A SPECIAL INTRODUCTION FROM SMCM PRESIDENT RHONDA PHILLIPS
Dear Parents & Families,
Welcome to the start of a new academic year, one that I am delighted to be a part of as the new president of St. Mary’s College of Maryland. This is a place that has been a model for honors-level, public liberal arts and sciences education, with dedicated faculty and staff who work together to provide a challenging, rewarding, safe and enjoyable environment to help your students thrive.
And what students they are! The energy, excitement and optimism your Seahawks have shown since their arrival on campus a few days ago has truly been remarkable. With their efforts in the classroom, on the field of athletic competition, in the concert hall or in their clubs and activities, it is inspiring to keep up with them.
As I work toward my first 100 days as president, I am engaged in listening and learning – with input from stakeholders across the campus community. This certainly includes you – and while distance likely precludes meeting with many of you in person during that time, I would encourage you to visit my website where we’ve created an interactive form for you to share with me your thoughts, observations and concerns about your student’s educational experience. I hope you will take an opportunity to participate in this process, which together we will use to shape the College’s next strategic plan.
Thank you for entrusting us with your student’s college experience. Our goal is to provide them outstanding education experiences and support their journey here at the National Public Honors College.
Sincerely,
Rhonda G. Phillips, Ph.D, FAICP
President
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
HAWKTOBERFEST FAMILY WEEKEND
October 17-18, 2025
Registration is open for Hawktoberfest, SMCM’s combined homecoming and family weekend. With family-friendly activities like homecoming games, river cruises, a fall festival, the Great Bamboo Boat Race, Seahawks’ Got Talent Showcase, and more, Hawktoberfest is the perfect time to explore our special waterfront campus with your student!
PARENT / FAMILY WEBINARS
SMCM is dedicated to helping family members like you support their Seahawks, from orientation to graduation. That’s where our webinars come in!
This fall, you can join the Office of Student Success Services (OS3), the Office of Public Safety, and the Center for Career and Professional Development for the following virtual Parent / Family webinars:
- Staying Connected with Your College Student (Sept 16)
- Your Student’s Safety Net: Inside SMCM’s Public Safety Team (Oct 21)
- Pathways to Purpose: Supporting your Student through Career Uncertainty (Nov 18)
ADDITIONAL FAMILY RESOURCES
Looking for more ways to support your student? Visit the Parent & Family Resources webpage, where you will find the official SMCM Parents & Families Guide, past Parent / Family webinars and newsletter articles, contact information for the SMCM Family Liaison, and much more!
SEAHAWK SUCCESS NETWORK (SSN)
We know your student’s sense of belonging and connection are important factors for their happiness and academic success. That’s why we’ve built a campus-wide network for your student called SSN, to supplement support from their academic advisor.
Please encourage your student to stop by the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA), OS3, and Student Affairs to introduce themselves to their appointed SSN contacts, which were distributed to students via email. They may schedule an appointment or simply drop in!
COMPREHENSIVE STUDENT CARE, RIGHT ON CAMPUS
At SMCM, health and wellness are integral to student success and well-being. Our comprehensive services support physical, mental, and emotional health.
COUNSELING CENTER
The SMCM Counseling Center provides mental health support services such as walk-in counseling hours, peer support, short term counseling, group therapy, case management, and psychiatric medication management services, right on campus. To access the 24/7 helpline, students may call 240-895-4200.
Your student may also sign into Welltrack Connect with their SMCM email account to access a list of off-campus mental health providers.
HEALTH SERVICES
Health Services at SMCM provides individualized medical care for your student at a convenient on-campus location. Services include treatment for common illnesses and injuries, sports physicals, reproductive health education, and LabCorp / onsite rapid testing. To make an appointment, students may call 240-895-4289.
TWO NEW HEALTH SUITES
To better care for your student, SMCM's Health Services has opened two new suites in Ethel Chance Hall, the campus wellness center. A new telehealth suite (pictured) provides a private, comfortable environment for students to participate in telehealth sessions with their home-based healthcare providers. A new reproductive health services suite meets a recent Maryland statewide mandate to provide a range of reproductive health services.
These new facilities have been made possible with funding through the Health Disparities Grant, funded by the Maryland Department of Health and the St. Mary's County Health Department. This grant, awarded to SMCM Anthropology Professor Bill Roberts, aligns with the Healthy People 2030 nationwide initiative to address critical public health challenges and reduce health disparities.
“SEE” YOUR SEAHAWK
There are many chances to “see” your student during their time on campus. Check out the following photo galleries, visit our Seahawk Spotlight webpage, or subscribe to our YouTube channel - you just may see your Seahawk in action!