Center for Teaching Excellence :: An annotated Guide to Websites

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Campus Resources & Policies: An Annotated Guide to Websites

The Career Center www.careercenter.umd.edu
The Career Center encourages, supports, and assists all University of Maryland students in early and systematic career development. Services, programs, and resources include career counselor liaison with academic divisions, group programs and individual counseling, a career library, a credentials service for all graduating students, an on-campus recruiting program, and a credit course in career planning and decision-making. The Office of Experiential Learning Programs (ELP) is also part of the Career Center and is the campus resource for students, faculty, and staff who want information and assistance regarding experiential learning opportunities. ELP programs include internships, volunteer/community service, the National Student Exchange Program, and more. For more information on these and other career-related opportunities, visit the Career Center in 3100 Hornbake Library (301-314-7225) or at www.careercenter.umd.edu. When viewing the website, complete a student profile and online resume to take full advantage of the site’s offerings.

The Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) www.cte.umd.edu
The Center for Teaching Excellence aims to support the campus-wide efforts to enhance and reform undergraduate education and to offer tangible assistance to individual faculty members, TAs, and the departments for which they work. The Center provides a range of campus-wide workshops and conversations related to teaching and learning issues; free and confidential consultation regarding particular areas of teaching and learning concern; assistance to departments and colleges in organizing and implementing workshops, training activities, and evaluation/support strategies related to teaching; a regular newsletter, the CTE Teaching and Learning News, which covers on- and off-campus events and developments related to teaching; and an extensive resource library of books, essays, and videos. For more information, contact the Director of CTE, 0405 Marie Mount Hall, 301-314-1288 or visit the Center’s website at http://www.cte.umd.edu where you will find a detailed schedule of upcoming events (workshops, teaching conversations) and opportunities (grants, certificate programs, consultation), many of which are particularly geared to meet the needs of teaching assistants.

The Counseling Center http://www.counseling.umd.edu
The University of Maryland Counseling Center, located in the Shoemaker Building (314-7651), contains five divisions offering free and confidential counseling, consultation, and educational services to the campus community. In addition to a counseling service, the Center houses a Disability Support Service, a Learning Assistance Service, and a Parent Consultation and Child Evaluation Service. See http://www.counseling.umd.edu and click on “services” for a detailed description of the offerings.

Graduate School www.gradschool.umd.edu
For degree and certificate requirements, policies, and program descriptions, visit the University of Maryland Graduate School home page at http://www.gradschool.umd.edu/. From here, you may also access links to the Graduate Student Government page, financial support, and information on the Distinguished Lecturer Series.

The Graduate Student Association Handbook www.bsos.umd.edu/gvpt/grad/handbook.html
This handbook is intended to help graduate students adjust to graduate school in academic, professional, and social areas. You can download the handbook at http://www.bsos.umd.edu/gvpt/grad/handbook.html. Both the handbook and the site provide information on what is happening in the Government and Politics Department and who the Graduate Student Association is, as well as helpful information on getting degrees and professional concerns such as attending conferences and publishing articles.

The Individual Studies Program http://www.ivsp.umd.edu
This academic program is specifically designed to enable a student to pursue personal academic goals outside the structure of a department or college major. To be accepted into the program, a student must have a clearly defined academic goal that cannot reasonably be satisfied in an existing program at the University. The student must also be able to design, with faculty assistance, a sequence of courses and other learning experiences that are judged to have adequate substance for the awarding of a degree in a special field of study. For more information, visit http://www.ivsp.umd.edu.

The Learning Assistance Service www.inform.umd.edu/LASRV
The Learning Assistance Service provides a host of programs and services for the University of Maryland community including courses and workshops promoting study skills, time management, test taking skills, and more. The Learning Assistance Service also houses dissertation support groups, and a program for returning students that offers ongoing consultation, counseling, referrals, and orientation programs designed to specifically meet the transition needs of students returning to campus. Call 301-314-7693 or visit http://www.inform.umd.edu/LASRV.

Libraries http://www.lib.umd.edu
Librarians at the eight campus libraries can collaborate with instructors to assure that their students have the information literacy skills they need. Faculty and TAs can work with a subject specialist librarian to design effective research assignments, and librarians can provide hands-on, course related instruction that prepares students to successfully complete papers and projects. Find the subject specialist librarian for your discipline at http://www.lib.umd.edu/guides/specialists.html. The User Education Services department provides instruction for first year and general education programs such as ENGL 101 and UNIV 100; see their website at http://www.lib.umd.edu/UES/instruction.html.

Main Campus Website www.umd.edu.
The University of Maryland website can be located at the following address: www.umd.edu. This contains information about campus “hot topics,” as well as links to details on programs, campus life, campus directories, and employment opportunities. Click on “faculty and staff”< www.umd.edu/facstaff > for academic calendars, policies and procedures, and schedules of classes, as well as for information on awards, programs, and recreational activities.

Nonprint Media Services www.lib.umd.edu/UMCP/NPRINT/nprint.html
The Nonprint Media collection includes both audio and videotape materials that instructors may request to be placed on the Dial Access system for students to view. Instructors may also request a group room to be reserved for a class viewing, and students may check out materials from the service desk to be viewed in booths and carrels. Nonprint Media also has classroom audiovisual equipment and 16 mm films available on a free loan basis for instructors. For further information about the Nonprint facilities, to make equipment reservations, or to suggest materials for future acquisition, call 301-405-9236 or visit their website at: http://www.lib.umd.edu/UMCP/NPRINT/nprint.html.

The Office of Human Relations Programs www.inform.umd.edu/OHRP
The Office of Human Relations Programs is the focal point for campus-wide programs and activities that foster and promote a greater appreciation and understanding of the enormously rich ethnic, religious, and gender diversity that characterizes the University of Maryland. Human Relations provides leadership on issues dealing with sexual harassment, affirmative action, recruitment, retention, conflict management, teaching effectiveness, controversial campus guest speakers, and organizational change for increasing equity and diversity. The office is also a resource for groups and organizations beyond campus. For more information, visit their website: http://www.inform.umd.edu/OHRP.

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) www.oit.umd.edu
The University of Maryland provides computing, networking, and telecommunications support that ranks among the best in the nation. OIT plans, develops, supports, and maintains these services. The OIT team is prepared to help faculty and TAs achieve their teaching, learning, and research goals by setting up computer accounts and licensing software, by providing assistance with teleconferencing and advanced visualization computing, and by implementing the Teaching With Technology conferences. Visit their website at http://www.oit.umd.edu for, among many items, special alerts on viruses and help finding a computer lab for individual or class use. Information on purchasing hardware and software at discounted University prices can be found at: http://www.helpdesk.umd.edu/purchasing/ and http://www.oit.umd.edu/slic/, respectively. Please see the University’s Guidelines for the Acceptable Use of Computing Resources, with which all users are expected to familiar, at www.umd.edu/aug.

The OIT help desk provides a single point of contact for support and advice in using the information technology resources at the University. Call 301-405-1500 or visit http://www.helpdesk.umd.edu for information on dialup access and on free individual WAM (Workstations At Maryland) accounts that provide email services, web space, and access to a rich suite of general-purpose tools to the University community. In addition to the aforementioned email services, all graduate assistants automatically receive email through the UMAIL system. See the helpdesk. For information on using teaching theaters and technology classrooms, putting courses online and creating online discussions, and seeking the assistance of an Academic Technology Coordinator, see www.oit.umd.edu/Faculty/.

The Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education (OMSE) www.omse.umd.edu
The Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education (OMSE) is responsible for addressing the needs of minority students during their experience at the University. This responsibility takes OMSE through a broad range of concerns, from the introduction of minority students at the University to special programs that emphasize retention and graduation. OMSE administers a comprehensive program that includes tutorial assistance, academic skill and attitude development, encouragement and referral for career development assistance, and socio-cultural development and support for minority students. See http://www.omse.umd.edu for further information on such programs.

Ombuds Office for Graduate Students http://www.gradschool.umd.edu/ombuds/
The Ombuds Office is a resource for graduate students who want to examine their options for dealing with a campus concern. The Ombuds Office provides confidential and informal assistance in resolving conflicts and promotes fair and equitable treatment within the University. The purpose of the Ombuds Office is to ensure the graduate student voice is heard and problems receive impartial attention. The Ombudsperson does not advocate for an individual; rather, for a fair process to promote the commitment to excellence in graduate education. For more information, call 301-405-3132 or visit 2103 Lee Building or http://www.gradschool.umd.edu/ombuds/.

Project NEThics www.umd.edu/NEThics
Project NEThics promotes responsible use of information technology through user education and policy enforcement. It is the focal point for university activity concerning the identification and investigation of incidents of computer and networking misuse. In addition, staff members provide education on a variety of topics including online rights and responsibilities, netiquette, intellectual property, privacy, and computer crimes. Staff is available to consult with faculty, students, and staff on issues of legal and ethical use of computing resources, including interpretation of University policies. Contact Project NEThics at NEThic@umail.umd.edu or visit their website at http://www.umd.edu/NEThics.

The Resource Directory http://www.counseling.umd.edu/Infodata/resdirec.pdf
Compiled and revised annually, the University Resource Directory is designed to address the barriers to academic success typically confronting college students. The resources listed in this directory are not limited to academic issues; rather, they encompass those related to personal, interpersonal, and vocational development as well. Among the campus resources contained in the Directory are those that tackle students’ problems with low motivation, goals clarification, and need for skill development. It is available in PDF format at the following location: http://www.counseling.umd.edu/Infodata/resdirec.pdf.

Service Learning http://www.csl.umd.edu
For information on the University of Maryland’s various service learning opportunities visit the service learning website at http://www.csl.umd.edu. The link to the “faculty service-learning handbook” will provide you with this important resource in PDF form, making available some tips for getting started in implementing service learning in courses and/or helping those experienced to enhance their courses. This site also includes numerous tools to assist with this course component as well as suggestions for other resources.

Adele H. Stamp Student Union www.union.umd.edu
The student union website can be found at the following address: http://www.union.umd.edu/. Click on “entertainment” for links to the campus calendar and the Arts and Learning Center; click on “food” for links to Adele’s Restaurant, the Coffee Bar, the Food Court, and the Food Co-op; and click on “shops” for information on and links to Chevy Chase Bank, SECU, Student Legal Aid, the University Book Center, Terp Travel (for ride sharing) and Mailboxes, etc.

The Student Financial Service Center http://www.umd.edu/bursar
The Student Financial Service Center administers a variety of financial assistance and student employment opportunities based on the need of the applicant. Financial Aid Counselors are available by appointment for individual guidance on matters pertinent to educational financial planning. Appointments must be scheduled in person at 0102 Lee Building or by calling 301-314-9000. Visit http://www.umd.edu/bursar for more information. To access the Office of Student Financial Aid, see http://www.financialaid.umd.edu. This site contains information on available aid including scholarships, work study programs, and special aid for international students.

The Student Honor Council www.jpo.umd.edu/SHC/index.html
The Student Honor Council is a self-governing organization consisting of 32 members who are tasked with promoting and upholding academic intergrity within the University of Maryland student body. This is the council to whom students who have engaged in academic dishonesty of any sort are referred so the matter may be investigated and resolved. You will find information on the following topics on their website: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), how to request a presentation at a departmental meeting or in one of your own class meetings, a copy of the University of Maryland Code of Academic Integrity and the Honor Pledg, as well as additional information about student “ethical development.” The office is located at 2114 Mitchell Building and may be reached at 301-314-9154 or by writing to honor@acclaim.umd.edu.

The Study Abroad Office http://www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad/
This office provides advice and information about study, work, and travel abroad. There are study abroad opportunities for students in most majors in countries throughout the world. For more information, call or visit 3125 Mitchell Building, 301-314-7746 or http://www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad/.

Testudo www.testudo.umd.edu
Testudo provides the University of Maryland community of current, prospective, and former students with interactive web services. From this important site located at http://www.testudo.umd.edu, you can receive course descriptions and schedules of classes, access records and registration from which you can add and drop courses online, obtain financial information and pay student bills online, and view an unofficial transcript

Undergraduate Studies http://www.ugst.umd.edu
The Undergraduate Studies page can be found at: http://www.ugst.umd.edu from which you may access information on the variety of special programs Maryland offers to its first year students, including the First Year Book Program. Click on “faculty” for important links to the Center for Teaching Excellence, CORE program and General Education requirements, and the National Scholarship Office. The “student programs and services” link provides undergraduates with information on and links to student aid and the registrar, the Honors Program, and the College Park Scholars Program.

University Health Center www.health.umd.edu
This site contains helpful information on accepted insurance carriers, mental health and substance abuse services, as well as a link to the Center for Health and Well Being, a subsidiary of the Health Center that provides services for stress reduction, diet analysis, and nutrition counseling.

University Honors Program www.honors.umd.edu
The University Honors Program is a well-established program for the most talented students on campus. Visit the Program’s website at: www.honors.umd.edu/ for links to courses with descriptions and courses with online components, and information on the application process. Of particular interest, you will also find links to their renowned tutoring program, a free service for undergraduates having academic difficulties. The Honors Tutors are available to assist fellow students in their respective fields. Call 301-405-6771 or contact them directly at www.honors.umd.edu/Tutoring.

University of Maryland Electronic Grading System www.helpdesk.umd.edu/topics/accounts/online/umeg
The UMEG system can be located at the following online address:www.helpdesk.umd.edu/topics/accounts/online/umeg . Click “online services available to faculty” to access a host of important services. The UMEG system allows all University of Maryland faculty to electronically submit grades, download class rosters and class attributes, and create class email reflector lists.

University Policies
The complete Undergraduate Catalog is available online in PDF format at the following address:
http://www.umd.edu/catalog/. The catalog contains detailed information regarding The University of Maryland’s policies regarding conduct in the classroom, grading, and undergraduate regulations and requirements. This site also describes the University’s policy on sexual harassment, disclosure and locations of students’ records, and academic integrity, and contains contact information for various campus resources.

Another important site for University policies as they relate to your syllabus and course policies is located here. This annual letter from the Office of the Provost describes components of a syllabus and instructional policies such as academic integrity, accommodations for students with disabilities, confidentiality in posting grades, strictures on reproductions of copyrighted materials, and handling scheduling conflicts between exams and religious observances. It also provides the dates of religious holidays on which exams and completion of key assignments must not be scheduled.

ELMS http://www.elms.umd.edu
ELMS is the online environment that supports teaching and learning at the University of Maryland. As an acronym it stands for both the Enterprise Learning Management System that provides the architecture that houses course materials, as well as an expression of the mission of the environment: Enhancing Learning for Maryland Students.

The Writing Center http://www.english.umd.edu/programs/WritingCenterWebsite/
The University of Maryland Writing Center provides free assistance with any undergraduate writing assignment. Trained tutors offer suggestions to help students improve their writing by clarifying an assignment, easing writing anxieties, exploring ideas and topics, planning a paper, determining strategies for revision, and improving troublesome areas or recurring grammatical problems. The Writing Center is located in 0125 Taliaferro Hall (301-405-3785), where tutors see students by appointment as well as by walk-in. See their website for further information and for hours of operation: http://www.english.umd.edu/programs/WritingCenterWebsite/

The Center for Teaching Excellence is a unit
within Undergraduate Studies.