University Policies

The following are the major policies related to graduate students at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). This citation is not all-inclusive. A general index of University System of Maryland (USM) and UMB policies and procedures governing the University community is available on the University’s website: www.umaryland.edu/policies/#student.

FERPA Notice

Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the UMB Confidentiality and Disclosure of Student Records Policy, this notice is given to students to advise them that the following information about a student is directory information subject to disclosure by the University upon request: name; address; telephone listing; date and place of birth; photograph; major field of study; dates of attendance; degrees and awards received; and most recent previous educational institution attended. The directory information concerning a student may be disclosed even in the absence of consent unless the student, within three weeks of the first day of the semester in which the student begins each school year, files written notice informing the University not to disclose information in any or all of the categories. Notice not to disclose may be filed with the office of student affairs at the student’s school.

The complete Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act policy — including terms and guidelines of student rights of access to educational records — is published in UMB’s Student Answer Book and is available at www.umaryland.edu/policies/#student.

ADA Policy

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is committed to the principles of equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. UMB will not discriminate on the basis of disability against a qualified person with a disability in regard to application, acceptance, grading, advancement, training, discipline, graduation, or other aspects related to a student’s participation in an academic program of the University of Maryland, Baltimore. This applies to all University students, postdocs, and applicants for admission to the University.

The UMB Accommodation Process is an interactive process between the student, the Office of Educational Support and Disability Services, and the school. UMB will make a reasonable accommodation for a qualified person with a disability to allow the performance of the essential requirements of an academic program. UMB will not make an accommodation if the accommodation alters the academic nature of the program or if it would result in undue hardship to the University or threaten health or safety. For more information, please see www.umaryland.edu/disabilityservices.

Nondiscrimination

The University of Maryland, Baltimore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran’s status, or age in its programs and activities. For more information, please see http://umaryland.edu/academicaffairs/policies.

UMB Policy Concerning the Scheduling of Academic Assignments on Dates of Religious Observance; Campus Space for Faith-Based or Religious Practices

It is the policy of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (“University”) to provide academic accommodation for a student if a student’s observance of a sincerely held faith-based or religious belief or participation in a religious activity affects the student’s ability to take an examination as scheduled or to satisfy another academic requirement, and to provide on-campus space to reasonably accommodate observance of faith-based and religious practice. We are committed to fostering an inclusive campus environment that upholds our core values. This policy reflects our dedication to supporting religious diversity as a vital part of our community.

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation for a student to observe faith-based or religious holidays and participate in faith-based or religious activities, may include an excused absence or a reasonable alternative accommodation, consistent with the University and school policies and procedures.
An accommodation is reasonable if it does not impose an undue hardship on the University, does not fundamentally alter the school or program technical standards, academic integrity, essential requirements or nature of the course or program, or affect the student’s ability to satisfy minimum academic requirements.
Reasonable accommodation should be requested by a student in advance, whenever possible. In some cases, a reasonable accommodation will be determined through an interactive process between the campus, school, program stakeholders, and the student, and sufficient time is necessary for this process. Please refer to your school or program absence policy.
An excused absence as a reasonable accommodation under this policy should not impact grades or other measures of a student’s academic performance.
If a student’s specific accommodation request is denied, a school should discuss with the student alternate accommodations consistent with institutional policy and procedures.
More information can be found: UMB Policy Concerning the Scheduling of Academic Assignments on Dates of Religious Observance; Campus Space for Faith-Based or Religious Practices - Policies and Procedures