The time that students spend learning outside the classroom—the hours devoted to sports, publications, theater, clubs, social events and student government—is a valuable part of the college experience. The Division of Student Affairs provides opportunities and support services to students during this time of intense personal development and intellectual growth; a time when new ideas are pursued, value systems re-examined, and attitudes/lifestyles explored. The student affairs staff plays a leadership role in developing experiences, policies and programs to provide learning and leadership opportunities for students and to help them get the most out of their time as members of the campus community.
Dean of Students
The Division of Student Affairs is supervised by the dean of students. The dean is directly responsible for coordinating and supervising educational programs and services in the areas of counseling, health services, LGBTQ student services, leadership development, multicultural programs, new-student orientation, public safety, residence life, service and social change, student activities, student conduct, and wellness. The dean of students frequently includes and encourages students and professional staff to participate in the committees and programs that directly affect the quality of student life at St. Mary’s.
Housing
Residence Life
The Office of Residence Life supports the mission of the College by facilitating safe, supportive, and civil living-and-learning communities that are conducive to sleeping, studying and socializing. Residence Life staff educate and serve the residents and mentor students to become leaders and good citizens.Living on campus in the residence halls, suites, apartments, or townhouses is an essential part of each student’s educational experience. The Office of Residence Life attempts to create an environment conducive to the social learning and the intellectual and emotional development of each member of the community.
The College is a member of the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I). Staff in the Office of Residence Life adhere to the ACUHO-I Standards and Ethical Principles for College and University Housing Professionals.
Four residence halls, a suite-style complex, an apartment/suite complex and two townhouse complexes house more than 85 percent of undergraduate students at the College. The Office of Residence Life is managed by administrators who are trained and experienced in helping students learn outside the classroom. Residence Hall Coordinators (RHCs) and Resident Assistants (RAs) are student staff members who live in each wing or in each area and provide residence hall programming, informal counseling, mediations, advising and policy enforcement when needed. The College also provides a housekeeping staff to clean the public areas in the residence halls. All residences have laundry rooms containing new laundry equipment.
One of the College’s housing options is the Edward T. Lewis Quadrangle, which opened in 2001. This 210-bed residence hall consists of 6-, 10-, and 14-person suites. Each suite contains a common living area, two bathrooms and double bedrooms. Waring Commons, our newest housing complex, opened in August 2003. A new addition opened in August 2007. This facility has six- or eight-person suites which are similar to the Lewis Quad suites, as well as apartments. Most of the apartments have four single bedrooms (a few have three single bedrooms and one double room), one bathroom, a kitchen and a living room/dining room combination. Students must have earned at least 50 credits in order to live in the apartments. Returning students must submit an application to be considered for the suites or apartments. Assignments are determined by earned credits. New students may be housed in the suites on a space-available basis.
The College-owned townhouses offer upper-class students an alternative living arrangement. These two-bedroom units include a full kitchen, living room, dining room, patio and bathroom to provide a natural transitional experience for students who will soon be living on their own. Students must have earned at least 50 credits in order to live in the townhouses. Returning students must complete a separate application for available townhouse spaces, and assignments are determined by earned credits.
In addition to the suites, apartments, and townhouses, St. Mary’s College also offers traditional-style residence halls (Caroline, Dorchester, Prince George and Queen Anne). These buildings contain mostly double rooms with some single bedrooms, some doubles-as-triples and some study rooms which may be used as bedrooms on an as-needed basis. Each building has six bathrooms, a shared kitchen for occasional snacks, a recreation room, laundry room and other amenities.
Living Learning Centers
Some of the Waring Commons suites and apartments house a special living-learning center (LLC) program, the Women in Science House (WiSH. For more information about the LLC program, which has reserved a limited number of spaces for new students, please contact the Office of Residence Life, Professor Emek Kose or Professor Elizabeth Leininger.
Substance and Alcohol Free Environment (SAFE) House)
Quiet Study Floors
In order to provide additional academic support, two wings in Caroline Hall have been designated as quiet study areas. Extended quiet hours will be enforced in these areas from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. in addition to the regular quiet hours at night. For more information on these quiet study floors, please contact the Office of Residence Life at 240-895-4207.
Open Housing
Cohabitation by students (members of the opposite sex or gender living together in the same room) will be permitted within the suites, townhouses, apartments, and designated wings in a traditional-style residence halls. Members of the opposite sex or gender will be able to apply to share bedrooms based on this policy.Returning students who desire to live in open housing in a traditional residence hall can apply for the open housing wing located in Prince George Hall during the room selection process.First-year students will be eligible for open housing. During the housing application process, they will be provided the option to opt-in for open housing. For incoming first years and transfer students who indicate a desire to live in open housing, a Residence Life staff member will contact them to confirm their choice and explain the open housing process. Students will be matched with other students preferably with other first-year or transfer students who have indicated a desire for open housing. Students that have not yet reached the age of 18 will need signed parental permission to live in open housing.
Graduate Student and Family Housing
The Housing Contract
- The student graduates, transfers, drops to part-time status, gets married, has a baby, takes a leave of absence or withdraws from the College;
- The student participates in a College-approved program that requires off-campus residency;
- The student is academically dismissed, cancelled due to non-payment, or fails to register for at least 12 credits;
- The student is granted a written release after having submitted a written request to the associate dean of students to be released by established dates and only for special, extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis. For returning students, the written request for fall semester release must be submitted by May 1; for new students, by June 1. For spring semester release, the written request must be submitted by November 1. If students are not granted a written release but choose to live off-campus, they are still responsible for the terms of the contract, including payment of fees for the assigned residence space. In addition, students who are involuntarily removed from housing for disciplinary reasons are not eligible for any refund of housing fees. Students are urged not to enter into any off-campus Housing Contracts until they are formally released from their on-campus Housing Contract.
Resident students are required to be registered as full-time (12 or more credits) students and making progress toward earning a degree. On occasion, exceptions are made for extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Resident students, including graduating seniors, wishing to remain in housing while registered for less than 12 credits (but no less than eight credits), must obtain prior, written approval from the associate dean of students/director of Residence Life before dropping below 12 credits. Resident students allowed to drop below 12 credits must continue to pay the full-time tuition fee, maintain exemplary behavior, and register for at least 12 credits in subsequent semesters (unless graduating at the end of the semester).
Students will be held responsible for damage to their rooms, damage to the contents of the room(s), and for damage to public areas in the residences. The College reserves the right to inspect the rooms periodically and repair, at the expense of the occupant(s), any room and furniture that has been damaged beyond normal wear. The College is not responsible for the loss or damage of any student property resulting from fire, theft, water or any other cause. Students are strongly encouraged to ensure they have appropriate personal property insurance.
Because of health and safety regulations, cooking is permitted only in the kitchen areas of the residence halls and in the kitchens of the apartments and townhouses. The residence halls are closed during College vacations, and student occupancy is not permitted. Residence hall students may be permitted to temporarily relocate to a suite, townhouse, or apartment for College vacations due to extenuating circumstances, but only with permission of current occupants of a given suite, townhouse, or apartment. Students living in the suites, townhouses and apartments may elect to remain on campus over Thanksgiving and Spring Break. Access through the outside entrances to the traditional halls and to Waring Commons is by cardkey (the student ID card). These residences are locked 24 hours a day. Access through the outside entrances to the individual Townhouse and Lewis Quad units is by key.
Expanded Housing
Off-Campus Housing
Applying for Student Housing: New Students
After being admitted to the College, individuals wishing on-campus housing must complete the following procedures:
- New students must make a $500 advance payment for student housing by the date specified in the letter of admission. Information about the Housing Contract, Health History Form, Drug-Free Campus Policy and Acknowledgment, and Roommate Matching Form can be accessed on the student Portal site in March for early decision students who have already paid the advance payment, or early April for regular decision students who have paid the advance payment. Students will receive instructions about submitting these forms online. To request hard copies, please contact the Office of Residence Life (240-895-4207).
- New students who are 18 or older should complete and electronically sign the Housing Contract and the Drug-Free Acknowledgment (using the student Portal). If the student is not yet 18 years of age, the student must submit a hard copy of the Housing Contract and the Drug-Free Campus Acknowledgment and a parent or legal guardian must co-sign both documents which can be downloaded from the College website or requested from the Office of Residence Life. Students will be given the opportunity after receipt of the Housing Contract to verify contract information and to submit a Roommate Matching Profile which can be used by the students to find a roommate or for the College to pair roommates. More information can be obtained on the student Portal. The Housing Contract, and the signed Drug-Free Acknowledgment form must be received by the Office of Residence Life by June 1. Students who do not submit the Housing Contract by June 1 will not be assigned to housing until the contract is submitted (and will be assigned to whatever space is available, if any). Room assignments will be made using the preference information on the Roommate Matching Form, and housing will be assigned in the order that the advance payments are received by the Business Office. Due to space limitations, preferences may not always be granted. Students may be placed in available spaces without prior consultation.
- Students must also complete the Health History Form and include verification of required immunizations before being permitted to move into College housing. The Health History Form must be returned to the Health Center in the envelope provided.
- Should the student not make the advance payment by the due date specified in the letter of admission, he/she forfeits the offer of guaranteed housing.
The room assignment, roommate information and check-in instructions will be emailed in late July for the fall semester, and in January for the spring semester.
New students with disabilities who seek accommodations in their academic courses or in their housing assignments must submit documentation of their disabilities to the compliance coordinator prior to seeking accommodations. The deadline for submitting requests for housing accommodations to the Office of Residence Life is June 1. The compliance coordinator will send recommendations to the Office of Residence Life by June 3.
New students with medical considerations who seek special housing accommodations, including the use of a College-provided window air conditioner (for an additional $200 annual fee), must submit documentation of the medical problem to the Health Center prior to seeking accommodations. The deadline for submitting requests for housing accommodations to that office is June 1for the fall semester. The director or designee will send recommendations to the Office of Residence Life by June 3. Late requests may not be granted. There is an additional $100 fee for submitting a late request.
Applying for Student Housing: Returning Students
Each returning student submits a Housing Contract electronically, or a hard copy can be picked up from his or her RHC, the Glendening service desk, or the Office of Residence Life during the time period specified in February.After reading the Guide to Room Selection, the student must do the following:
- Submit the completed Housing Contract and a deposit of $200 electronically (or in person if under 18) to the Business Office by February 26, 2016.
- Complete and submit any applications for housing (medical, single room, non-traditional student housing, open housing, suite, apartment, or townhouse) to the Office of Residence Life by the specified date.
Housing applicants will be notified of the status of their applications according to the date specified by the Office of Residence Life.
A waiting list is maintained for students who wish to make room changes after room assignments have been made.
Failure to submit a Housing Contract and/or make an advance payment by the deadline will result in the student being placed on a waiting list for housing and forfeiting the right to guaranteed housing and room preference.
Students receive specific room assignments, roommate information and check-in instructions by email in July for the fall semester.
Returning students with disabilities who seek accommodations in their academic courses or in their housing assignments must submit documentation of their disabilities to the compliance officer by February 15, 2016, prior to seeking accommodations. The deadline for submitting the housing application for special housing accommodations to the Office of Residence Life is February 29, 2016.
Returning students with medical considerations who seek special housing accommodations, including the use of a College-provided window air conditioner (for an additional $200 annual fee), must submit documentation of the medical problem to the Health Center by February 15, 2015 prior to seeking accommodations. The deadline for submitting the housing application for special housing accommodations to the Office of Residence Life is February 29, 2016.
All Students
Questions about the status of a student’s application for on-campus housing should be directed to the Office of Residence Life.
Room changes will be permitted after the first two weeks of the fall semester and after the first two weeks of the spring semester with written permission from the associate director of residence life.
Dining Services
Student Life
Student Conduct
Student Activities
Orientation
Student Government Association
Clubs & Organizations
Media & Publications
Diversity & Academic Engagement
International Student Support Services
Service & Social Change Program
Theater & Film
The Department of Theater, Film, and Media Studies (TFMS) produce three major shows annually in the 200-seat Bruce Davis Theater, located in Montgomery Hall. Directed by theater faculty or guest artists, these productions encompass the widest possible range of theatrical forms, genres, periods, and experiment, and might include a Shakespeare, an American classic, a dance concert, or a musical. Students are involved in all aspects of production, from on-stage to back-stage work, and might assist in designing, directing or choreographing the major shows.Read more about the department’s production activities and opportunities for students on its website.In addition to its theater season, TFMS produces its annual film series. The TFMS Film Series brings to campus internationally acclaimed, award-winning filmmakers who screen and discuss their work, visit film production and film studies classes, and meet informally with students during their two-three day residencies at the College.
For more information about the film series, visit the TFMS website.
Music
Religious Life & Holidays
Athletics & Recreation
Varsity Sports
Fall | Winter | Spring |
Field Hockey (women) | Basketball (men) | Baseball (men) |
Sailing (coed) | Basketball (women) | Lacrosse (men) |
Sailing (women) | Swimming (men) | Lacrosse (women) |
Soccer (men) | Swimming (women) | Sailing (coed) |
Soccer (women) | Sailing (women) | |
Volleyball (women) | Tennis (men) | |
Cross Country (men) | Tennis (women) | |
Cross Country (women) |
For more information, please call 240- 895-HAWK (4295).
Intramurals
- Basketball
- Inner tube Water Polo
- Indoor Soccer
- Kickball
- Road Races
- Tennis
- 7-a-Side Soccer
- Flag Football
- Floor Hockey
- Volleyball
- Softball
- Capture the Flag
- Dodgeball
For more information, please email intramurals@smcm.edu.
Club Sports
- Rugby (men & women)
- Crew
- Softball
- Equestrian
- Water Polo
- Fencing
- Ultimate Frisbee (men & women)
- Lacrosse (men & women)
- Soccer (men & women)
Student Services
Career Development Center
The Career Development Center is a link between the academic environment and life after St. Mary’s College. The office provides campus wide programming and guidance through individual advising. Students and alumni can schedule appointments or come in during walk in hours for assistance with career exploration, job and/or internship search, resume and cover letter reviews, and interview practice. Students can also get assistance identifying and applying to on campus-jobs, networking with alumni, and graduate school applications. The Career Development Center staff is committed to helping students achieve their individual goals during and after life at St. Mary’s.
Additionally, the Career Development staff administers the credit-bearing internship program. For full details, please see the Academic Internships section of the catalog.
The Wellness Center
The Wellness Center is staffed by a team of medical and mental health professionals to assist you in addressing your physical and mental health concerns. In order to provide you with the highest quality of care, the Wellness Center utilizes an integrated treatment approach. Our multi‐disciplinary team of clinicians works collaboratively to optimize your wellness through seamless prevention and intervention. The Wellness Center is comprised of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Health Services. The Center is a resource for health and wellness education and information, providing resources and teaching skills that will assist students in making healthy lifestyle choices now and in the future. The Center supervises the student groups, the Peer Health Educators and the Sexual Misconduct Awareness and Response Team (SMART), who assist with providing programs on a variety of topics and issues throughout the academic year including alcohol and other drugs, sexuality, healthy relationships, smoking cessation and body image. Students interested in being involved in health education should contact the Wellness Center.
CAPS is staffed by licensed mental health professionals. Our therapists assist, at no cost, full-time students with academic, family and personal concerns. The mental health staff can provide assistance to students dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, stress, interpersonal relationships, alcohol and drug abuse, mood, sexuality or academics. Psychological assessment, psychiatric care, and ongoing individual, couples, and group therapy are available through CAPS. Available educational resources include a lending library, workshops and consultations. Our services follow the ethical guidelines of the American Counseling Association. If a student requires specialized treatment that falls outside our scope of practice, he or she will be appropriately referred. CAPS also offers advocacy services for students who have experienced any form of interpersonal violence. The Advocate can be accessed by contacting the Wellness Center.
Health Services offers limited outpatient medical services to all full-time students by qualified medical personnel. It is a member of the American College Health Association. Appointments for the clinic may be made Monday through Friday. Emergency and after-hours care is provided through local urgent-care clinics and area hospitals. Students are strongly advised to carry an individual health insurance policy that covers them for laboratory, x-ray, emergency services and hospitalization, none of which are covered by student fees. The College does not endorse or sponsor any particular health insurance plan. All full-time students are required to submit completed Health History Forms upon admission. These can be found on the Portal under health services. The deadline for the fall semester is June 1 and for spring is January 1.
Public Safety
Regulations
Alcohol and Drugs
ID Cards
Suspension:
General Rules and Regulations:
Student Email
Every student who is enrolled for credit classes at St. Mary’s College of Maryland is issued a student email account, which is the official means of communication from offices such as the Office of the Registrar, Office of Academic Services, Office of Student Conduct, Office of Residence Life and the Office of Student Activities. Email will also be used to notify students of certain emergencies, pending conduct action and school closings due to inclement weather. Most faculty and staff rely on email to communicate with students. It is the responsibility of each student to maintain and check their College email account regularly. Students are accountable to know information disseminated through the email account. Failure to read College communications sent to the email account does not absolve the student from knowing and complying with the content of these communications.