UMSON Office of Academic and Career Success at Shady Grove
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Our goal is to provide you with proactive, intentional, and integrated services that promote transformative learning experiences.
We ensure accessible, pertinent, and timely academic advising, coaching, and learning support services where you can:
- grow as a reflective learner
- participate in peer-facilitated learning
- develop leadership skills to achieve your goals.
Through collaborations with UMSON faculty, staff, and partners, our work cultivates a culture that responds to students’ needs and affirms each student's ability to identify and generate new paths forward toward academic and career success.
Our academic and career services include:
Academic Advising
Upon admission to the BSN program, you'll be assigned an academic advisor at the Office of Academic and Career Success who will guide you in the development of educational plans that are consistent with your academic, personal, and professional goals.
To request an appointment:
- Prospective Students: Email oacsnursingsg@umaryland.edu.
- Current Students: Email your assigned advisor directly.
Academic Coaching and Resources
We offer academic coaching to support you in identifying roadblocks, uncovering obstacles, and generating new paths forward toward academic success. Individual or group meetings are available online or face-to-face.
We can help you with:
- time management
- study strategies
- test-taking skills
- enhancement of critical thinking and clinical judgements skills
- stress management
To request an appointment, email your academic advisor.
Coaching is also provided at the Macklin Center for Academic Success. Visit their website for more information.
Career Readiness and Resources
At the Office of Academic and Career Success, we assist current students with career advising and professional development as you prepare for certifications, internships, and jobs. We offer individual advising sessions in various career development areas, including:
- CNA Licensure
- Job and internship opportunities
- Job search strategies
- Interview preparation
To request an appointment, email Laura El Shafei at lelshafei@umaryland.edu.
For additional support, the Career and Internship Services Center (CISC) offers career counseling, resume/cover letter assistance, and more.
Resources
The Elm: Nursing
Check your email every Tuesday for The Elm: Nursing, where job and externship postings are highlighted.
UMSON Student Resources
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Information
- NCLEX-RN Preparation and Resources
- Entry-Into-Practice Faculty/Academic Advisor Recommendation Request Form
Online Resources
- liquidcompass.com/institutions/umaryland
- Maryland Job Network
- Advanced Practice Job Search
- HealthJobs Network
We encourage you to visit often.
Peer Academic Support
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 please email your advisor or email the Office of Academic and Career Success at oacsnursingsg@umaryland.edu.
Resource Bookshelf
The OACS at Shady Grove maintains an active library of required textbooks and supplemental resources associated with the BSN courses.
Located in the OACS lobby of Suite 101.
Same day checkout and return. Resources cannot be taken off campus.
Student Leadership Development
Leadership skills are highly sought after by employers. Leaders show initiative and are highly motivated, having skills that can make you stand out as an applicant.
Several leadership opportunities are offered at the USG campus to support you in the pursuit of leadership skills.
Peer Leadership Opportunity | Contact Information |
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UMSON OACS@SG
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If interested in becoming a Guided Study Session Leader, contact: Laura El Shafei at lelshafei@umaryland.edu If interested in becoming a Course Tutor or Writing Tutor, contact: Brigitte Bard at brigittebard@umaryland.edu |
Student Ambassador Program |
Center for Recruitment and Transfer Access (CRTA) shadygrove@umd.edu |
Student Assistant Positions |
Inquire about applying for open positions at the following centers:
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Student Organization Leadership |
See the UMSON Student Organization page for the current leadership contact information. For leadership related questions, contact: Laura El Shafei at lelshafei@umaryland.edu. |
Student Organizations
These organizations are currently active at USG:
- Nurses for Global Health (NGH)
- University of Maryland Association for Nursing Students (UMANS) (also see the UMANS website for additional information)
Additional Student Organizations are available at the Baltimore location.
Writing and Research Support
We offer limited direct one-on-one and group writing consultations, both online or face to face. Services include:
- Brainstorming
- Understanding Assignment
- Planning Content and Organization
Macklin Center for Academic Services (MCAS)
We partner with MCAS in providing writing support services for nursing students. 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 a writing appointment visit the Macklin Center's website.
UMB's Writing Center
We encourage students to also become familiar with the valuable resources offered on the UMB Writing Center’s website.
Research and Citation Help
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
Other Student Services at USG
Weekly Student Emails
Watch your student email for the USG Weekly and The Elm: Nursing to keep on top of campus news and events and other important student information.
Additional USG Campus Student Support Services
- Applying for Scholarships
- Campus Recreation Center
- Center for Counseling and Consultation
- Disability Support Services
- Financial Aid Resources
- Food Assistance
- Immigration Resources
- International Student Resources
- Lost and Found Property
- Office of Information Technology
- Priddy Library
- Student Organizations
- USG ID Cards
- Veterans Resources
Meet the Staff:
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Brigitte Bard, BA Academic Advisor and Support Coordinator Room: 101C, Building I, USG Phone: 301-738-6253 Remote Phone: 301-969-8665 brigittebard@umaryland.edu |
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Laura El Shafei, MPH, MA, RN Director, Office of Academic and Career Success Room: Room 101D, Building I, USG Phone: 301-738-6234 Remote Phone: 202-599-7236 lelshafei@umaryland.edu |
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Abbey Farina Office Assistant oacsnursingsg@umaryland.edu My name is Abbey and I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Psychology. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and I am originally from New Jersey. Some of my hobbies include playing the guitar, trying new foods, and watching sports- the Red Sox in the summer and the Eagles in the winter. After graduation I’d like to move back to Pittsburgh and work as a therapist. |
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Elizabeth Law
Office Assistant I’m Elizabeth Law but most people call me “Izzy” or “Lizzy” …
I am originally from Texas, but recently re-located to the DMV area from Colorado with my partner, two dogs, and blind cat. This is my first semester at USG, and I am pursuing my BS in Nursing. Prior to my enrollment, I was a flight attendant for a major airline. Traveling is one of my passions and I plan to pursue a career as a travel nurse. During my free time, I enjoy exploring new cultures and their food. You can also find me seeking outdoor thrills, a good laugh, or watching professional football - Go Seahawks! |
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Hastiolsadat (Hasti) Olumishirazi, BSN, RN
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Hasti graduated Summa Cum Laude from UMSON’s BSN program in May 2020 and started her career as an ICU nurse by joining frontline health care professionals in the fight against COVID-19. Her passion for helping next generation nurses led her to serve as a preceptor in the clinical setting and start a new role as a graduate teaching assistant while continuing her education in UMSON as an DNP/FNP student. Hasti provides writing support and Next Gen NCLEX case study sessions to USG BSN students in the Office of Academic and Career Success.
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We are here to help you navigate difficult situations the best we can, and to connect you to resources that may help with your success.
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