Special Services

The Learning Assistance Service recognizes that different populations of students have unique needs, concerns, and perspectives. Several of our programs are designed to address the needs of specific student populations, including Graduate Students, International Students, Students on Probation of Dismissal, Returning Students, Transfer Students, and the ACE learning community scholars.

Graduate Students

Graduate students at the University of Maryland are eligible to work with LAS Counselors on any learning issue that may be interfering with their ability to progress in their programs. Such issues as time management, procrastination, and writing are common concerns for which graduate students often seek LAS support. In addition, the Dissertation Support Group is for students who are writing theses or dissertations. This group helps students navigate the thesis/dissertation process and build a network of social support.

International Students

The ESOL Conversation Program was designed specifically for International Students to meet weekly for an hour with a volunteer group leader to discuss U.S. values and customs, university life, current events, and other topics of interest. The program is designed to help international students expand their vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and increase their speaking and listening abilities. In addition, international students are invited to schedule an appointment with an LAS Counselor to discuss adjustment to the university environment, writing concerns, or other learning concerns they may be facing.

Probation and Dismissal Students

Students who are experiencing severe academic difficulty are encouraged to enroll in EDCP108B: Learning Strategies. Several sections of the course are offered in the fall and spring semester and it is offered as a Summer and Winter Retention Program designed specifically for those who may be facing dismissal. Counselors meet with students to discuss ways to improve their academic performance and assist students with their letters for reinstatement.

Returning Students

Learning Assistance Service realizes the concerns of individuals who have been away from school for some period of time are not the same as those of the traditional college freshman. Therefore, services are designed specifically for individuals who are 25 or over, have experienced a break in their formal education, and would like to return to or begin college study. A course for returning students (EDCP108R) is offered during the fall semester. In addition, the Coffee and Conversation support group is designed to provide returning students a weekly opportunity to meet with others facing similar concerns, anxieties and needs. Our office also coordinates several scholarships and loan programs for adult students realizing their unique financial needs. Returning Students are also encouraged to schedule academic counseling with one of our counselors to discuss the transition to the university and to develop effective study strategies.

Returning Students Newsletter

Transfer Students

Students who transfer from 2 and 4-year schools often seek support adjusting to the UM campus and becoming accustomed to the academic expectations of UM. Therefore, LAS welcomes transfer students to the campus each semester at the Transfer Welcome Event. In addition, EDCP108G: Transfer Students in the University is offered in the fall and spring semester to teach students the resources available and the skills needed to be a successful UM student. New this year 2011 is the Transfer Student Virtual Learning Community. Using the campus Blackboard platform, this learning community for new transfer students will create a support network that links transfer students with information, resources and other transfer students. Learn more about this transfer learning community and to sign up.