INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS

Support & Service Centers

Academic Advising Center
As a clearinghouse for information on the university's academic policies, procedures and requirements, this center also supports the advising needs of students. Advisers assist students in developing academic goals, planning programs, selecting courses, investigating majors and meeting standards.

African American Cultural Center
The center sponsors programs and activities that reflect the history and culture of people of African descent. The center houses an extensive collection of African-American art, journals, newspapers, books and recordings. Student groups may reserve the center for meetings and informal gatherings.

Asian Arts and Culture Center
The Asian Arts & Culture Center serves as a key resource for students and faculty in such fields as art history, Asian studies, music and philosophy. The center regularly hosts exhibitions, lectures, workshops, films and concerts.

Campus Security
The Towson University Police Department has won the prestigious Maryland Governor's Crime Prevention Award for the past 16 years. The department oversees security on campus 24 hours a day throughout the year. Additional services include safety information seminars, evening escort van ride, a bicycle registration program and referrals to medical, legal and social services.

Career Center
Open to students, graduates and alumni, the Career Center contains an extensive library of information and materials on employers, job search tips and resume preparation. It also offers individual sessions with advisers, workshops, seminars and other assistance to help students succeed in the job search process. Each year, over 1,500 employers recruit Towson students for more than 5,000 employment and internship opportunities.

Counseling Center
College life presents many life changes and opportunities for personal growth. The Counseling Center provides a variety of professional services to assist students in resolving emotional problems, learning new personal and social skills, and working toward developing career and personal goals.

Dowell Health Center
The Dowell Health Center provides high-quality outpatient medical care. International students are strongly encouraged to purchase health insurance to cover the costs of services not provided at the Health Center, as health care in the United States is costly. Detailed information on health insurance is provided during the International Student Orientation.

English Language Center (ELC)
The ELC provides quality instruction to non-native speakers seeking to become competent in English for academic, business or personal reasons. The administrators, faculty and staff have developed an excellent curriculum as well as social activities and a support system to meet the diverse needs of its student body. The full-time program includes a minimum of 21 hours of English instruction per week, incorporating grammar, writing, reading, and listening and speaking skills. For additional information, please contact the ELC, 410-704-2552, or lmermell@towson.edu.

International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO)
The ISSO provides services and programs to more than 1000 international students and international scholars (researchers, guests and visiting faculty). The ISSO offers assistance in the following areas:

• visa applications and all immigration related matters
• cross-cultural orientation and adjustment
• succeeding in the American academic environment
• using university services
• understanding university guidelines
• complying with federal laws concerning temporary-visa holders
• referrals to community resources
• emergency situations involving international students

ISSO advisers are authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to endorse visa application certificates, travel documents, and INS documents related to employment. Advisers also provide information sessions, publications and individual appointments to keep students up-to-date and in compliance with immigration laws. These services are available to students before they leave their home countries, upon arrival, and throughout their stay in the United States.

Office of Diversity
Towson University is committed to developing an environment conducive to the success of the multicultural, multiracial population it serves. This office works to assure that the needs and concerns of minorities are recognized, responded to and reflected in academic and social policies and programs. Approximately 12 percent of the student population is classified as minorities, of which eight percent are African-American. Students of Asian descent are the fastest growing minority population on campus.

Office for Students with Disabilities
Students with physical disabilities should register with the office immediately after admission to ensure the timely provision of required support services. All university programs and activities are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Academic Achievement Center
This center provides free tutoring for students who have difficulty with their course work. The center also provides supplemental computer-assisted instruction in accounting and study skills.

Women's Center
The Women's Center offers a variety of services and activities throughout the academic year. A library and drop-in lounge are open to men and women for study, conversation or informal meetings.

Study Abroad Office
As part of Towson's commitment to providing an education with a truly global perspective, a wide variety of study abroad experiences are made available to all students. Realizing the increasing interdependence of nations and cultures, it is hoped that all Towson students consider making study abroad a component of their studies, whether for a year, a semester, or a summer. For international students, study abroad adds a deeper dimension to a multi-faceted international education. Opportunities to study abroad are available in most countries, and in a wide range of academic disciplines.