Services on Campus

The Commons, which opened in January 2002, is the hub of student life on campus. It consists of multiple dining opportunities, the UMBC Bookstore, Off-Campus Student Services, the Women’s Center, Student Life, Vice President for Student Affairs Office, various lounges, meeting rooms and administrative offices, as well as 220-plus UMBC student organizations, including the Graduate Student Association, Student Government Association and Student Events Board (SEB). The Commons’ facilities and services make it the place to be on campus.

Located on the third floor in The Commons, commonvision offers color and black and white photocopying and printing, wide format printing, lamination, mounting, and a variety of finishing services. Other services include, passport photos, button making, faxing, and scanning as well as promotional services for campus events, to include print and digital design as well as digital signage, iNet.

Located in the north lobby of The Commons, the Campus Information Center provides information about the campus, The Commons facility and its services. Information about scheduled meetings and campus events are available at the CIC counter, which is the first point of contact for many off-campus visitors and new students. Laptop computers are available as well as a pay for print service for small quick print jobs. Tickets to Student Events Board events and other student-sponsored programs may be purchased at the CIC.

Located off the lobby level of The Commons, behind and above the CIC desk, Flat Tuesdays provides a unique venue for entertainment and socializing. The upper floor is home to a Mardi Gras-themed lounge, which operates as a 21-or-older pub on scheduled nights of the week. Members of “Flat Tuesdays” Pub Club have access to club specials and events. The lower level has a New Orleans-style theme and is open to all with weekly events and performances.

Located on the mezzanine level of The Commons, the Sports Zone is decorated with UMBC sports memorabilia and photographs of UMBC teams. The “Zone” is home to comfortable booth seating that looks out upon a 12-foot TV projection screen and two flat screens that are programmed mainly for sporting events.

Located on the second floor in The Commons, The Gameroom offers billiards, table-tennis, as well as video-gaming. Multiple flat-screen TVs add to the lounge atmosphere. Numerous tournaments allow students to compete locally and regionally. There are games and cultural programs provided in The Gameroom, which celebrate the diversity of the UMBC student population. The Gameroom is the place to go to get away and have some fun.

The Office of Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) strives to meet the diverse needs of students who live off campus. The department, located on the first floor of The Commons next to the Bookstore, maintains information about off-campus living, roommate referral, public transportation, bus schedules and resources available in the Greater Catonsville and Arbutus communities. OCSS is available to answer questions about finding off-campus housing, signing a lease, and any transportation issues you may have.

Hop on board and get from point A to point B via UMBC Transit. Our transit system operates seven (7) bus routes that connect the UMBC campus to local apartment complexes, shopping centers, bus and rail commuter connections, BWI airport and downtown Baltimore. The main bus stop where all routes begin is at Commons Drive and Park Ave.

On-campus housing is available on a limited-basis (first come, first served) to graduate students in the Walker Avenue Apartments. While we attempt to house graduate students with other graduate students, there is the possibility of sharing an apartment with an undergraduate. Accommodations are available in both residence halls and apartments for students with documented special needs. Students with questions also may contact the Residential Life office.

Retriever Integrated Health (RIH) is staffed by skilled, caring health professionals who focus on the student’s health and well-being. At the heart of their clinical services are nationally certified nurse practitioners. Board-certified physicians from the University of Maryland Medical System provide primary care, consultation and emergency on-call services. RIH is located in The Center for Well-Being, across from Erickson Field. University Health Services is committed to providing holistic, high-quality primary and urgent care services for all UMBC students. Services include diagnosing and treating of acute illnesses and injuries, treating and monitoring of chronic illnesses, immunizations, preventative care, routine gynecological care, allergy shots, laboratory testing, limited pharmacy services, massage and acupuncture. Health educators work hand-in-hand with the clinical staff to see that students get the information they need to maintain good health.

The UMBC Counseling Center is located in the Student Development and Success Center. The Center provides free and confidential short-term individual and group counseling for personal, emotional, relationship, substance abuse and vocational concerns. Psychiatric services are available for students engaged in counseling at the Center. Referral assistance is provided for students who require services beyond what we are able to provide. In addition, the Center offers workshops on a variety of topics including; healthy relationships, how to help a friend you are concerned about, stress management, time management, procrastination, test anxiety, motivation and preparing for finals.

Retriever Essentials is a new faculty, staff, and student partnership to tackle food insecurity in our university community, and provides multiple ways for students to access healthy foods and other essential supplies free of charge. Donation bins for non-perishable food items are located across campus, and students also have the opportunity to donate meal card swipes for fellow students in need.

The Shady Grove Center for Counseling and Well-being is located in Building IV, Suite 3139 Biological Sciences and Engineering. The mission of the center involves fostering learning, growth, wellness, and success throughout the campus community. All services are free and confidential. A wide range of services is offered including individual therapy, group counseling, workshops, psychiatric services, and crisis management services.