
Office of Academic and Career Success - Universities at Shady Grove
Students attending classes at the Shady Grove campus, email Laura El Shafei, director, at lelshafei@umaryland.edu, to request an appointment.
Meet the Staff:
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Laura El Shafei, MPH, MA, RN Director/ Academic Advisor and Career Counselor Room: Room 101D, Building I, USG Phone: 301-738-6234 Remote Phone: 202-599-7236 lelshafei@umaryland.edu |
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Brigitte Bard, BA Assistant Director/Academic Advisor and Support Coordinator Room: 101C, Building I, USG Phone: 301-738-6253 Remote Phone: 301-969-8665 brigittebard@umaryland.edu |
Academic Advising and Support Services
Academic Advising (BSN and MSN – E)
Upon admission to UMSON, you will be assigned an academic advisor who will guide you in the development of educational plans that are consistent with your goals. Our services include:
- Assistance with adding/dropping/withdrawing from courses
- Academic course selection
- Assistance navigating UMSON policies and procedures as outlined in the UMSON Student Handbook.
- CNA licensure guidance
Academic Success Coaching Services
We offer academic coaching to support you in identifying roadblocks, uncovering obstacles, and generating new paths forward toward academic success. Our services include:
- Test-taking and study strategies and study skill building tips
- Time/stress management strategies and tips
- Critical thinking and clinical judgement strategies
Coaching is also provided at the Universities at Shady Grove Macklin Center for Academic Success.
Peer-Led Academic Support Services
Guided Study Sessions
Guided Study Sessions are led by peer academic leaders who are BSN students and have successfully completed previous courses. They have strong communication skills and facilitate learning for designated 1st- and 2nd-semester courses.
Open Tutoring
Meet with 3rd- and 4th-semester peer academic leaders who are experienced learning facilitators who provide open tutoring for 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-semester students. Open tutoring is held both virtually and in person.
Individual and Group Tutoring Support
Individual and small group tutoring is available to students who are struggling in their courses as evidenced by poor performance in their exams/quizzes, need for language support, or another type of circumstance that requires extra academic support or remediation. Students must meet with their advisor first before being referred to tutoring services.
Writing Tutors
Peer Academic Writing Support is available for 1st through 3rd semester students who need help with understanding their writing assignments, content and flow. Students can also make an appointment to brainstorm their writing assignments.
For information about peer academic support services, email your academic advisor or email the Office of Academic and Career Success at oacsnursingsg@umaryland.edu.
Writing and Research Support Services
Universities at Shady Grove Macklin Center for Academic Services (MCAS)
MCAS offers one-on-one online or face-to-face assistance with course work, projects, and presentations, including:
- Brainstorming
- Content and Organization
- Grammar
- APA Formatting
For more information or to make an appointment visit the Macklin Center's website.
Research and Citation Support
Priddy Library at USG offers:
- Health and Life Sciences Librarian (Eileen Harrington)
- Workshops
- Academic Writer
Health Sciences and Human Services Library at UMB offers:
- School of Nursing Librarians (online appointments offered)
- Databases
- Workshops and Tutorials
Student Organization and Leadership Development
Student Organizations
A future nursing professional, it is essential to cultivate skills needed to be successful in a clinical setting. Participation in student organizations is a great way to develop and enhance your professional skills to make you stand out as an applicant while also allowing you to get to know other UMSON nursing students who share your same career goals and aspirations. Assuming a leadership role can further enhance your skillset and allow you to showcase your contributions to future employers and help you launch your career with confidence.
Check out the full list of UMSON student organizations and get engaged! Should you have questions, please reach out to Chantelle Brown, Assistant Director/liaison to UMSON student organizations.
Peer Leadership Opportunities
The following leadership opportunities are offered at the USG campus to support you in the pursuit of leadership skills:
| Peer Leadership Opportunity | Contact Information |
|---|---|
|
Guided Study Session Leaders |
Laura El Shafei at lelshafei@umaryland.edu |
|
Course or Writing Tutors |
Brigitte Bard at brigittebard@umaryland.edu |
|
Student Ambassador Program |
Center for Recruitment and Transfer Access (CRTA) at shadygrove@umd.edu |
|
Student Assistant |
For information about open positions, please contact the following: Center for Student Engagement and Financial Resources at: shadygrove@umd.edu Career and Internship Service Center at: usgcareerservices@umd.edu The Macklin Center for Academic Success at: sg-cas@umd.edu |
Employer Services
Careers4Nurses – Connecting UMSON nurses and employers
Careers4Nurses is the University of Maryland School of Nursing’s online recruiting system. It serves as your one-stop-shop for recruiting UMSON talent – whether it be for full-time, part-time, entry-level, or experienced positions. UMSON students and alumni can search and apply directly to any position you post to the system. Careers4Nurses is FREE and accessible 24/7.
Visit the Careers4Nurses employer webpage to sign up for a free account today!
Employer Recruitment Programs and Events
UMSON regularly hosts employers on campus during the fall and spring semesters at the Baltimore and Universities at Shady Grove locations.
If your organization would like to know more about how you can partner with our school, please email NRScareers@umaryland.edu.

