Parent Handbook Contents
A Message from the Dean of Students
June 2009
Dear Parents:
During my two years at St. Mary's College of Maryland, I have been enriched by and enjoyed my interactions with students, families, faculty, and staff. St. Mary's students are bright, engaged, and entertaining. On behalf of the college I want to welcome you to a community of faculty, students, and staff committed to the liberal arts.
There are a number of campus updates that will interest you.
Presidential Search
President O'Brien will complete her term as president on August 1, 2009, when she begins a leave of absence. Following this leave, she will return to the faculty and work with our Signature International Program in Oxford, England. The Board of Trustees has designated provost Larry Vote as acting president and provost beginning August 1. Larry will continue as provost when the new president takes office.
Our search committee, in collaboration with the executive search Firm Isaacson, Miller, is screening candidates. Finalists will be brought to campus early in the Fall of 2009. The interview process will actively involve students, faculty, and staff. You can keep up with the progress of the search on our web page: http://www.smcm.edu/presidentialsearch.
Emergency Response
The College continually assesses and refines our emergency response procedures. A new web page focusing on emergency response information has been launched: www.smcm.edu/emergency. The siren to alert those outside of buildings to emergencies has been installed. A simple, seven-step emergency response procedure has been created to guide each student, faculty, or staff member in every emergency situation or incident:
- Remain calm
- Check official communication sources for information regarding the emergency
- Follow instructions for the next steps
- Care for and be responsive to others who may be in need of assistance
- Check in with concerned family and friends to let them know you are ok
- Check official communication sources for periodic updates
- Watch for the all clear signal
To The Point
Please remember that To The Point (the Student Handbook) is an excellent resource to help your student understand responsibilities of living in the St. Mary's College community. In the handbook, you will find statements of our values, listed as policies; information about the Student Government Association; and what to do in case of emergencies.
International Education Opportunities
It is never too early to begin to plan how your student will maximize her/his St. Mary's education by studying abroad. St. Mary's offers an array of opportunities to internationalize his/her undergraduate experience. Especially exciting are programs the college operates in Oxford, England; Alba, Italy; The Gambia, West Africa; and Payap University in Thailand. One can study for a semester in these venues for approximately the same cost as a semester at St. Mary's. The experiences our students have had studying abroad have changed their lives and often lead to important career and life decisions for the future. But this will only happen if your student begins to plan for the experience now. Both academic advisors and the Office of International Education are excellent resources for your student to begin planning for her/his international experience.
In Closing
I look forward to many opportunities to interact with you. Be sure to plan to come for Family Weekend in October 2-4, 2009. Faculty and staff are ready to assist your student in celebration or crisis. The Dean of Students office can be reached at 240.895.4208 and our office is located in Campus Center 143.
I extend my best wishes for a most successful year to you and your student.
All good things,
Laura A. Bayless, PhD
Dean of Students
