Student Resources, Support, and Crisis Management

We all experience stress, anxiety, potential accessibility, and other health challenges that can impact our ability to be successful in our studies. You may occasionally find yourself facing challenges that seem insurmountable and require help from others. Asking for help is something that we very much welcome and know that you have a support system here at UMSON that will do everything that we can to ensure that you advance your nursing education. 

The University Counseling Center (Baltimore) and the Center for Counseling and Consultation (USG) are fantastic resources that offer a variety of services such as:

• Psychotherapy
• Intake and Emergency Services
• Counseling
• Self-Enhancement (time management, study strategies, academic success)

Additionally the Student Health Center offers health care for students enrolled at the Baltimore location which is funded by their student fees. Students enrolled at USG may take advantage of the myriad of health care providers near their residences or campus. 

Our office of Educational Support and Disability Services office coordinates services with students in obtaining reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.  

Understanding fully that some of these issues touch many different aspects of life, you are encouraged to review our website on Crisis Care Resources that may be helpful to you.

Financial pressures are often the most acute during a student's educational journey, resulting in additional hours worked which can conflict with academic work.

The School is very committed to helping you navigate the cost of your education as well as providing students with substantive scholarship opportunities. Beyond scholarships, many students take advantage of grants and loan opportunities that are administered through University Student Financial Assistance.

School of Nursing Student Emergency Funding 

Purpose: 

The purpose of the Student Emergency Fund is to provide limited financial assistance to currently enrolled nursing students who are experiencing serious financial hardship. Support may be needed due to 1) a sudden or unforeseen event or 2) inability to meet immediate living expenses related to the academic experience after exhausting all sources of aid, including loans.  

Eligibility: 

1. Applicants must be currently enrolled at UMSON during the semester they are seeking financial assistance.
2. Applicants must have a non-recurring financial hardship resulting from a sudden emergency, accident, or unforeseen event that must be addressed right away. The financial challenges, if not addressed, can reasonably be expected to result in a crisis, withdrawal from the School, or serious impact on student health and well-being. The following constitute examples of eligible emergency need categories:
   • eviction, or past-due on rent, mortgage, or essential utilities
   • temporary housing
   • food and toiletries insecurity
   • loss of childcare
   • loss of employment by the student or primary earner in the household
   • unexpected medication costs or emergency medical care not covered by insurance
   • emergency or essential car repairs
   • laptop repair or replacement
   • assistance due to natural disaster or victimization
   • unexpected delay in aid or other funding resulting in an inability to meet immediate living expenses.
3. Other possible financial resources must have been exhausted and deemed insufficient or not available in a timely manner. The purpose for requesting emergency funds must be for an issue or circumstance that would cause the University financial aid officer to consider a budget increase, which allows for posting of approved aid to the student's account. 
4. Applicants must be able to provide supporting documentation.
5. International students must meet with the Office of International Services for assistance.

General guidelines:  

1. Decisions regarding the disbursement of funds will be made on a case-by-case basis by the Office of Student and Academic Services and the UMSON dean.
2. There is no guarantee of fund availability, award amount, or approval of funds.
3. Previous recipients are ineligible.
4. Awards do not require repayment.
5. A financial award may be considered taxable income and/or part of the student’s financial aid package.
6. Students should also consult with UMB Student Financial Aid on the impact of their award on their financial aid package.

Apply Now

Students may find themselves not secure in their housing or ability to procure food. If this applies to you, you are encouraged to submit a contact form. 

• There are many resources for housing insecurity. Given the many jurisdictions coordinating emergency housing in Maryland, you may want to review the public housing agency website list to find your location for assistance. 
• The Youth Food Security's Food Pantry, partnered with HeartSmiles MD, is for Baltimore City youth ages 21 and under who need emergency food. Once you submit the request form, food will be delivered to you within a day. We will deliver enough food to last about a week. For youth experiencing homelessness, our team will coordinate alternative delivery options. Contact information: IG: @youthfoodsecurity, 410-934-6420, yfs.socialmedia@gmail.com

Below you will find resources both on- and off-campus to help you.

These resources are available to everyone in Maryland or near our locations in Baltimore and at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Maryland.

Local Government and Community Services by County

Child Care Services

• Child Care Services Montgomery County
• Child Care and Parenting Resources, Baltimore County
• Downtown Baltimore Child Care
• Child Care Academy (Fees based on family income)
• Maryland Financial Assistance for Families

Counseling Services

• Student Counseling Center at University of Maryland, Baltimore
• Let's Teletalk, University of Maryland, Baltimore
• Center for Counseling and Consultation at Universities at Shady Grove

Educational Support and Disability Services  
Students in Baltimore and at USG who are seeking disability support will need to contact the Office of Educational Support and Disability Services at UMB to request information and complete the process of obtaining services.

Food Resources

• Community Food Resources in Maryland By Region
• Food Distribution and Assistance Baltimore County
• Food Resources at the Universtiy of Maryland, Baltimore
• Mobile Market Mondays at Universities at Shady Grove
• Grover's Essentials at the Universities at Shady Grove
• Maryland Financial Assistance for Families
• SHARE (Maryland, Virginia, DC)
• Supplemental Nutritions Assistance Program (SNAP)

Clothing

• Dress for Success, Baltimore
• Montgomery County Clothes Closets
• Interfaith Works

Help Paying Bills

• Baltimore County Assistance Programs
• Montgomery County Maryland Assistance Programs

Public Transportation

• Maryland Department of Transportation
• The Circulator Baltimore City
• UMB Shuttle
• Car Sharing Montgomery County Commuter Services

Rental Assistance (for those affected by COVID-19 pandemic)

• National and State Resources
• Maryland Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Rental Assistance (for those experiencing a housing crisis not due to COVID-19)

• MD Rental Housing Assistance Program. Housing Choice Voucher Program
• Montgomery County Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
• House Stabilizing Office Montgomery County RAP Program