Notary Public

TBA

Ora M. DeJesus Gerontology Center

The Ora M. DeJesus Gerontology Center is conceived as a multi-disciplinary unit dedicated to the development and maintenance of programs in the field of Gerontology.  The Gerontology programs emphasize positive attitudes about aging and the aged, analyze the impact of society on the aging process, and examine the effect the elderly have on the culture. The Center encourages participants in the programs to understand aging more fully as it pertains to their own lives.  The Center sponsors courses, a minor, a certificate, a virtual major, workshops, lectures, seminars, and facilitates student participation in practicum experience. The Ora M. DeJesus Gerontology Center, Unit #4 Room 5, 508-999-8843.

Off-Campus Housing

An up-to- date listing of off-campus apartments, houses and rooms for rent by UMD students is available on the web at http://housing.umassd.edu/offcampusintro1.html. The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth does not supervise or assume responsibility for off-campus accommodations.

Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety provides twenty-four hour a day protection of the entire campus and individuals on the campus. Our 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 first-aid, C.P.R., defense tactics, legal updates, evidence gathering, traffic control, investigations, etc.

Officers are responsible for a full range of public safety services including all crime reports, investigations, medical emergencies, fire emergencies, traffic accidents, enforcement of laws regulating underage drinking of alcoholic beverages, the use of controlled substances, weapons, and all other incidents requiring police assistance.

The Department of Public Safety prepares and submits incident reports to the Department Law Enforcement Automated Information System to which all Department personnel have access. As a courtesy, we share information on arrests and serious crimes with both state and local police adjacent to the University. The serial numbers and identifying description of all stolen motor vehicles, office equipment and other stolen properties from our campus is reported nationwide through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

Potential criminal action and emergencies on campus should be reported directly by any student, faculty, staff or visitor to the Department of Public Safety, located at the Power Plant, 508-999-8107.

Crime Statistics

A list of campus crime statistics for the previous three-year period is available from the Department of Public Safety upon request and through the pamphlet, A Guide to Campus Safety and Law Enforcement.

Arrest Rights

If stopped by the police, remember:

1. The University Police have all the responsibilities and authority of police officers in any municipality. They are real police.
2. If asked for identification, you must cooperate. The officer must identify him/herself by badge or ID number, if you ask.
3. Going to the Police Station for questioning is voluntary, unless you have been arrested.
4. To be placed under arrest, a police officer must inform you of your arrest and the reason for it. If you are not sure what is happening, ASK!
5. You may be arrested with or without warrant, depending upon circumstances.
6. If you are arrested, or believe you are a suspect, consult an attorney as quickly as possible. Try to remember facts, names, places, and times.

If you are arrested, know your rights!

Being arrested is a serious matter. Under the law you have specific legal rights. These rights apply to you both on and off campus. If arrested by a law enforcement agency, you have the following rights:

1. The right to remain silent, since anything you say can be used against you in court;
2. The right to complete one telephone call;
3. The right to speak with an attorney before answering any questions;
4. If you started to answer questions without a lawyer, you have the right to stop answering questions at any time until you speak with an attorney;
5. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, you may request the court to appoint one;
6. ALL ARRESTS will result in an appearance in court to assure your right to due process in the resolution of any charges made against you.
7. You need not give your permission or consent to a search of your home or automobile; if you give consent or permission, any evidence obtained from the search is admissible against you in court.

You have the right to file a complaint if you feel there has been any impropriety by the University Police. Anyone with a complaint should file it in a timely fashion, at the police department, and ask to speak to a shift supervisor or a command officer. Questions on any of the proceeding information may be addressed to the Department of Public Safety.

Public Safety Programs

The University Investigations and Crime Prevention Unit continues to grow and expand each year. We offer programs and materials dealing with university safety and reduction of crime. Officers who specialize in selected crime prevention duties staff this section. Programs include a Rape Aggression Defense, (RAD) course for women, Community Policing, Operation I.D., Auto Etching, Alcohol Awareness and Anti-drunk Driving Workshops. If you have any questions or ideas, please contact the Crime Prevention Unit, Department of Public Safety at 508-999-8770.

TIPS Line

There is a dedicated phone line that is set up to receive anonymous information about any incident, crime or other issue. Call 508-999-8477 and leave a message. Remember to leave your contact information if you are willing to receive a call back to discuss the message. Although the number is checked daily, it should not be used to report crimes in progress, or for any situation when an immediate police response is needed. In those circumstances, you should call X9191 from any UMD building, or dial 508-999-9191 if using a cell phone or pay phone on campus.

The Facilities and Physical Plant Department maintains most buildings and grounds for the University. It inspects campus facilities on a regular basis, makes repairs affecting safety and security, and also responds to reports of potential safety and security hazards such as broken windows and locks.

The Department of Public safety routinely surveys the campus for defective lighting and other safety hazards. They forward written reports on such hazards to the Facilities Department for repairs. Students as well as faculty and staff should call the Facilities and Physical Plant Office at 508-999-8100, or the Department of Public Safety at 508-999-8107 to report any safety or security hazard.

Shuttle Services “DART”

The University also provides the “ DART”, a shuttle van for on-campus safety transportation. The service begins at 5:30 each night and ends at 2:00am, 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.

Safety Escort Service

The Department of Public Safety provides safety escorts upon request, depending upon availability of officers. Service is requested by dialing University Police at 508-999-8107. In addition, a student-staffed escort service is available for the safety of anyone visiting the library. This service operates from the second floor of the library and is for the safety of anyone walking to the adjoining academic parking lots. Hours of operation are 5:00pm until the library closes, Sunday through Thursday.

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 orange 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 summons an escort.

Parking

All members of the university community wishing to use their cars on campus must register with the Department of Public Safety and receive a parking sticker. Resident students may keep a vehicle on campus. Parking decals are available at UMass Pass located in the Campus Center. Decals for handicapped parking will be issued at the Department of Public Safety; all wishing to obtain permits for handicapped parking must register there.

• Students must park within white lines only.
• Non-resident students cannot park in the lots in Cedar Dell or the Residence Halls.
• Residence Hall and Cedar Dell Students can also park in their residence lots, or within the white lines in campus lots.
• If you have a borrowed car, you must get a temporary pass at the Department of Public Safety.

Mopeds and motorized vehicles of any type are not permitted inside a building. Under no circumstances may vehicles be stored in an apartment or on the porch. In Cedar Dell, during inclement weather all vehicles must be moved to parking lot 11. This will ensure a more efficient process in removal of snow from the Cedar Dell parking lots.

Religious Resource Center

Campus Ministry coordinates the religious activities and serves the spiritual needs of the university community. Clergy and ministers from major religious denominations provide opportunities for worship, spiritual direction and counseling, and programs which enable students, faculty and staff to integrate spiritual life with vocational and career choices.

The staff is available to persons of all creeds and will make referrals to resources of particular religious traditions in the greater community at the request of the individual. The office is located on the second floor of the Campus Center, room 216, and is open daily on a walk-in basis. Appointments with a specific campus minister may be made by stopping by the office or by calling the appropriate Campus Minister listed below.

Religious Resource Center Staff:

• The Reverend Brad Hultman, Protestant and Episcopal 508-999-8875
• The Reverend Craig Pregana, Roman Catholic 508-999-8872
• Sister Madeleine Tacy, OP, Roman Catholic 508-999-8872
• Robin Gross, Hillel, 508-999-9241

ROTC (U.S. Army Reserve Officers Training Corps)

UMass Dartmouth undergraduate students may participate in Army ROTC through a cooperative program with Providence College in Rhode Island.  The U.S. 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 sessions. The Patriot Battalion is located at Providence College which also 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.

The ROTC program, conducted by agreement with Providence College, has the following features:

• UMass Dartmouth students may participate in Providence College’s ROTC program and receive benefits from so doing, including financial aid.
• Students register for Providence Colleges courses at Providence College.  We do not provide registration services for these courses on the UMass Dartmouth campus.
• Students can get ROTC courses/credits posted to the UMass Dartmouth transcript using the methodology for Transfer Credit, according to the transfer credit policies of their specific academic department. Students planning to participate in ROTC should definitely use the Transfer Course Prior Approval process, to receive initial departmental approval of such transfer credit.
• Students obtain ROTC program advising and access to scholarships through the ROTC program at Providence College. The Office of Career Services at UMass Dartmouth will serve as a contact point for students. At this location, students interested in ROTC may:
• Obtain information and materials about ROTC in general and the program at Providence College.
• Obtain assistance in contacting a Providence College representative of the ROTC program.
• Learn about courses offered each semester at Providence College and obtain assistance with the process of Providence College registration. For additional information call the Career Resource Center at 8655.

Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs actively supports the broad educational goals of the University and the individual needs of students. The Vice Chancellor’s office serves as an advocate for all students. As part of the administration of UMass Dartmouth, the Vice Chancellor is a direct line to Senior Management and serves as a liaison between the faculty and the co-curricular needs and services of the student.

Student Support Services Program

Since 1976 the Academic Resource Center has been the recipient of a Student Support Services grant from the US Department of Education. We are directed to “Foster an institutional climate supportive of the success of low-income and first generation college students and individuals with disabilities.” Students who meet strict eligibility guidelines are encouraged to join our program. Through individualized needs assessment and academic support we are dedicated to supporting each program participant’s graduation from UMass Dartmouth and his/her acceptance to graduate school. For additional information call the ARC at (508) 999-8709.

Study Abroad

Students interested in pursuing a course of study in another country may obtain information and get appropriate forms from the Academic Advising Center, Foster Administration Building, Suite 008, 508-999-8455.

University Relations

For many, we are the face of UMass Dartmouth and we are here to help ensure a good relationship with all of our UMass Dartmouth neighbors. Coinciding with this mission are the many events held on campus. From celebrating our annual commencement, to hosting regional conferences, to opening our facilities for SouthCoast groups, we make every effort to welcome numerous groups to the university. To that end, our University Relations offices help UMass Dartmouth maintain and improve relationships with:

• current and prospective students,
• alumni,
• faculty members and employees,
• elected and appointed government officials,
• parents of our students and
• residents of the southcoast region.

There are six deprtments that comprise the Division of University Relations:

• Alumni
• Center for Policy Analysis
• News and Publications
• Foundation
• Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP)
• SouthCoast Development Partnership

For an idea of some of the specific ways in which UMass Dartmouth’s Division of University Relations interacts with the community, I hope you will take some time to explore the University Relations website. There are a lot of good things happening at UMass Dartmouth and I invite you to join us in helping to make the University the preeminent educational and cultural resource in the SouthCoast! Contact us: www.umassd.edu/university_relations or 508-999-8760.

University Enrollment Center

Students receive comprehensive enrollment and financial services for day, evening and summer classes all in one location in the lobby of the Foster Administration Building. During office hours Monday-Thursday 8am to 7pm, and Friday 8am to 5pm students can:

• pay tuition fees, fines and parking tickets
• check the status of financial aid
• register, add and drop classes
• check one’s billing account
• get a copy of class schedule
• check, obtain, or order transcript(s)
• pickup refund checks
• obtain advice and assistance
• obtain or submit financial aid forms or documents
• obtain enrollment certifications for health insurance or other purposes

Some services are also available by using web student. A listing of scholarships is provided on the web at www.umassd.edu/financialaid/scholarships and may be obtained from Financial Aid Office and University Enrollment Center. Included are both merit-based and need-based scholarships, which are often targeted for particular types of students. Most scholarships have a March 1 application deadline for the following year. In addition, other merit-based scholarships are offered competitively to entering freshman and transfer students on the basis of academic achievement and evidence of intellectual and personal creativity. Information about this program is available from the Office of Admissions.

Upward Bound Program

The Upward Bound Program is a college preparatory program for disadvantaged high school students attending New Bedford High School, Westport High, and Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. The purpose of the Program is to increase the numbers of low income and potential first generation college students in the target area who will be prepared to go on to higher education. The program is designed to generate the academic skills and motivation necessary for gaining admission to and succeeding in post-secondary education. This mission is achieved by providing instruction, tutoring, counseling, academic and career advisement, and a host of other services to the participants in the Program.

During the academic year students meet weekly for tutoring either in the Upward Bound course offered at their school or at one of several tutorial sites. Counseling and advisement are provided to all students to ensure that they are progressing academically and receiving all support services needed. Regular staff contact with students affords an opportunity to help stimulate the student’s level of motivation and appreciation for academic excellence. Once each month students come together for a “Saturday Session” during which they might participate in activities such as field trips, workshops, presentations, cultural enrichment activities, or college visits. The Program also offers a six-week summer residential component housed on the UMass Dartmouth campus. Students attend classes in English, Math, Science, Computers, and foreign language to prepare them for the upcoming year in high school. Tutoring and other academic support services are provided. Seniors and some juniors are also offered a tuition free college course for which credit may be transferred to the college or university at they matriculate upon graduation from high school.

During the highly structured daily schedule in the Summer, students are engaged in a host of other activities such as SAT prep, public speaking, student and youth development sessions, career exploration and orientation, college and scholarship search, recreation and physical fitness, cultural enrichment and other field trips, and other activities. Typically, each year, the Program graduates 15-25 seniors and 90-100% of all Upward Bound graduates go on to enroll in college the following Fall semester.

Veterans Affairs Office

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. Veterans’ tuition waivers are available for 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, to 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; being a degree candidate or eligible to apply for a degree candidacy.

Contact the Office of the University Registrar. Students who are eligible may sumit a Certificate of Eligibility which should be presented to the Office of Veterans’ Affairs for certification of enrollment. It is the veteran students’ responsibility to notify the university of any changes in course credit load or addresses, in a timely manner.

Women’s Resource Center

Founded in 1970, the UMass Dartmouth Women’s Resource Center provides resources that help to create an educational atmosphere rich in visible role models and free of sexual bias and inequities, where women can grow to their full potential. The center provides cultural opportunities that further women's personal and professional development and promotes a broader understanding of the diverse experiences of all women. Central to our mission is the recognition that explorations of gender must take place in tandem with explorations of race, class, sexual orientation, and other significant aspects of individual identity. The center acts as a central coordinating agency for campus and community groups.

The Women’s Resource Center offers programs on women’s health, political activism, diversity, violence against women, and sisterhood. Each semester we sponsor discussion groups, forums, and workshops on topics such as sexual harassment, gender equity, racism, women’s ways of leading, motherhood, ageism, and sex. We are always open to any suggestions and invite new ideas.The WRC hosts the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, a group of student activists working on leadership, reproductive rights, and global women’s issues.

Our goals at the Women’s Resource Center are:

• to encourage empowerment and self esteem in women;
• to increase awareness of women’s issues and opportunities;
• to stop violence against women on campus;
• to enable women to make personal choices regarding careers, life-styles, reproductive rights
• and health issues;
• to encourage positive working relationships between men and women;
• to form alliances with campus organizations committed to social justice;
• and to network with women’s groups in the surrounding communities.

The Center has a variety of resources relating to women’s issues such as:

• Library of over 500 titles
• Periodicals
• Resource files
• Videos
• Brochures and pamphlets
• Lounge and conference room for group use

The Women’s Resource Center is a member of the Women’s Center Standing Committee of the National Women’s Studies Association. We can provide information on nationally scheduled events which are held throughout the year, such as Reproductive Rights Conferences, Women’s Conferences and Political Rallies. We also provide information on lectures and events in the outlying communities.

The Women’s Resource Center is open year round. We are located on the first floor of Pine Dale Hall and can be reached at 508-910-4584 for more information. The Center is staffed by a Director and Administrative Assistant, work-study students, interns, experiential learning students and volunteers. Visit us on the web at www.umassd.edu/wrc.

Women’s Studies Program

A Collaborative Effort: The Women’s Resource Center + The Women’s Studies Program. The Women’s Resource Center works closely with the Women’s Studies Program. Calling upon such fields as art, history, economics, psychology, health, music, and literature, Women’s Studies seeks to understand the position of women in society. The interdisciplinary nature of the Women’s Studies fosters an active examination of the varying influences upon women’s and men’s lives such as race, class, ethnicity, gender, sex, sexuality, and age.

UMass Dartmouth offers a minor in Women’s Studies through a flexible interdisciplinary program of courses tailored for each student. Many classes are organized in seminar style to allow the fullest possible participation of all students. Minors work closely with a faculty advisor to explore course options and earn academic credits through independent study and field work opportunities. Collaboration with the Women’s Resource Center encourages students to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to practical work on campus and in the community through experiential learning projects. Students can receive 3-6 course credits for such projects. Interested students should talk with Juli Parker, Director of the Women’s Resource Center, or Jen Riley, Director of Women’s Studies, for more information.

Why Should I Pursue a Women’s Studies Minor?

Women’s Studies courses offer a valuable component to any disciplinary major. Students develop self-confidence, critical thought processes, and communication skills that contribute to academic achievement and successful post-university careers. Women’s Studies students have used their unique preparation to pursue graduate degrees in Women’s Studies and other disciplines. Students have also pursued careers in law, human services, business, the health sciences, graphic design, publishing, and education. With its emphasis on critical thinking and communication, the Women’s Studies minor is a valuable asset for any college graduate. Also, many WMS minors choose to work at the Women’s Resource Center during the school year. This work adds to any resume and provides students with hands-on office experience, as well as opportunities to assist in the development of Women’s Resource Center and Women’s Studies programming events.

Last Updated On: 2/6/09