Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Universities at Shady Grove (USG)?
The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) is a regional higher education center located in the geographic center of Montgomery County. USG is a unique collaborative partnership of nine public universities with business, government, and educational institutions in the region. The USG operates under the auspices of the University System of Maryland (USM) and is administered by the University of Maryland, College Park. USM institutions offer both upper-level undergraduate and graduate programs at the USG. The following USM institutions offer degrees through USG: Bowie State University; Salisbury University; Towson University; University of Maryland, Baltimore; University of Maryland Baltimore County; University of Maryland, College Park; University of Maryland Eastern Shore and University of Maryland University College.
What academic programs do these institutions offer at USG?
USM institutions currently offer more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degrees onsite. Baccalaureate programs include: biological sciences, business, construction management technology, communication, computer science, criminal justice and criminology, education, hotel and restaurant management, information systems, nursing, psychology, and social work. The largest student enrollments are in business and information technology-related curricula. The nursing program at USG, offered through the University of Maryland School of Nursing, is the largest off-site nursing program in Maryland
What is the expected enrollment growth at the Universities at Shady Grove?
USG currently serves over 2,100 students enrolled in day and evening degree programs, and is the largest regional higher education center in Maryland. W ith the construction of a new building (SGIII), USG will be able to serve 6,000 students, tripling the number of students currently enrolled in programs on site. Equally important, the new facility is designed to support full-time undergraduate program expansion, as well as evening and weekend part-time student growth.
How will SGIII meet this growth?
USG, under the auspices of the USM, is currently engaged in a planning process to identify and determine program offerings and enrollment goals over the next five-year period. USG has assembled a variety of academic officers from participating institutions and representatives from regional education, community and industry groups to prepare a strategic plan for USG to be completed in early 2006.
How large is SGIII?
SGIII is a 192,000 square foot five-story academic building. It is one-third larger then the size of SGI and SGII combined (est. 116,000 square feet). It will hold 29 classrooms ranging in size from 30-120 seats, 10 computer classrooms, 2 distance education classrooms (for both conducting and receiving class instruction), 2 open computer laboratories, 81 faculty offices and five conference rooms. SGIII will be wireless, as are SGI and SGII. SGIII also includes plans for an 200 seat dining services area, a bookstore, recreational facilities, student lounges, study areas and a library and media center. Floor plans for the entire SGIII can be found on the USG website at www.shadygrove.umd.edu/about/SGIII/floor-plans-gallery.cfm.
Will SGIII be built and operated according to sound environmental principles?
One of the major features of SGIII construction is its underlying goal to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) GOLD Certification by the US Green Building Council. This certification was awarded in October 2007. The LEED System was established to promote an integrated, systemic approach to design a green building. Information about the LEED system can be found at www.usgbc.org. In addition, a new parking lot was constructed for USG use prior to beginning SGIII construction. It is a "green" parking lot because it uses an aeration and filtration system that filters the run-off water before it reaches the underground water table.
How will SGIII be sited?
SGIII is located between the two existing USG buildings. The front of the new building will face the existing buildings, SGI and SGII. The back of SGIII will be on Traville Gateway Drive.
What is the plan for the first floor?
The building is divided into three wings. On the first floor these are the Student Services area, the library/lobby area and the dining/kitchen area. The Student Services area includes space for academic advising, student activities, career services, student testing and learning enhancement services. The library facility encompasses just over 20,000 square feet, approximately 10 times the size of USG's current library. The dining/kitchen facility is planned to seat more than 200 in its main dining room and a smaller café/coffee room area. The layout of the first floor as well as the floor plans for the other floors in SGIII, are available on the USG website.
Where are the majority of classrooms and laboratories located in SGIII?
The classrooms and laboratories are primarily on the second, third and fourth floors. All of the 29 classrooms (ranging in size from 30 to 120 seats) are designed to be "smart" classrooms. SGIII also includes plans for 10 computer classrooms and 2 open computer laboratories. In addition to the classrooms, there are many study and lounge areas scattered throughout the middle floors including a small recreational facility. The floor plans can be found on the USG website.
Where are the majority of the faculty, program staff and administrative offices?
USG currently provides only a limited amount of faculty and program office space. SGIII will include more than 80 administrative, faculty and program offices located primarily on the third, fourth and fifth floors. The floor plans can be found on the USG website.
When did construction begin?
The Maryland Board of Public Works approved the construction project for SGIII at the end of August 2005. Construction began in September 2005 and continued until August 2007.
Who built SGIII?
Skanska USA Inc. was the construction company for SGIII (www.skanskausa.com). Cannon Design Inc. was the architect (www.cannondesign.com). The Architectural, Engineering and Construction Department of the University of Maryland College Park (www.facilities.umd.edu/Departments/AEC/index.cfm) managed the project for USM and USG.
Are there any other additional plans for expansion at the USG?
USM has completed a Master Land Use Plan for the entire Shady Grove Center. The Shady Grove Center includes not only the USG but also the Center for Advanced Research in Biotechnology. The Executive Summary of the Shady Grove Center Master Land Use Plan (November 2003) can be found on the USG website.