Special Programs and Resources

Thurgood Marshall Library

Dean: Sophia Sotilleo, MLS

The Thurgood Marshall Library offers a variety of materials and services to patrons. The Library’s collections of books, journals, and media (DVDs, kits, CDs) can be accessed through the Library’s online catalog or Ebsco One Search.

Currently, the Library collection contains over 280,000 volumes (physical and electronic), over 700 academic subscription titles, over 70 databases, as well as (streaming) videos and DVD recordings, and experienced staff. The library’s two-floor facility has computers for research purposes, group study facilities, individual study carrels, tutoring services, two conference rooms, Wi-Fi, photocopying machines, and seating capacity for more than 300 patrons. The Library also subscribes to over 800 printed journal titles, and has access to over 6,866 e-journals, which can be accessed electronically. A collection of reference materials, periodicals and other items reserved for class assignments is collected and available for onsite use.

The University Archives houses the institutional records of Bowie State University and Special Collections contains materials about the education and history of African Americans in Maryland and Prince George’s County, as well as books on Maryland history, rare books, and photographs documenting Bowie State University’s history.

References Services provide library orientation and instruction either in formal or informal settings. Other facilities within the Library include private study carrels, group study rooms, library instruction classrooms, conference rooms (two), and a 24/7 study gallery.

As a member of the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions (USMAI), our patrons also have access to the collections of thirteen university libraries in the state of Maryland. A daily delivery between the participating libraries is provided to assist patrons in obtaining materials from other libraries in the system.  In addition, all registered patrons have access to interlibrary loan services, for worldwide access, which is a resource sharing system, for materials not available within the USMAI.

The Thurgood Marshall Library is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art information technologies (scanners, computers, printers and copiers) for patron use.  The Library is also equipped for wireless internet access. The Thurgood Marshall Library holds membership in the HBCU Library Alliance, Lyrasis, OCLC, Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) and the American Library Association (ALA).

School of Graduate Studies

Interim Dean for Graduate Studies: Cosmas U. Nwokeafor

The School of Graduate Studies guides and directs, administers, and manages the University’s graduate programs. Graduate programs are designed to meet the needs of students seeking professional advancement, career mobility, or further enrichment. Graduate Studies also provides leadership for the Graduate Council and the Graduate Assistantship Program.

Courses are offered in 16-week sessions meeting once a week in the evenings and on the weekends or in a time-shortened format of two concentrated eight-week sessions in the regular academic semester and in weekend workshop formats, both on- and off-campus. Courses are offered during the year at various sites in Maryland. The workshops are designed for and geared toward the interest of working adults in industry, government, education and social service agencies.

Whether students wish to pursue a degree or a certificate, improve their professional capabilities, or enrich their personal lives, they may choose from among the many graduate offerings at the University. Additional information may be obtained from the Internet (http://www.bowiestate.edu) via email (graduatestudies@bowiestate.edu) or by contacting the School of Graduate Studies at 301-860-3406.

Continuing Education and External Programs

Director: Jerry L. Isaac

The Office of Continuing Education and External Programs provides high-quality continuing education and lifelong learning opportunities for professional development, personal enrichment, career transitions, and academic growth. The Continuing Education and External Programs unit helps to fulfill the University’s outreach mission and facilitates access to an outstanding education for a diverse community of adult learners within Maryland.

Continuing education forms new linkages with the community by serving audiences that are not currently served by the university and by adding new services to the community that the university is already serving. By so doing, the university strives to maintain a mix of private public service activities that meet the needs of individuals and organizations. Through internal partnerships with academic departments and administrative offices of the University, the Continuing Education and External Programs unit offers non-credit programs, off-campus credit courses, contract programs, and on-site demand training, both as a continuing education initiative and in response to expressed needs and demand. The University’s undergraduate and graduate course offerings provide many opportunities for professional and personal growth, including traditional and non-traditional courses both on- and off-campus. In addition to the regular semesters on the main campus students may earn credits in the MINI-SEMESTER and in SUMMER school. The Portfolio Program provides the opportunity for students to earn college credit for their life experiences. Continuing education units (CEUs) may be earned through workshops and conferences.

Courses are offered in 16-week sessions, meeting once a week in the evenings, on the weekends, in two concentrated eight-week sessions in the regular academic semester, or in workshop format, both on- and off-campus. The workshops are designed for and geared toward the interest of working adults in industry, government, and social service agencies.

Whether students wish to pursue a degree or a certificate, improve their professional capabilities, or enrich their personal lives, they may choose from among the many offerings of the Continuing Education and External Programs unit.

Additional information may be obtained from the Internet (http://www.bowiestate.edu), via email (Continuinged@bowiestate.edu), or by contacting the Continuing Education and External Programs Office at 301-860-3997.

Off-Campus Sites

Bowie State University responds to the educational needs of employers, working adults, homemakers, military personnel, and senior citizens by offering courses off-campus at various locations throughout the State. These courses are tailored to meet the demands of working adults on-site or near the job in the evening and on weekends, often in time-shortened formats. Course offerings at the centers focus on education, and psychology. Off-Campus Centers and Programs are listed below:

UMS Shady Grove Center

9640 Gudelsky Drive Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 738-6043 • FAX (301) 738-6030
Director: Mr. Jerry L. Isaac
(jisaac@bowiestate.edu)

Southern Maryland Higher Education Center (SMHEC)

44216 Airport Road
California, Maryland, 20715
(301) 860-3406
Coordinator: Jerry L. Isaac

SUMMER Semester

Bowie State University’s SUMMER School offers a wide variety of courses that provide individuals with the opportunity to accelerate a degree program, explore a special interest, or acquire new skills.

Several SUMMER sessions are offered from June through mid-August. Course offerings are designed to allow continuing students to take general education and major requirements that will enable them to shorten their time-to-degree. Our courses are also available to students from other colleges and universities. Students who have just graduated from high school have an opportunity to get a head start in the University program of their choice. A maximum of seven semester hours may be taken in MINI-SEMESTER.

Credit courses and workshops are available during the day, in the evenings, and on weekends.

Interested persons should contact Continuing Education and External Programs (301-860-3997; toll free 877-772-6943, x3997) for SUMMER session information.

MINI-SEMESTER

The January MINI-SEMESTER, a three-week session, is designed to give students and faculty the opportunity to explore topics in an intense and focused session. A student may accelerate his/her degree program, explore a special interest, or acquire new skills. Graduate and undergraduate credit and non-credit courses and workshops are available during the day, in the evening, and on weekends. A maximum of seven semester hours may be taken in the MINI-SEMESTER.

Interested persons should contact Continuing Education and External Programs at (301-860-3997; toll free 877-772-6943, x3997).

The Portfolio Program (Credit for Life Experience)

Non-traditional undergraduate students who have formally applied to Bowie State University, have been accepted, and have paid the application and acceptance fees may apply for credit for experiential learning through the Portfolio Program. Normally, a student should apply to the Portfolio Program during the First Semester of enrollment at the Institution. A portfolio that documents and describes adult learning experiences may be done independently or by participating in a Portfolio Development Seminar following guidelines in the Student Guide to Portfolio Development.

The Portfolio Counselor will assist students in analyzing, evaluating, and identifying those features of their experiential repertoire that may be converted into academic credit. The appropriate academic department makes the credit recommendation to the dean. Upon the dean’s approval academic dean, the student will be notified of the decision.

A student may be granted a maximum of 30 undergraduate semester hours through the Portfolio Program. No more than 60 combined semester hours may be awarded to an undergraduate student based on experiential learning and CLEP or USAFI Examinations.

Awarded credits are posted on the student’s transcript after he/she has paid tuition and the assessment fee and has forwarded a receipt to the Office of the Registrar. Payment must be made during the semester in which the student is awarded credit.

Contact Continuing Education and External Programs at 301-860-3997; toll free 877-772-6943, x3997 for information.

University Honors Program
Director: Monika Gross, Ed. D.

Mission

The University Honors Program is designed to provide a value-added learning experience to academically talented undergraduate students through a series of complementary and coordinated programs. Designed to stimulate students to their fullest potential in academic excellence and leadership, the Program nurtures those students who aspire to become academicians, business men and women, professionals in law and medicine, and public servants.

Academic Components

• Rigorous intellectual challenge in special honors sections.
• Opportunity to earn honors credit by undertaking approved honors projects.
• Designation on transcript of “Honors Scholar” for completion of 24 honors credits, 200 hours community service, and 16 cultural events.
• Monitoring students’ progress, and setting the overall tone of the program.

 Additional Components

• Honors Student Organization to foster leadership among students in the Honors Program.
• Special Events Committee to plan trips, social activities, and newsletters.
• Honors library and study room especially for honors students’ use.
• Opportunity to attend national, regional, statewide, and local conferences.
• Designated honors floor in residential facility to foster an intellectually stimulating living environment.
• Students must complete at least one graduate school or professional exam ex. GRE, LSAT or MCAT.

Curriculum
Students in the Honors Program as freshmen must complete a minimum of 24 credits from among the following courses or from their major course of study through the honors contract:

Application
Admission to the Honors Program is highly competitive. Matriculating students who meet the criteria are selected to apply to the program.

The Bowie State Satellite Operation and Control Center
Director: Todd Watson

The Bowie State University Satellite Operation and Control Center (BSOCC) is a joint venture between Bowie State University and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. This unique program features a student training facility and NASA control center located on the Bowie State University campus.

Under the supervision of professionals, students take part in the daily work of spacecraft flight operations, earning several different levels of mission controller certification.

Through BSOCC, the university has developed outreach activities that raise community awareness in aeronautics and space technology. As students participate in the monitoring satellites, they receive opportunities to study and pursue careers in new science and technology fields.

For additional information on the program contact BSOCC at (301) 860-3879.

Military Science
Chair: Lieutenant Colonel Joel W. Thomas II

MISSION
The Army ROTC Program provides college men and women training and experiences in the art of organizing, motivating, and leading others. This Program develops self-discipline, physical stamina, and personal bearing that contribute to success in any career. The first two years of military training in the Reserve Officer Training Corps are strictly voluntary for any student who is a United States citizen. An individual taking these ROTC courses incurs absolutely no obligation to future military service. These two years comprise the basic course, which is normally completed during the freshman and sophomore years.

Students who decide to pursue a career in Military Science after the completion of the freshman year will be contracted and attend the four-week ROTC Cadet Initial Entry Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky Students who decide to join after their freshman year will attend the ROTC Cadet Initial Entry Training in lieu of completing the freshman and sophomore ROTC courses.

The four-week Cadet Leader Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky is attended during the junior and senior years by those Cadets meeting the necessary qualifications. Upon successful completion of the Cadet Leader Course, Cadets are qualified for commissioning in the Active Army, the Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard provided they complete their final year of Military Science and graduate from the University.

The Army ROTC offers four-, three-, and two-year scholarships. Students selected for scholarships receive a tax free subsistence allowance ranging from $300-$500 a month, for up to ten months per school year. Additionally the scholarship will pay $1200 annually for textbooks, classroom supplies, and equipment. More information may be obtained by contacting the Military Science Department.

Green to Gold
If you are currently on active duty or have completed your service, you may already have fulfilled the requirements for the Basic Course. You may be eligible to enroll directly in the Advance Course and complete ROTC in just two years.

Basic Course Requirements for ROTC Participation

A candidate for ROTC training must:
1. be of good moral character;
2. be a citizen of the United States, however, foreign students may participate;
3. be physically able to participate in the program of instruction;
4. meet other entrance requirements as determined by the department chairperson, current Army regulations, and University policies, and
5. be a full-time student (undergraduate 12 CREDITS or more and graduate 9 credits or more)

A student who does not meet all of the above requirements should consult with the Department of Military Science to determine if waivers can be granted.

Texts and Uniforms
Basic course students do not receive monetary allowances unless on scholarship. The Department furnishes all uniforms and the textbooks are available on line. Students will be required to reimburse the department/government for loss of uniform items or other equipment.

Advanced Course Requirements
You (Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate Students) must:
1. have a minimum of two years remaining at the University as a full-time student, graduate or undergraduate level;
2. meet all other requirements for the basic course;
3. meet medical requirements for the advanced course;
4. possess qualifications for becoming an effective Army officer;
5. agree to accept a commission if offered, as a U.S. Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard Officer and serve on active duty if required; and serve four years on active duty if required and
6. meet other requirements as determined by the department chairperson, current Army regulations, and University policies.
A student who does not meet all of the above requirements should consult with the Department of Military Science to determine whether waivers can be granted.

Financial Allowances
Each cadet on scholarship or enrolled in the advanced course receives subsistence pay ranging from $300-$500 per month. Books and uniforms are furnished to all Cadets. Cadets are paid a travel allowance to and from the Cadet Leader’s Course (CLC), and while at the CLC , Cadets are paid approximately $900.00 per month. The stipend allowance during the regular school year is up to $5,000.00 per year.

Curriculum Courses

Air Force ROTC
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is available to Bowie State University students through an agreement with the University of Maryland College Park. AFROTC courses are scheduled so that Bowie State students can complete all AFROTC requirements during one morning per week (Thursdays) at the College Park campus. In addition, students are eligible to compete for AFROTC scholarships and flying programs. The four-, three-, and two-year scholarships pay tuition, books, fees, and a monthly stipend. After graduation from the University and successful completion of the AFROTC requirements at the University of Maryland College Park, students are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Air Force. Students interested in AROTC may contact:

AFROTC Det 330
University of Maryland College Park
Cole Field House, Room 2126
College Park, MD 20742-4321
(301) 314-3242/7649; Afrotcdet330@umd.edu

Office of Media Operations
Manager: Chartez Bond

The Office of Media Operations (OMO) provides centralized and coordinated media-based instructional technology support to the University community. The Office has five (5) major functions.

The Media Center provides direct classroom instructional support services and a variety of instructional technology equipment and materials as well as training in the use of instructional technology equipment. Media Center personnel also set-up, deliver to, and retrieve instructional technology equipment from classrooms. The Media Operations viewing room has a seating capacity of fifteen (15), is equipped with a 32-inch television, a DVD player, a VHS videocassette recorder, and a computer. The room is available for video screening small class seminars and presentations. Additionally, the Media Center provides transparency production, audio duplication for Foreign Language courses, and lamination services. Requests for services must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Please call 301-860-3900 or come to the Media Center on the lower level of the Library, Suite 080.

Smart Classroom Support: OMO ensures that Smart classrooms equipped with Smart Boards, visual presenters, VCRs, DVDs, LCD projectors, and other instructional technology equipment are operational and maintained. Furthermore, OMO maintains two electronic classrooms located on the lower level of the Library, Suite 080, which are equipped with video cameras, an instructor’s computer, microphones, visual presenters, VHS recorders, and Smart boards. These technology-enhanced classrooms are also equipped with the University System of Maryland’s Interactive Video Network (IVN), which transmits and receives via Internet protocol distance education programs from other IVN affiliates, and organizations across the country and the world. OMO personnel are responsible for training and assisting instructors and students in the use of Smart classroom equipment in all buildings.

Teleconferencing Services: The Teleconference Center is located in the OMO Suite, Room 080K, and is equipped with the USM IVN system. Teleconferencing services include videoconferencing for professional development and organizational and/or University of Maryland System meetings. Requests must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance.

Special Event Services: OMO provides technical assistance in the planning and implementation of special events occurring on the Bowie State University campus. Services include providing LCD projectors, public address systems, and videoconferencing.

Instructional Facility Design: OMO personnel serve as consultants in the design of new instructional facilities on the campus of Bowie State University. This service includes design, layout and use of instructional spaces, as well as the selection of instructional technology equipment for general and specialized classrooms, lecture halls, and auditoriums.

Division of Information Technology
Vice President of Information Technology/CIO: E. Wayne Rose

The Division of Information (DIT) provides leadership, support, service, and access to information technology and telecommunication resources in support of higher education, customer support, and public service. Reporting to the President, Our mission is to empower our customers to dramatically improve their education and business performance by enabling interoperability between diverse technology systems and streamlining their business processes.

The vision of DIT is to support the mission of Bowie State University in the delivery of quality education and services to our students through all facets of their experience before, during, and after their enrollment at the university. The focus is on the basics of improving service quality and to offer cost effective strategic solutions to the ever increasing technology needs of the campus community.

The main objective is to provide student-centric technology support and services to enhance and enrich their chosen field of study as well as teach them how to effectively use information technology in all facets of a student’s “preparations” for life.

Other objectives include supporting the students, administration, faculty, and staff with all of their technology needs and provide efficient and quality customer service. DIT personnel work as a team to provide quality services and courteous customer service to the campus community. DIT strives to consistently provide optimum service without interruption to the campus community.

DIT consistently maintains and refurbishes the University’s infrastructure to secure the information, enhance information access and usage, implement leading edge technologies, and facilitate personnel and student development. General inquiries and requests for assistance should be directed to the Enterprise Support Services Help desk at extension 2-HELP (2-4357) on campus, 301-860-4357 or send email to helpdesk@ bowiestate.edu .

Official Communication Email Policy
The University has adopted email as the primary means for sending official communications to students. Academic advisors, faculty, and campus administrative offices use email to convey important information and time-sensitive notices. All enrolled students are provided a University email address. Students are responsible for keeping their email address up to date or for forwarding email to another address. Failure to check email, errors in forwarding email, and returned email due to mailbox full or user unknown situations will not excuse a student from missing announcements or deadlines.

Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Bowie State University, an institute of higher learning, is an employer committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) under University policy, federal and state laws in its admission process, education and employment that seeks to attract qualified faculty, staff and students of diverse backgrounds. Bowie State University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs or employment regardless of sex, race/ethnicity, color, religion, age, mental and/or physical disability, national origin, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information or marital status. Bowie State University is committed to Affirmative Action under the law in the recruitment and employment of women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities and veterans.

The Office of Equal Employment Opportunity is obligated to create a fair and impartial complaint process by investigating complaints of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and unfair management practices. Additionally, the EEO Office conducts workshops, seminars, assists with reasonable accommodations, develops recommendations for modification, provides technical assistance to managers concerning employee related issues and sustains compliance with federally mandated laws and regulations.
The Office of Equal Employment Opportunity is charged with remaining in compliance with the following laws and Executive Orders:

•  Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VI and VII;
•  The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended and Rehabilitation Act of 2008;
•  Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978;
•  Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended;
•  Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008;
•  Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972;
•  Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended;
•  Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974;
•  Executive 13166 - Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency;
•  Governor’s Code of Fair Employment Practices, Executive Order 01.01.2007.16;
•  Maryland Annotated Code, Title 20 - Human Relations.

EEO Officer’s contact information: 14000 Jericho Park Road, Charlotte Robinson Hall, Bowie, MD 20715; (301) 860-3442 (phone); (301) 860-5800 (fax); and ktaylor@bowiestate.edu

Bowie State University Study Abroad

The following types of study abroad programs are currently supported at the University. For program specific information, students should contact the Study Abroad Coordinator in the Office of International Education & Student Services.

·         Short-term, faculty-led

·         Third-party provider summer, semester, and academic year

·         Summer research

·         Scholarship language immersion programs

·         University/College exchange programs for semester or academic year

Although some programs may have their own eligibility and application requirements, students must meet BSU’s requirements as well as the program’s requirements:

1. Student must be 18 years or older.
2. Student must be enrolled as full-time student with a minimum of 24 resident credits if an undergraduate student (transfer students must have 12 resident credits) or 9 resident credits for graduate students and be in good academic standing.
   *Faculty-led programs can set their own resident credit limit requirements.*
3. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 if an undergraduate student or 2.8 for graduate students and be in good academic standing.
   *Faculty-led programs can set their own GPA requirements.*
4. Student must have no incomplete grades from previous semesters.
5. Student must have no outstanding financial obligations from previous semesters at BSU.
6. Student must not have any current or pending probationary status or disciplinary/conduct action due to academic dishonesty, civil, or criminal misconduct.

All grades and credits earned through study abroad will be a part of the student’s Bowie State University transcript. Courses will be taken for “credit” and will not be eligible for “audit” or “pass/fail”.

Students are responsible for knowing if the credit on their program will be “transfer” credit or “resident” credit. Undergraduate students may not earn transfer credit on a study abroad program if they are within the last thirty (30) semester hours required for a degree. At the completion of the study abroad program, students must request their official transcript to be sent to the Bowie State University Office of the Registrar.