TheUniversityofMarylandEasternShore(UMES)StudentHandbookisaresourceforthe studentbody,providinginformationaboutpolicies,regulations,procedures,studentlife,and services available at the University. It serves as a reference guide rather than a contract, offeringanoverviewofcampuspolicies,procedures,andstudentresources.Pleasenotethat specific policies and procedures may be updated at any time without prior notice. For detailedacademicpolicies,refertotheUniversityCatalog.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
UMESisanEEO/AAemployerandwillnotdiscriminateagainstanyemployeeorapplicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptabledocumentationestablishingtherighttoacceptemploymentintheUnitedStates of America without employer sponsorship. Inquiries should be directed to the Equal Opportunity Officer in the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance in the Early ChildhoodResearchCenter.
THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF MARYLAND
University System of Maryland Administration
The System Administration serves as the headquarters for the University System of Maryland(USM).UnderthedirectionoftheChancellor,SystemAdministrationsupportsthe Board of Regents in governing USM, assists the USM institutions in fulfilling their distinct missions,andfacilitatespartnershipsamonginstitutionswithinandbeyondtheUniversity System. Through leadership, strategic planning, and resource management, System AdministrationenhancesthequalityandaccessibilityoftheSystem’sservicestothepeople ofMaryland.
Governance of the University System
Board of Regents
TheBoardofRegentshasauthorityandisresponsiblebylawfortheformulationof all policies under which the University operates. The Regents are appointed by the Governor,withSenateapproval,tostaggeredfive-yearterms.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), a Historically Black Land-Grant University, is a teaching, research, and doctoral institution that nurtures and launches leaders,particularlyfromamongethnicminorities.UMESisagrowing,primarilyresidential University with a teaching, research, and extension mission consistent with its legacy and missionasMaryland’s1890Land-GrantInstitution.
programs. The University continues to promote the philosophical core of the land-grant tradition, which is to make educational opportunities more accessible, regardless of race, gender, creed, or socioeconomic status. Land-grant traditions value both the discovery of new knowledge, the development and dissemination of practical applications of that knowledge,andcommunityoutreach.
UMES has a variety of baccalaureate programs with emphasis in selected areas such as aviation, engineering, construction management, the liberal arts and sciences and career fieldswithparticularrelevancetotheEasternShoreanditsland-grantmandate.UMESalso offers programs at the master’s and doctoral levels. As a constituent institution of the University System of Maryland, UMES practices affirmative action, cooperates with educational segments in Maryland, collaborates with other USM Institutions to provide citizens access to high-quality educational services, and serves the educational, economic, and cultural needs of Maryland. UMES has established and continues to expand its international programs and networks. UMES rewards its faculty for their teaching and advising,researchandscholarship,creativeendeavors,contributionstotheuniversity,and servicesextendedtoitscommunities.
UNIVERSITY HISTORY
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore opened its doors Sept. 13, 1886, when it was knowninitiallyasthe DelawareConferenceAcademyundertheauspices oftheMethodist Episcopal Church. Greeting the nine students who showed up that Monday were two educators, Benjamin O. Bird and his wife, Portia Lovett Bird. Records indicate by the followingspringsomethreedozenstudents,likelyfromfarmingfamiliesinthesurrounding area,wereenrolled.
The prep school-style institution was founded as a branch of Baltimore’s Centenary Bible Institute,whichin1890becameknownasMorganCollege–thesameyearfederallegislation passedtosupporthistoricallyblackinstitutionsthat offeredinstruction in agricultureand relatedfields.Withtheadoptionofthe2ndMorrillAct,the“IndustrialBranch”ofMorganin rural Somerset County started receiving funding through the State of Maryland – and eventually was rechristened Princess Anne Academy. This federal source of money also created a relationship with the Maryland Agricultural College, now the University of Maryland, CollegePark,althoughthecampusin PrincessAnneremained apartofMorgan College–atthetimeaprivateinstitution.
The joint-management arrangement enabled the state to continue offering a land-grant education to white students attending College Park while offering African-Americans that typeofinstructionatwhatwasreferredtoinsomedocumentsastheEasternShoreBranch oftheMarylandAgriculturalCollege.
In 1948, the name was changed to Maryland State College; it was again renamed the UniversityofMarylandEasternShorein1970.
A change in governance structure initiated by the legislature placed UMES under the University of Maryland System in 1988. Subsequently, the system was renamed the UniversitySystemofMarylandin1997.
Today, UMES is a Doctoral University (Moderate Research Activity), according to the CarnegieClassificationofInstitutionsofHigherEducation.Instruction,research,andservice are provided through major academic clusters. They include liberal arts and sciences, agriculture, business, engineering and technology, education, marine and environmental sciences,alliedhealth,hospitalityandspecialacademicservices.Degreesareofferedin38 bachelor’s,14master’sandeightdoctoralprograms.
Master's degrees are offered in teaching, career and technology education, counselor and special education, applied computer science, chemistry, criminology and criminal justice, cybersecurity engineering technology, food and agricultural sciences and rehabilitation counseling. Master’s and doctorates are offered in marine-estuarine-environmental sciences, toxicology and pharmaceutical sciences. Other doctoral programs are physical therapy, education leadership, pharmacy, food science and technology, and organizational leadership. Basic and applied research covers international and domestic agriculture sciences,marineandenvironmentalsciences,andcomputerandmathematicalsciences.
Professional accreditation in 27 areas of study includes chemistry (ACS); construction management(ACCE);education(NCATE);humanecology(ADA);physicaltherapy(CAPTE) and rehabilitation service (NCRE). The University also is accredited by the Middle States CommissiononHigherEducation.
UMESishometofiveschools:AgriculturalandNaturalSciences;BusinessandTechnology; Education, Social Sciences and the Arts; Graduate Studies; and Pharmacy and Health Professions.
Asapublic1890land-grantHistoricallyBlackUniversitythatembracesdiversity,UMESis committedtoservingfirst-generationandunderservedstudentsandprovidingeducational, research, and community engagement opportunities to transform the lives of its students whowillimpactthestate,region,andtheworld.
VALUES
Family – embracing our HBCU culture and principles of work, support and celebration.
Student-Centered – understanding that everything everyone does at UMES is becauseofourstudents.
Pride –rememberingthehistoryandtraditionsofpastachievementsservesasour foundationforfutureaccomplishments.
Collaboration – pursuing opportunities to work together across all parts of the campus.
Communication –strivingtoprovidetimelyand relevantinformationthat reflects theUMESvision.
TheHawkistheofficialmascotoftheUniversityofMarylandEasternShore.TheHawkisa majestically intelligent bird of prey with keen eyesight, grace and agility. The Hawk symbolizesstrengthandpower,aneverlastingsymbolofHawkPride...Catchit!
ALMA MATER
TheUniversityofMarylandEasternShoreAlmaMaterwaswrittenbyDanielLymanRidout, Sr.,agraduateofthisUniversitywhenitwasknownasMarylandStateCollege.Asistrueat most Universities, the Alma Mater is sung at major college events, such as Founders’ Day
The Clusters Studentresidentialcomplexforupperclassmen
The Key Universitynewsletter
Touchnet UMESpaymentportal
UT UniversityTerrace
ACADEMIC INFORMATION, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
ACADEMIC STRUCTURE
DepartmentsattheUniversityofMarylandEasternShore(UMES)aregroupedintoSchools. ADeanheadseachSchool.ThefollowingisalistingofthenamesofeachSchool,alongwith departmentswithintheschool.Astudentbelongstotheschoolinwhichhis/herdepartment is located, (i.e., if a student’s major is Physician Assistant, then he/she is a member of the DepartmentofPhysicianAssistantwhichisaDepartmentwithintheSchoolofAgricultural and Natural Sciences). For a complete list of Schools and Departments visit Schools and Departments|DivisionofAcademicAffairs(umes.edu).
ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY FOR GRADUATE AND UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
Academic honesty and integrity lie at the heart of any educational enterprise. UMES is committed tothevaluesofacademichonesty,integrityandensuringthat these valuesare reflectedinbehaviorsofthestudents,faculty,andstaff.
UMES is committed to the prevention of academic dishonesty. The intention of this informationistopreventactsofacademicdishonestyandviolationoftheAcademicHonesty Policy. When there is evidence that a student has disregarded/violated the University’s Academic Honesty Policy, that student will be subject to review and possible sanctions. Students are expected to do their own work and neither to give nor to receive assistance duringquizzes,examinations,orotherclassexercises.
Oneformofacademicdishonestyisplagiarism.Plagiarismisintellectuallarceny:thetheftof ideas or their manner of expression. Students are urged to consult individual faculty members when in doubt. Faculty, staff and students take academic honesty seriously. Penalties for violation may be severe depending upon the offense as viewed by the committeeselectedbytheappropriateDeantoreviewsuchmatters.Theminimumsanction for cases of proven cheating is failure of the course. Instructors will present a syllabus to each student that will explain procedures for taking tests, writing papers, and completing other course requirements so that students may fully understand their instructor's expectations. A more detailed version of the Academic Honesty Policy for Graduate and Undergraduate Studies and the process for addressing grievances can be found in the UniversityCatalog.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
The University Academic Calendar is a vital tool for organizing and managing academic operations,providingastructured timelinefortheacademicyearandoutliningimportant
dates and deadlines. Current and previous year calendars can be found at https://wwwcp.umes.edu/registrar/umes-academic-calendar/.
ACADEMIC PROBATION, DISMISSAL & REINSTATEMENT
Good Academic Standing -Studentsareconsideredtobein goodacademicstandingand performingsatisfactorilyatUMESiftheircumulativeGPAisatleast2.0.
Unsatisfactory Performance
TotalHours Attempted
Academic Dismissal If Cum.GPAis
Academic Probation IfCum.GPAis intherange 1-24
orbelow
to1.999 25-48
orbelow
to1.999 49-73 1.799orbelow
to1.999 74andabove 1.949orbelow 1.950to1.999
Academic Warning -First-timefreshmen(1stSemester)whoearnacumulativegradepoint average below 2.0 during their first semester are placed on Academic Alert/Warning and notified via letter. Thisstatus is recorded onthe student’spermanent record. Students on AcademicAlertarepermittedtoenrollinthesubsequentsemesterbutmustmeetwiththeir advisorintheirmajordepartmentortheCenterforAccessandAcademicSuccess(CAAS)to developatailoredplanforimprovingtheirGPA.
Academic Jeopardy -Studentswillbeplacedonacademicjeopardyiftheirsemester/term GPA falls below 2.0 and their cumulative GPA is also below 2.0. If a student on academic jeopardyearnsaconsecutivesemester/termGPAbelow2.0,theywillbesubjecttodismissal.
Academic Dismissal - Students who earn two consecutive semesters where their overall GPAisbelowa2.0willbedismissed.
Academic Dismissal and Reinstatement -Studentswhoareacademicallydismissedmust submit a reinstatement application to the Office of the Registrar. Upon reinstatement, studentswillfacedismissalagainiftheirtermGPAfallsbelow2.0.Reinstatedstudentsmust obtain approval from their academic advisor to add or drop courses or register for any semesteruntiltheyachieveacumulativeGPAofatleast2.0.
UMESpolicyallowsundergraduatestudentsreturningafteraseparationofatleastfiveyears topetitionfortheremovalofalimitednumberofunsatisfactoryorfailinggradespreviously earned at UMES. To be eligible for academic clemency, students must have completed a minimumof24creditsatUMES,atleastfivefullacademicyearsmusthavepassedsincethe terminquestion,andtheymustnothavegraduated.Studentscanpetitiontoremoveupto 18creditsandtheircorrespondinggradesfrompriorcoursestakenatUMES.Petitionsfor clemencymustbesubmittedduringthefirstsemesterafterthestudent’sre-admittanceto UMES.Ifclemencyisapproved,thegradeswillbeexcludedfromthestudent’sGPA,andthe associatedcoursesandcreditswillnotcounttowardgraduation.
Studentswhoareregistered mayadd coursesduringopenenrollmentandduringtheadd periodwithapprovalfromtheiracademicadvisor.Ifyouwishtoaddacoursethatisfull,you mayaddthecourseonlyiftheinstructoriswillingtoacceptadditionalstudents,andifthere is available space in the classroom or lab. In this case, you will need approval from the instructorofthecourseandadvisor.
Students who wish to drop a course(s) may do so through Hawkweb-self-service during open enrollment and during the drop period only. If you drop a course during the drop period, this means that all entries for the course are dropped completely from your transcript. Once the drop period ends, you will need to submit the registration add/drop formtoremovecoursesyouhavedecidednottocomplete. Pleasenotethatthedropperiod is prior to Mid-Terms. The last day which courses may be dropped is published in the AcademicCalendarforeachsemester/term.Allcoursesinwhichyouareenrolledafterthe finaldropdatewillbeenteredpermanentlyonyouracademicrecord.
AUDITING OF COURSES
Students who wish to be under no obligation for regular attendance, preparation, or examinationmayregisterforacourseasanauditor. Nogradeisgivenforacourseaudited, nor are any credits attempted or earned. Therefore, no quality points are calculated. StudentsmaychangetheirinitialregistrationinacourseforcredittoauditduringtheAdd PeriodONLY. Studentsmaydropanauditedcourseduringthedropperiod.
TheUniversityexpectsallstudentstotakefull responsibilityfortheir academicworkand progress.Toadvancesatisfactorily,studentsmustmeetboththequalitativeandquantitative requirements of each course in their curriculum. Regular class attendance is crucial, as it provides the best opportunity for students to thoroughly understand the concepts and materialsoftheircourses.
CLASS CANCELLATIONS
The President or their designee is responsible for determining the campus's operational statusduringinclementweather.Thisdecisionwillbemadeinconsultationwithstateand county road departments, state police, and the National Weather Service to assess local weatherforecastsandconditions.
2. Minimum Manning involves maintaining a "skeletal crew" to keep essential office functions running, while the instructional schedule remains unchanged. Students who miss classes due to weather conditions will not be penalized according to the UniversityAttendancePolicy.
In addition to making announcements on our own radio station, WESM-FM (91.3), announcementswillbemadeviaotherlocalradio,televisionandsocialmediaoutlets.
CHANGING A MAJOR
It is not unusual for a student to change a major after entering college. Students are encouraged to explore several programs within the disciplines involved before deciding upon their major programs and to consult with faculty members and academic advisors concerningtheirfutureplan. Astudentmaychangeamajoratanytimesimplybycompleting anewChangeofMajorForm,whichcanbeobtainedfromtheOfficeoftheRegistrar. Major changesareprocessedpriortothebeginningofthefallandspringsemesters.
COMPUTATION OF 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 pointsisdividedbythetotalnumberofcreditsattemptedtoobtainthegradepointaverage forthesemester.
Thecumulativegradepointaverageiscomputedinasimilarmannerbyincludingallcourses attempted at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Courses transferred from other institutionsarenotincludedinthegradepointaverage. Thefollowingcoursesarealsonot included in computing the grade point average: zero credit hours, pass/fail, satisfactory/unsatisfactorycourses. Thecoursehoursinwhichthegradeof“I”isassigned are not included as hours attempted when computing the cumulative grade point average. Onlywhenthegradeof“I”isremovedandreplacedbyalettergradewillthecourse hoursbeincludedinyourgradepointaverageashoursattempted. Atsuchtime,theOffice oftheRegistrarwillmakeanappropriateentryinthecumulativegradepointaverage.
COMMENCEMENT
It is the policy and practice of UMES that allparticipantsin its commencement must have completed all academic requirements as presented in the catalog in effect at the time of initialenrollmentattheUniversityasadegree-seekingstudentandapprovedbythedegree grantingdepartment.
Winter Commencement - StudentsplanningtograduateinDecembermustcompletetheir academic program requirements by the end of the fall semester. Students who expect to completethedegreerequirementsattheendofasemestershouldcompleteanapplication for degree during the pre-registration period prior to the semester of the expected graduation.Pre-registrationdatesarepublishedintheAcademicCalendar.Thedeadlinefor submission for the Winter Commencement is June 30th. Studentswho do not graduate as expected must resubmit an application for degree in order to participate in the next CommencementExercise.
Spring Commencement - Students planning to graduate in May must complete their academicprogramrequirementsbytheendofthespringsemester.Studentswhoexpectto
completethedegreerequirementsattheendofasemestershouldcompleteanapplication for degree during the pre-registration period prior to the semester of the expected graduation.Pre-registrationdatesarepublishedintheAcademicCalendar.Thedeadlinefor submission for Spring Commencement is January 30th. Students who do not graduate as expected must resubmit an application for degree in order to participate in the next CommencementExercise.
Summer Commencement for Physical Therapy students only - Students planning to graduateinSeptembermustcompletetheiracademicprogramrequirementsbytheendof thethirdsummersession.Studentswhoexpecttocompletethedegreerequirementsatthe endofatermshouldcompleteanapplicationfordegreeduringthepre-registrationperiod priortothesemesteroftheexpectedgraduation.Pre-registrationdatesarepublishedinthe Academic Calendar. The deadline for submission for Summer Commencement is June 1st. Studentswhodonotgraduateasexpectedmustresubmitanapplicationforadegreeinorder toparticipatein thenextCommencement Exercise. Foradditionalinformationcontactthe OfficeoftheRegistrarat410-651-6413.
Application for Degree -Studentsplanningtograduateinthespring(May)andfall (December)mustcompletetheiracademicprogramrequirementsbytheendofthat semester. Studentswhoexpecttocompletethedegreerequirementsattheendofa semestershouldcompleteanapplicationfordegreepriortothesemesterdeadline. DeadlinesarepublishedontheAcademicCalendar
Participation in the commencement exercises is dependent upon the semester the application for degree is submitted. Degree completion conferrals are within six to eight weeksfollowingthecommencementceremony.Studentswhodonotgraduate(completeall degreerequirements)asexpectedand/orwishtodelayparticipationinthecommencement ceremony must resubmit an application for degree for the subsequent semester that the degreerequirementswillbemet.
For additionalinformation, contact theOffice of the Registrar at graduation@umes.edu or 410-651-6413/6414.
request that will identify the records they wish to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangementsforaccessandnotifythestudentofthetimeandplacewheretherecordsmay beinspected. Iftherecordsarenot maintained bytheRegistrarto whomtherequestwas submitted, then the Registrar shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the requestshouldbeaddressed.
(2)Therighttorequesttheamendmentofthestudent’seducationrecordsthatthestudent believesisinaccurate.AstudentmayasktheUniversitytoamendarecordthattheybelieve isinaccurate.TheyshouldwritetotheRegistrarOffice,clearlyidentifythepartoftherecord theywantchanged,andspecifywhyitisinaccurate.IftheUniversitydecidesnottoamend therecordasrequestedbythestudent,theUniversitywillnotifythestudentofthedecision andadvisethestudentofhisorherrighttoahearingregardingtherequestforamendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student whennotifiedoftherighttoahearing.
(3)Therighttoconsenttodisclosuresofpersonallyidentifiableinformationcontainedinthe student’seducationrecords,excepttotheextentthatFERPAauthorizesdisclosurewithout consent. Thereisoneexceptionwhichpermitsdisclosurewithoutconsent;itisdisclosure toschoolofficialswithlegitimateeducationalinterests.Aschoolofficialisapersonemployed bytheUniversityinan administrative,supervisory,academicorresearch,orsupportstaff position(includinglawenforcementunitpersonnelandhealthstaff);apersonorcompany with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agency); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee,suchasadisciplinaryorgrievancecommittee,orassistinganotherschoolofficial in performinghis or hertasks. A school officialhasa legitimateeducationalinterest ifthe official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.Uponrequest,theUniversitydiscloseseducationrecordswithoutconsentto officialsofanotherschoolinwhichastudentseeksorintendstoenroll.
(4)TherighttofileacomplaintwiththeU.S.DepartmentofEducationconcerningalleged failures by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
• The applicant must have completed at least 12 semester credits at UMES with an average grade of “C” or better before making application for an examination to establishcredit. TheDepartment Chairperson and Dean maywaivethisregulation forenteringfreshmenwhowishtopursuetheexaminationtoestablishcreditbased onprevioustraining.
• “Credit by Examination” cannot be used for a course in which the student has previouslyearnedalettergrade(A,B,C,D,orF);orinwhichthestudentreceiveda W or I grade. Additionally, credit by examination cannot be awarded for a course whichwasauditedduringaprevioussemester.
• Usually, credit by examination will not be accepted for any part of the final 30 semester credits, which must be completed in residence. However, if permission is grantedbytheVicePresidentforAcademicAffairs,sixsemesterhoursofthefinal30 maybeestablishedbyexamination. However,innocasedoesthispermissionwaive theminimumresidencerequirementof30semestercredits.
• Thefeeforcreditbyexaminationis$30.00percredithourforfull-timestudents. A gradeof“C”orhighermustbeobtainedinordertoestablishcreditbyexamination.
• Applicationsforexaminationtoestablishcreditbyexaminationmustbeapprovedon an individual course basis. Approval will not be granted at the same time for examinationinasequenceofcourses. Approvaltotakeanexaminationinanycourse willdependuponthestudenthavingestablishedcreditinallprerequisitesorhaving received the approval of the Department Chairperson, the Dean and the Vice PresidentforAcademicAffairs.
Application for credit by examination is equivalent to registration for a course with the followingconditions:
• A student may cancel an application at any time prior to completion of the examinationwithnoentryonthepermanentrecord.Theexaminationinstructorwill make the results of the examination available to the student prior to formal submissionofthegrade.Astudentmayelectnottohavethegraderecorded. Inthis case, the grade of “W” will be recorded. No course may be attempted again in this manner.
• Grades earned on examination to establish credit will be posted on the student’s transcriptandusedincomputingthestudent’sgradepointaverage. Suchcreditsshall beaccompaniedbythephrase,“TestCredit,”“ByExam,”or“ByCLEP,”whicheveris applicable.
• The instructor must certify on the report of the examination that copies of the examinationquestionsandthestudent’sanswershavebeenfiledintheOfficeofthe Registrar.
CREDIT UNIT AND LOAD
Thesemesterhour,theunitofcredit,istheequivalentofasubjectpursuedone50-minute period a week for approximately 14-15 weeks. Two or three periods of laboratory are requiredforeachcredithourinanycourse.Inorderforstudentstocompletemostcurricula infourcalendaryears,theirsemestercreditloadmustaverage15creditseachsemesteror 30hourseachyeartowardtheirdegree. Astudentregisteringformorethan18hoursper semestermusthavespecialapprovalfromtheDeanofhis/herschool. Normally,students havingacumulativegradepointaverageof3.0orabovemayrequestpermissionfromtheir Deantoregisterformorethan18semesterhours.TheRegistrar’sOfficewillnotacceptthe Registration Schedule if an overload of credit hours is requested without such approval. Under no circumstances will a studentbe allowed to carry more than 21 credit hours per semester.
Afinalexaminationshallbegivenineverycourse.Exceptionsmaybemadewithapprovalof the Department Chairperson and Dean. Normally the final examination, additional tests, quizzes, term papers, and reports are used to determine a student's comprehension of a course.Theorderofprocedureinthesemattersislefttothediscretionofthedepartment andshouldbeannouncedtotheclassatthebeginningofthecourse.Inmakingtravelplans, studentsshouldbeawarethattheyarelikelytohaveanexaminationatanytimeduringthis periodandplanaccordingly.
GRADE CHANGES
Gradechangesmustbeinitiatedbytheinstructorusingtherequiredchangeofgradeform, which is available in the Office of the Registrar. The petition must be approved by the departmentheadandtheDeanoftheinstructor’sschoolbeforetheRegistrarwillupdatethe student’s record. Grade change requests must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar within60businessdaysfromthestartofclassesinthesemesterfollowingtheoneinwhich thegradewasassignedoromitted.
TheHonorsProgramattheUniversityofMarylandEasternShoreprovideshigh-achieving and motivated undergraduate students who seek academic challenges with the chance to engage in student-centered learning experiences. These opportunities foster intellectual growth, cultural appreciation, professional focus, leadership development, and civic involvement.Throughhonorscourseworkandco-curricularactivities,studentsbuildlasting andmeaningfulconnectionswiththeirpeers,facultymentors,andthewidercommunity.
INCOMPLETE GRADE POLICY
The grade of "I" (Incomplete) may be assigned only to students whose performance in a course has been qualitatively satisfactory but who, due to illness or other uncontrollable circumstances,wereunabletocompletethecourserequirements.An"I"willnotbegivenif astudenthasnotsatisfactorilycompletedamajorportionofthecoursework.Studentswith an"I"mustcompletetheassignedworkandhavethefinalgradesubmittedbytheendofthe next semester of enrollment; otherwise, the "I" will automatically convert to a "W." Additionally,studentsmaynotre-registerforthecourseuntilthe"I"isresolved.
INTER-INSTITUTIONAL ENROLLMENT
If you wish to enroll in one or more courses at another four-year public institution in Marylandduringtheacademicyear(seethelistofparticipatinginstitutionsbelow),youcan utilizetheinter-institutionalconcurrentenrollmentprocess.Thisallowsyoutotakecourses at another campus without incurring additional tuition fees. To participate, you must completean“ApplicationforInter-InstitutionalEnrollment”withtheOfficeoftheRegistrar. Eligibilityrequiresyoutobeafull-timestudent(basedoncombinedcreditsatUMESandthe otherinstitution),maintaingoodacademicstanding,andhavemetanycourseprerequisites. CoursestakenthroughthisprocesswillberecordedasiftheywerecompletedatUMES.
Pleasenotethattheavailabilityofcoursesatotherinstitutionsisnotguaranteed. Youwill benotifiedifthecourseyouintendtotakeisfull.Shouldyouneedtodroporwithdrawfrom aninter-institutionalcourse,contacttheOfficeoftheRegistrarimmediately. Followingthe drop/withdrawal procedure at the institution offering the course will not suffice to terminateyourenrollment.
Participation in the inter-institutional concurrent enrollment program will require you to followallscheduledeadlinesandpertinentacademicpoliciesineffectatthehostinstitution. Failuretocomplywithahostinstitution’sdeadlinesandpoliciesmayresultinfailinggrades orotheracademicactionswhichyouwillneedtoresolvewiththehostinstitution.
SinceUMESstudentscommonlyenrollatSalisburyUniversityforinter-institutionalstudy, the Salisbury University Registrar will automatically send official transcripts of UMES studentstotheUMESOfficeoftheRegistrarshortlyaftereachsemesterends. However, if you attend a different participating institution, you will need to request that an official transcriptbesentdirectlytotheUMESRegistrar’sOffice.
Please remember that inter-institutional enrollment is available only during the academic yearandonlyattheparticipatinginstitutions. Thenon-UMESstudyformshouldbeusedin all other circumstances. The participating institutions are Bowie State, Coppin State, FrostburgState,SalisburyUniversity,TowsonUniversity,UniversityofBaltimore,University of Maryland Baltimore, University of Maryland Baltimore County, University of Maryland College Park and University of Maryland Global Campus. Inter-institutional enrollment is availableatUniversityofMarylandGlobalCampustograduatestudentsonly.
REPEATING COURSES
Anycoursemayberepeated,butifyourepeatacourseinwhichyouhavealreadyearneda passinggrade,thesubsequentattemptshallnotincreasethetotalhoursearnedtowardthe degree. Credits for repeated courses will be counted only once toward graduation requirementsandincomputationofthecumulativegradepointaverage. Onlythehighest
gradewillbeusedinthecomputationofthecumulativegradepointaverage;however,all grades earned remainon the permanent record with repeated courses identified. Repeat creditsandcorrespondinggradesareusedwhencomputingsemestergradepointaverage. If a course you wish to repeat has been discontinued or has not been offered for two semesters, you should request the Department Chairperson and Dean to designate a substitutecourse,whichwhentakenandpassed,willremovethegradeofthediscontinued course. Thetitleofthesubstitutecoursealongwithyournameshouldbereportedinwriting totheOfficeoftheRegistrar.
AcademictranscriptsfromUMESarecertifiedandsignedbytheUniversity’sRegistrarand can only be ordered by the student. Transcripts may be issued to the student or another recipient only with the student's authorization. Orders and delivery of official academic transcriptsaremanagedthroughthethird-partyproviderParchment.
a. PapertranscriptsaremailedviatheUnitedStatesPostalServicefordelivery within5to7businessdaysunlessanexpediteddeliveryisselected.
b. Pick-upordersareusuallyavailableattheOfficeoftheRegistrarwithin1or2 businessdays.
TRANSFERRING CREDITS FROM OTHER INSTITUTIONS
SummerorWinterSessionCourses“Non-UMESStudy”
Onceyouhavechosenthecourse(s)youwishtotake,contactyour Departmentadvisorto process the online application for “Non-UMES Study.” Your adviser or Department Chairperson will review the course(s) you plan to take and will assign UMES equivalents. The completed form must be electronically signed by your Department Chairperson and yourDean.Attheendoftheterm,requestanofficialtranscriptfromtheRegistrar’sOfficeat the institution you attended. Make sure your final grade(s) have been recorded first. The transcriptshouldbesenttotheUMESOfficeoftheRegistrar,StudentDevelopmentCenter and/or electronically at transcripts@umes.edu. Once your transcript arrives, it will be
matchedwithyournon-UMESstudyapprovedformandthecreditswillbeenteredinyour record. Ifyoudidnotsecurepriorapprovalforanon-UMESstudy,acopyofthetranscript will be sent to your Department Chairperson for evaluation. Please note that in general, grades earned in courses completed at other institutions will not appear on your UMES transcriptandwillnotaffectyourcumulativegrade-pointaverage.Thesingleexceptionis coursework completed at another University of Maryland System campus (i.e., Baltimore, Baltimore County, College Park, Global Campus). Courses taken at these institutions will appearinyourrecordasthoughtheywerecompletedatUMES.
Students requesting permission to register in the summer or winter session of another school will not be permitted to take more semester hours than there are weeks in that school’ssummerorwintersession.Astudentwhoearnsagradeof“F”or“D”inresidenceat UMESmaynotadvancecredithoursearnedtowardaUMESdegreebyrepeatingthecourse atanotherinstitution.
WITHDRAWING FROM A COURSE
Should a student officially exit a class after the drop period, but before the end of the withdrawalperiod,agradeof"W"willberecordedonthetranscript.Withdrawalrequires completion of the registration add/drop form and signatures of the advisor and the instructorofthecourseinwhichthestudentiswithdrawing.Oncesignaturesareobtained, the form must be submitted to the Registrar’s office. The end of the withdrawal period is publishedeachsemesterortermintheAcademicCalendar
Failure to attend classes does not constitute an official withdrawal and will result in “F” grades for a course(s) and liability for all charges incurred. The effective date for withdrawingfromacourse(s)isthedatetheformisfiledattheOfficeoftheRegistrar. You must withdraw during the withdrawal period.
WITHDRAWING FROM THE INSTITUTION
StudentswhowithdrawfromtheUniversityforanyreasonatanytimeduringtheacademic yearmustsecureanapplicationforwithdrawalfromtheOfficeoftheRegistrar,obtainthe proper signatures and submit it to the Office of the Registrar to complete the process. Studentswhoarephysicallyoffcampusandcannotreturntocompetetheprocesscanfollow the instructions located on the Registrar’s website at https://wwwcp.umes.edu/registrar/withdrawing-from-the-institution/. Once the form is received,theOfficeoftheRegistrarwillrecordagradeof"W''forallcourses.
Nopartofthechargesforroomandboardisrefundable,exceptincaseswherethestudent officially withdraws from the University or receives permission from the appropriate university officials to move out of the residence facility and/or discontinue dining hall privileges.
Readmission After Voluntary Withdrawal -Astudentwhovoluntarilywithdrawsorwho is administratively withdrawn from the University for reasons such as medical, personal, financial,lackofinterest,andemploymentmayapplyforreadmissiontotheUniversityby completing and filing an Application for Readmission with the Office of the Registrar. ApplicationsforReadmissionmustbefiledbythefollowingdeadlines:
Astudentmaybereadmittedonlyinthemajorand/orcourseofstudyinwhichtheywere last enrolled. Any desired change to your current status requires the completion of the appropriateformsavailableintheOfficeoftheRegistrarafteryouhavebeenreadmitted.
If a student has attended any other college or university since leaving the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, complete official transcripts must be sent to the Office of the Registrar.Thisinformationmustbereceivedandwillbereviewedbeforeanyactionistaken with this application. Please note: this is the sole responsibility of the applicant. The application MUST be typed. Incomplete applications and/or any applications without ALL requireddocumentationwillnotbeprocessed. WITHDRAWAL AND REFUND
Students withdrawing from the University during the semester will be credited for all academic fees charged to them, in accordance with a set schedule, which can be found at https://wwwcp.umes.edu/registrar/withdrawal-and-refund-of-fees/.
Career Counseling and Advising offersone-on-onesessionstohelpindividuals identifytheircareerinterests,strengths,andgoals,anddevelopaplantoachieve them.
Career Assessments providetoolsandassessmentstohelpindividualsunderstand theirinterests,personality,andskills,whichcanguidetheminchoosingasuitable careerpath.
Job and Internship Opportunities connectstudentsandalumniwithemployersby providinglistingsofjobandinternshipopeningsandfacilitatingnetworking opportunitiesthroughcareerfairsandemployerinformationsessions.
Skill Development offersworkshops,seminars,andtrainingsessionsonvarious topicssuchasresumewriting,interviewtechniques,jobsearchstrategies, networking,andprofessionaletiquette.
The Tutoring Center wasestablishedtoofferinstructionalsupporttostudents. TutoringsessionsareheldintheCenter,wherestudentscanreceiveassistance eitherone-on-oneorinsmallgroupsettings.Thetutorsaretrainedininstructional methodsandcollaboratewithfacultytoenhancetheeducationalbenefitsfor studentswhorequiretutoring.Theseservicesareprovidedfreeofcharge.
The HawkCard isessentialforcampuslifeattheUMESandoffersaconvenientwayto manageyourmoney.AsyourofficialUMESidentificationcard,itgrantsyouaccessto dining,facilities,services,events,entertainment,andmore.Allstudents,faculty,staff,and affiliatesmustcarrytheirHawkCardwhileoncampus.TheHawkCardisprovidedforyour use,butitremainsthepropertyoftheUniversityofMarylandEasternShore.Itisnontransferableandshouldnotbeusedbyanyoneotherthanthecardholder.Areplacement feeof$30.00willbechargedforlost,stolen,misplacedanddamagedcards. The fee is nonrefundable even if your old card is found.
If You See Something, Say Something: atUMES,thesafetyandwell-beingofour communityisourhighestpriority.Weencourageeveryonetoremainvigilantand proactive.Ifyouseesomethingsuspiciousorconcerning,pleasesaysomething immediately.Importantcontacts:
• UMES Public Safety Emergency: 410-651-3300
• UMES Public Safety Non-Emergency: 410-651-6590
• Emergency Services: Dial 911 for urgent, life-threatening emergencies
The Dr. William P. Hytche Center isthehomeofourindoorfacilities, featuringatrack,basketball,volleyballandracquetballcourts,agolf simulator,swimmingpool,athletictrainingroom,weightroom,dancestudio, lockerrooms,classroomsandoffices.Ouroutdoorfacilitiesincludethe Hawk Stadium and Cappy Anderson Track,baseball,softball,basketball andtenniscourts,soccerandfootballfieldsandarecreationcookoutarea.
The Tawes Gymnasium housestheHealthandWellnessCenter,Recreation andIntramuralSportsprogram,andtheFitnessCenter.
The Student Services Center (SSC) Recreation Center featuresavarietyof amenities,includingthe"StrikeZone,"a6-lanebowlingalley,avideogame roomequippedwithanXbox360andaWiisystem,atabletennisarea,and loungespacewithtablesforcardandboardgames.Additionally,thecenter offersanairhockeytableand"Shooter'sChoice,"abilliardsareawithseven pooltables.
TheUniversityofMarylandEasternShore(UMES)isdedicatedtofosteringavibrantlearning environment guided by its core values to effectively pursue our educational objective, promote and maintain exemplary standards of behavior and academic excellence. The Universityhasestablishedacomprehensiveframeworkoutliningexpectationsforpersonal conductwithinourcommunity.Byupholdingthesestandardsrigorously,wesafeguardthe welfare of our campus community and actively contribute to the holistic growth and developmentofourstudents.
ThisCodedelineatesUMES’procedures,policies,andtherightsandobligationsofstudents during their enrollment at UMES. Our student conduct procedures are distinct from the enforcementofcriminalorcivillawsandarenotintendedtosupplantcivilauthority(such aslawenforcementagenciesorthecourtsystem).However,shouldastudent'sbehavioror actions necessitate involvement from civil authorities, we will promptly notify the appropriateagencies.
The Code of Student Conduct provides students with a general overview of prohibited behavior.Itismeanttobeinterpretedbroadlyandisnotintendedtoexhaustivelydefineall formsofmisconduct. Each student is obligated to familiarize themselves with the Code of Student Conduct. ItispresumedthateverystudentisawareoftheCodeandconsentsto adheretoitsregulationsuponenrollment.LackofawarenessoftheCodeoritsprovisions willnotserveasadefenseinanyconductproceeding.TheCodecanbefoundontheOffice ofStudentConductandCommunityStandardswebpage;hardcopieswillbeavailableinthe OfficeofStudentConductandCommunityStandardslocatedintheStudentServicesCenter Suite2165.
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
Zero Tolerance means the University prohibits and will adjudicate all illegal and unauthorized possession, distribution (trafficking), and/or use of illicit drugs; fights; possessionofdangerousweapons,firearms,explosives,oruseofanyobjectwiththeintent to cause harm when a violation has occurred. The zero-tolerance policy is effective as it relatestobehaviorsoccurringonoroffcampus.
Academic Probation and Dismissal Policy https://wwwcp.umes.edu/registrar/acade micprobation/#:~:text=Undergraduate%20 students%20are%20placed%20on,getting %20dismissed%20by%20the%20universit y
Alcohol Beverage Policy
alcoholpolicyreviewed2025.pdf
Assistance and Service Animal Policy https://wwwcp.umes.edu/oie/wpcontent/uploads/sites/27/2024/10/UMESService-and-Emotional-Support-AnimalPolicy.pdf
Code of Student Conduct
CodeofConduct|StudentConduct& CommunityStandards
Disclosure Of Student Educational Records Policy https://wwwcp.umes.edu/registrar/confid entiality-of-records/
