A+B. Intro_SJ.1 - University of Maryland University College

Introduction to
University of Maryland
University College
Vision
University of Maryland University College (UMUC) is a visionary institution, on the
forefront of education for the 21st-century workforce. It is an entrepreneurial and creative
institution, committed to the exploration of knowledge, the construction of partnerships,
and innovative academic delivery. It is a large and diverse institution, serving
82,000 students around the world. It is a substantive institution, committed to lifelong
learning and education of adults in the workforce.
History and Scope
UMUC has fulfilled its principal mission of providing higher education opportunities
to adult, part-time students for more than 50 years. Founded in 1947 as the College
of Special and Continuation Studies, UMUC has grown to become one of the largest
institutions in the University System of Maryland—both in terms of enrollments and
its global scope—while earning accolades for the quality of its programs and its innovative
use of technology.
Almost from its inception, UMUC looked beyond state boundaries to bring courses to
U.S. servicemembers in Europe (since 1949) and Asia (since 1956). Today, UMUC
continues to provide courses at more than 160 military installations throughout Europe
and Asia through long-standing partnerships with overseas military commands. UMUC
also makes it possible for students anywhere to attend class via the Internet.
UMUC offers degree programs from the associate of arts through the doctor of management,
undergraduate and graduate certificates, an accelerated route to teacher certification
in Maryland, and noncredit leadership development programs that respond to
the needs of the lifelong learner.
Throughout all the university’s many programs, certain features stand out: UMUC’s
commitment to serving adult students, academic quality, its active presence throughout
the state of Maryland, its international scope as a global university, and its long partnership
with the U.S. military.
Commitment to Adult Students
UMUC recognizes that adult students have many demands on their time and must balance
studies with work and family responsibilities. To help them accomplish their education
goals, UMUC provides a number of convenient and flexible options for both
coursework and student services. Classroom-based courses are offered at times convenient
for working adults at locations near where they live and work, while online courses
may be accessed from anywhere at anytime. Most student services are available by
phone or online, as well as at many UMUC locations.
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