Student Affairs Vision and Mission Statement
Working collaboratively with our campus and community partners, Student Affairs empowers students to accomplish their dreams in a diverse and inclusive learning community.
As educators, Student Affairs staff are dedicated to delivering high quality co-curricular programs and services in an environment that supports students’ holistic growth and acquisition of essential life skills in order to actualize their full potential to be responsible, engaged, and successful citizen leaders in a global environment.
Student Affairs staff build a collaborative and diverse learning community that enriches the intellectual, social, cultural, spiritual, emotional & physical well being of students by promoting academic success, personal growth, leadership development, civility, civic, social and environmental responsibility, and respect for diversity.
Athletics - Intercollegiate Athletics
The university is an NCAA D-III member institution. Nineteen varsity sports are primarily affiliated with the Little East Conference (LEC). Six varsity sports are members of the following conferences: Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC), Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC), Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), and the Intercollegiate Sailing Association (ICSA). The university sponsors intercollegiate teams for men in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, and track and field (indoor and outdoor). Intercollegiate teams for women include basketball, cross country, equestrian, field hockey, lacrosse, sailing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field (indoor and outdoor), and volleyball. For more information visit: http://www.corsairathletics.com or call 508-999-8720.
Intramural and Instructional Athletics
The intramural program at UMass Dartmouth offers a variety of athletic activities. Intramural engagement opportunities include the following: basketball, dodgeball, double dutch, flag football, soccer, table tennis, TRYathlon, volleyball, and weight lifting.
Instructional classes are offered by the Fitness Center and include: Yoga, Indoor Cycling, Zumba, Total Body Workout, Flexibility and Mobility, Pilates, and Cardio Kickboxing.
Facilities
Athletic facilities are available for recreational use by students throughout the school year and include the fitness center, gymnasium, swimming pool, outdoor track, grass athletic fields, and tennis courts. Schedules are available online at http://www.corsairathletics.com.
Campus Center
The Campus Center is the home to over two dozen campus organizations and services, including the Division of Student Affairs, SAIL office, Career Development Center, Center for Women, Gender, and Sexuality, Center for Religious & Spiritual Life, Student Government Association, Campus Store, UMass Pass office, Commuter Café and many more.
The spacious 800 seat Main Auditorium is the heart of student activities: Professional stage and technical equipment make it the ideal location for theatrical productions, presentations, or gigs. Use is free to student organizations, departments, and faculty. For more information visit: http://www.umassd.edu/campusservices/ or phone 508.910.6440.
Career Development Center
The Career Development Center (CDC) provides a wide array of programs and services designed to assist UMass Dartmouth students develop a four-year career plan that leads to their setting and achieving their academic and career goals.
Resources Include:
- Career counseling and job/internship search assistance (by appointment and drop-in)
- Selection of majors and related career paths
- Job and internship fairs
- Graduate school application assistance
- On-line resources (available 24/7 via the portal):
- Job/internship data bases
- Self-assessment tools
- Video-taped mock interviews
- Career library
- What Can I Do with This Major
- Job search tool for international students
- Career information programs
- Professional networking opportunities
Students may schedule an appointment to meet with a career counselor by calling 508-999-8658 or stopping by the CDC (MacLean Campus Center -Suite 001. To access our on-line resources via the UMassD portal: Student Resources>Jobs and Career Planning>Career Planning/Job Search Tools
Center for Access and Success
Our mission is to cultivate a university experience for a student that promotes success in their life pursuits. The Center for Access & Success serves as a faculty resource in offering students equity and excellence in education, maximizing each student’s educational potential and their ability to succeed beyond Dartmouth.
The Center’s philosophy is one that encourages self-awareness, selfdetermination, self-advocacy, and independence.The Center works with faculty, staff, and students on campus to ensure that appropriate academic adjustments are made that allow all students equity inside the classroon. Students who have docmented disabilities on our campus are afforded a variety of services to accommodate their individual disabilities. UMass Dartmouth strives to ensure complete access to University academic programs.
Schedule an appointment with us to discuss your individual needs.
UMass Dartmouth is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for all students. Students who have disabilities on our campus are offered a variety of services to accommodate their disability so that students will have equitable access to university academic programs. This is in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations and other relevant state and federal legislation policies, with respect to making reasonable accommodations and auxiliary aides available for eligible qualified students with disabilities.
Services available through The Center For Access and Sucess Include:
Note-Taking
Exam accommodations which include extended time (quizzes and exams), use of a computer, a reader and/or scribe, separate evaluation of in-class assignments and exams to exclude spelling
Use of tape recorder in the classroom
Front row/preferred seating
Sign language interpreters-If you are in need of sign language interpreters, make your request at least six weeks proir to the start of classes. This will allow us time to schedule the appropriate provider. The longer the delay in requesting services, the greater possibility that the interpreters will be unavailable.
Advocacy and mediation
Priority registration
Center for Women, Gender & Sexuality
Originally founded in 1970 as the Women’s Referral Center, the Center for Women, Gender & Sexuality is the second oldest collegiate Women’s Center in the country. The CWGS is a voice for women and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans community, with the purpose of eliminating barriers, diminishing prejudices, and creating a supportive climate and space for all. Our mission is to offer resources and support on LGBTQIA and women’s issues. In addition, the CWGS coordinates campus initiatives to prevent sexual assault and intimate partner violence. The CWGS recognizes that investigations of gender must take place in tandem with explorations of race, class, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and other significant aspects of individual identity. As a department of Student Affairs, the Center also acts as a central coordinating agency for campus and community groups. The Center is located in the MacLean Campus Center in Suite 207.
Counseling and Student Development Center
The Counseling and Student Development Center offers a safe, supportive place for students to explore concerns, clarify choices, and develop action plans. Services are confidential. There is no charge to students for services. Students’ health insurance will be billed when appropriate. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 508-999-8648. Urgent care hours, for students who need to be seen that day, are Monday-Friday from 1-4pm. The Center is located in the Auditorium Annex, right above Admissions, and is open from 8am to 5pm Monday-Friday. Evening appointments are available but must be arranged in advance.
The Center provides individual counseling for personal issues such as relationship problems, homesickness, adjustment to college, bereavement, depression, anger management, anxiety, self esteem issues, ADD, academic problems, test anxiety, and family issues. A consulting perscriber is available to meet with students who might benefit from medication.
Services are Solution focused and generally time limited. Students in need of long-term or specialized treatment will be assisted in finding off-campus resources. For more information visit: https://www.umassd.edu/counseling.
Dining Services
UMass Dartmouth Dining Services is responsible for all food services on campus including catering, meal plans, and retail dining locations. Locations for eating are situated throughout the campus.
Meals for On-Campus Students
Students living in the traditional residence halls (freshman and sophomore housing) are required to purchase one of the four meal plans available. We offer a variety of meal plans to fit the needs of all of our students. Along with being able to use student meal cards in the Residence Dining Hall (The Marketplace), students can use a meal swipe at select retail locations for select meals; this is known as meal equivalencies. Dining Services offer meal plans friendly to students who reside in apartment style living (Woodlands and Cedar Dell). There is always a place for students to use their meal plans from 7:00 a.m. until midnight.
Charges for the student meal plans are shown in the chapter on Expenses and Student Financial Services.
Special Dining Locations
The Market Place (Located in the Resident Dining Building) is an all-you-care-to-eat dining facility with hours from 7:00 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. during the week and 9:00-7:00 on weekends. The Marketplace provides a variety of meals, including a saute station, multiple entree stations, a vegetarian station, and a pizza/pasta station. Some of our all day features include a full deli, salad bar, and breakfast station.
Maple Ridge Cafe (Located in Maple Ridge Residence Hall) is in the home of the freshman living area, offering a variety of concepts including wings, flatbread pizzas, flatbread sandwiches, and hot sandwiches.
Campus Center Food Court (Located in the Maclean Campus Center) offers four dining locations:
- 2.mato: Freshly made pizzas, calzones, and pizzans for all Italian lovers. With a variety of pasta dishes this authentic Italian dining venue is one of a kind. Students can choose one of our specialty pizzas or build their own.
- Mondo Subs: Hearty made-to-order subs and wraps are a hit in the new food court. With bread made fresh every morning and freshly cut meats, students have the ability to make their sub or wrap the way they like it.
- Plate by Plate: Offers two different concepts daily. With made to order breakfast and lunch dishes, a student can get a freshly made omelet in the morning or stir-fry made to order at lunch. Along with made to order items, the carvery station offers fresh carved meats every day.
- Wendy’s: As our first national brand restaurant on campus, Wendy’s offers a variety of burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads. Wendy’s also offers a variety of sides, including baked potatoes and chili.
Corsair Café (Located in the Maclean Campus Center) is a local coffee company, Jim’s Organic. This dark roasted coffee allows students to have a variety of coffees including espresso and cappuccino, along with their favorite flavor shot. Island Oasis smoothies are also available year round with several fruit and coffee flavors. Pastries are made fresh every morning and artisan crafted sandwiches are also available.
Corsair Cove Juice Bar (Located in the Tripp Athletic Fitness Center) offers freshly made smoothies is the number one favorite at the Juice Bar. With fresh fruit and ingredients it’s a great thing to grab after any workout.
Café a la Cart (located in three academic buildings) serves breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, snacks and hot & cold beverages for students who are on the go between classes.
Birch Grill (Located in Birch Residence Hall) offers a wide array of selections at this convenient dining location. The newly added Breakfast Express provides students the chance to dine at Birch for breakfast, in addition to their regular lunch, dinner, and late night times. Serving everything from burgers to wings to hot and cold sandwiches, there are plenty of options.
University Club (Located in the Maclean Campus Center) offers a restaurant-style dining atmosphere for lunch with an option of an all you care to eat buffet or an a la carte menu.
All major credit cards are accepted at all Dining Locations
Events
UMass Dartmouth’s Conferencing and Events Office is committed to meeting your needs by bringing our resources and support service experts to you. Our services are available to on-campus and off-campus organizations hosting big or small events at the university. Planning an event with us is easy because we operate as a one-stop shop. We’ll help you reserve a space and coordinate catering, technical services, and other services so your event runs smoothly.
Visit us on-line at http://www.umassd.edu/campusservices/conferencing-events/ for further information in regards to reserving your event.
For further Catering Services questions, contact 508.910.6415.
For further Event Services needs, contact the Conference and Events Planning Office at 508.999.8143.
Frederick Douglas Unity House
The Frederick Douglass Unity House was established in 1995 to promote equity, social and racial justice, and intercultural dialog. The Unity House provides a supportive and inclusive environment for the academic, cultural, recreational, and social pursuits of UMassD students, faculty, and staff of color, and allies.
The Frederick Douglass Unity House organizes activities and initiatives designed to challenge, foster and enrich the cultural life of the UMassD community. This center empowers and transforms the student experience and encourages lifelong learning, with emphasis on engaging ALANA (African/Black, Latin@/Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Native American/Indigenous) students. All students, faculty, and staff are welcome and encouraged to share in the development of this vital organization.
The facility offers multicultural resources, a computer lab, events/activities, and a “family room” for the UMassD community that serves as a study area, meeting/conference space, and relaxing environment. The Unity House is located on the first floor of the Resident Dining Building. For more information, visit: http://www.umassd.edu/studentaffairs/fduh/ or call 508.999.9222.
Health Services
Student Health Services is equipped to handle most health related problems that students may encounter while at UMass Dartmouth. It is located across from Pine Dale Residence Hall. The phone number is (508) 999-8982. It is not an emergency service. For an off campus emergency dial 911. For an on campus emergency fial 508.999.9191 or 9191 if using a university phone. Students may schedule an appointment with our physician or Nurse Practitioner, including a woman’s health Nurse Practitioner. Our Health Education and Promotion office is located in Oak Glen Residence Hall; phone 508.910.6965. Referrals are made to community resources, including all emergencies. When Health Services is closed students can call the RN advice line at (508) 815 4588 for questions regarding an urgent medical problem.
All matriculated students who are not on-line only and who pay the student fee are eligible to use student health services which entitles students to use health services. Astudent’s health insurance is billed for appointments in health services. There is no co-pay, nor are students responsible for any billes services that are uncollected.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires all ¾ to full-time university students to have comprehensive health insurance. Students who are on line only are not required to show evidence of coverage and are not eligible for the insurance offered through the University. Students who meet the credit requirements are automatically billed for the insurance. Students must complete the on-line waiver form stating whether or not they want the school insurance, and if not, what insurance they are using to waive the charge. This must be done yearly. For more information regarding the insurance, visit www.umassd.edu/studentaffairs/health
Housing & Residential Education
The Office of Housing & Residential Education is responsible for all phases of resident living on campus. This includes room assignments, educational programming, community development activities, and the promotion of a living/learning environment on-campus. Students are encouraged to be responsive to community standards. For more information visit: http://www.umassd.edu/housing/ or call 508.999.8140.
Traditional Halls, Apartments and Townhouses
The residence halls are more than just places to eat and sleep; they provide the opportunity for students to become part of a community. The university currently houses 4,300 students. On-campus housing provides three different residential options: traditional (first year & sophomore), apartment (upper-class), and townhouse (upper-class).
The first-year traditional halls have 10-13 person suites with double, single, triple, or quad rooms. The suite may have either one or two bathrooms. Recreation rooms, mail, laundry facilities, community kitchen, and a full-time Resident Director’s apartment and office are part of each building.
Within the traditional sophomore residence halls are multi-purpose lounge areas, classrooms, and a community kitchen. Important support services are also located within the traditional halls, including the Center for Access & Success, and the Office of International Student and Scholar Center.
Apartment style living is found in the Woodlands. The apartments in The Woodlands consist of two or four single bedroom units that include a common living space, kitchen and two bathrooms.
Cedar Dell residences consist of five and six person townhouses housing each student in single bedrooms with shared common living space, kitchen, and two bathrooms. Recreation, mail, and laundry facilities are available in two student community centers.
The Woodland apartments and Cedar Dell townhouses provide environments that emphasize maturity, autonomy, and independent living. These residents often prepare their own meals together. Priority for this housing option is given to juniors, seniors, and graduate students.
All residence hall rooms are fully equipped with a bed, bureau, desk, chair, closet, connections for cable TV and telephone, and high speed ethernet ports and wireless connecting.
Living Learning Communities
First Year Living Communities (FYLLC) are residential clusters of students who share academic or social and cultural interests. Other housing options located in various residence halls include Quiet Housing where residents maintain a quiet living atmosphere 24 hours a day, and Substance Awareness housing where residents maintain a substance free environment. Graduate and Law housing is available, and they are housed together in a limited number of apartments in one residential location or elsewhere on a space available basis.
Smoking
No smoking or tobacco use, including e-cigarettes are allowed anywhere on campus.
Student Involvement
Students participate through the Residence Halls Association (RSA), a collective advisory group representing student interests in the residential facilities. The Residence Halls Association also creates program opportunities for the on-campus population, and in many ways works with the Office of Housing & Residential Life to enhance campus life.
Charges
Charges for student housing are shown in the chapter on Expenses and Student Financial Services. The Student Handbook and the housing website provide additional, specific information (umassd.edu/housing/).
Access to On-Campus Housing
Preference for on-campus housing is given to full-time undergraduate students. Considerations for housing students with special needs must be approved by the Office of Housing & Residential Education and will be considered on a space-available basis.
Dining
Information about meal plans and alternative dining locations is provided in the Dining Services section above.
International Student and Scholar Center
The International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) engages international students and scholars in university life by providing advice and support in personal and government regulatory matters, and by educating the entire university about international education and a campus internationalization process.
Once an international student is admitted to a degree or exchange program, the center issues the paperwork required for the visa application, and provides pre-arrival information. Prior to the beginning of each academic term, ISSC sponsored International Orientation sessions offer essential information about the visa regulations, student employment and Social Security, academic expectations and the campus culture.
The center continues to serve students year round by providing general advice, assisting with campus life or personal needs, and ongoing support with visa related issues. A variety of employment workshops, sponsorship of cultural events, and other activities of interest are offered annually by the center. For more information visit: http://www.umassd.edu/international_students/ or call 508.910.6633.
Parking on Campus
All members of the community must obtain a parking permit (decal or other permit) for their vehicle or motorcycle. All vehicles on campus must have a valid parking decal on the first day of classes. If you have registered your vehicle online and on time, your parking decal will be mailed to your permanent address. After the deadline decals may be picked up at Parking Services, located on the ground floor of the Campus Center after you have registered online. Fees must be paid at the time the decal is picked up. For further questions, visit our website http://www.umassd.edu/parking/
Center for Religious & Spiritual Life
The Center for Religious & Spiritual Life staff coordinates religious activities and serves the spiritual needs of the university community. Clergy and ministers from several denominations provide opportunities for worship, spiritual direction and counseling, and programs which enable students, faculty and staff to nurture their spiritual lives. The staff is available to persons of all creeds and at the request of the individual or group will make referrals to resources of particular religious traditions in the greater community.
The CRSL office is located on the second floor of Oak Glenn Hall and in the Campus Center and is open daily on a walk-in basis. An appointment with a specific campus minister can be made by email to cporada@umassd.edu. The office is open Monday-Friday at 9am. For more information visit: http://www.umassd.edu/studentaffairs/departments/centerforreligiousandspirituallife/ or phone: 508.999.8872 or 508.999.8995
ROTC
UMass Dartmouth undergraduate students may participate in Army ROTC through a cooperative program with Providence College in Rhode Island. The US Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) teaches leadership, team work, and responsibility through a curriculum that includes elective courses, leadership labs, and physical fitness training. The Patriot Battalion, headquartered at Providence College, serves UMass Dartmouth, Bristol Community College, Brown University, Bryant College, the Community College of Rhode Island, Johnson and Wales University, and Rhode Island College. The ROTC program is designed to prepare men and women for success in college, as an Army Officer or for any chosen career, and offers opportunities for financial assistance in the form of scholarships.
- UMass Dartmouth students may participate in Providence College’s ROTC program and receive benefits that include financial aid.
- Students register for Providence College courses at Providence College.
- Students can get ROTC courses/credits posted to their UMass Dartmouth transcript as Transfer Credit, according to the transfer credit policies of their specific academic department. Students planning to participate in ROTC should use the Transfer Course Prior Approval process to initiate departmental approval of such transfer credit.
- Students obtain ROTC program advising and access to scholarships through the ROTC program at Providence College.
To obtain additional information contact, Providence College, Department of Military Science, at 401.865.2025 or email patriot5@providence.edu .
Student Activities, Involvement & Leadership Office (SAIL)
The Student Activities, Involvement & Leadership (SAIL) Office provides campus wide programming and events, and assists students with joining an organization or even creating a new one. At the office students can also learn about leadership opportunities on campus to develop and/or hone their leadership skills and find out about upcoming campus events. For more information about programs and services through the SAIL Office please visit the department website at http://www.umassd.edu/studentactivities or call 508.999.8127.
Currently there are more than 180 student organizations on campus. Academic-related organizations represent nearly every major and special interest group. Students can find multiple ways to meet new people, learn new skills, explore different cultures and have fun. For a complete list of all student organizations, and their contact information please visit the website and click on the MyOrgs link. You can also access MyOrgs by logging in to the portal and clicking on the Campus Life tab.
The following groups are influential in shaping student life on campus (partial listing).
Sample List of Student Clubs and Organizations
Arts and Media
- The Torch (Student-run Newspaper)
- Theatre Company
- 20 Cent Fiction (Alternative Theatre Group)
- Mental Note ( A Capella Group)
- Animation Club
- Dance Team
- African Drumming and Dance Club
- Sculpture Club
Culture and Diversity
- Asian Student Association (ASA)
- Cape Verdean Student Association (CVSA)
- Haitian American Student Association (HASA)
- Muslim Students Association (MSA)
- Indian Student Association (ISA)
- United Latino Society
Community Service
- American Red Cross
- Habitat for Humanity
- Rotaract
- Mass Pirg
Academic
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
- DECA
- Finance Club
- History Club
- National Art Education Association
- Philosophy Association
- Psychology Club
- Pre-Health Society
Lifestyle and Events
- Gaming Society
- Outdoor Club
- Pride Alliance
- Rugby Club
- American Sign Language
- Shotokan Karate Club
- Ski and Snowboard Club
- Christian Fellowship
Greek Organizations
The SAIL Office works closely with the fraternities and sororities, as well as the governing bodies and the Order of Omega to develop programs and policies. The SAIL Office provides training and support so that groups are meeting University and National Office requirements.
Student Government Association (SGA)
This is the governing body for all undergraduate students and offers a forum for support on matters of importance to the student body. The SGA oversees all student organizations, sets up campus elections and coordinates training for student organization leaders. Students are active, voting participants on many of the committees that recommend policies and procedures for the academic, financial, and student affairs aspects of the university
Theatre Company
This is the oldest and longest running Theatre Company on campus. Its student productions include musicals, dramatic works, comedies and play writing festivals. It includes opportunities to be onstage, backstage or supporting the front of house operations. No experience is necessary.
The Torch
The Torch is the weekly, student newspaper that is produced solely by students. Whether you are an English, design, photography or business major, the Torch is a great way to get experience with applying your craft in a very public way. The newspaper staff is a close-knit group of people who serve as experts on news and commentators on all things related to the student experience on campus.
Golden Key Honor Society
The university holds a charter membership in the Golden Key International Honor Society. UMass Dartmouth students who rank among the top 15% of juniors and seniors are invited to become members. Activities include participation in regional and national leadership conferences. Lifetime membership is a tribute to academic achievement and also an investment that can provide leadership training, scholarship opportunities, and career assistance.
For more information visit: http://www.umassd.edu/studentaffairs/programs/goldenkeynationalhonorsociety/ or call 508.999.8427.
Student Conduct and Dispute Resolution
The Office of Student Conduct and Dispute Resolution is responsible for overseeing the development, distribution, and enforcement of the university code of conduct and student conduct procedures. The mission of the Office of Student Conduct and Dispute Resolution is to promote community standards and individual responsibility through education, with an emphasis on policies and procedures, and student rights and responsibilities. The Office Student Conduct and Dispute Resolution is located in the Student Affairs Office, Campus Center, Room 221. For more information visit: https://www.umassd.edu/studentaffairs/departments/studentconductanddisputeresolution/or call 508.999.9153.
UMass Dartmouth Campus Store
The University Campus Store, located on the ground floor of the Campus Center, carries required and recommended textbooks, reference books, computer accessories, software, general school supplies, school-name clothing, and a good selection of sundries and gift items. Textbooks go on sale in August for the fall semester and in early January for the spring semester. Special order service is offered for hard-to-find books.
Call 508 999-8180 for complete information on store hours, textbook returns, and book buy-back, or visit umassd.edu/campusstore
In addition to cash transactions, the Campus Store accepts VISA, Master Card, American Express, Discover, UMass Pass, and checks in the amount of the sale, with appropriate identification. Also, the Campus Store is integrated with the “UMass Pass” system which allows students, once funds are deposited, to make purchases and charge their accounts.
UMass Pass (Student ID)
A UMass Pass is a student identification card. It is one card that allows students to enter their residence halls, check books out of the library, print and make copies, use a plan and snack allowance, purchase items at the bookstore, and use the Fitness Center. Students receive their UMass Passes at new student orientation. Those who are unable to attend orientation may visit the UMass Pass office, located in the Campus Center, during summer business hours, to receive their UMass Pass before classes begin.
There are two kinds of accounts on the UMass Pass: the UMD Dollars account and Food and Snack Account. The food and snack allowance may be used at various food venues on campus. UMD Dollars can be used at any location that accepts UMass Pass, including some off-campus locations.
Note: a UMD Dollars account is separate from the UMass Pass “snack account,” which resident students receive as part of their meal plans. The “snack allowance” may be used at various food venues on campus.
You can deposit money into your UMass Pass UMD Dollars account online or at the UMass Pass office. Please visit the UMass Pass web site at http://www.umassd.edu/umasspass/ for more information.
Veterans’ Services
UMass Dartmouth is recognized as a Military-Friendly University
UMass Dartmouth proudly welcomes all active duty students and veterans. Veterans may receive assistance in the office of the University Registrar and the Office of Student Affairs. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the many educational benefits offered by the government for veterans and active military students. Veterans should also join the email distribution list and participate in the Student Veteran’s Association by contacting Student Affairs at 508.910.6402.
VA programs are approved for benefits available under specified chapters of title 38, U.S. Code. Eligible students must obtain an application on campus, or from their regional Veterans Administration Office. UMass Dartmouth will issue a Certificate of Eligibility which should be presented to the Office of Veterans’ Affairs for the certificate of enrollment. It is the veteran’s responsibility to notify the university of any changes in course credit or addresses in a timely manner.
Veterans’ tuition waivers are available for those individuals who are considered Veterans under M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7 (43), including WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Lebanese peace keeping force, Grenada rescue mission, the Panamanian intervention force, or the Persian Gulf, provided they meet other eligibility criteria that include: a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts for at least one year and in accord with the university’s residency requirements; not in default of any federal student loans or owing a refund; a degree candidate or eligible to apply for degree candidacy.
Department of Public Safety
The DPS provides twenty-four hour a day protection of the entire campus and individuals on the campus. Campus police officers are vested with full law enforcement powers, identical to the local police in the community. The officers are trained at the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Academy and also receive annual in-service and specialized training in such aspects as first-aid, CPR, defense tactics, legal updates, evidence gathering, traffic control, and investigations.
The university provides the “DART,” a shuttle van for on-campus safety transportation. The service begins at 5:30 each night and ends at 2:00 am, 7 days a week. When there are special events on campus, extended service is provided for one half-hour after the event closes. There is a pre-set route that takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. DART service stops are designated with a sign and are located at the residence halls, the campus center, the gym, Cedar Dell, and the library. The DART does not respond to special requests for transportation except to provide direct service for disabled students.
Any student, faculty, staff or visitor may report a potential criminal action and emergency on campus by calling 9191 for emergencies or 8107 for the police dispatcher.
Crime and Fire
A list of campus crime and fire statistics for the previous three-year period is available from the DPS upon request and through the pamphlet, A Guide to Campus Safety and Law Enforcement.
Emergency Call Boxes
An emergency telephone system is provided on campus. These emergency telephones are in strategic locations around campus and are easily identified by their distinctive stainless steel and blue containers as well as by their bright blue light during the nighttime. The emergency phones are connected directly to the police dispatch desk. No dialing is required. They may also be used to summon an escort.
Public Safety Programs
A unit in the DPS is the Investigations and Crime Prevention Unit. Officers who specialize in selected crime prevention duties staff this section. Programs available through the Crime Prevention section include a the DART shuttle, Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) course for women, Operation I.D., Alcohol Awareness, and Anti-drunk Driving Workshops.
Safety or Health Issues
Safety is monitored carefully in classes and laboratories in chemistry, biology, medical technology, physics, and studio arts that may contain or use chemicals, bacteria, viruses, silica, asbestos, x-ray, radiation or animals, which under normal conditions are harmless but may affect persons with high risk conditions. The University’s Environmental Health and Safety Officer can be reached at 508 999-8176.
Students should report to the Health Office, the Office of Facilities and Physical Plant, the Campus Police, or the appropriate department chairpersons anything on campus that could be hazardous.
UMass Dartmouth Alumni Relations Office
The Alumni Relations Office serves as the liaison between the university and over 50,000 proud UMass Dartmouth alumni worldwide. In concert with the UMass Dartmouth Alumni Association, the Alumni Relations Office promotes and fosters lifelong alumni connections, participation and involvement through a variety of programs and events available to both alumni and students.
With the assistance of the newly formed Student Alumni Association (SAA), the Alumni Relations Office engages with current students by providing opportunities for alumni and student interaction through panel discussions, networking events and mentoring relationships. Additionally, the UMass Dartmouth Alumni Association offers scholarships to qualified students on an annual basis.
For more information about the Alumni Relations Office, the UMass Dartmouth Alumni Association, or the SAA, visit the Alumni website, alumni.umassd.edu, call 508.999.8031 or e-mail alumni.umassd.edu.
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