UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK

RETURNING STUDENTS PROGRAM OF THE
COUNSELING CENTER

(301) 314-7693

SECOND WIND NEWSLETTER

Have you been away from formal academic studies for a while? Are you 25 or over? Looking for a way to ease back into campus life? We have just the thing for you! It's called the Returning Students Program, and we're hoping to help ease the transition for you.

The Returning Students Program is designed 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. No matter how varied the reasons bringing them to campus, returning students share a strong desire for further learning. They are found to be highly motivated, serious students who are academically successful.

We, of the Returning Students Program, realize that 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. Programs for returning students consist of workshops, classes, publications, and one-to-one counseling to help ease the adjustment to college life. The Returning Students Program is located in the Counseling Center on the 2nd floor of the Shoemaker Building. Please feel free to call us at 314-7693 for further information. We look forward to hearing from you. Beverly Greenfeig and Barbara Goldberg, Co-coordinators, Returning Students Program.

EDCP 108R: 1 CREDIT COURSE FOR RETURNING STUDENTS

Are you an adult returning to school after having been away for some years OR are you coming to college for the first time? If so, then you're probably making new decisions and facing new concerns like:

managing your time effectively, choosing a major/career, improving your study skills, adjusting to school.

If these concerns sound like yours, then you may be interested in the one-credit course we offer entitled "College and Career Advancement for Returning Students". This course emphasizes the important skills and resources needed by adults returning to college to help make a smooth transition to the University environment. In addition to class meetings, you will also have an opportunity to deal with your specific areas of interest during individual sessions with our skilled staff.

The course will include:

(1) assistance in choosing a major and academic advising,

(2) career planning and vocational testing,

(3) reading and study skills (how to read textbooks, how to study),

(4) how to prepare for and score higher on exams,

(5) opportunities to share common concerns,

(6) how to organize your time more effectively,

(7) campus resources

Here's how you can sign up for the course: The course is listed in the schedule of classes as EDCP 108R. Two sections of this course are being offered:

Wednesdays 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. or Thursdays 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. If you are not already enrolled at the University, but are interested in the course, or want more information, Call Barbara Goldberg or Beverly Greenfeig at 314-7693.

SPECIAL EVENT

Open House for Returning Students

An opportunity to meet the special resource people and learn about the special services available just for you at the University. Drop in for a cup of coffee and meet other returning students and counselors who will be there to answer your questions from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. during the first week of the Fall and Spring Semester. Join us at the Returning Students Program, Shoemaker Hall, Room 2201.

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION

The Returning Students Program is pleased to offer you a place to meet and eat on a regular basis during the semester. Every Monday from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., we invite you to join us for coffee and conversation in Room 2201, Shoemaker Hall. We are there to share experiences and important information with you over brown bag lunches. Drop in anytime, have a cup of coffee (on us!) and meet other returning students.

STUDENT UNION SERVICES

Parent Locator Service: Located in the Student Union Lobby, sponsored by the S.G.A., enables your family to reach you while you are on campus. For details, call (301) 314-8359, or stop by the S.T.A.R. Center in the Student Union.

Exam and syllabus files are located in the S.T.A.R. Center. These files contain exams from previous semesters. (Don't assume the answers are correct.) You can look at these or have them copied at your expense. There are also files containing lists of syllabi from various classes. Hours Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Hours vary during exam times.)

CHILD CARE

The Center for Young Children is the campus child care facility for children of students, faculty, and staff. The CYC is located on Valley Drive directly behind Elkton dorm and available for children ages 3 to 5. Call 405-3168 for further information.

For additional information on child care facilities contact: LOCATE CHILD CARE. For Prince George's County call (301) 772-8400. For Baltimore call (410) 669-8333. Other counties call (410) 625-1111.

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

MARILYN K. BROWN MEMORIAL LOAN: The purpose of this fund is to provide short-term interest-free loans to returning women students. Recipients must be degree seeking students at UMCP. Preference will be given to women 30 years of age and over with children.

FINANCIAL AID BROCHURE AND NOTEBOOK: A financial aid resources brochure, "Dollars and Sense," is now available in room 2201, Shoemaker Hall. Additional sources of financial aid have been compiled into a notebook and placed in the Learning Assistance Service. It is available to returning students during office hours. We hope you will find the resources helpful.

GERALD G. PORTNEY EMERGENCY FUND: The Returning Students Program has funds that have been provided by the Kamin Foundation for adult learners. If you are in need of emergency assistance or are aware of someone who has a need, call the Returning Students Program at (301) 314-7693 for further information.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR RETURNING WOMEN: Scholarship funds provided by the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation are available for Fall and Spring semesters. A number of scholarships ranging from $200 - $600 will be awarded. To qualify, women must be 25 years or older, be admitted as undergraduate students at UMCP, and have completed at least half the credits necessary for their degrees. Special consideration will be given to women with verifiable financial need and women with disabilities. Call 314-7693 or come to Room 2201, Shoemaker Hall for an application.

GERALD G. PORTNEY MEMORIAL FUND: A scholarship has been established in memory of Gerald G. Portney to carry on his belief in the principles of "helping someone to help themselves." All undergraduate returning students are welcome to apply. For more information, call 314-7693.

FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOPS

Financial Aid Workshops will be offered each semester:

Please call our office at 301 314 - 7693 for dates.

To attend, come to 2201 Shoemaker Hall.

SPECIAL SERVICES

EXPLORE COUNSELING PROGRAMS: The Counseling Center, located in Shoemaker Hall, offers a variety of programs in personal, educational, and career counseling. There are also special group programs in stress management, assertive behavior, couples communication, etc. Call (301) 314-7651 or stop by for a Counseling Center Workshop Schedule.

LEARN COMPUTER SKILLS: The Computer Science Center (CSC) now offers peer training computer classes in such things as Windows, WordPerfect Microsoft Word, PageMaker, UNIX, and networking. These non-credit classes are 3 hours long and run weekdays and Sundays. There is a $5 registration fee. Walk-ins accepted depending on availability. For recorded information, call 405-2941.

WANTED: Returning Students interested in gaining new experiences and skills. Work with the Returning Students Program on a credit or non-credit basis! Enhance your college experience. Call Shirley Browner, 314-7693 for more information.

CHECK OUT THE LEARNING ASSISTANCE SERVICE (LAS): Offering a wide array of study skills, the LAS is one of the most useful services on campus. Available free for the asking is assistance in effective reading and writing skills plus tips on exam preparation, time-management, listening and notetaking skills, math learning skills and ESOL (English as a Second Language). You can work at your own pace. You'll find the staff friendly and very helpful. Visit the LAS in Shoemaker Hall or call 314-7693.

GOLDEN I.D. STUDENTS: If you are 60 years of age or older and a resident of the State of Maryland, you can be a part of the Golden I.D. Program. Register for credit courses on a space-available basis as a regular or special student with tuition waived. For more information, call 405-3956 or apply at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES: The Disability Support Service Office (DSS) provides services to students with disabilities to ensure equal access to the University's programs and activities. Call 314-7682 (voice) or (TTY) 314-7683.

REDUCE MATH ANXIETY: EDCP 108M (a course) in Math Study Skills & Confidence Building. For more information, contact Dr. Elizabeth Shearn, 314-7693. This is a 1 credit course which concentrates on math resources and improving math study skills. This is open to any student registered in a Math Course.

OPEN HOUSE FOR RETURNING STUDENTS: An opportunity to meet the special resource people and learn about the special services available just for you at the University.

STUDY SKILLS WORKSHOP: Learn how to improve your reading skills and textbook comprehension.

TIME MANAGEMENT: Learn how to manage your time effectively. Work smarter, not harder. manage your time effectively.

WRITING SKILLS: Learn to organize your writing.

EXAM SKILLS (MULTIPLE CHOICE): Learn the skills needed to prepare for and succeed on multiple choice exams.

NOTETAKING WORKSHOP: Acquire good notetaking techniques to see what a difference it can make.

EXAM SKILLS (ESSAY): Learn the skills needed to prepare for and sycceed on essay exams.

ASSERTIVENESS WORKSHOP: Session designed to give you skills and practice so you can communicate clearly and directly.

MANAGING EXAM ANEXITY: Workshop to help you feel less anxious and perform more successfully on exams.

END OF SEMESTER SURVIVAL SKILLS: An opportunity to learn skills and resources that can help you make the end of your semester successful.

MULTIPLE ROLES: A six week discussion and support group for women to help you manage your variety of roles.

** TO ATTEND ANY OF THE ABOVE WORKSHOPS COME TO 2201 SHOEMAKER OR CALL RETURNING STUDENTS'OFFICE (LAS) AT 314-7693 **

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