Dear Perspective Recreation & Parks Management Student: Frostburg State University offers an attractive program that leads to a Master of Science degree in Park and Recreation Management. Our program is designed for one of three groups: people working in the field who want to enhance their academic training; people who are working in an allied field seeking entry into the recreation and parks field; and recent undergraduates who are seeking to develop their administrative skills. The program is designed to serve the needs of a cohort (a group of at least 15 students) to advance through the program together while collectively sharing their resources, knowledge and varied experiences in the field of recreation and parks. The program will focus on systematically providing the required course work to the cohort, however, new admissions may be permitted if openings exist. We are excited to be offering our program fully on-line. Applications for the on-line program are currently being accepted and will be processed on a first come; first serve basis. All coursework will be delivered online and an online orientation will be held in August prior to the start of courses. The FSU graduate program is a quality program that is modeled after the executive training program provided by the National Recreation and Park Association. The coursework is primarily taught by full-time FSU faculty with diverse areas of interests and expertise although seasoned practitioners will often be invited to share their perspectives with the cohort. In addition, students share their knowledge with other students, thereby enhancing the total learning experience. Course projects will be especially relevant to existing issues that practitioners currently face in the field of recreation and parks. Individuals currently working in the field will find immediate application to the issues and processes presented and discussed. In fact, students will be able to select from one of five templates for their final research project that will allow them to focus on an area of personal interest while promoting their professional careers. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly at my office at 410-869-1103 or my home office at 301-371-6886. You may also reach me via e-mail at Mdougherty@frostburg.edu. Questions regarding the admission process can be directed to Vickie Mazer, Director of Graduate Services at vmmazer@frostburg.edu. I look forward to hearing from you and working with you throughout the graduate program. Sincerely, Maureen A. Dougherty, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Graduate Coordinator Recreation & Parks Management Frostburg State University Checklist For Applicants To Master of Science in Recreation and Parks Management The following must be submitted to: Office of Graduate Services, Frostburg State University, Rm. 141 Pullen Hall, Frostburg, MD 21532, http://www.frostburg.edu How to Apply: FSU Graduate Admission Application and $30.00 application fee. You can apply online at www.frostburg.edu/grad. Application fee can be paid on line or sent directly to our billing office at FSU Billing Office, 101 Braddock Rd, Frostburg, MD 21532. Transcript: Have your undergraduate transcript sent to the Office of Graduate Services, 101 Braddock Rd, Pullen 141, Frostburg, MD 21532. Submit Supplemental Application: Career Goals Statement- Provide a one page statement of your career goals and summary of how the Master’s degree program relates to these goals. Submit online to gradservices@frostburg.edu. References: Provide three recommendations using the provided reference forms. References should be from one person familiar with your professional involvement, and two persons of your choice. Reference forms are available at http://www.frostburg.edu/grad/forms.htm and should be submitted electronically. These should be submitted directly from your references to gradservices@frostburg.edu. Resume: Submit electronically to gradservices@frostburg.edu. Technology Verfication Form: Submit form electronically to gradservices@frostburg.edu. Applications materials can be submitted separately. The admission committee will not consider you for admission until all of the above materials are received. It is your responsibility to ensure that your transcript(s) and references have been sent, however we will update you via email on your application status throughout this process. No later than four (4) weeks after the completion of your application, you will be notified of your admission decision. APPLICATION DEADLINE : JUNE 1 FOR FALL SEMESTER COHORT What to expect after you apply: Once your application is complete it will be forwarded to the Program Coordinator for review and admission decision. You will be sent an official admission letter via mail along with an admission packet to include: -Information on the online Orientation scheduled for August/September -Information on your assigned FSU email address username and password -Information on the registration process -Information on other University business operations Graduate Students Seeking Financial Aid Due to the limited amount of Financial Aid available to Graduate Students, it is important to complete all necessary paperwork and investigate all possibilities! Complete the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) on-line at www.fafsa.gov and list FSU in Step 5. Our federal code number is 002072. Review FSU’s Scholarship Booklet for any scholarship designated for graduate students Research on-line Scholarship sites such as www.finaid.org/scholarships and www.fastweb.com. Maryland residents- Write your Congressmen for Senatorial and Delegate Scholarships. Go to www.mhec.state.md.us for more details. Local Students- The LaLitta Nash McKaig Foundation Scholarship is available to local students who graduated from high schools in Allegany, Garrett, Hampshire, Mineral, Bedford, and Somerset counties. Application is available from FSU Financial Aid Office website. Once we receive notification of your admission to a Graduate program at FSU and have received the results of your FAFSA, we will send you an award letter listing your awards. There will be an instruction sheet included to assist you in completing loan paperwork on-line. If you have questions please call the Financial Aid Office at 301-687-4301. IMPORTANT: Keep in mind, in order to receive any loan, you must complete the FAFSA form in a timely fashion and you must respond to any requests for additional information (such as tax documents) before we can officially process your loan/s. Frostburg State University Master of Science in Recreation and Park Management Technology Verification Form As a Frostburg State University online student, you must meet the following technological requirements to participate in the program. Hardware and Software Requirements: Students must have reliable access to a computer with Internet access. The computer system the student uses must fulfill the minimum requirements of FSU. An automatic scan of your system can be completed by visiting this link: http://www.frostburg.edu/blackboard/blackboard-9-minimum-requirements/ Software Requirements: - Windows Operating System, XP or later – or – Mac Operating System 10.6 Snow Leopard or later Any current browser (i.e. Firefox, Chrome, Safari, etc.) with Javascript and cookies enabled Adobe Acrobat Reader Microsoft Office 2007 or later for Windows – or Microsoft Office 2008 or later for Macs Other Requirements: - Webcam - Headset with microphone I hereby verify that I have dependable access to a computer system and above software that meets all of the technology requirements, and possess the necessary skills to operate that system. Name:___________________________Last four digits SS#____________ Please email form to www.gradservices@frostburg.edu Date:__________________ Master of Science in Recreation and Park Management Frostburg State University Request for Recommendation Check here if you are applying for a graduate assistantship. If so, these are the only references you need to provide. Instructions to Applicant: Applicants seeking admission to the M.S. in Recreation and Park Management program are asked to obtain three references. Please sign the waiver below and ask those recommending you to complete the Request for Recommendation form below by June1.. The applicant should encourage references to submit this reference from online by email to : gradservices@frostburg.edu or provide the respondent with a stamped envelope addressed as follows: Office of Graduate Services, Frostburg State University, Room 141 Pullen Hall, 101 Braddock Road, Frostburg, Maryland 21532-1099. Mr./Ms. _________________________________________ is applying for admission to the M.S. program in Recreation and Park Management at Frostburg State University. The applicant and admission committee will appreciate your completing this form and returning it by June 1 to the Office of Graduate Services. If you would rather write a letter, either in addition to or in place of this form, please feel free to do so. Applicant's Statement: I am aware that under the Congressional Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 , I am not required to, but that I may voluntarily waive my right to access to confidential letters and statements of recommendation submitted to Frostburg State University in support of my application. I further understand that under the provision of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, an unsuccessful applicant, regardless of whether such applicant has signed a waiver, has no right to inspect any of the admission application materials accumulated in his/her case. The giving of a waiver shall not be regarded as a condition for admission to, receipt of financial aid from, or receipt of any other services or benefits from the University. I hereby: _____ do _____ do not waive my rights of access to any and all letters or statements of recommendation which may be submitted by ________________________________________________ (applicant must specify name of person submitting before sending form to that person) in connection with my application to the M.S. in park and Recreation Resource Management program. Signature of Applicant ____________________________________________________ Date ___________________ Applicant's Date of Birth: _________________________________________ Knowledge of Applicant 1. Approximately how long have you known the applicant? _____ years _____ months 2. How well do you feel you know the applicant? _____ well 3. What is the nature of your contacts with the applicant? Teacher in one class _____ _____ slightly Teacher in more than one class _____ Employer _____ _____ very well Research Advisor _____ Major Advisor _____ Other (specify): ________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ In comparison with other students you have known, how would you rank the applicant's: Intellectual Ability Motivation Work Habits Writing Ability Oral Expression Emotional Maturity Taking Initiative Interpersonal Skills Exceptional Above Average Average Below Average Poor No Information 5. Would you accept the candidate as one of your own graduate students if you were in a position to do so? _____ Definitely, I am certain he/she will be successful as a counselor. _____ Yes, I'd give him/her a chance. _____ Probably, but with some reservations. _____ Maybe, but with many reservations. _____ No. Please type or print your responses to the following. 6. Briefly describe this person's relationships with students and/or colleagues. 7. Do you have any information related to character and temperament or to any impairments which should be considered by an admissions committee or should be taken into account in planning the student's graduate work? Yes _____ No _____ If yes, please elaborate. 8. What are the applicant's outstanding assets? 9. What are his/her most serious limitations? 10. This space is for any additional comments, information, predictions. 11. Has the candidate demonstrated initiative and motivation to work independently? 21. This candidate is recommended to you: _____ strongly _____ moderately _____ weakly _____ not at all ________________________________________________ Signature of respondent _____________________________ Date ________________________________________________ Name (printed or typed) _____________________________ Title _________________________________________________________________________________ Title and Institution/Organization ___________________________________________________Contact Phone:______________________________ Address (City, State, Zip) Email: Master of Science in Recreation and Park Management Frostburg State University Request for Recommendation Check here if you are applying for a graduate assistantship. If so, these are the only references you need to provide. Instructions to Applicant: Applicants seeking admission to the M.S. in Recreation and Park Management program are asked to obtain three references. Please sign the waiver below and ask those recommending you to complete the Request for Recommendation form below by June1.. The applicant should encourage references to submit this reference from online by email to : gradservices@frostburg.edu or provide the respondent with a stamped envelope addressed as follows: Office of Graduate Services, Frostburg State University, Room 141 Pullen Hall, 101 Braddock Road, Frostburg, Maryland 21532-1099. Mr./Ms. _________________________________________ is applying for admission to the M.S. program in Recreation and Park Management at Frostburg State University. The applicant and admission committee will appreciate your completing this form and returning it by June 1 to the Office of Graduate Services. If you would rather write a letter, either in addition to or in place of this form, please feel free to do so. Applicant's Statement: I am aware that under the Congressional Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 , I am not required to, but that I may voluntarily waive my right to access to confidential letters and statements of recommendation submitted to Frostburg State University in support of my application. I further understand that under the provision of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, an unsuccessful applicant, regardless of whether such applicant has signed a waiver, has no right to inspect any of the admission application materials accumulated in his/her case. The giving of a waiver shall not be regarded as a condition for admission to, receipt of financial aid from, or receipt of any other services or benefits from the University. I hereby: _____ do _____ do not waive my rights of access to any and all letters or statements of recommendation which may be submitted by ________________________________________________ (applicant must specify name of person submitting before sending form to that person) in connection with my application to the M.S. in park and Recreation Resource Management program. Signature of Applicant ____________________________________________________ Date ___________________ Applicant's Date of Birth: _________________________________________ Knowledge of Applicant 1. Approximately how long have you known the applicant? _____ years _____ months 2. How well do you feel you know the applicant? _____ well 3. What is the nature of your contacts with the applicant? Teacher in one class _____ _____ slightly Teacher in more than one class _____ Employer _____ _____ very well Research Advisor _____ Major Advisor _____ Other (specify): ________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ In comparison with other students you have known, how would you rank the applicant's: Intellectual Ability Motivation Work Habits Writing Ability Oral Expression Emotional Maturity Taking Initiative Interpersonal Skills Exceptional Above Average Average Below Average Poor No Information 5. Would you accept the candidate as one of your own graduate students if you were in a position to do so? _____ Definitely, I am certain he/she will be successful as a counselor. _____ Yes, I'd give him/her a chance. _____ Probably, but with some reservations. _____ Maybe, but with many reservations. _____ No. Please type or print your responses to the following. 6. Briefly describe this person's relationships with students and/or colleagues. 7. Do you have any information related to character and temperament or to any impairments which should be considered by an admissions committee or should be taken into account in planning the student's graduate work? Yes _____ No _____ If yes, please elaborate. 8. What are the applicant's outstanding assets? 9. What are his/her most serious limitations? 10. This space is for any additional comments, information, predictions. 11. Has the candidate demonstrated initiative and motivation to work independently? 21. This candidate is recommended to you: _____ strongly _____ moderately _____ weakly _____ not at all ________________________________________________ Signature of respondent _____________________________ Date ________________________________________________ Name (printed or typed) _____________________________ Title _________________________________________________________________________________ Title and Institution/Organization ___________________________________________________Contact Phone:______________________________ Address (City, State, Zip) Email: Master of Science in Recreation and Park Management Frostburg State University Request for Recommendation Check here if you are applying for a graduate assistantship. If so, these are the only references you need to provide. Instructions to Applicant: Applicants seeking admission to the M.S. in Recreation and Park Management program are asked to obtain three references. Please sign the waiver below and ask those recommending you to complete the Request for Recommendation form below by June1.. The applicant should encourage references to submit this reference from online by email to : gradservices@frostburg.edu or provide the respondent with a stamped envelope addressed as follows: Office of Graduate Services, Frostburg State University, Room 141 Pullen Hall, 101 Braddock Road, Frostburg, Maryland 21532-1099. Mr./Ms. _________________________________________ is applying for admission to the M.S. program in Recreation and Park Management at Frostburg State University. The applicant and admission committee will appreciate your completing this form and returning it by June 1 to the Office of Graduate Services. If you would rather write a letter, either in addition to or in place of this form, please feel free to do so. Applicant's Statement: I am aware that under the Congressional Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 , I am not required to, but that I may voluntarily waive my right to access to confidential letters and statements of recommendation submitted to Frostburg State University in support of my application. I further understand that under the provision of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, an unsuccessful applicant, regardless of whether such applicant has signed a waiver, has no right to inspect any of the admission application materials accumulated in his/her case. The giving of a waiver shall not be regarded as a condition for admission to, receipt of financial aid from, or receipt of any other services or benefits from the University. I hereby: _____ do _____ do not waive my rights of access to any and all letters or statements of recommendation which may be submitted by ________________________________________________ (applicant must specify name of person submitting before sending form to that person) in connection with my application to the M.S. in park and Recreation Resource Management program. Signature of Applicant ____________________________________________________ Date ___________________ Applicant's Date of Birth: _________________________________________ Knowledge of Applicant 1. Approximately how long have you known the applicant? _____ years _____ months 2. How well do you feel you know the applicant? _____ well 3. What is the nature of your contacts with the applicant? Teacher in one class _____ _____ slightly Teacher in more than one class _____ Employer _____ _____ very well Research Advisor _____ Major Advisor _____ Other (specify): ________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ In comparison with other students you have known, how would you rank the applicant's: Intellectual Ability Motivation Work Habits Writing Ability Oral Expression Emotional Maturity Taking Initiative Interpersonal Skills Exceptional Above Average Average Below Average Poor No Information 5. Would you accept the candidate as one of your own graduate students if you were in a position to do so? _____ Definitely, I am certain he/she will be successful as a counselor. _____ Yes, I'd give him/her a chance. _____ Probably, but with some reservations. _____ Maybe, but with many reservations. _____ No. Please type or print your responses to the following. 6. Briefly describe this person's relationships with students and/or colleagues. 7. Do you have any information related to character and temperament or to any impairments which should be considered by an admissions committee or should be taken into account in planning the student's graduate work? Yes _____ No _____ If yes, please elaborate. 8. What are the applicant's outstanding assets? 9. What are his/her most serious limitations? 10. This space is for any additional comments, information, predictions. 11. Has the candidate demonstrated initiative and motivation to work independently? 21. This candidate is recommended to you: _____ strongly _____ moderately _____ weakly _____ not at all ________________________________________________ Signature of respondent _____________________________ Date ________________________________________________ Name (printed or typed) _____________________________ Title _________________________________________________________________________________ Title and Institution/Organization ___________________________________________________Contact Phone:______________________________ Address (City, State, Zip) Email: