Dear Parents & Families,
No doubt many of you have been impacted by this year’s unusual winter weather, and St. Mary’s College has been no different. Thanks to the diligent work of our physical plant staff, our Office of Public Safety, our food service contractor Bon Apétit and numerous other essential employees your Seahawks have kept safe, warm and well nourished!
Another tip of the hat is due for our Health Services team, who have worked hard to contain colds and flu this season - and they were recently recognized by the Maryland Department of Health and CDC for their efforts in monitoring influenza.
You Have Questions - We’ve Got Answers!
To help students (and family members) find answers quickly, we have created a centralized Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list that addresses some of the most common issues from several different departments across campus.
Questions were compiled in areas including student accounts, financial aid, information technology, accessibility services, registrar, health services, residence life and student affairs. Still have questions? Contact information is provided for each department for additional information. The information contained on this site has been carefully vetted by staff to reflect the latest procedures.
Martin Luther King Day of Service
With inauguration day falling on the Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. holiday this year, the College changed our usual prayer breakfast observance. On Monday evening, Jan. 15, the community was treated to a free celebratory concert featuring Voices of Service in the Dodge Performing Arts Center. During the afternoon of Monday, Jan. 20, SMCM partnered with community organizations and the College of Southern Maryland for a day of service. Student, faculty and staff volunteers participated in a number of community service projects across St. Mary’s County and Southern Maryland.
President Jordan Featured on IngenioUs Podcast
President Jordan offered an authentic glimpse into her inspiring leadership journey on the latest episode of the “IngenioUs” podcast. In the episode, "Leading with Vision, Grace and Grit: The Transformative Leadership of Tuajuanda C. Jordan," President Jordan reflected on the forces that shaped her, the challenges she faced and her hopes for the future. The IngenioUs podcast, hosted by Melissa Morriss-Olson explores academic innovation, uncovering insights and inspirations from those who dare to think differently.
FEBRUARY UPDATES
Division of Academic Affairs: While there may be snow on the ground, it’s not too early to be thinking about spring. Here are some important dates to make sure you have on your calendar:
● Phi Beta Kappa induction - Friday, April 4
● Awards Convocation - Friday, April 11
● Commencement - Saturday, May 10
Division of Student Affairs: The River Runner added a trip to Leonardtown on Friday, Feb. 7. Leonardtown, the seat of St. Mary’s County, offers a refreshing change from the strip malls of Lexington Park and California, with its vibrant downtown and historic attractions. Students were able to tour the historic areas and get a feel for “First Friday” in Leonardtown when art galleries, restaurants, cafés, gift shops, antique shops, bookstores and more open their doors to showcase local artists and/or serve specials.
We provide shuttles to the Washington D.C. and Baltimore areas on the River Runner. Signup links are sent out to students in advance of school holidays and scheduled weekend trips. Stops are at Union Station in Washington D.C. and Penn Station in Baltimore.
Middle States Reaffirmation of Accreditation: In advance of the March 16-19 visit by the Middle States Reaffirmation of Accreditation team, the College has published the executive summary of its self-study document. The executive summary is available on the website and outlines the extensive efforts of workgroups across the campus community.
Department of Athletics & Recreation: On Jan. 14, 2025 in Nashville, Director of Athletics & Recreation Crystal Gibson accepted the 2025 NCAA and Minority Opportunities Athletic Association Award for Diversity and Inclusion for Division III. SMCM was selected from among more than 400 institutions that compete at the Division III level, joining Division I Villanova University and Division II Southern Connecticut State University as the recipients in each NCAA division.
Center for Career and Professional Development:
Professional Pathways - Mentor-A-Seahawk
The Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) has partnered with the Office of Alumni Relations to implement the Mentor-A-Seahawk program, an exciting initiative connecting first-year and transfer students with alumni mentors! As part of the Professional Pathways program, the signature professional literacy component of the LEAD initiative, Mentor-A-Seahawk pairs students in LEAD 112 (Career & Network Navigation II) and LEAD 311 (Career & Network Navigation for Transfer Students) with alumni mentors for four meetings throughout the semester. In spring 2025, more than 370 students have been matched with 260+ mentors, with 80% sharing a major, minor, industry, or identity -- and 25% of matches have more than one trait in common! Learn more at the Mentor-A-Seahawk google site.
Save The Date - SMCM Career & Internship Fair - March 25, 2025
Please encourage your student to join us for an exciting opportunity at our Spring Career & Internship Fair on Tuesday, March 25 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Michael P. O’Brien Athletics & Recreation Center!
With over 70 employers from local, regional, and national organizations eager to connect with you, this is your student’s chance to explore a wide range of career paths and internships.
We hope they don't miss out on this fantastic event to network, learn, and take the next step in their professional journey.
Office of Student Success Services (OS3):
Self-Advocacy and Assertiveness
Who supports (advocates for) your student, especially when they are away at school? What does self-advocacy and assertiveness look like? How do parents/family members help their student to develop these necessary skills?
The full article is written by a staff member who teaches this information to students in the Seahawk Academic Improvement and Learning Strategies (IDIS124) course every semester.
Upcoming Parent/Family Webinars
Please join staff members from the Office of Student Success Services, Office of Student Financial Services, and Counseling & Psychological Services for the following Webinars (held on Zoom):
Tuesday, March 4 from 7-8 PM: Help Your Student Become an Independent Adult, Part 1
- Presented by: OS3 Staff: Patrice Darby, Joanne Goldwater; Office of Student Financial Assistance Staff: Rob Maddox; Counseling & Psychological Services Staff: Jess Jolly
We will discuss: Things students and families should do between March and Commencement; FAFSA and financial considerations; summer school opportunities; self-advocacy (making appointments, refilling prescriptions, paying bills, etc.); self-care
- Zoom Link:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://smcm.zoom.us/j/87527646339?pwd=JqGZb1YaeW4pnMbapbGcwe2CbkGjfF.1
- Meeting ID: 875 2764 6339
Passcode: 563613
Tuesday, April 8 from 7-8 PM: Help Your Student Become an Independent Adult, Part 2
- Presented by: OS3 Staff: Patrice Darby, Joanne Goldwater; Office of Student Financial
Assistance Staff: Rob Maddox
We will discuss: Helping parents/families deal with the person living in their basement for the summer (or beyond!); avoiding learning loss during the summer (reviewing prerequisite knowledge prior to the fall semester); thinking about life after college (budgeting, loans, insurance, etc.);
- Zoom Link:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://smcm.zoom.us/j/87527646339?pwd=JqGZb1YaeW4pnMbapbGcwe2CbkGjfF.1
- Meeting ID: 875 2764 6339
Passcode: 563613