Student Support Services

Student Development

Student Development, organizationally located within the Division of Enrollment and Student Services, promotes student growth and development by providing programs and services that stimulate the learning process through integration of in-class and out-of-class activities and experiences. This is achieved by designing and maintaining quality academic and career support services.

Comprehensive in its approach to student success, Student Development offers strong support and intervention through Academic Advising, Career Services, Counseling, Disability Support Services, Testing Centers, TRIO programs, Student Support Services, and Upward Bound.

For information, contact the Office of Student Development at 443-840-4210.

Libraries

Centrally located on each campus, CCBC libraries provide access to information in a variety of formats: electronic databases, media software, periodicals and books. Professional librarians are available to assist with research and offer formal information literacy instruction through scheduled classes. The library’s catalog and electronic databases are available online.

Bookstores

The CCBC Bookstores are operated by the college at CCBC Catonsville, Dundalk, and Essex.

For your convenience, Bookstores carry the following products:

• New and used textbooks
• Computer supplies and software
• School and art supplies
• Study aids
• CCBC sportswear
• Greeting cards and gifts
• Student bus passes and postage stamps
• Snacks, health and beauty aids

The Bookstores also have a Daily Book-Buyback program.

For more information or to order textbooks online, visit www.bookstore.ccbcmd.edu.

Bookstores Hours of Operation: Hours may vary certain times of the year.
Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

CCBC Cafés

CCBC Cafes provide a variety of menu options on all campuses. CCBC Deli offers an assortment of subs sandwiches made with quality meats, fresh produce, and fresh baked breads. Grill 155 has breakfast items, freshly made burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries and other tasty grill items. Simply-to-go features salads, sandwiches, fresh fruit and snacks. The il Piatto menu has hand-tossed pizza, calzones, Stromboli, and pasta. Sandella’s Flat Breads include health-conscious and great-tasting grilled sandwiches, Panini, and quesadillas, all made with delicious, brick-oven flatbread. Green Mountain Coffee is offered in all outlets along with fresh baked pastry.

Cafes Hours of Operation: Hours subject to change during summer, winter and periods of construction.

Vending: Vending machines are located on all campuses and extension centers.

CCBC Catonsville Cafe, Building K, Room 103
Monday-Thursday, 7:30 AM - 6:15 PM
Friday, 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM

CCBC Catonsville Library Cafe, Building Y
Monday-Thursday, 8:30 AM - 6:15 PM
Friday, 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM

CCBC Catonsville Junction, Building E
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

CCBC Dundalk Cafe, L Building 1st floor
Monday-Thursday, 7:30 AM - 6:15 PM
Friday, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

CCBC Essex Cafe, Building B
Monday-Thursday, 7:30 AM - 6:15 PM
Friday, 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM

CCBC Essex Cyber Cafe
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Student Success Centers

Each Center provides tutoring, Supplemental Instruction and academic support needed to foster learner independence and academic excellence.

Children’s Learning Centers

CCBC Children’s Learning Centers are the college child care centers that feature programs of learning for young children in a supportive, nurturing environment. Programs are primarily intended for the children of CCBC students. Children of faculty and staff and community residents are also welcomed.

The centers offer developmentally appropriate activities in facilities licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Child Care. Age groupings follow licensing requirements. The centers strive for an atmosphere of equal opportunity, trust, respect and appreciation of the diversity of our staff and families served. Children are accepted to each center (space permitting) regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or sex. Parents are advised to inquire about waiting lists well in advance of child care needs.

Testing Centers

Each campus has a Testing Center for the administration of placement tests and course-related testing (including Distance Learning). Contact the campus centers listed below for further information and operating hours.

Clinical Counseling Services

Clinical Counseling provides confidential assistance with personal, career, and academic concerns. Licensed mental health professionals help students identify, understand and overcome problems that interfere with learning and academic performance. Services include individual counseling, skill building workshops, crisis intervention and referral to college and community resources. Counseling is confidential and never included in the academic record.

These are some of the typical concerns explored in counseling:

• Dealing with pressures of college, work and home
• Managing time demands
• Lack of academic success
• Feeling tense, anxious, overwhelmed or fearful
• Loneliness and depression
• Low self-esteem Relationship difficulties Traumatic experience Learning disabilities

Assessment and Placement

Who

All certificate and degree-seeking students are required to have their skills assessed in reading, writing, and mathematics.

When

The college strongly recommends that students complete the assessment before the first semester of enrollment. However, students may register for six credit/billable hours before completing the assessment if the classes do not require developmental prerequisites.

Where

Placement tests are offered in the Testing Centers on each campus (Catonsville, Dundalk, Essex).

How

CCBC’s placement test, the Accuplacer, is administered on a computer. Students with currently documented disabilities are eligible for test accommodations. When appropriate, students may retest or appeal placement test results.

Exceptions

Students may be exempt from placement testing if they can provide:

• documentation of enrollment in courses from other colleges or universities
• the results of placement tests administered at other Maryland community colleges
• recent SAT or ACT scores (within two years of application to CCBC)

Students who audit a class are exempt from the assessment/placement policy unless the course registration is changed to credit status.

Academic Advisement

Academic advisement is committed to engaging students in meaningful partnerships to assist them in achieving their educational and career goals. Advisors collaborate with students to help them explore programs of study, set appropriate personal objectives and successfully prepare for graduation, transfer or employment. Advisors assist students with:

• Selecting courses based upon assessment/placement results in reading, English and mathematics
• Interpreting academic requirements and selecting appropriate courses toward obtaining a certificate, associate degree or for personal enrichment
• Clarifying academic goals
• Selecting a major or course of study
• Accessing college resources to support and enhance their educational experience
• Developing decision making and independent learning skills
• Evaluating progress toward career goals, degree completion and transfer

Students are expected to:

• Be an active participant in the advising process
• Understand general and program requirements for selected major
• Develop realistic educational and career goals
• Become knowledgeable about college policies, procedures and resources
• Demonstrate ability to access and navigate student portal on a routine basis for registration and educational planning
• Accept responsibility for decision making in the advising process

Academic Advisement also assists students with transfer information through:

• ARTSYS (Web-based transfer information system for Maryland Public colleges and universities)
• College Transfer Days
• Campus visits by four-year colleges and universities
• In-class workshops

Transferring from CCBC

Transfer Advising

CCBC provides solid preparation and guidance for students planning to pursue four-year degrees. Courses designated as meeting a general education requirement shall be applicable to the general education requirements at any other MD public college or university.

Students who plan to transfer to four-year colleges after attending CCBC should consult with advisors early in their programs to identify appropriate courses that will efficiently transfer to the colleges they plan to attend.

Transfer Resources

A wealth of information, including catalogs, applications, scholarship information, transfer guides and other resources, is available to students through transfer advising. The transfer advising webpage http://www.ccbcmd.edu/advising/transfer.html has information that will help to facilitate your transfer from CCBC to a four-year college or university.

CCBC has established articulation agreements for the seamless transfer of programs with Maryland public four-year institutions to ensure appropriate student preparation and placement. Recommended transfer patterns for many majors at Maryland four-year colleges are available in the advising centers at each campus.

ARTSYS is an online resource created to assist the transfer of students from Maryland community colleges to University of Maryland System colleges and other participating institutions. Students can use ARTSYS at home or in CCBC advising centers to:

• Determine the transferability of CCBC courses to public and private four-year colleges in Maryland
• Access Recommended Transfer Programs (RTP) for the identification of CCBC courses that transfer directly into specific majors at the four-year college of choice

Representatives from four-year colleges and universities visit CCBC in the fall and spring semesters during the Transfer Fairs to meet with students.

Transcripts

Official transcripts (get the request form)

• Submit a written request and $10 transcript fee to any Enrollment Service Center. If you have changed any information such as your name or address, be sure to submit a Change of Information Form with official documentation to the Enrollment Services Center before requesting a transcript.
• CCBC will send an official transcript of the student’s academic record to a college, university, or employer per the student’s request.

Unofficial transcripts

• Available via the CCBC Web site or in any Enrollment Service Center.

Students must satisfy all obligations to CCBC prior to the processing of transcripts.

Tutoring

See Student Success Centers for details.

Learning Communities

Learning Communities offer students a richer learning experience by providing interdisciplinary learning and by increasing collaboration of students and faculty in the pursuit of learning. Learning Communities are based on the principle that students are often the best learning resources for one another. In a learning community, two or more classes are paired, and students enroll in both of the paired courses. Because students are taking the same classes, strong bonds form as they study together, support each other, and learn from one another. The collaboration and the connection among and between faculty, students, and content create a community of learners and provide students with an enriched and supportive learning experience.

For more information, call 443-840-1621.

Academic Support Programs

Project SPARK

Project SPARK is a comprehensive academic support program on the Catonsville campus which is designed to assist eligible students to complete an associate degree and transfer to a four-year college or university. Case management services, which are prescriptive and individualized, include academic advising, tutoring sessions, transfer counseling, college visits, cultural events and more. To apply to Project SPARK, visit CCBC Catonsville, Room K-202-I, or call 443-840-4132.

Project START

Project START (Student Transfer and Retention Team) is a comprehensive academic support program on the Essex campus which is designed to assist eligible students to achieve the completion of an associate degree and transfer to a four-year college or university. Case management services, which are individualized and prescriptive, include free professional tutoring, academic advising, transfer counseling, academic workshops, and cultural enrichment activities. To apply to Project START, visit CCBC Essex, Building A, Room 241, or call 443-840-1544.

Students with Disabilities

Services for Students With Disabilities

CCBC is committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities for all students by arranging support services and reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. A student with a disability may contact the appropriate campus Disability Support Services Office (DSS) for an appointment to discuss reasonable accommodations. An appointment must be scheduled within a time period which allows staff adequate time to respond to the special needs of the student. The student must provide the appropriate office with proper documentation supporting the need for reasonable accommodations.

How to File a Complaint

Students are entitled to file complaints if they believe their rights under the Americans With Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, have been violated. A copy of the Grievance Procedure is available at the office of the Director of Disability Support Services, Essex Campus, Building A 212, 443-840-1741.

Student Life

CCBC’s co-curricular programs are learning centered and based upon national research which demonstrates that involvement in co-curricular activities enhances students’ academic and psychosocial development as well as their overall collegiate experience.

Participation in academic and co-curricular experiences provides the ideal learning environment in which students can develop skills. Involved students develop greater understanding of and increased competence in leadership, organizational techniques, group processes and communication. They also acquire skills and knowledge in specific areas of interest. Student Life organizations, initiatives, and events are funded by the activities fees collected at registration.

For more information about any of the programs below, please contact your campus Student Life office.

Student Housing

The Student Life office provides a resource service for assisting students in finding housing near campus. To access this resource, please visit http://www.ccbcmd.edu/collegelife/index.html.

Campus student governments

The Student Government Association complements and contributes to the intellectual development of students. All students at CCBC are members of the Student Government Association and may participate to varying degrees.

Clubs and Organizations

Listed below are examples of clubs and organizations on each campus. Please contact the Student Life Office on each campus for more information or visit our website at http://www.ccbcmd.edu/collegelife/index.html.

CCBC Catonsville

American Sign Language Club; Anime Club; Art, Design and Interactive Media Club; Aviation Association; Barnstormers (Theatre); Black Student Union; Catonsville Military Veterans Association (CMVA); Catonsville Student Nurses Association; Christian Fellowship; CCBC Green Party; Dance Express; History Club; Human Resources Club; Indigenous Cultures Association; Interior Design Association; International Club; Jewish Student Association; Literary Arts; Medieval Fantasy Society (MFS); Micology Family; Multicultural Student Association; Muslim Student Association (MSA); Owings Mills Center Committee; Phi Theta Kappa (Honors–Alpha Rho Psi); Photography Club; Psychology Club; Pride Coalition; Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE); Student Government Association (SGA); Student Honors Council; Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA); Students with Disabilities; The CCBC Connection-Catonsville News Bureau; UMOJA (Diversity Week).

CCBC Dundalk

College Programming Board (trips, special events, performing arts, lectures); The Divinus Lux Lucis Paranormal Society; Dundalk Christian Fellowship; Geo caching; Honors Council; Horticulture Club; Multicultural Student Association; Phi Theta Kappa; Practical Nursing Student Association; Rainbow Club; Student Government Association;; Student Veterans’ Group;; Women Involved in Learning & Leadership.

CCBC Essex

Active Minds; Anthropology Club; Art Club; Black Student Union; College Programming Board; CCBC Connection; Environmental Science Club; Essex Christian Fellowship; Gaming Development Club; History Club; Honors Council; International Student Association; Judo Club; Kappa Beta Delta; Masque; Multicultural Student Association; Muslim Student Association (MSA); Nursing Student Organization; Outdoor Activities Club; Phi Theta Kappa; Rainbow Club; The Psychology/Mental Health Club; School of Justice - Law & Order; STEM; Student Government Association; Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE); Women’s Studies Club; Veterans’ Association.

Cultural Events

Art exhibits, dance programs, dramatic and musical performances, films, speakers, and other cultural events are an essential and popular part of College life. These are scheduled throughout the year. For additional information, call the Student Life office on the campus of interest and check out our Student Life calendar online at http://www.ccbcmd.edu/collegelife/index.html.

Intercollegiate Athletics

CCBC is a charter member of the Maryland JUCO Conference and a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), Region XX.

Women’s sports include basketball, cross country, indoor track, lacrosse, soccer, softball and volleyball.
Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, lacrosse and soccer.

CCBC Catonsville Cardinals

• Baseball
• Basketball (men)
• Lacrosse (men/women)
• Soccer (men/women)
• Softball Volleyball

CCBC Dundalk Lions

• Baseball
• Basketball (men/women)
• Softball

CCBC Essex Knights

• Baseball
• Basketball (men)
• Cross Country (women)
• Indoor Track (women)
• Lacrosse (men/women)
• Soccer (men/women)
• Volleyball

Financial assistance is available to student-athletes who qualify through the Intercollegiate Athletic department. In addition, the department provides a comprehensive academic advisement and monitoring program to assist student-athletes in meeting their academic goals.

Students wishing to participate on intercollegiate athletic teams should contact the Intercollegiate Athletic department on the campus of interest in order to determine academic eligibility for athletics:

Student Athlete Attendance

Student athletes are expected to attend all classes. However, the College does recognize instructional classes missed due to participation in an intercollegiate athletic contest listed on the official schedule published by the Athletics Department as an excused absence. When a student athlete is scheduled to participate in such a contest, notification or verification, if requested, will be given to the instructor by the student athlete. The student should be given the opportunity to make up, whenever feasible and within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the instructor, any academic assignment including an examination, which is missed due to this excused absence.

Intramural Athletics

All students are eligible to participate in intramural activities throughout the year. The broad objective of the program is to provide athletic activities that meet the needs of a variety of students. Information concerning activities is available on the campus of interest.

Recreation

CCBC students are invited to utilize the college’s outstanding recreational facilities. Information concerning activities is available on the campus of interest.

Indoor facilities include basketball courts with markings for volleyball and tennis, racquetball courts, free weight and aerobic weight training rooms, fitness labs, training rooms, dance studios, swimming pools and more.

Outdoor facilities include baseball stadiums, lacrosse, soccer, track and field stadiums, hard-surfaced tennis courts and softball fields.

Multicultural Affairs

The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) fosters the creation of a culturally conscious environment, where equal educational access and opportunity is provided to persons of every race and ethnic heritage, gender, religion, ability and sexual orientation. In collaboration with existing college programs and offices, OMA promotes and facilitates the academic, professional and personal development of the CCBC community with an emphasis on underrepresented groups. This is accomplished through advocacy, direct services and cultural programming.

Career Development Services

Career Development Services staff provide support for students and alumni in all stages of the career decision-making and planning process - assessing interests and skills, exploring careers and majors, setting goals, and developing a plan of action.

Online help is available at www.ccbcmd.edu/employment/online.
Online career counselor service is available by e-mailing careercounselor@ccbcmd.edu.

Services include:

• Individual career counseling
• Offering and interpreting career assessments
• Career exploration workshops and special events
• Career/life planning course
• Internship information
• Help with resume-writing, cover letters, and interviewing skills
• Online job bank and other Internet resources
• On-campus job fairs and recruitment
• Assist students applying for jobs on campus or in the community
• Partnering with faculty