Student Services

Bursar’s Office

DIRECT DEPOSIT - The Payroll Office will gladly direct deposit your work study payroll earnings. For information, call Jen Miller at ext. 2293 or e-mail jmmiller@mcdaniel.edu.

We strongly encourage students to open an account with a local bank in order to meet all of their banking needs. For your convenience, listed below are several banking facilities in the Westminster area.

• Truist: 410-857-4385
• PNC: 410-848-1940
• ACNB Bank: 888-334-2262
• Wells Fargo: 410-876-6330

The Automated Teller Machine (ATM), located on the mid level of the Roj Student Center, is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is serviced by Truist and is affiliated with the MOST, CIRRUS, and PLUS networks. If you have an account with Truist and a PIN (Personal Identification Number), there will be no charge for your transaction. Otherwise, charges set by your bank apply.

The Campus Store offers:

• New and used textbooks for sale or for rent
• Digital textbooks
• McDaniel College apparel and giftware
• School supplies
• General reading books
• Health aids
• Snacks & beverages
• Price Matching to Amazon (Amazon direct, not third party) & b&n.com (please call store for details)

The emergency number (fire, police, and ambulance) is 9-911. If it is necessary to call 9-911 and circumstances permit, please advise the Department of Campus Safety at (410) 857-2202, (ext. 2202) of the emergency. In this way we are better able to help you.

In the event of a medical situation, which is not life threatening, please call (410) 857-2202 first.

Safety Escorts -  Campus Safety officers are available to provide students with safety escorts between campus destinations.  For a safety escort, please call ext. 2202 or 410/857-2202.

Mission Statement

The Department of Campus Safety affirms that the protection of human life is its primary charge. In addition, preservation of college resources is essential to the accomplishment of the goals indicated in the College’s First Principles. Quality of life substantially affects learning, and that quality is preserved by the enforcement of rules and laws, which is a responsibility of the department.

Core Values

As educators, the Campus Safety staff provides or facilitates instruction in safety related topics. The department provides services to the College community in a professional, respectful, knowledgeable, and skillful manner with the highest standards of ethics, accountability, dignity, humanism, equity, and fairness.

Campus Safety places top priority on working with students to protect themselves and their property. Officers help with security, law enforcement, emergency medical services, environmental and life safety concerns, fire safety issues, traffic and parking, and other emergency and disaster services.

The Department of Campus Safety is your 24-hour, 365-days-a-year campus resource. Students are encouraged to provide input on how services may be improved.

Safety Tips

Crime on campus can be reduced by common sense and following a few tips. Some are listed here, and others are available at the department.

• Be wary of too much information on Facebook or other social media. These tools can be used to stalk or track you, or know you’re not at your room and not likely to be back soon. Make sure your privacy settings are current and reflect what you want.
• If you’re posting photos many cameras will record and embed the GPS coordinates, date, and time of the photo in the image information. This is information you may not want to post publicly.
• Propping a building door open may seem like a convenience, but when you do this, you jeopardize the safety of all residents. Please don’t prop doors, and remove any propping objects you find.
• The misuse of fire-fighting equipment is a serious threat to your safety. Don’t allow others to put you in jeopardy.
• Be careful about whom you allow in your room; lock your door and carry your keys when you leave, even if only for a few minutes; never go to sleep with your room unlocked. (Keep first floor or ground accessible windows locked.)
• Record the manufacturer, model and serial numbers of valuables on paper and keep this information in a safe location. Consider purchasing renters insurance if your parents or guardians don’t have extended homeowners coverage for you while living on campus.  Don’t put it on your electronic device… that could be stolen or you could lose your electronic file.
• If you lose your keys, report their loss to Residence Life immediately so an arrangement can be made to change your lock.
• When returning to your residence hall or room, have your key ready beforehand.
• Be aware of places attackers hide; exercise caution near bushes, under stairs, by doorways, parked cars, restrooms, etc.
• If you are followed, reverse direction, cross the street, and go to a public place to call for help. If no phones are available, use a fire alarm box to summon help.
• Don’t run, jog, or walk on the track, golf course, Harvey Stone Park, or other isolated areas alone at night; these places are not intended for night use.
• Textbooks are a huge investment. Put your initials inside your texts on a page you will remember. This helps identify them if they are lost or stolen.
• Back up your important computer information. Students often have their academic “lives” on a computer.
• Activate tracking software if your device has it built in. If not (ex. laptops) consider purchasing tracing software. Just remember you are providing tracking capacity to that company. You have to decide if you are comfortable with that degree of privacy.
• Victims of crimes should report the crime to Campus Safety. Criminal laws apply to the McDaniel College campus; charges are appropriately filed.
• Weapons are not allowed on campus, and carrying them to protect yourself is a mistake; such weapons may be used against you.
• Report suspicious activity.
• If you are traveling outside this United States either for study or spring break, consult the international study advisor and the US State Department’s website for current information on safety in the area you plan to visit (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html)

Safety Escorts

• Campus Safety officers are available to escort students between campus destinations.
• Call ext. 2202 or 410/857-2202 in advance.
• Emergency telephones are located at Gill Center, Harrison House parking lots, the lobbies of Winslow Hall, Baker Memorial Chapel, Levine Hall, and the common room in Hoover Library. Telephones are also located at the exterior of Albert Norman Ward, Blanche Ward, Daniel McLea, McDaniel, Rouzer, Whiteford Halls and the Art Studio.

McDaniel Alert

It is possible for the College to alert you immediately in the case of a campus emergency. McDaniel College has partnered with a firm that can notify you instantly in the event of imminent danger or a life-threatening campus emergency or a tornado warning condition.

Any member of the campus community can enroll online in a few easy steps. You may choose to be contacted by the new McDaniel Alert system via telephone (TTY), cell phone, fax, wireless PDA device or e-mail.

There will be no charges by McDaniel College. However, your phone company may charge for text messages or phone calls received. Your personal data is held under the highest security standard in existence—an encryption level more secure than the technology protocol credit card companies use to protect on-line transactions.

For more information, contact the Department of Campus Safety at (410) 857-2202.

Vehicle Security

• Always lock your car. Keep valuables in the trunk. When driving, keep the doors locked and windows up at least halfway. Park in well-lit areas.
• Don’t let your friends carry alcohol or drugs in your car.
• If followed by strangers, drive to the Campus Safety Office, a police station, hospital, or other public place.
• If your car breaks down on the road, don’t get out if strangers approach to help. Ask them to call the police or a tow service. Honest people will understand your reluctance.
• Consider the installation of an alarm system in your car. Many insurers will provide a discount on your premiums if an alarm system is installed.
• When parking your car, try to park close to well-lit areas, especially those near entrances to buildings or sidewalks. If you plan to be on campus especially late, consider moving your car during the day.

The office mission: To connect students to experiences and opportunities designed to enhance their classroom learning, support their career exploration and aspirations, and deepen their connection to local and global communities.

Office description: The CEO is designed to be a “one-stop shop” for students interested in accessing a variety of experiential learning opportunities.

• First Year Experience: Our First Year Team works closely with students before and during their first year to help identify support, get connected and settle in at McDaniel. The CEO is the hub of this on-going support and is responsible for overseeing orientation programs, peer leader support programs, and additional first year programming in support of the McDaniel Commitment.
• Career Development: The CEO provides career planning support for students beginning in their first year. This includes interview and resume preparation and job search assistance as well as opportunities for students to interact with alumni and employers to build their professional networks.
• Community Engagement: McDaniel students are committed to serving their community and we have a number of local non-profit partners to connect students with opportunities. The CEO plans service days and assists with service learning courses to help students better serve the community and build skills outside of the classroom.
• Education Abroad: The Director of International and Off Campus Programs is responsible for coordinating the College’s study abroad programs. Services include advising students interested in studying abroad, assisting with the application process, helping faculty members plan Jan Terms Abroad, and facilitating the global initiatives of the College.
• Scholarship & Fellowship Support: Students interested in applying for competitive scholarships and fellowships are encouraged to visit the CEO to work on their application materials and connect with faculty advisors, former recipients, and award representatives.

CEO assistance is available on a walk-in basis, by appointment, online, or by telephone.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/McDanielCEO
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/user/McDanielCollegeCEO
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mcdanielceo/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/McDaniel.CEO
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/McDanielCEO

While about 80 percent of the undergraduate students live in the residence halls, commuting students are a welcome and active part of the student body. The College urges all commuting students to visit the Office of Student Engagement (OSE) to learn about events, organizations, and ask questions about commuter services. OSE is located in the middle level of Roj Student Center and their phone number is (410) 386-4848.

Parking

Commuter students may park in any legal student parking space on campus. The Department of Campus Safety parking information can be found at https://www.mcdaniel.edu/about-us/campus-safety.  Yearly parking stickers are required and may be purchased from Campus Safety. Regulations and a map will be issued at the time of registration.

Snow Policy

In cases when the College closes due to inclement weather, closings will be announced on area radio stations including WTTR (AM 1470) and WBSB (104 FM), and Baltimore television stations. However, the official word on closings is the McDaniel College home page (www.mcdaniel.edu). It is assumed all classes will meet unless a professor notifies the school otherwise. To find out about an individual class cancellation, contact the appropriate department secretary.

Food

See McDaniel Culinary Services for The Hilltop Pub, Scotty’s Convenience Store and Casey’s Corner.

Englar Dining Hall is also available for commuters and their guests. Meals can be purchased separately or through a meal plan. See the Bursar for details about purchasing a meal plan.

Dining Plans

For complete information about Dining Plan options, go to: https://www.aviserves.com/mcdaniel/meal-plans

All changes to dining plans must be done within the first two weeks of the semester.

Specialty dinners, themed meals and international celebrations are planned on a monthly basis in Englar Dining Hall.

Special meal hours may be announced during the year.

Note: McDaniel 1Cards are for the individual student’s use only and must be presented at each meal. Meals are not transferable.

Dining locations and hours may be found at: https://www.aviserves.com/mcdaniel

The Director of International and Off Campus Programs is the main campus resource center for information about education abroad. This includes off-campus and overseas experiential learning (study abroad, internships, volunteer and service learning). The office assists students at every stage of the education abroad and application process, and also works with faculty leading short-term study programs abroad during the College’s January Term. For information and a complete list of education abroad programs affiliated with the College, visit www.mcdaniel.edu/studyabroad

The College has its own branch campus in Budapest, Hungary. The Budapest campus is our signature program and most popular study abroad site.  In addition to serving as a national study abroad center for U.S. college students who enroll there for a semester or academic year, McDaniel College in Budapest provides a four-year degree program for international students from around the world.  The Budapest campus offers the McDaniel curriculum, including both general education requirements and advanced courses in certain majors.  McDaniel also exchanges with the Universite Saint-Louis (USL) in Brussels, Belgium and with the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) consortium. Many other education abroad opportunities are available through McDaniel’s affiliate programs, universities, and organization. 

Students must be in good academic, financial, and social standing at the College to study abroad and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, though some programs require a higher GPA. Students who attend the Budapest campus or enroll in one of the College’s exchange or affiliated programs will have their credits transfer to McDaniel College, and in most cases, grades earned abroad are factored into the GPA. Students who enroll in education abroad programs not affiliated with the College must request a leave of absence from the College for the fall/spring they plan to be away. Only credits, and not grades, transfer from non-affiliated programs.

Federal, state, and institutional aid and scholarships can be applied to McDaniel College in Budapest and exchange programs. Only federal and state aid can be used for affiliate programs. No federal, state, McDaniel merit, or McDaniel need-based aid may be applied to non-affiliated programs.

Please make an appointment through Handshake to speak with the Director of International and Off Campus Programs for information on fees related to studying abroad for a semester at our campus in Budapest, at one of affiliated programs, a non-affiliated program, or one of our Jan Term 0ff-campus travel courses.

Financial Aid

The goal of the McDaniel College financial aid program is to try to ensure that all academically qualified students who want to attend the College can do so regardless of financial considerations. Financial need, therefore, is the primary criterion used to determine eligibility for aid.

The Financial Aid website provides detailed and up to date information on the types of aid available, policies and procedures, financial aid forms and important federal and state websites.

It is the responsibility of all students to read and familiarize themselves with the information contained on the financial aid website.  Students have access to their own financial aid data 24 hours a day on the Financial Aid Self Service.

Additionally, the Financial Aid Office sends emails to students’ McDaniel email accounts with financial aid updates and news.

The Information Technology Department supports college computer equipment in classrooms, computer labs, and campus offices. It also maintains the McDaniel College network, the McDaniel Portal, and campus email accounts.

IT Help Desk

The IT Help Desk, located in Hoover Library, assists students with connecting their personal computers to the network and the Internet. If you have a question or problem, you can call the Help Desk or submit an email to helpdesk@mcdaniel.edu to create a support ticket. The Information Technology portal site provides information about technology resources and campus system. 

Internet Access

Publicly accessible computers on campus and in the library’s reference area are networked to the campus main network. Wireless/Wi-Fi access is available campus wide, except for the golf course and athletic fields. Students should make sure to connect to McDaniel Secure Wi-Fi only, using their McDaniel email username and password to connect. Ethernet connections are available in residence hall rooms, one network port per student.

Email Accounts

All current students, both undergraduate and graduate, are assigned a college email account that includes Office 365 and One Drive. Students can download Office365 for free. These accounts will remain active until graduation unless a student does not register for three consecutive semesters. All users must agree to abide by the Computer Use Policy. McDaniel College email accounts are the official method of communicating between the College and students. It is imperative that students monitor their accounts regularly.

Computing Labs

The computing labs are for the use of current students, faculty, and staff with current McDaniel College I.D.s according to the rules and availability of the lab. Labs are available for use. Labs are available for use while buildings are open, and a class is not using the lab. 

24-Hour Computer Lab

During the fall and spring semesters, students may access the Charlson Lab in the Hoover Library 24 hours a day using their I.D. card. Mac and Windows computers are available in the lab along with a networked Multi-Function Device that provides copying, scanning as well as black and color printing. If you have a laptop, you can send print jbs to this unit as well. 

After Hours Help Desk Support

BlackBeltHelp After Hours Help Desk Support is now available:

• Week nights from 4:30pm to 8:30am the next morning
• Weekends from 4:30pm Friday afternoon to 8:30am Monday morning

You can reach the After-Hours Support by calling 410-871-3390 or submitting an After Hours Help Desk Support Ticket.

I.D. Cards

Permanent identification cards are issued to students in their first year at McDaniel College and are nontransferable. These cards identify students and should always be carried. Cards may be required for admission to various College-sponsored athletic, social, and cultural events, for admission to the Dining Hall, and for checking out books from the library. Each student is responsible for their card, including a lost or stolen card, unless it is reported to the Department of Campus Safety. Lost or stolen cards may be replaced for a fee of $35.00 at the Information Technology Help Desk on the first floor of the Hoover Library. 

International Students

McDaniel College has a long tradition of welcoming students from around the world into our academic community. The Director of International and Off Campus Programs provides orientation programs for new international students upon arrival to campus in addition to cultural and academic support throughout the year. The Director of International and Off Campus Programs also serves as the undergraduate Designated School Official (DSO) and issues F-1 visa-related documents to incoming international students while also assisting with matters related to immigration status. This can include, but is not limited to, understanding regulations regarding employment in the U.S., acquiring social security cards, and travel to other countries. For more information about becoming an international student at McDaniel, contact the International Admissions Counselor at admissions@mcdaniel.edu.

Interpreting and Transcribing Services

Interpreting Services coordinates interpreters for faculty, staff, students and visitors for campus events and classroom settings, on site and virtually. To make a request go to the Portal, Quick Links, and click on Interpreting and Transcribing.

Transcribing Services or real-time captioning is a service that we provide to students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. This service is done remotely provided directly to the students laptop. Transcribing services can be requested through the Quick Links portal page, Interpreting and Transcribing.

​All undergraduate students needing interpreting or transcribing services must register through the Student Accessibility and Support Services (SASS) Office mcdaniel.edu/sass. 

Facilities

• Media area for viewing videos and listening to CDs, DVDs, Blu Rays, and cassettes
• Study spaces for individuals and small groups
• Group study rooms, collaboration workstations, group technology rooms (make a reservation)
• Charlson 24-hour Computer Lab with key card access (access information)
• Caseys’ Corner coffee shop and vending machines (see Dining Services section for hours of operation)
• The IT Help Desk is located on the first floor of the library (helpdesk)
• The STEM Center is located in the library (STEM Center)

Services

• Librarians are available to provide research assistance over 60 hours per week during the academic year.  Research help is also available by appointment, and by using the “Ask a Librarian” feature during hours when the library is closed.
• In addition to the physical collection, the library provides remote access to databases, electronic journals, and the library’s shared catalog. The library also provides research guides in all subject areas as well as guides related to Wellness and Career Resources.
• Computers (PC and Macintosh) and printing services are available on the first floor in the Information Commons for research and coursework purposes. Wi-fi is available throughout the building.
• Hoover Library offers free Interlibrary Loan services for students, faculty, and staff.

Lending Periods

Lending period information can be found online HERE

Fines

The library does not charge overdue fines for late materials, but does charge for lost or damaged items. Failure to pay lost or damaged materials charges may result in suspension of borrowing privileges and may prevent college re-registration and graduation. Theft, mutilation, or destruction of library materials is an Honor Code violation. (Library FAQ)

Carroll Library Partnership

The Carroll Library Partnership includes Hoover Library, Carroll County Public Library (website), and Carroll Community College (website), and offers access to combined holdings of more than 1 million volumes and 700,000 titles. Materials available at a partnership library will be delivered by courier to Hoover Library upon request.  Carroll County Library Cards may be issued to any student with a McDaniel ID.

The mission of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) is to provide leadership and direction for the College’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice efforts. Therefore, we promote diversity awareness and understanding within the larger campus community, foster community and advocate for changes so that students and employees feel they belong, are a resource to students, faculty and staff in their DEIJ efforts, and advocate on behalf of minoritized communities.

Some programs include:

• Bias-Related Reporting: The McDaniel Community strives to provide a learning and living environment free from hate, discrimination, harassment, and intolerance. As such, this bias-related incident or concern form is meant for community members to share information about a situation that they experienced or witnessed that undermines our campus values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Cultural Leadership Council (CLC): The CLC is comprised of the current multicultural student organizations. The council discusses educational program ideas and strategies to increase collaboration among the groups. The CLC is a sounding board for other students from underrepresented communities to address concerns/issues that they may have. 
• Cultural Celebrations: The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion organizes a diverse range of programs aimed at celebrating and honoring the diverse population of McDaniel while fostering knowledge, understanding, and growth within both the college community and Westminster as a whole. The Office is dedicated to commemorating various history and heritage months, providing valuable educational resources, engaging activities, and more. Additionally, the ODEI is responsible for overseeing and supporting cultural groups and organizations in coordinating their own programs and events.
• Wellness Services: The ODEI is committed to providing a diverse range of wellness services. From hosting affinity groups to fostering spirituality, the Office is dedicated to supporting students through dynamic programs, educational workshops, and more. Additionally, the ODEI utilizes its DEIJ wellness liaison in facilitating programs and offering counseling services.
• Interfaith Celebration: In our divided world, learning and connecting with those different from us helps strengthen community. A lot of people are discriminated against and even attacked due to misconceptions, ignorance, and hostility based on their religious difference. Interfaith cooperation helps stop that, as well as deepen people’s own understanding of their faith and values. The semesterly celebration hopes to include those of diverse religious, spiritual, and ethical beliefs.
• The Edge Experience Program: The Edge Experience Program was established by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion during the Summer of 2016 as a mentorship program for First year, First-generation students from Baltimore City Public Schools. During the summer, First-Year Students are invited to attend McDaniel Local, which is an exciting summer program that blends orientation and academic vision-setting. At McDaniel Local, students will spend time on campus before the start of the semester, make friends, meet mentors, and get connected to Westminster community. 

The Office of Student Engagement is responsible for advising student organizations, overseeing Green Terror Programs, and overseeing Greek Life. Also, staff members work with organizations, advisors, and departments in sponsoring events. The Office of Student Engagement keeps the official list of student organizations and their advisors.

• Organizations that wish to be recognized by the College can meet with the Director of Student Engagement to go through the steps required.
• Student organization sctivities should be registered as early as possible but at least seven working days in advance. Requests must be made on the CampusGroups:What’s Up McDaniel? system.
• Regular meetings of College organizations should be scheduled for a full semester, if possible.
• There is no charge for use of facilities by campus organizations for College events.
• Student organizations planning activities off campus should do so in conjunction with the Office of Student Engagement. Student organizations may not sign contracts on behalf of their organization. The Director of Student Engagement will facilitate the contract process for student organizations.

The College Post Office is a contractual branch of the United States Postal Services and is bound by the USPS regulations. We offer all domestic and international services, along with money orders, fax services and mailing supplies. Incoming letter mail is usually distributed to student mailboxes by noon on weekdays. Packages ad larger items arrive at various times throughout the day, and email notifications are sent when these items are available for pick-up. Outgoing mail leaves our location by 3:00 p.m. each week day. There is no weekend service. We currently accept cash, checks, and McDaniel OneCard for payment of service.

McDaniel College is proud to host an Amazon Hub Locker for added convenience. Packages delivered to the Amazon Hub Locker are accessible 7 days a week. The locker is located in Roj Student Center next to the College Post Office. If you would like to have your Amazon purchases shipped to the locker, select “Amazon Hub Locker - Fast” as the delivery location during the checkout process.

Mailboxes

• All students are encouraged to have a campus mailbox to enable receipt of campus mail from the College community. The College distributes campus announcements, schedules, happenings and news each month though campus mail.
• Your mailbox number will change each academic year. You are responsible for returning your mailbox key at or before the end of each academic year.
• We ask you to empty your mailbox daily, due to the size of the box and the volume of mail we deliver.
• The Post Office is not responsible for theft from mailboxes left unlocked. It is a federal offense to tamper with another person’s mailbox or mail.

Mailbox Keys

• You must bring your key and open your mailbox to receive your mail. We will not issue your mail at the Postal Window; you must have your key.
• There is no deposit for a mailbox key; however you will be charged to replace a lost key. Please report any lost or stolen keys to the College Post Office immediately to ensure the safety of your mail.
• All mailbox keys must be returned to the College Post Office at the end of each academic year, or within 5 days of graduation or departure from the College. Failure to return your key will result with a charge.

Mail/Packages

• The benefit of a properly addressed mail piece is deliverability. Mail pieces with complete addresses are delivered promptly and correctly. Please attempt to have all your mail addressed as follows:
  
  FULL NAME (FIRST, MIDDLE, & LAST)
  McDaniel College-STUDENT MAILBOX#
  2 College Hill
  Westminster, MD 21157-4390
   
• Please notify the College Post Office if you change your name, or go by a preferred name or nickname. Failure to do so may delay or inhibit the delivery of your mail. 
• When you receive mail larger than your mailbox, you will be notified via text message and/or email. Please wait for a notification sent from McDaniel College Post Office before attempting to retrieve your package. Email notifications are sent from potracking@mcdaniel.edu.
• College groups or clubs wishing to send campus mail to the student population must prepare them in alphabetical order and are required to file them in the mailboxes.
• Cash should not be sent via the campus mail system or through the United States Postal System.
• You can mail letters and ship packages by the United States Postal Service daily at the customer service window. Items with prepaid UPS, FedEx, and DHL shipping labels may also be sent from the College Post Office. We offer packing and shipping supplies to meet your mailing needs.

Registrar’s Office

Services provided by the Registrar’s Office include:

• Maintaining and protecting the confidentiality of student academic records
• Administering and interpreting academic policies
• Processing name and address changes
• Certifying for Veterans Administration (VA) Benefits
• Coordinating registration, including initital registration, adds, drops, selection of Pass/Dx/Fail, and withdrawals
• Coordinating the development of the class schedule and final exam schedule
• Evaluating and posting traditional and nontraditional (AP, IB, CLEP, etc.) transfer credit
• Maintaining degree audit/certification requirements
• Overseeing Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) compliance
• Overseeing attendance reporting, mid-term & final grading a
• Processing faculty submitted grade changes
• Processing enrollment verifications
• Reporting enrollment/degree verification to the National Student Clearinghouse
• Manage transcripts requests
• Clearing students for graduation

McDaniel College offers a wide range of residential experiences for students. Living in close proximity with others, with a constant exchange of ideas, possibilities for friendships and awareness of the rights and responsibilities of all concerned, is part of what makes the residential environment one of the most educational and fun facets of campus life.

The Residence Life professional staff is responsible for the daily operation of the halls and supervision of the resident assistant staff.

Area Coordinators

Area Coordinators (ACs) are full time professional staff who supervise our Resident Assistants. The ACs are available to students for support. They manage the administrative processes involved in housing, oversee educational and social programming efforts, interact with the Physical Plant staff to have maintenance or cleaning issues addressed, and also serve as hearing officers in the Student Conduct Process. The Area Coordinators live in apartments within the residence halls and take part in a nightly and weekend crisis response duty rotation. They work with Campus Safety officers to address problems outside of normal business hours.

Resident Assistants

Resident Assistants (RAs) are specially trained undergraduate students who live and work in campus housing. They are responsible for communicating campus policies to the residents of their areas and encouraging students to respect the rights of other members of the community. They also provide educational, cultural, and social programs in their residential areas. Resident Assistants are interested in knowing each student individually and assisting in his or her adjustment to college life. They:

• Provide information about policies and services.
• Advise on social, academic, or personal problems.
• Make referrals to appropriate offices.
• Convey student needs and special matters to administrative staff.
• Encourage the maintenance of good study conditions.
• Promote student leadership.
• Interest students in scholastic achievement and intellectual and cultural experiences outside the classroom.
• Enforce college policies and regulations.
• Handle the administrative details of operating campus housing.

If You Need Help

One RA is on duty in each building or area every night, beginning at 9 p.m. An Area Coordinator is on call during the week from 4:30 p.m. until 8:30 a.m. the next morning. On the weekends, an Area Coordinator can be reached any time from Friday at 4:30 p.m. through Monday morning at 8:30 a.m. by calling the Department of Campus Safety at (410) 857-2202.  To learn who is on duty in your residential area, see the Residence Life page in the MyMcDaniel Portal.

At McDaniel College, the Student Accessibility and Support Services Office (SASS) provides students with documented disabilities the appropriate accommodations.

SASS is the designated office to obtain and file disability-related documents, certify eligibility for services, determine reasonable accommodations, and develop plans for the provision of such accommodations. Additional information about accessing SASS services is available here.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and ADAAA (2008) prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

The Wellness Center is the integrated office of Counseling and Student Health, providing mental health counseling and facilitating access to the off-site student health services offered by Carroll Health Group Primary Care. The multidisciplinary staff promotes student academic and personal success by empowering students to make informed choices regarding their overall health and well-being so that they can thrive on the Hill and beyond. Services are available to full-time undergraduate students.

Please visit the Wellness Center website for information about Counseling Services, how to access student health services at Carroll Health Group Primary Care, McDaniel College’s Vaccination Policy, the Wellness Extended Support Program (WESP), campus support groups, and other resources.

In Case of Emergency:

• Students experiencing a psychological emergency and needing immediate attention during the daytime should call Counseling Services at (410) 857-2243 or visit the Wellness Center located on the 2nd floor of Winslow Center and let the front desk staff know they are experiencing a crisis.
• Students experiencing an emergency after 4:30pm on a weekday or during the weekend should contact the Department of Campus Safety at (410) 857-2202.
• Students may also call 911 or visit Carroll Hospital, which is closest to McDaniel College and located at 200 Memorial Avenue, Westminster, MD 21157.
• Students experiencing a medical emergency should contact the Department of Campus Safety at (410) 857-2202.

Confidentiality

Counseling involves sharing sensitive, personal, and private information. In general, the information discussed is protected health information and confidential.  Staff members will not even acknowledge to an outside person that a student has visited Counseling Services.       

Staff members keep confidential records of a student’s condition and assessment results. Records are released only as permitted by the student or required by law. Staff members maintain counseling records in a password protected electronic management system designed for college counseling centers. This password protected electronic management system is maintained on a dedicated, secure server.

Limits of Confidentiality

Although staff members strive to safeguard information obtained in counseling relationships, there are ethical and legal limits of confidentiality. Counselors may disclose confidential information in very specific circumstances:

1. When a staff member receives a signed release of information, which authorizes McDaniel College Counseling Services to release information to a specific party identified on the signed release.
2. When a staff member works with a minor child or an adult with a legal guardian
3. When a staff members believes that a student presents a danger to themselves or others
4. When a staff member has reason to believe a child or vulnerable adult is or has been subjected to abuse/neglect, even if this abuse/neglect occurred years ago and the child is now an adult.
5. When the life or safety of an identified or readily identifiable third person is endangered or threatened
6. When otherwise required or permitted by law (e.g., court order issued by a judge)

Email

Email is not a completely confidential or immediate form of communication; therefore, students should refrain from using email to communicate about personal or time-sensitive matters. If a student contacts a Counseling Services staff member via email, they are implicitly giving the staff member permission to reply by email. Staff members do not provide clinical services via email.

Pre-Entrance Student Health Forms

In an effort to maintain a healthy campus community and comply with state law, all full-time undergraduate students are REQUIRED to complete a Pre-Entrance Student Health Form, including an official record of required immunizations and return it to the Wellness Center by the due date: July 1st (Fall entry) or January 15th (Spring entry). Failure to submit this form or submission of a form with incomplete or illegible information will result in a non-refundable $500 fine. In addition, residential students will not be able to move into college housing until they have submitted documentation of meeting the immunization requirements for Meningococcal disease (Meningitis).  

Student Health Insurance Information

McDaniel College requires that all full-time undergraduate students have health insurance coverage comparable to that offered through the school’s comprehensive Student Health Insurance Plan. Students are afforded one opportunity in each academic year to waive the school’s coverage. If students do not submit an annual heath insurance waiver, they will be automatically enrolled in coverage through the Student Health Insurance Plan. Information regarding the submission of the online insurance waiver, and the associated deadline, will be sent to all full-time registered students McDaniel email account.

McDaniel College has selected the RCM&D Insurance Broker as the administrators of the Student Health Insurance Plan. Please contact Paige Fritze of RCM&D at 1-800-346-4075 ext. 1607 or email mcdaniel.college@rcmd.com for additional information regarding benefits, enrollment and claims.

Important Information about Out-of-state Medicaid and state Insurance Plans, HMOs, and Kaiser Permanente Insurance Plans:

For those students whose health insurance is provided by Out-of-state Medicaid and state Health Insurance Plans, HMO, and/or Kaiser Permanente, it is important to know that these plans may not cover non-emergency medical care in the Westminster, MD and surrounding areas. Please contact your health insurance carrier to confirm that your insurance covers non-emergency care in Maryland. 

Please consider purchasing the Student Health Insurance Plan to cover medical care, diagnostic testing, and medications if one or more the following apply to you:

• Your current health insurance does not cover non-emergency care in the Westminster, MD and surrounding area.
• If the out of pocket deductible for non-emergency care and is too expensive to allow you to afford your portion of the bill. 

For any questions related to the student health insurance coverage offered by McDaniel College, contact RCM&D at 1-800-346-4075, ext 1607 or the Dean of Students Office, 410-857-2244, for additional information regarding benefits, enrollment, and claims.

Policy on the Proper Disposal of Needles/Injectable Medications

All students requiring injectable medications must use a standard needle/sharps container to properly dispose of needles and medical waste. Sharps are defined as needles and other articles that could cause wounds or punctures to an individual handling them. Poor management of medical waste exposes the community and the College Staff responsible for building maintenance to infections, toxic effects and injuries.

Any student using injectable medications should contact the Wellness Center to pick up a sharps container for their personal use. Once full, the sharps container should be returned to the Wellness Center for proper disposal. There is no cost for the sharps container unless it is not returned to the Wellness Center at the conclusion of the academic year. If a sharps container is not returned, the student will be billed $50.

Any questions, about this policy and/or the proper disposal of medical waste including sharps, should be directed to the Wellness Center by phone at (410) 857-2243 or by visiting the Wellness Center located on the top level of Winslow Center.

The Writing Center offers assistance to all undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff on written work, including personal writing, essays, presentations, speeches, and professional documents. Writing tutors:

• Guide students through the writing process and help build the skills necessary to:
  • Plan, develop, revise, and edit their work independently
  • Incorporate the feedback of thoughtful readers 
• Implement researched-based best practices to educate students about all aspects of writing, including:
  • The structure, style, and mechanics common to academic and professional contexts
  • The use of multiple Englishes in a variety of rhetorical situations
• Empower students of diverse abilities and backgrounds to claim ownership of the identity of “writer” and support a vibrant community of writers

Please visit writingcenter.mcdaniel.edu to make an appointment with a tutor in the Writing Center. Walk-ins are also welcome.