See you in the spring

We're winding down for the semester here in OCSS. Our office will operate under regular hours until Monday, December 23rd (we're open 8:30am-5:00pm).

OCSS is closes for the winter break on Tuesday, December 24th; the office re-open on Thursday, January 2nd.

Chris, Christian, Safa and Salma will be working over the winter break- so come by and visit our CAs! As usual, they can help you with your search for off-campus housing, MTA bus pass sales, and mapping Transit routes. They also have some insider information on the exciting events OCSS is planning for 2014!

Until the whole team returns on Monday, January 27th (the first day of the spring semester!) the Blog will be on hiatus. Until then, we wish you all a very happy New Year!

Sustainability Outreach internship

Karly, OCSS's Sustainability Outreach Intern for the Fall 2013 semester, is graduating this winter, and she wrote a few final words about her internship experience (link below). If you are interested in applying for this internship with OCSS for the Spring 2014 semester, learn more here: http://my.umbc.edu/groups/casualcarpooling/news/38799

Read the Blog post here!   

More tips for a productive and enjoyable winter break...

Hey guys!

I know some of you might be taking winter classes but here are some fun things to do over the winter break!

1. Make a goal. Pick something that you can do in a month!

2. Create Your Own Winter Wonderland. Make hot cocoa or bake your favorite cookies and then watch your favorite movies together with friends!

3. Practice Random Acts of Kindness. Think about how you can surprise someone with an act of kindness. Maybe you buy the next person in line their lunch or you shovel your neighbor’s driveway. Get creative and let us know what you do!

4. Spend Quality With You Family. Sit and talk to your family and spend a day with them!

5. Create a Photo Collage. Take fun pics of you and your friends and create your own collage or memory book.

6. Pretend Your a Tourist in Your Hometown. Is there a place you’ve always wanted to check out and haven’t visited yet?

7. Write yourself a letter! Then look at it next winter break...this is a great way to reflect on your goals and accomplishments.

8. Create Your Own Spa! Whether you’re alone or you have a few friends join you, do your nails, give yourself a pedicure, and maybe try a mud mask on your face!

9. Movie Marathon with a Twist! Create your own movie marathon with your friends (and don’t forget the popcorn)! Either pick a theme for the night and have everyone bring a movie that goes with that theme, or ask each friend to bring their all time favorite movie and then at the end of the night vote on the group’s favorite!

10. Pick One Day to Recharge and Relax! If you’re break is feeling really crazy and busy from travel, visiting others, work, or other things, try to find one day that is just for you where you can relax, sleep, or do anything else that makes you smile!

11.Learn something new! Maybe you can learn how to cook a new dish or start a new hobby!

Clear your mind before the spring semester! Enjoy your break!

Thank you,

Salma Waheed

Take a class over Winter Break!

Hi everyone! As we are now in the last week of school, everyone is so excited for the semester to be over. The break gives students a little while not to think about classes or homework. It also lets students spend some time with friends or family.

Personally, my favorite thing to do during Winter Break is spend time with my family and friends and RELAX! I enjoy watching tons of winter movies, including Elf and and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Hot chocolate is also something I drink daily during the winter.

However, this year I am doing something different. I am taking a winter class at UMBC. In order to graduate when I planned to, I need to take a winter class.

UMBC offers so many different options for winter classes. For example, there are classes for almost every major available. If you need a physical education class, try Yoga, Billiards, or Women's Self Defense! If you need a foreign language requirement, try Spanish or Arabic! If you want to see the full list of classes, you can go right here: http://www.umbc.edu/winter/documents/W14ScheduleofClasses10-10.pdf.

In order to actually register for these classes, you will need to go into myUMBC and go to "Classes and Grades" and "Student Schedule and Registration." It is the same process for registering for Spring classes, but you will just choose Winter instead of Spring. Be mindful that the classes may be filled since registration has been open for a while. The last day to register is January 1, 2014 and the payment for the class is due by December 20, 2013. That does not leave you much time, but if you are interested in taking a winter class, now is the time to register!

Luckily, there is a short break for students to relax and then get back into the swing of things. In that meantime, what are some of your favorite winter things to do? Leave a comment!

PS: Good luck with finals and happy holidays!

Photo taken from http://www.mrwallpaper.com/wallpapers/winter-snow-fun.jpg

Travel Reminders for International Commuter Students

Hey Commuters!

Looks like we have reached the end of yet another eventful semester. I know many of you are knee-deep in preparing for finals and can't wait for the winter break to start already!

Speaking of the winter break I know some of the commuter students are international students and you plan to visit your home countries during the break. So here are few important things you might consider before you leave...

I-20:
~make sure your I-20 is not expired, and is signed for travel on the third page.  The signature cannot be more than one year old, as of the day you will RETURN to the US (not leave).  Please stop by the IES office if you need a new signature, or you would like us to check your SEVIS (immigration) record to make sure it is active and in good status.

Visa and Passport: 
~check your visa and passport, make sure they are valid.  If you will need to apply for a new visa, please let us know if you would like assistance with this process.

I-94 Entry record:
~be prepared to turn in your I-94 card with your airline when you leave the US, if you will have a paper card.  Sometimes they forget -- make sure to gently remind them if this is the case.
If you have the newer electronic I-94 record, and not a paper card, you don't need to turn in anything when you leave.  Your departure is recorded electronically.

For all students, when you return to the US, you will not receive a new paper I-94 card.  Your I-94 entry record will be electronic.  Please access your record AFTER returning to the US to make sure the information is accurate, here: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/  Please check especially to make sure the "Admit Until" date is "D/S"  (for "duration of status," meaning you can remain in the US as long as your I-20 is valid), and that the "Class of Admission" is F-1.  Please let us know if you cannot access your record AFTER returning to the US, or if there is an error in the record.

Transcripts:
~consider taking a copy of your transcripts -- this is not required, but if you are at all nervous about traveling, this might help.  You can use it to prove that you have been doing what your I-20 says you've been doing while in the US.

Entry Requirements for countries other than your own:
~double-check entry requirements for the country(ies) you are visiting other than your own if you are unfamiliar with them.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact IES (International Education Services,224 Administration Bldg, ies@umbc.edu).

Good luck for the finals and have a wonderful winter break!

-Safa Zahangir 

Finals are Coming!

Hey All,

Can you believe it?!!! This semester is almost over! We've all made it this far, but we're still not in the clear yet. Finals are right around the corner and I know some of you have exams now. Even so, try not to worry! Keep your head in the game and it'll be over in a flash. Here are a few tips from me personally that seem to work when I start to get stressed out...

Try and get some sleep!
We all know someone that is planning an all nighter. Hey it might even be you! The fact is though that everyone needs some sleep. Especially those of us that are commuting. The last thing anyone wants to do is drive drowsy. Some people even say that it can be even more dangerous than driving drunk!!! So get some sleep and stay safe.

Eat healthy and often!
Studying for long hours in the library can throw some of us off during the day and we all know that feeling. When I study for long hours in the library I usually catch myself snacking on unhealthy foods and drinking a lot of energy drinks. Even though these foods might give you a sugar rush to keep you awake we all know they are bad for us. Remember to drink a lot of water and to substitute some of your chips out with some baby carrots. Trust me they are just as good and a whole lot better for you!

Don't Procrastinate!
We all know we're guilty of this. Especially me. Make a schedule! They're a lot of help. With a schedule I can organize my study time and even finish papers a week ahead of time! The last thing you want is to have 2 papers and a final all due the same day when you haven't studied or started either!

Obviously none of these are ground breaking tips, but they are helpful. Sometimes having a goods night rest, a healthy meal in your belly, and keeping schedule will help you keep your sanity over the Finals period. And when you need a break on Study Day, come unwind in the OCSS Commuter Lounge.

Good luck everyone!!!

Need some distractions during your final scramble?

OCSS has several fun events coming up in December before Winter Break!

This Saturday, December 7, there will be a holiday shopping trip to the Arundel Mills Mall! Meet us in the Commuter Lounge at 12:30 for tea, hot chocolate, and coffee.  We'll be leaving campus at 1:15 and arriving back at about 4:30.  This is going to be a really fun social event, and a good chance to get a head-start on your holiday shopping.  Tell a friend; the more the merrier! Register for a seat here: http://my.umbc.edu/groups/casualcarpooling/events/21376

Make sure you stay connected through our events page.  We have several great events to help you survive during finals.  Come enjoy our practically endless supply of hot chocolate!  Woohoo!

8 days to Study Day

We're in the homestretch! Just 8 school days to Study Day! Stop by the lounge on 12/12 for some study snacks 

More information on Study Day available on myUMBC.

Access the AOK library off-campus

Did you know that as a current UMBC student can access e-resources from off-campus locations? Using either Single Sign-on or the Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can login with your UMBC credentials you can gain access to AOK's article database and e-books. 

So if you're studying for finals or writing a paper for class, and don't want to trudge back to campus just to access library information (especially in this chilly weather!), you can get the materials you need from the comfort of your own home!

MTA bus passes are here

December MTA bus passes have arrived at OCSS and are available to purchase for just $39-- that's a $25 savings off the regular monthly pass price! Please note, the office will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of Thanksgiving Break, and bus passes will not be for sale during this time. 

Remember, you need to have $39 on your Red Card to make a purchase- we cannot accept any other method of payment. Add money to your Red Card at any of the five locations listed above, or online @ http://aok.lib.umbc.edu/services/campuscard.php

What are you thankful for?

Well it's that time of the season again. As we draw ourselves closer to Thanksgiving break (which i'm sure we all could use a break, even if for a couple days), we shouldn't forget the holiday we celebrated many years ago and continue to celebrate for many years to come: Thanksgiving.

Now before I begin, I want to start by taking your mind off of the Macy's Day Parade, NFL, etc., etc., etc. I mean there's nothing wrong with these events, I mean even I like some of of them myself. However, I feel like we're giving Thanksgiving a different definition. There's more to it than the football, parades, floats, shopping deals, and what not. I'm talking about getting together with family and friends, taking the time to think about what you're truly thankful for. Having a family/friend dinner that maybe you haven't had in such a long time. I feel like Thanksgiving is a time to get together, reconnect with people that we've been disconnected from for quite sometime. But the main question about thanksgiving remains, what are you thankful for. Here's my list...

For me I am thankful for a couple things:
- Being in college for giving me the challenges that each class has given me
- OCSS for learning about working in the real world (or at least giving me a chance to learn)
- Family and Friends for supporting me throughout this semester
- Life's challenges and curves for making life more interesting and giving me lessons to learn in life.

So there's my list, basic and to the point but it's something. What about you?

Want to give back this Thanksgiving?

Arbutus Methodist Church welcomes student volunteers who would like to help prepare and serve the holiday meal between Noon and 3:30pm on Thursday. The church is located across the street from UMBC's Poplar Avenue entrance, at 1201 Maple Avenue.

Think You Can Change UMBC? ProveIt.

UMBC SGA has started the ProveIt initiative to give students a chance to make change on this campus for the better! The initiative allows students to take their big ideas that they normally wouldn’t be able to make come to life on their own, and actually have them happen. 

How do we make that happen, you ask? 

We give out a reward of up to $10,000 dollars to the student with the best ProveIt idea-- along with support from UMBC administrators and staff members who can help the student achieve success launching her or his idea. There are smaller prize amounts that the second the third place winner can receive as well!

Though your proposal might not win, there is still chance that your idea can be implemented on campus! All of the proposals get looked at by a large judging committee with student leaders as well as administrators and staff. If any of them have interest in your proposal, they can help you come through with your idea! Some of the past ProveIt proposals from 2013 have been the Community Garden and the mural in the Biology Building that you can see from Academic Row! They were not the first place winners, but their ideas still happened on campus! The first place winner last year was Noche Vida, which allowed Pura Vida (in the library) to extend night hours for those studying there late at night . 

So, do you think you have an idea that can improve UMBC and is worth $10,000? ProveIt. 

Find us at:

http://sga.umbc.edu/proveit/

https://twitter.com/UMBCProveIt

https://www.facebook.com/UMBCProveIt

OCSS hiring students for weekly GMC breakfast

We’re Hiring for Spring 2014!

Apply online @

http://my.umbc.edu/groups/ocss/documents 

...and click "Commuter Assistant Application: Good Morning Commuters"

Off-Campus Student Services offers a variety of programs for commuting, veteran and transfer students. GMC is our most frequently attended program, and YOU have the chance to play a major part in it. We're hiring friendly and enthusiastic students to work as Commuter Assistants this spring. GMC Commuter Assistants are required to work 5 hours per week (additional office hours managing the front desk may be available upon request). 

Responsibilities include: 

• Weekly breakfast setup, serving, and cleanup, as well as office assistance with weekly inventory and ordering. 
• Frequent communication and collaboration with other students and professional staff is also required of this position. 
• Successful candidates must be able to work Tuesdays 7:30am-10:30am, and Fridays 12pm-1pm, plus one additional hour weekly, TBD. 
• Successful candidates must attend a mandatory all-day training on Friday, January 24th.

Completed applications should be emailed to me by Friday, November 29th. Please do not drop off paper applications. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances. This position is available only to current UMBC undergraduate students, who are registered for Spring 2014 classes. Other positions are not available at this time. I look forward to receiving your application!

--

Lauren Tabbacchino, Coordinator, Off-Campus Student Services

tabbaccl@umbc.edu

410.455.1653

It's ready!

After an extra week of delays, the weight room at the RAC was finally re-opened last month. There’s a whole new set of equipment and weights to work with now, that are all in completely new condition-- in stark contrast with the previous weight room set up. Many students are very happy with the changes as all the equipment functions well and there is more space to complete one’s workout. Additionally, the opportunity to exercise has improved as the hours the weight room stays open are matched with the RAC hours rather than the random constantly changing hours that the varsity gym kept. Although the downtime was quite exasperating, the new area for students to lift in appears to be well worth it.

If you're taking the bus to campus, lugging gym clothes and equipment around all day can be challenging; did you know you can rent a locker at the RAC? 

Weekend @UMBC

Coming back to campus this weekend is a must!

Saturday night, (seb) hosts Breakfast and Bingo from 7pm-9pm, and CA Poulomi will be there to greet you! 

Want to spend the whole day on campus? Come earlier to cheer on UMBC Women's Basketball vs. UMES at 1pm in the RAC.

See what's happening all weekend on myUMBC.

Fall semester is almost over....

Hey guys!

I can't believe that the fall semester is almost coming to an end; it seemed to fly by really fast. This is the time of the year that you don't want to do anything because it is cold. All you want to do is curl up by a fire place. But as the semester ends, it's time to pick up your grades or if you've done well, just maintain them. Just because the semester is ending doesn't mean it's time to slack off. This is a good time of year to starting planning for finals. Make a schedule so you are not cramming everything at once. If you make a plan of everything that you have to do before the semester is over, you wont be stressed out. You don't want to overwhelm yourself by studying last minute for your finals. Also, make sure are getting enough sleep, because you don't want to sick during finals week.

Here are some study tips:

• Mangage your time
• Form study groups
• You dont understand something...get help!
• Use flash cards
• Take breaks 
• Take advantage of the Learning Resource Center, for walk-in and by  appointment tutoring

Don't be stressed out! Be prepared!


-Salma

Being Winter Ready

With Winter quickly approaching here are some tips to keep in mind so you make it to school without any issues!

Heating and Cooling System
   - make sure your vehicle's cooling system contains enough antifreeze to prevent freezing in cold weather
   - be sure to keep the mixture fresh by changing it regularly while having the entire system checked for leaks.
Select Clothing
   - be sure to dress accordingly for the weather while also allowing for mobility while driving.
   - try to avoid jackets and gloves that are too bulky that might impair your driving ability
Winter Driving Kit
   - Bag of abrasive material
   - Small snow shovel
   - Traction mats
   - Flashlight
   - Gloves/mittens
   - Ice Scraper
   - Booster Cables
   - Blanket
   - Warning flares
   - Cellular Phone

These are just a few of the many tips that are provided by AAA to ensure safe driving during this winter season.

More information can be found at AAA.com or by calling 800-JOIN-AAA

If you decide to come out to our next Commuter Connections event, "Winter is Coming" this Friday, 12pm-1pm at Lower Flat Tuesdays we will be handing out pamphlets full of these helpful tips along with other giveaways and prizes!!!

Keep warm and safe travels!

Winter is Coming!

Hey there Commuters!

Surely you have felt the chilly wind coming all the way from the breezeway. Well it could mean only one thing...Winter is Coming!

That's the theme of our upcoming Commuter Connections event this Friday. We'll have a chili bar and hot chocolate, lots of fun crafts-- like gingerbread people and travel mug decorating, fun games and great prizes. And to help make your winter commuting experience safer, we have AAA commuting tips and giveaways.

So join us for our last Commuter Connections event of the semester on Friday, November 15th, in Lower Flat Tuesdays at 12pm!



-Safa Zahangir

Thanksgiving Break!

Thanksgiving Break? What is that? 

You may not know this, but here at UMBC, we have classes on Wednesday, November 27.  Yes, it's true.  Yes, it is the day before Thanksgiving.  Yes, you probably do have plans to be traveling on Tuesday.  I understand.

The reason I'm telling you is that this is one of UMBC's many quirks.  Most students are unaware of it, even juniors and seniors.  It's just something you forget about until it happens again.

I know several transfer students who were caught off-guard by this last Fall, so that's why I want to tell everyone in advance! 

If you have plans to travel before Thanksgiving, let your professors know NOW.  Don't be part of the crowd that complains uproariously on November 25, because professors may get snarky when the whole class starts complaining.  You should be one of the few people who takes the time to explain to your professors that you will have to miss their classes.  Do this well in advance.  This is just something you have to do to maintain that good relationship with your professors.  This will work wonders at the end of the year when they're calculating your class participation grade.

UMBC has many quirks.  Some good, some... less good.  Being a student here is all about knowing the quirks and how to deal with them.  Off-Campus Student Services is here to help you navigate through them.

Welcome to UMBC, and remember to be thankful!

International Education Week

International Education Week is here! Brought to you by International Education Services, UMBC English Language Institute, and The Mosaic: Center for Culture and Diversity, International Education Week programming focuses on celebrating  international education at UMBC.

Check out what's happening below:

larger image available on myUMBC

Upcoming November Events

Commuter Week may be over - but never fear - OCSS still has plenty of events happening in November! Check out the calendar below for specifics.

Be sure to join us for our special Veterans Day Celebration on November 11th at 12pm on Mainstreet, and for the Career Workshop on November 20th at 5pm in the University Center Rm.310. You can pick up a copy of the November and December Events Calendar at the OCSS desk in the Commuter lounge!

It's easy being green

It's Commuter Week, and OCSS is going green! We have compostable plates, napkins, cups and cutlery at all of our events this week. Now we need you to do your part; when you come to our events and enjoy some yummy, FREE food, make sure you dispose of your waste in the bins marked Compost.

Commuter Week!

Hi Everyone!

Commuter Week is here! We have an exciting week planned; be sure to stop by. You don't want to miss it! Commuter week is a great way to learn more about the services we provide and to have FUN! Hope to see you there!

Here is a detailed schedule of the week: http://umbc.edu/ocss/CommuterWeek.pdf 

-Salma 

Veterans, Food, and Volleyball

Hello UMBC students,

Just in case you didn't know, UMBC's Commuter Week is coming up soon. The dates that it will take place during are the 28th of October - the 1st of November. That means next week guys!

During this week we will be having great events and activities all around the campus so keep an eye out! You can look forward to: Transportation Fair, Halloween Shuttle Decorating, Commuter Game Night, Pub Trivia, and a lot more! You can get a list of the events and times http://umbc.edu/ocss/CommuterWeek.pdf

The events that you will see me at are...

Women’s Volleyball vs SUNY Binghamton:

From 6pm-9pm on November 1st; we will be meeting in the Commuter Lounge where we will be giving out FREE PIZZA and PRIZES. To make things even better TRUE GRIT and the Women's Volleyball Coach will be making a guest appearance to take pictures and hang out with us for a bit. Then we'll head over to the RAC for the 7pm start.

Commuters Care: Vets Service Project:

We will create hand-made thank you cards for returning veterans from 12pm-1pm, November 1st. These cards will be distributed to veterans at BWI by Operation Welcome Home Maryland. So stop by, socialize, and make a quick card to help show our support! You can find more information about where and why we are sending these cards here at http://www.operationwelcomehomemd.org/

Veterans Food Drive:

We will also be having a food drive for the entire week where you can drop off non perishables and canned food to send over to the troops. You can either drop them off at our office located in the Commons right by the Bookstore or food for the designated food drive boxes that we will place in the Commons, Administration, University Center, and the AOK Library. You can find more information of the organization that we are donating to visit http://www.baltimorestation.org/index.html

Transfer News & Advice

Hi everyone! I hope everyone did well on their midterms and are starting to be able to relax a bit!

Can you believe that it is almost time to register for next semester? It seems like only yesterday we were just starting classes for this semester!

If you are confused about the whole course registration process, DON'T FRET! The Transfer Student Network has put together a workshop to answer all your questions about course registration! Our event will be taking place today, October 23 at 12:00pm in Engineering 333. We will have handouts and other information about course registration. We will also be providing lunch for you to grab on the way out!

If you cannot make the workshop, no worries! There are plenty of additional resources that you are able to utilize. The registrar website is a wonderful website to go to.  It has a lot of information about registration and classes. One of the most important worksheets that is listed is the Spring 2014 registration times. If you click or copy the link, http://registrar.umbc.edu/files/2012/06/Spring2014RegApps.pdf , you should be able to see your registration date and time based on the number of credits prior to this semester. That is extremely important because the credits are based on what you have already completed, not how many you are in the process of right now.

If you have additional questions, it is important you speak with your advisor. He or she can help you decide what classes are best and how you can achieve your goals.

Another resource is speaking to fellow classmates. They can help you and give you advice on the difficulty of each class and ways to achieve success in those classes. Just remember that every one is different and the level of difficulty will be different, as well!

So, do not fret about course registration! You are not alone and there are plenty of resources for you. Good luck!

Photo taken from http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/834142/umbc.jpg