, ENGL 403

Discipline E: Speech
All students must select ENGL 203.

Curriculum Area II
Social and Behavioral Sciences — Total = 6 Credits
(one course in each of two disciplines)
Students must select one course from each discipline:

Discipline A: Social Sciences
ECON 201 or ECON 201H
ECON 202 or ECON 202H
GEOG 201 or GEOG 202
HIST 101 or HIST 111H
HIST 102 or HIST 112H
POLI 200 or POLI 200H, POLI 342
SOCI 101 or SOCI 111H

Discipline B: Behavioral Sciences
CRJS 101, HUEC 102, HUEC 220, HUEC 361, HUEC 380, PSYC 200, SOCI 201, SOWK 200 or SOWK 200H

Curriculum Area III
Biological and Physical Sciences — Total = 7 - 8 Credits
(two science courses; one must be a laboratory course)
Students must select from the following:

ANSC 114, BIOL 101, BIOL 103 (lab), BIOL 111, ENVS 101 BIOL 112, CHEM 101, CHEM 102, CHEM 103 (lab), CHEM 104 (lab), CHEM 111, PHYS 101, PHYS 103 (lab), PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 161, PHYS 181H, PHYS 182H, PHYS 263, PLSC 184

Curriculum Area IV
Mathematics — Total = 3 - 8 Credits
(one course at or above the level of College Algebra)
Students must select one course as required by their major department and/or results of their Mathematics Placement Exam:

MATH 102, MATH 109, MATH 110, MATH 111H, MATH 112

Curriculum Area V
English Composition — Total = 9 Credits

ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H
ENGL 102 or ENGL 102H
ENGL 305/H or ENGL 310

Curriculum Area VI
Emerging Issues — Total = 1-7 Credits
(courses identified as being essential to a full program of general education for UMES students)

This course is required of all students:

GNST 101 First Year Orientation Seminar — 1 credit
(or departmental orientation course)

In addition, students must consult with their departmental advisor for any additional Emerging Issues course requirement (up to 6 additional credits). Students may select from the following courses:

EDHE 111 Health and Wellness — 3 credits

Total Required for General Education = 40-47 Credits

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GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ACADEMIC MAJORS AND MINORS

The University's individual departments set forth requirements that must be met in order to complete a major in a given area of study. For specific major requirements, students should consult the appropriate departmental section of this catalog and their academic advisors.

Each major and minor has its own minimum number of required hours. To fulfill a major generally involves a minimum of 36 credit hours of course work. To earn a minor in a subject, a minimum of 18 semester hours, according to departmental specifications, must be met.

For courses completed outside the major or minor, an overall grade point average of "C" is necessary for graduation.

Major Core Requirements

A grade of "C" or better is required in every course counted toward the major and/or minor.

Supporting Area Requirements

A grade point average of "C" or better is required for the group of courses representing the supportive area requirements.

Selecting a Major

In selecting a major or a minor, students must consult with the chairs of the department(s) involved at the beginning of their junior year.

Students may declare a major at any time up to the beginning of their junior year. At that time they will be assigned a faculty advisor and fill out an official Declaration of Major form. Declaring a major does not in any way bind a student permanently to that program.

Changing a Major

It is not unusual for a student to change a major after entering college. Students are encouraged to explore several programs with the disciplines involved before deciding upon their major programs, and consult with faculty members, and counselors concerning their future plans. A student may change a major at any time simply by completing a new Declaration of Major Form. These forms may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Registration.

Freshmen Who Do Not Declare a Major

For those students who enter as freshmen and do not declare a major, General Education Requirement courses can be taken during their freshman and sophomore years. It is highly recommended that students become familiar with the requirements for different majors which interest them, and be aware of all the introductory level courses needed, and the frequency which departments offer these and other courses for those majors. Schedules should be planned strategically and in consultation with the academic advisor.

Foreign Language Requirements

Students beginning a foreign language at the university level must complete two semesters of the language before graduation in order to retain credit for the first semester. Students who do not complete the introductory year (101 and 102 levels) of the language will, at the time of graduation review, lose credit for the foreign language requirement. Transfer students will not receive credit for the first semester of the language until they have completed the full year, providing the course is otherwise transferable.

English Proficiency Exam

In order to graduate, every student who enrolls at the University for the first time, beginning fall 1998, must past the English Proficiency Examination. No student will be exempt. Subsequently, students entering on or after fall 1998 will be eligible to take this exam only after successful completion of English 101/H with a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Additionally, only students making satisfactory progress (minimum of 2.0) in English 102/H will be allowed to seat for the examination.

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THE SUMMER SESSION

Three summer sessions are held: two separate 5-week sessions and one 10-week session. Course offerings and workshops are planned for undergraduate students and secondary and elementary teachers seeking graduate credits. On-campus housing and board are available.

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THE WINTER SESSION

This four-week session is held during the winter break period in the month of January. Course offerings are at the undergraduate and graduate levels. On-campus housing and board are available.

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ACADEMIC STANDING

Class standing for purposes of taking upper level courses, voting in S.G.A. elections, selective service reports, etc., is determined on the following scale:

Earned Credit Hours — Level

0-27 — Freshman

28-55 — Sophomore

56-83 — Junior

84 and above — Senior

Students should complete the general education courses and earn 56 academic hours before they enroll in upper level courses.

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GRADES AND QUALITY POINTS

The academic achievement of a student for a specific course is rated as follows:

Letter Grade (percentage) — Quality Points Per Hour

A (90-100) — 4.0

B (80-89) — 3.0

C (70-79) — 2.0

D (60-69) — 1.0

F (below 60) — 0.0

Any deviation from the above grading scale must be included as part of the course syllabus distributed by the faculty member at the beginning of each semester.

A student who receives a grade of "D" in more than fifteen (15) semester hours of academic work must remove the excessive "Ds" by repeating courses. Grades of "D" in major and minor courses, English 101 and 102 or Teaching Internship do not count toward fulfilling the requirements for a degree.

In certain specified courses, the grading system involves only Pass or Fail ("P" or "F"), Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory ("S/U).

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AUDITING OF COURSES

A student who wishes his record to show that he has attended a course regularly but does not wish credit for that course may register as an auditor. No grade is given for a course audited, nor are any credits attempted or earned. No quality points are calculated. Any student may change his initial registration in a course for credit to audit during the add period only. He or she may drop an audited course during the drop period.

Fees for an audited course will be based on the regular credit value of the course. Once a student has audited a course, he or she cannot establish credit by examination in that course.

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INCOMPLETE GRADES

The grade of "I" (incomplete) is to be given only to students whose work in a course has been qualitatively satisfactory, when because of illness, or other circumstances beyond their control, they have been unable to complete the requirements for the course. In no case will the grade of "I" be recorded for a student who has not completed satisfactorily the major portion of the course work. In cases where this grade is given, the student may not re-register for the course until the "I" is removed by completing work assigned by the instructor. Work must be completed by the end of one year, otherwise the "I" becomes "W". When a student receives a terminal grade, he may repeat the course as provided for any course where repeats are authorized. The student’s department Chairman and Dean may grant exception to the time period cited above on a written request by the student if circumstances warrant further delay. An "I" cannot be removed by earning "credit by examination."

In the computation of the cumulative grade point average, the course hours in which the grade of "I" is assigned are not included as hours attempted. When the grade of "I" is removed, the course hours are then included as hours attempted and the Office of Admissions and Registration makes an appropriate entry in the cumulative grade point average.

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REPEATING OF CLASSES

Any course may be repeated, but if a student repeats a course in which he or she has already earned a passing grade, the subsequent attempt shall not increase the total hours earned toward the degree. Credits for repeated courses will only be counted once toward graduation requirements and in computation of the cumulative grade point average. Only the highest grade will be used in the computation of the cumulative grade point average; however, all grades earned remain on the permanent record with repeated courses identified. Repeat credits and corresponding grades are used when computing the semester grade point average. If a course a student wishes to repeat has been discontinued or has not been offered for two semesters, the student should request the department chairman and dean to designate a substitute course, which when taken, will remove the grade of the discontinued course. The course so named and the student involved should be reported in writing to the Office of Admissions and Registrations.

Academic departments have the prerogative to limit the number of times a student may attempt to successfully complete core major courses.

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GRADE POINT AVERAGE

To compute the grade point average (GPA), the number of credits for each course is multiplied by the quality points of the corresponding grade. The total number of quality points is divided by the total number of credits attempted to obtain the grade point average for the semester.

Example

The cumulative grade point average is computed in a similar manner by including all courses attempted at the University of Maryland. Courses transferred from other institutions are not included in the grade point average. The following courses are not included in computing the grade point average: Zero credit hours, pass/fail, satisfactory/unsatisfactory courses.

An instructor may change a grade submitted to the Office of Admissions and Registration only on certification, approved by the department Chairman and the Dean, that an error was made in computing or transcribing the grade. The request for change in the grade must be initiated no later than the semester following the issuance of the grade.

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HONORS CONVOCATION

Full-time undergraduate students completing a minimum of 12 semester hours of credit with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.5 are eligible for participation in the university’s annual Honors Convocation ceremony. The Honors Convocation is held the second Thursday in April as a public recognition for exemplary scholastic achievement (GPA of at least 3.5).

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UMES POLICY ON ACADEMIC PROBATION AND DISMISSAL

Good Academic Standing

Students are considered to be in good academic standing and performing satisfactorily at UMES if their cumulative GPA is at least 2.0.

Unsatisfactory Performance

All credit hours transferred to UMES are included in the Total Hours Attempted in the first column of the above table when determining the category of academic performance. The cumulative GPA is computed by using:

• the number of credit hours attempted at UMES and corresponding grades earned, and
• the credit hours attempted elsewhere within the University System of Maryland and the corresponding grades earned, when the grades also transfer to UMES. If the grades do not transfer, the hours are not used in computing the GPA.

Academic Probation

Any student will be placed on academic probation if he/she:

1. fails to maintain the cumulative grade point average consistent with the number of credit hours attempted, or
2. has been reinstated to the University following academic dismissal.

Students on academic probation are restricted to no more than thirteen (13) credit hours per semester and are required to repeat all courses in which deficiencies have been received, as scheduling allows.

Students on academic probation are required to participate in prescribed academic crises intervention programs and activities provided by the major department and/or UMES Student Support Services.

Students must abide by ALL regulations during the entire period of academic probation.

Academic Dismissal

*Students matriculating as first time freshmen will not be academically dismissed at the end of their first semester regardless of cumulative grade point average or number of credit hours earned. Beginning with their second semester, such students will be subject to the standards given in the table above.

A student, other than a first semester freshman, will be academically dismissed if he/she:

1. fails to maintain the cumulative grade point average consistent with the number of credits attempted, or
2. falls in the category of Academic Probation for two consecutive semesters.

A student who has been academically dismissed and who is reinstated will still be subject to the standards set forth in the table above. For example, a student will be academically dismissed again at the end of the first semester after reinstatement, if he/she remains in the Academic Dismissal Category.

REINSTATEMENT FOLLOWING ACADEMIC DISMISSAL

When a student is academically dismissed from UMES, he or she must complete the Application for Readmission/Reinstatement prior to the desired date of reinstatement. Reinstatement will not normally be granted by the UMES Academic Appeals Board until at least one semester has elapsed from the time of the student's dismissal. Reinstatement is not automatic; however, if the Application for Reinstatement is denied, a student may again apply for reinstatement after a lapse of an additional semester. Upon being reinstated following Academic Dismissal, the student will be placed on Academic Probation and will be subject to the conditions of Academic Probation.

Any appeal concerning the policy on Academic Dismissal or Academic Probation, shall be directed to the Academic Appeals Board which is empowered to grant relief in unusual cases if the circumstances warrant such action.

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CREDIT UNIT AND LOAD

The semester hour, the unit of credit, is the equivalent of a subject pursued one 50-minute period a week for approximately 14-15 weeks. Two or three periods of laboratory are required for each credit hour in any course.

In order for students to complete most curricula in four calendar years, their semester credit load must average 15 credits each semester or 30 hours each year toward their degree. A student registering for more than 18 hours per semester must have special approval from the Dean of his/her school. Normally, students having a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above may request permission from their Dean to register for more than 18 semester hours. The Office of Admissions and Registration will not accept the Registration Schedule if an overload of credit hours is requested without such approval. Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to carry more than 21 credit hours per semester.

Semester hour credit may be converted to quarter hour credit by dividing by two-thirds.

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FINAL EXAMINATIONS

A final examination shall be given in every course. Exceptions may be made with approval of the department Chairman and Dean. Normally the final examination, additional tests, quizzes, term papers, and reports are used to determine a student's comprehension of a course. The order of procedure in these matters is left to the discretion of the department and should be announced to the class at the beginning of the course. All final examinations must be held in conformity with the Official Final Examination Schedule. No final examination shall be given at a time other than that scheduled in the Official Examination Schedule without written permission of the department Chairman and Dean.

Generally no more than two final examinations a day is considered a normal test load for students. The department Chairman and Dean must keep a file of all final examinations.

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INTERCAMPUS COURSE REPEATS

If students wish to repeat a course which they originally completed at another campus in the University System of Maryland, they should consult the department chairs at both institutions to determine course equivalency. Written statements verifying that the courses are equivalent should be sent by the Chairman to the Director of Admissions and Registration at the student's present campus, who will see that the appropriate adjustment is made in the student's permanent record after the course has been repeated.

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APPLICATION FOR DEGREE

Students who expect to complete the degree requirements at the end of a semester should fill out an Application for Degree at the time of pre-registration for the semester. Students who expect to graduate and are not enrolled at the pre-registration period must file the Application for Degree according to the date that appears in the University Calendar. The student will be billed for the diploma fee after his record has been reviewed and his eligibility to graduate has been determined.

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PARTICIPATION IN COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

Commencement exercises are held twice each year in May and December. It is the policy and practice of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore that all participants in its commencement exercises must have completed all academic credit hour requirements as set forth by the departmental faculty for the appropriate degree. In addition, students must complete all financial obligations to the university in order to participate in Commencement activities.

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GRADUATION WITH HONORS

The faculty of UMES may recommend candidates for graduating with honors in a particular curriculum under the conditions listed below to be fulfilled prior to the last semester. Ordinarily, the "prior to" semester would be the fall or winter semester and the "last" semester would be the subsequent spring semester. To be considered for honors at the Spring Commencement exercises, for purposes of the Commencement Program, the diploma printing, and ceremonial announcement, a student must have earned in residence at UMES a minimum of 60 semester hours prior to the semester of graduation. Any student recommended by the faculty to graduate with honors, but who does not meet the 60 hours in-residence requirement prior to the semester of graduation will have his/her final transcript only so designated with the appropriate distinction notation:

(a) For the honor of Cum Laude (with distinction), the student must have earned an average of not less than 3.3 in all courses pursued which are counted toward graduation.

(b) For the honor of Magna Cum Laude (with great distinction), constituting a recognition of work of exceptional merit, a student must have earned an average of not less than 3.5 in all courses pursued.

(c) For the honor of Summa Cum Laude (with highest distinction), constituting a recognition of work of superior merit, a student must have earned an average of not less than 3.7 in all courses pursued.

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SPECIAL CURRICULUM PROGRAMS

Access and Success

The Access and Success program is funded by a grant from the Maryland Higher Education Commission to foster students’ access and successful completion of their university education. The program supports activities for students which assist in the achievement of this goal. The Office of Retention oversees the operation of the program.

Pre-Professional Programs

UMES offers pre-professional programs in dentistry, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, engineering, radiologic technology, and dental technology.

Students in the pre-professional programs may complete work at UMES and then transfer to the college offering the appropriate professional degree in order to complete the requirements for the particular program. With the exception of medicine, law, and dentistry, which require a baccalaureate degree prior to admission, all the pre-professional programs require two to three years of work at UMES.

Transfers may be made either to the appropriate colleges within the University of Maryland or to any other institution.

The Honors Program

The Honors Program of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore has been designed in cooperation with the professional schools at the University of Maryland at Baltimore and the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine as an effort to prepare students for professional school study while providing them with a sound liberal arts education. Specific pre-professional tracks in medicine, dentistry, law, pharmacy, nursing, and social work and veterinary medicine are available to students admitted into the program. Upon successful completion of all pre-professional track and professional school admission requirements, program graduates are assured of admission into the corresponding professional school at the University of Maryland or Virginia Tech during the immediately following academic year.

A General Honors Program is designed for students interested in pursuing graduate school, preferably the doctorate, immediately following graduation from UMES. The same entry and retention requirements apply for General Honors Program students as for those pursuing a professional school track curriculum. General Honors is opened to students pursuing any major course of study at UMES providing the department in which the student is located has developed a sufficient number of honors courses as part of its curriculum.

Entry into The Honors Program is competitive. Students must have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.30 to be eligible for admission. Outstanding SAT scores above 1100 are also necessary if the applicant is entering the program from high school. While these are the minimum criteria, to be competitive, successful applicants usually have scores considerably above the minimum. Three letters of recommendation from faculty who have taught the applicant academic subjects in high school (or college) are required. In addition, applicants should include as part of their submitted materials a list of extra school and community activities, honors and awards. An essay in which the applicant explains why he/she is seeking admission into the program and what contributions to the program/university he/she can make is also expected.

Freshmen and sophomores enrolled at UMES may apply for entry into The Honors Program. While the grade point average required is the same as stated above for those entering from high school, to be competitive, successful applicants generally have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50.

Students enrolled in The Honors Program must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.3 on both a semester and cumulative basis. Students earning a semester and/or grade point average of at least 2.50 but less than 3.3 will be placed on probation. Students on probation are ineligible to receive merit scholarship awards from The Honors Program while on probation. Students have a total of two semesters and a summer to raise their grade point average(s) to at least 3.30. Any student not maintaining the required grade point average in the required time frame will be dismissed from the program. Students failing to earn at least a semester and/or cumulative grade point average of 2.50 are automatically dismissed from the program.

Any scholarship funds the student enjoyed before the probationary period are not automatically returned to the student after the probationary period has been completed. Funds are restored if money is available at the conclusion of the probationary period.

University Scholars Program

The UMES Scholars Program is an initiative to bring outstanding students to UMES with emphasis on under-represented groups in certain academic areas. Initially, participants will be selected on a competitive basis from the State of Maryland and access will be extended to non-Maryland students. The program is opened to students who meet the academic requirements and are interested in any major offered at UMES. Scholars must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

The Scholars are expected to gain experience through travel and study-abroad programs, summer internships, community service, and research projects. Each student is assigned to a mentor in a particular area of interest to guide these experiences. Students are encouraged to produce scholarly work that will allow them to present at professional meetings as well as to publish in appropriate journals. Participants are expected to attend group meetings, seminars and visit various businesses, colleges and universities and other educational sites.

Students who are at the top of their class, hold at least a 3.5 grade point average and have outstanding SAT scores are eligible to apply for admission. Part of the selection process includes an interview, evidence of leadership ability, evidence of potential to be successful in an academic environment, perceived ability to make a contribution to the University and the community, and desire to attend graduate or professional school. To remain in good academic standing, students must maintain full-time status and earn at least a 3.3 grade point average.

Career Services Office

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. Emphases are also placed on the preparation of resumes, interviewing techniques and other job search strategies.

Within the office are maintained a computerized job listing of current employment opportunities, employment directories and lists of prospective employers as well as other career-related resources. Referrals and on campus interview services are available to students and alumni registered with this office. The office also supplies information about internships, summer jobs and programming for graduate/scholarship preparation and assistance. In addition, the office provides information about testing for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers (PRAXIS) and the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). All students are strongly encouraged to register with the office prior to graduation in order to establish a Credential Portfolio file and to become eligible for the services provided by the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education.

The Cooperative Education Program

The Office of Career Services administers the Cooperative Education program. This program is designed to combine educational training and practical work experience. The program provides students with planned and supervised work experiences related to their chosen field. All eligible and qualified students shall have access to the benefits of a cooperative education work experience, through the availability of credited undergraduate and graduate cooperative academic course offerings and the provision of course enrollment opportunities.

Credit may be awarded continently upon approval of the Cooperative Education Office only. The grading system for all Cooperative Education courses shall be pass/fail. Students may be awarded one to twelve (1-12) credits per course, which are designated as non-additive free elective credits that are applied, in accordance with the applicable academic major criteria for graduation, towards the completion of a baccalaureate, masters or doctoral degree.

Cooperative Education Eligibility

In order to participate, the student must:

• posses a minimum 2.0 GPA;
• have completed a minimum of 24 semester hours;
• be a sophomore or junior enrolled in a degree seeking program;
• have full-time status; and
• file an application with the Cooperative Education Office.

To remain in the program, the student must:

• register for each semester of cooperative education assignments;
• satisfactorily perform the work assignments for each work semester;
• submit and complete all required reports to the Cooperation Education Office on time; and
• attend Cooperative Education orientation workshops and seminars.

Once enrolled in this program, students will receive assistance in developing Learning Objectives, which outline the responsibilities and expectations of the Cooperative Education Program. The listing of objectives is intended to be flexile and individualized. It establishes readiness for learning, identifies relevant job-related information, and specific requirements for credit.

Cooperative Education Courses

Co-Op Ed. 300 Cooperative Work Experience 1-12 credits

Co-Op Ed. 301 Cooperative Work Experience 1-12 credits

Co-Op Ed. 400 Cooperative Work Experience 1-12 credits

Co-Op Ed. 401 Cooperative Work Experience 1-12 credits

Continuing and Distance Education Program

Continuing and Distance Education Program at UMES provides an organized learning experience built around students' needs and interests. In accordance with its mission, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is committed to providing maximum educational opportunities to the members of the surrounding community. UMES offers highly diversified and flexible courses and programs for those adults who are interested in career development and self-enrichment.

The Office of Continuing and Distance Education offers "non-credit" courses for those who are interested in self-improvement and upgrading their educational and technical background for business and industry. The office also provides professional academic counseling to every continuing education student who wishes to discuss curricula, careers and matters of professional development.

Summer Jump Start

This is a six-week, residential summer program where students accepted into the freshman class at UMES have the opportunity to complete two entry-level courses in English, Mathematics or Biology before their fall matriculation on campus. Up to six credits may be earned during the Summer Jump Start term. Upon completion of the six-week academic experience, courses satisfactorily completed will be counted towards the student’s graduation. Students enrolled in the Summer program receive academic support, as needed, for their entire freshman year.

The PACE Summer Program

The PACE Summer Program is a six-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, attend seminars with key university personnel, and receive group counseling and basic skills testing.

Upon successful completion of the summer program, students may 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, and science components as well as social development and adjustment to university life.

Upward Bound Program

Upward Bound is a pre-college program that provides fundamental support to high school students in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for students to succeed in pre-college performance and ultimately, in higher education pursuits. Upward Bound is a year-round program and serves students in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. The ultimate goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rates at which students enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

Upward Bound provides instruction in mathematics, laboratory sciences, English, literature, and foreign language. College students are employed as tutors during both the academic year and summer session.

Elderhostel Program

Elderhostel is an educational program for senior citizens over 60 years of age who want to continue to expand their intellectual horizons and develop new interests and enthusiasms.

The concept provides for a weeklong educational program which allows for academic instruction accompanied by social activities. A modest fee covers the week's expenses including lodging, meals, educational programs, field trips and social activities.

The campus is extensively involved in these programs which are usually located in hotel facilities in Ocean City, Maryland. There are approximately 55 programs scheduled from September through April with a wide variety of non-credit courses constituting the curriculum. During the participants' five night, six-day stay, three unrelated classes are conducted by campus and adjunct faculty.

The Golden (ID) Identification Program for Senior Citizens

The purpose of the GOLDEN IDENTIFICATION CARD Program at UMES is to make available various courses and services to retired citizens who are 60 years old or older, and who are residents of the State of Maryland. Once application to the program is made and the applicant has a GOLDEN IDENTIFICATION CARD, the Maryland resident will be eligible to register for credit courses as a regular or as a special student. Tuition and fees will be waived. The GOLDEN IDENTIFICATION CARD will entitle the participant to all academic and student services on a space available basis.

International Programs

The Office of International Programs (OIP) is designed to facilitate campus-wide internationalization of research, teaching, and outreach activities in order to promote cross-cultural knowledge and understanding among students, faculty, and staff. Its goals are to broaden faculty and staff involvement in international research and development activities; provide opportunities for student experiential learning and academic exchange programs; assist faculty and staff members interested in participating in exchange programs; and broaden cultural diversity at the University.

Academic Support Services

The University knows of 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.

Basic Skills Testing and Assessment

Testing is designed for all first-time students who are required to take a battery of tests in reading, math and writing skills. The scores a long 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 information derived from pre- and post-test scores for individual students.

The Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) Program provides a fully equipped computerized lab with a wide variety of instructional software in basic skills and selected academic subjects. The lab is designed to assist students in acquiring new skills/information and/or reinforcing existing skills via a self-paced individualized mode.

Developmental Skills Tutorials (classes) are extensions of the universities academic program. At some point in their educational careers, students may find themselves in need of planned instructional assistance in reading, study skills math and writing skills. These tutorials are taught and directed by professional staff specialists. The emphasis will be on assisting students to master college level basic skills as required in their academic programs.

The Student Support Services Program is a federally funded program designed to provide educational opportunities for low income, first generation and handicapped students to obtain a postsecondary education. The services offered include tutoring, counseling (academic, career and personal), basic skills classes, and individualized instruction by the professional staff.

Eligible participants follow a closely monitored academic program, especially during the first year and continue as long as the services are needed through graduation and preparation for entrance into graduate and professional schools.

The Tutoring Program is designed to provide instructional assistance to students in all lower level courses. The tutoring is conducted in the Academic Support Services (Basic Skills) Center.

In general, students may receive tutoring one-on-one or in a small group setting. The tutors are trained in instructional methodology and are in contact with the faculty in order to maximize the instructional benefits to the clients. The tutoring services are free.

The Writing Lab is administered by English Department faculty and run by junior and senior level English majors selected by faculty for their writing abilities. The Writing Lab provides students with tutorial assistance with writing assignments. Although targeted for aiding freshman with English 101 and 102, the Lab also assists any student with writing needs.

The Collaborative Programs with Salisbury State University

Full-time students may register for approved courses at nearby Salisbury State University (SSU) and receive credits earned for the courses at full value. The same is true for SSU students who wish to enroll in courses offered at UMES. Registration must be completed at the student's home campus according to scheduled dates. Copies of the Salisbury State University schedule and/or information concerning the collaborative programs are available from the Office of Admissions and Registration and the Director, UMES/SSU Collaborative Programs.

Rural Development Center

The Rural Development Center (RDC) was organized to support the economic development efforts of the lower Eastern Shore region including Somerset, Worcester, and Wicomico counties of Maryland. The RDC assists public and governmental agencies with respect to projects that carry out their approved overall development plans and strategies. A multi-county advisory board assists in policy development and in determining programmatic needs in the tri-county area.

The RDC is part of the Cooperative Extension Service. External financial support comes from federal and county agencies and organizations. The RDC also acts as a mechanism to involve faculty and students in development projects.

The RDC goals for the Eastern Shore are to: increase wages and salaries, stabilize and diversity the economy, increase the tax base, and reduce unemployment and underdevelopment in the area. Associated with these goals are the RDC objectives: maximizing human resources, expanding tourism and recreation, assisting industrial retention and expansion, and providing assistance in research and development.

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CHILD AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT CENTER

The UMES Child and Family Development Center (CFDC), located in the Early Childhood Research Center, is a Maryland licensed preschool environment for thirty children ages two through five. One director, two full-time classroom teachers and supporting staff of UMES students manage the full-day program that is in operation year-round and serves both the University and local community. The CFDC is committed to facilitating each child’s growth and development in an enriched, supportive environment. A hands-on thematic based curriculum encourages children to direct their own learning experiences within a proactive environment.

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THE UNIVERSITY SHOPPE

The University Shoppe is the Department of Human Ecology’s student-operated business on the campus. The University Shoppe provides students with on-the-job experience and hands-on applications of buying, designing, marketing, merchandising, and advertising concepts. The University Shoppe carries a variety of gift items including jewelry, home furnishings, glassware, ceramic figurines, stationery and miscellaneous craft items. Amenities for guests of and visitors to the Richard A. Henson Hotel and Conference Center are also available.

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GENERAL STUDIES PROGRAM

The Bachelor of General Studies Degree Program is designed to meet the needs of an expanding diverse population of students. The objectives of the program are to: 1) build a foundation for students to pursue further study in higher education; 2) afford greater access to a baccalaureate degree for the community and the nontraditional student; 3) provide students an avenue for the self-fulfillment that comes with an academic degree; and 4) provide students an opportunity to explore a wide variety of career options.

The program permits the students to experience a broad liberal arts background with a high degree of competency in a selected area of concentrated study. The academic program is individualized in that the student and the advisor design the sequence of courses that will reflect the student's ability, interests, background experiences (including work), and time constraint.

General Studies is especially appropriate for the non-traditional adult (older) learner who has had a variety of work-related experiences or who has had "time out" periods in his/her educational background.

General Studies is recommended for the transfer student who has a number of transferable credits in a variety of disciplines or for the student who desires to change from a more restricted traditional major program to one that is more flexible and will meet the needs of the student more appropriately.

Although students may enter the General Studies Program at any time, junior and senior level students should not expect to graduate within two semesters of the transfer date. The required number of upper level credits will usually require additional courses to be completed.

1. The student must be registered as a General Studies major during the semester of the anticipated date of graduation.

2. A minimum of 120 credits must be earned with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.

3. A minimum of 34 credits of lower level courses (100-200) may be applied toward graduation.

4. At least 45 credits must be earned at the upper level (courses number 300-400); a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 must be earned in courses in the concentration.

5. All students (including transfer students) must complete the general education requirements. Students exempted from physical education must take two credits in electives.

6. The General Studies Program is designed so that transfer students may use up to 70 credit hours earned at other institutions toward meeting the requirements of the planned degree at UMES.

Degree Requirements Credit (Minimum)

General Education Requirements — 41

Lower Level Credits — 34

Upper level Credits — 45

Total credits = 120 (minimum)

A sample four-year curriculum sequence in General Studies is provided in this catalog under the section for the School of the Arts and Professions.

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THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY SERVICES

The Frederick Douglas Library is a modern functional open stack library near the center of the campus that houses over 1,000,000 volumes. Recently expanded and renovated, the collection not only includes printed books and journals, but audiovisuals, micro media and computer media. The library currently subscribes to more than 1,000 scholarly journals and newspapers, and is a repository for many U.S. Government document files. Official publications of some United Nations special agencies are also in the collection. The library has been designated as an official depository of Maryland State Documents.

A professional staff of librarians offers lectures and tours of the library as a segment of the University Orientation, the library Skills and Bibliographic Instruction Program.

Computer Media Services

Recent additions to computer media services have added exciting dimensions to the library's automated reference services. The traditional card has been replaced by an online computer catalog, which provides printouts of the traditional catalog entries for library users.

Newly acquired CD ROM titles include Psylit, Medline, Agricola, and Eric, all on silver platter compact discs.

Special Library Collections

The Curriculum Library of textbooks and courses of study, the Maryland Collection, Black History Collection, the Reprint Collection of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the Juvenile Literature Collection.

USDA National Agricultural Library Access

Under agreement with the USDA Agricultural Research Services in Beltsville, Maryland. UMES students and faculty can use the facility's National Agricultural Library for research.

Inter-Library Loan Services

The library is a participant in the loan courtesies available to other lending libraries and with the Maryland Interlibrary Organization.

The library is a full participant in the University of Maryland Information Management System (USLIMS). Accessibility to all University of Maryland System library collections is possible to locate sources not in the UMES library collection. The standardization of the library computer catalog enables the University to participate in the proposed State of Maryland Regional Network.

Computerized literature searches are also available via DIALOG information retrieval service. The basis for cataloging and interlibrary loan is OCLG.

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COUNSELING SERVICES

Counseling Services provides individual, group, and couples counseling for all students. Counseling is a collaborative process between the counselor and the student which involves the development of a helping relationship. Counseling provides a safe non-threatening atmosphere where students may seek counseling and related services for a wide range of concerns. All the services exist to increase self-awareness, understanding, and problem-solving skills that ate essential in everyone’s life. Counseling can assist students in effectively confronting and coping with uncertainty and conflict. The Counseling Services staff at UMES subscribes to a personal growth and wellness model. The wellness model is holistic in nature since various aspects of one’s life including the intellectual, social, personal, and academic often overlap and intertwine.

Additionally, counselors provide outreach and consultation for the University community. Workshops, class presentations, and residence hall programs are some of the examples of out-reach services that may be requested. Counseling Services administers surveys to incoming students in order to assess their needs and provide personal information that will assist administratively with short and long term planning.

All records and information are confidential according to professional and ethical guidelines. Counseling records are not made available to anyone without the expressed written consent of the student. Services are provided at no cost to all currently enrolled students at UMES.

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NEW STUDENT ADVISING

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is strongly committed to the intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual development of students. New Student Advising and Freshman Advisors are available for discussion and assistance about: programs of study and career options; proper selection of courses; information on the University’s policies and procedures; the use of the catalog; and academic and registration schedules.

Advisors are responsible for guiding and counseling students. However, students are responsible for seeking their guidance and counsel. The Center is located in Bird Hall, Room 1104. For questions about advising services, contact the New Student Advising Center at (410) 651-6455 or e-mail at: rlbright@mail.umes.edu.

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The University | Academics | The School of Agriculture and Natural Sciences | The School of the Arts and Professions | The School of Business and Technology | Courses | Faculty | Appendix