Many services on campus are hosted by the Division of Student Affairs, which facilitates learning and prepares students for success in our multicultural and increasingly global society. Through programs and services that augment your classroom experience, the Division of Student Affairs offers support to all UMBC students. Visit the Division of Student Affairs if you are ever unable to find the answers to questions, need to be pointed in the right direction, are having trouble maneuvering through the University, or wish to become involved in student life, student organizations or leadership opportunities.
The Commons
The Commons, which opened in January 2002, is the hub of student life on campus. It consists of multiple dining opportunities, the UMBC Bookstore, the Women’s, Gender, & Equity Center, Student Engagement and Belonging, 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.
commonvision, UMBC Student Design & Print Center
Located on the third floor in The Commons, offers color and black and white photocopying and printing, wide format printing, lamination, mounting, and a variety of finishing services. Other services include stickers, button making, and scanning as well as promotional services for campus events, including print and digital design as well as digital signage.
Campus Information Center (CIC)
Located in the north lobby of The Commons, the CIC 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 online at the UMBC Tickets.
Retriever Sports Zone
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 screen and that is programmed mainly for sporting events.
Intramurals
Intramural Sports are an enjoyable and relaxing way to get to know students and faculty on UMBC’s campus. They are a great way to stay fit and active while having fun with your friends. Intramural Sports offer team, individual and special events throughout the academic year for all members of the UMBC community. All full-time graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and staff are eligible to participate in Intramural Sports.
The Gameroom
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.
UMBC Transit
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.
Retriever Integrated Health
Retriever Integrated Health (RIH) works in a collaborative, holistic approach to support your well-being and success. Their team is committed to providing the UMBC community with high-quality services, support, and resources. RIH is an interdisciplinary team that includes our administrative staff members and a variety of healthcare professionals, representing disciplines of acupuncture, dietetics, health education, massage, nursing, medicine, psychiatry, psychology, counseling, and social work.
Retriever Immigrants United (RIU): Immigrant Self-Care and Advocacy Discussion Group
Originally a social action and service student organization, Retriever Immigrants United (RIU) transitioned to our department. RIU is now a self-care and advocacy discussion-based program that centers on the experiences of UMBC undergraduate students, graduate students, and staff who identify as first, 1.5, or second-generation immigrants regardless of their race, ethnicity, nationality, and/or citizenship status.* This semi-structured, topic-based program discusses the diverse immigrant experience with a focus on the role identity plays on intersectionality, community building, and social justice, while also providing a safe/brave space for UMBC immigrant community members to share their feelings, experiences, and engage in vulnerable dialogue with other community members. Sessions may include ice-breaker activities and an opportunity to listen to how our department can better support and empower the wider immigrant community.
*Please note that this group centers on immigrants and on the immigrant experience. This is subject to change according to attendees and potential future event opportunities and initiatives for allies. For clarification on the language used, please refer to the definitions below:
Definitions
- First-generation immigrant: Immigrants who were born outside the United States and have immigrated sometime within their lifetime.
- 1.5-generation immigrant: Can also self-identify as a first-generation immigrant. One-and-a-half-generation immigrants are defined as an immigrant who is born outside the United States but who immigrated as a minor. In some cases, this occurs at an early enough age that they become assimilated enough to the dominant culture making it difficult to distinguish them from first or second-generation immigrants.
- Second-generation immigrant: Natural born citizens of the United States and the children of first-generation immigrants. May also identify as first-generation American.
Retriever Essentials
Retriever Essentials is a 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.