The suites on the third floor include the Division of Student Affairs, Student Counseling Center, Intercultural Center, Student Food Pantry, and University Student Government Association.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) officially unveiled a renovated and reimagined space at the SMC Campus Center on Sept. 9 that’s dedicated to student success, well-being, and inclusivity. The suites on the third floor include the Division of Student Affairs, Student Counseling Center, Intercultural Center, Student Food Pantry, and University Student Government Association (USGA).
“The vision statement for UMB Student Affairs is to advance the success of all students to be engaged and inclusive leaders,” said Patty Alvarez, PhD, MS, assistant vice president, Student Affairs. “This renovation project has better positioned us to do just that.”
UMB leaders, faculty, students, and staff gathered in the SMC Campus Center’s second floor for the event, sitting in physically distanced chairs and wearing face coverings per University policy, before heading to the third floor for ceremonial ribbon cuttings and a tour of the redesigned suites.
President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, noted that it was good to be gathering in person as more of the UMB community returns to campus, “though we’ve still got to be cautious” because of the persistent COVID-19 pandemic. He praised the new space and noted that it included an expanded Student Counseling Center, which had been located in the Health Sciences and Human Services Library next door. He said the center’s expansion was well-timed because the pandemic has magnified the need for mental health services.
“The mental health part of this pandemic has been quite remarkable,” Jarrell said. “It’s pointed out disparities, and it’s pointed out vulnerabilities in all of us. I salute all of the services available in this beautiful new space. It’s going to continue to play a critical role in maintaining and improving the health and well-being of our students. UMB needs to be a community where we are all welcome, and this is another step in that direction.”