Friday, January 30, 2015

2015 Maryland Summer Scholars Program - Deadline February 8, 2015!

The Maryland Summer Scholars Program (MSS) provides an exciting opportunity for undergraduate students to spend the summer working closely with faculty mentors on ambitious research or artistic projects. Maryland Summer Scholars research may take place in College Park or anywhere in the US or abroad as required by the nature of the project.  For the summer of 2015, the program will provide awards of $3,000 to approximately 30 outstanding, competitively selected applicants. [Please note: if your proposed research requires travel outside of the College Park area, you may apply for a supplementary travel award of up to $1,000.]
Students who carry out Maryland Summer Scholars projects gain a competitive edge when applying for graduate study, fellowships, employment and other competitive opportunities. Many Summer Scholars turn their research into an independent study or honors thesis during their junior or senior year.
 
Who can apply: You are eligible to apply if you will have completed at least two full semesters (and 30 credits) by the end of Spring semester 2015, if you have a GPA of at least 3.4 at the time of application, and if you will be enrolled at the University of Maryland, College Park, in Fall 2015. All academic majors are eligible.
Application Deadline: The deadline to apply for summer 2015 awards will be midnight on Sunday, February 8, 2015. It is important that candidates begin developing their proposals as soon as possible.
If you have questions, contact the Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research at ugresearch@umd.edu
Detailed information about the MSS program, and instructions on completing applications can be found on the MCUR website at: http://www.ugresearch.umd.edu/summerscholars.php
The Maryland Summer Scholars Program has been sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Studies, the UMD Division of Research, UMD Schools and Colleges, and the Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research. 

Delta Sigma Theta - Delta Week

The Kappa Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is hosting their
annual Delta Week from February 1st to February 7th. Please join us as we
host events focusing on Defining Your DeSTiny throughout the week.

On Sunday, we will be hosting a chapel service at the Garden Chapel in the
Memorial Chapel on campus. On Monday, we will be hosting Divas to Daughters,
a panel discussion about love, relationships & success. Tuesday's event will
provide attendees with the tools necessary to maintain mental health
entitled My Cry in the Dark. On Wednesday, we will host Kesha's Story, an
event designed to educate about and present a firsthand account of sexual
assault, rape and the importance of consent. On Thursday we will be wrapping
up the week by designing vision boards amidst inspiration from TED talks on
empowerment. Finally, we will wrap up our week by volunteering with Food for
All DC on Saturday morning before our grand finale, the 2nd Crimson & Kreme
Cabaret on Saturday evening.

Tickets for the cabaret can be purchased at
http://umdtickets.universitytickets.com/user_pages/event.asp?id=263&cid=62.
More information regarding event times and locations can be found on Twitter
and IG at @UMD_DST and on Facebook at Kappa Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc. 

For more information, please contact kappaphidst@gmail.com. Your support is
greatly appreciated!

Maryland Student Researchers Program - Spring 2015 Info Sessions (also Feb. 3, 5, 6)

ARE YOU AN UNDERGRADUATE INTERESTED IN EXPLORING RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPRING 2015 AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND?
 
Learn more about the Maryland Student Researchers program, and review over 140 available opportunities by visiting our website at: http://www.ugresearch.umd.edu/studentresearchers.php
 
The Maryland Student Researchers (MSR) program serves as a University-wide online bulletin board where UMD researchers post research opportunities for undergraduate students. It is a great way for undergraduates to learn about the rewards and challenges of academic research. Over 140 projects are listed with more being added daily so check back regularly over the next several weeks.
 
The MSR bulletin board is designed to help undergraduates find research opportunities that are a good fit for their interests and qualifications, and to help faculty members find students to assist with their research project(s).  The research opportunities posted on the MSR website typically call for students to spend around six hours a week working under the direction of a faculty mentor on that faculty member’s own research.  Participating students learn skills and gain valuable experience that will enhance their graduate school and job qualifications. Most positions are for volunteers, some are paid.
 
The Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research will hold numerous information sessions to assist students who want to use the MSR bulletin board to identify suitable research opportunities, and also to provide advice about additional ways to pursue research opportunities – space for each session is limited so please RSVP to ugresearch@umd.edu with the date/time of the session you plan to attend:
 
Schedule for MSR Information Sessions, Spring Semester 2015:
 
Friday, January 30, 11:30 to Noon – 2100 D McKeldin Library
Tuesday, February 3, 11 to 11:30 a.m. – 2100 D McKeldin Library
Thursday, February 5, 9:30 to 10 a.m. – 2100 D McKeldin Library
Friday, February 6, 11 to 11:30 a.m. – 2100 D McKeldin Library

ELIGIBILITY: Any student in good academic standing may apply directly for any listed opportunities for which they have the listed required skills.  It is open to students of all majors and disciplines with an interest in research. Most positions are offered on a volunteer basis, and selection of undergraduate researchers is made solely by the faculty members who provide the listed opportunities.

Women’s Foreign Policy Group Annual DC Mentoring Fair - Wednesday, Feb 4


2015 Women’s Foreign Policy Group MENTORING FAIR registration is now open. The program provides an opportunity to speak informally with senior-level international affairs experts about the skills required to break into the global job market and hear valuable advice and guidance regarding career planning and internships. The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as young professionals. Sectors include international development, NGOs, human rights, international law, international health, international business, diplomatic service, the UN, and communications. This year the event will be cosponsored by and held at George Washington University. Space is limited and advance registration is REQUIRED. Visit www.wfpg.org/mentees for additional information and registration. The event will take place Wednesday, February 4th from 6-9 p.m. at George Washington University.

Please note that students are required to register for this event. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 202 429 2692 or email us at programs@wfpg.org. 

MLaw is hosting Dean of the Maryland Law School - Feb. 3

MLaw is hosting an exciting event this coming Tuesday, February 3rd at 4PM. The Dean of the Maryland Law School is coming to campus to teach a mock law school class. Students will get the rare chance to experience what law school is really like by taking part in this Socratic-style class. Dean Donald Tobin is a highly distinguished law professor, so you don’t want to miss out on this amazing opportunity. The mock class will be followed by a discussion and catered reception.

If you are planning on attending this event, please read over the court case, Commissioner v. DubersteinThis case will be the main focus of the event, and the better you know it, the more you'll be able to participate. We look forward to seeing you there.




2015 Taiwan United States Alliance (TUSA) Ambassador Scholarship

The Taiwan United States Alliance (TUSA) Ambassador Scholarship provides students from the United States a unique opportunity to intensively study Chinese Language (Mandarin) and immerse themselves in Taiwanese culture over a period of 2 months. TUSA Ambassadors are expected to act as goodwill advocates for both the United States and Taiwan wherever opportunities present themselves.

Quick Links
Requirements
  • Ideal applicants are American citizens who hold neither a Taiwan passport nor claim Taiwanese or Chinese heritage
  • Full-time student at a U.S. college of university
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation from college professors
  • All levels of Chinese (Mandarin) proficiency are acceptable; there is no requirement of prior language experience
Program Details
  1. Intensive Chinese Language Classes: Classes will be divided in four categories depending on your Chinese language proficiency test
    • Daily small group classes, 2 hours per day
    • One-on-one tutorial classes, 1 hour per day
    • Teaching will use Hanyu pinyin romanization and traditional characters
  2. Cultural Courses and Activities: Calligraphy, Chinese Painting, Tai Chi, Tea Ceremony, Stamp Engraving, Taiwanese Language, Chinese Cuisine, and Seminar on relevant topics
  3. Cultural and Language Exchange: One-on-one language exchange with volunteer students at National Cheng Kung university
  4. Cultural Excursions: Visiting National Palace Museum, Indigenous and Hakka Culture experience, and other cultural places
  5. Local Weekend Host Families and Volunteer in Local Schools: Students will be given additional opportunities to further immerse themselves in Taiwanese society
To apply, you may use our online application or download this form and submit it to apply@taiwanusallaince.com no later than February 15, 2015 for an early admission decision and by March 31, 2015 for final consideration.

Freshmen – QUEST Information Sessions Coming Up! Feb. 2 & 5



Attention Freshmen:  Are you a talented Freshman who is looking to take your education beyond the classroom? Attend an information session for the QUEST Honors Program Monday, February 2nd at 7 p.m. (in VMH 1335) and also on Thursday, February 5th at 7 p.m. (in Kim 1107).  

Quality Enhancement Systems and Teams (QUEST) is an interdisciplinary program for UMD undergraduates from three participating schools (Clark School of Engineering, Smith School of Business, and CMNS). This three year honors program has a wide variety of courses that focus on innovation, team development, leadership, systems management, and diversity. QUEST is a great choice if you're looking for a smaller community, campus involvement, interdisciplinary teaching, and lots of enthusiasm. Many students have truly enjoyed QUEST and believe that it will help them with their future education and career goals. 

Attend an information session to learn more about the program and the application process. Current QUEST students will be in attendance to answer questions you may have.

You can also begin your application here. Applications are due Friday, February 13th at 11:59 p.m.

Can’t make this session? Check out our Facebook event for all recruiting events: http://www.facebook.com/events/382206331876093/


Filipino Cultural Association's Welcome Back General Body Meeting - February 5th

The Filipino Cultural Association wants to welcome you back to campus! Come to our general body meeting this Thursday, February 5th, at 7:00 pm in the Art/Sociology Building in room 1213. Learn about what we do: the dancing, the singing, the culture, and much more!

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Summer Internships with Former Members of Congress

MD alumnus, Dennis Cardoza, a former five-term member of the United States House of Representatives, is on the lookout for exceptional University of Maryland students who might be interested in serving as unpaid interns at the United States Association of Former Members of Congress in Washington DC in summer 2015.

Students can read more about the internships and apply at:

New Course: UNIV 399Y Grassroots Activism

Beyond the Classroom Living and Learning Program
UNIV 399Y: Youth Grassroots Leadership
Spring 2015

“At every opportunity, Baker reiterated the radical idea that educated elites were not the natural
leaders… Local autonomy was the cornerstone of a meaningfully engaged democratic practice. If local people did not have ownership of the struggle they were engaged in, they would be beholden politically to others who would not necessarily experience the consequences of the struggle.”
– Barbara Ransby in “Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision”

This seminar series will examine present-day youth leadership in some of the most pressing social justice issues of our time with a particular focus on intersectional movements led by marginalized peoples.

Through guest speakers, spoken word, hip-hop, blogs, new media, and documentaries, students will
learn first-hand from other students and youth who are directly impacted by the social structures they
are resisting. Students will develop skills to analyze tactics, strategies, and leadership structures of
present-day youth activism while listening to and engaging with the voices of directly impacted youth.

***IMPORTANT NOTE: This syllabus is a work in progress. The best social movements are fluid and adaptable, ready to respond to changes in policy, events, and groundswells of any kind. As such, if throughout the semester there are great strides on an issue that is not currently addressed in this
syllabus, every effort will be made to make space for it. Additionally, this could not be a course on
youth-led movements without recognizing that you all, as students, have the power and capacity to do
and be part of incredible things. Therefore, if any student would like to suggest a movement, issue, or
group to be included, let’s talk about it and make it happen.

VENUE & TIME: Beyond the Classroom Seminar Room, 1102 South Campus Commons, Building 1, Tuesday evenings from 7:00-9:00 pm, Spring Semester 2015.

OFFICE HOURS: Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00PM and Thursdays from 2:00-3:00PM or by appointment. 1104 South Campus Commons, Building 1.

ACADEMIC CREDIT OPTION: Students may register for “UNIV 399Y: Youth Grassroots Leadership” as part of a 1-credit option (REG/P-F/AUD basis) for this seminar series.

INSTRUCTOR: Amy Fischer, Graduate Assistant,
Beyond the Classroom Living and Learning Program,
University of Maryland, 1104 South Campus Commons
Phone: 301-314-9860 (office) 615-414-8282 (cell); E-mail: afische2@umd.edu
Web: beyondtheclassroom.umd.edu

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY INFORMATION
The University of Maryland, College Park has a nationally recognized Code of Academic Integrity,
administered by the Student Honor Council. This Code sets standards for academic integrity at Maryland for all undergraduate and graduate students. As a student you are responsible for upholding these standards for this course. It is very important for you to be aware of the consequences of cheating, fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism. For more information on the Code of Academic Integrity or the Student Honor Council, please visit http://www.shc.umd.edu.

RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES
The University of Maryland policy states that students should not be penalized in any way for
participating in religious observances. Students will be allowed, whenever practical, to make up
assignments or course activities missed in these cases. Also per University policy, all arrangements for such absences must be made within the first two weeks of the course.

INCLEMENT WEATHER
In the event of inclement weather that leads to the official closing of the campus, please check your
email and Blackboard for updates on the course requirements and any changes to the course syllabus.
Check http://www.umd.edu/emergencypreparedness for updates on the university’s status.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Students with documented disabilities should contact the instructor within by the end of the schedule
readjustment period to make sure they receive accommodations. For information about services offered to students with disabilities, refer to the Counseling Center website at www.counseling.umd.edu.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: In order to receive course credit, students are required to attend eight of the evening seminars and actively participate in the seminar discussion informed by the assigned readings from that week (15% of the final grade), post an on-line reflection for five of the seminars you attend that incorporates the readings for that week (30% of the final grade), attend and write an online reflection for a civic engagement event that supports a grassroots, youth-led movement (10% of the final grade) and submit a 3-5 page paper and prepare a 5 minute presentation in which you may choose from one of the following three options (45% of the final grade)
1. Delve deeply into one of the movements that was discussed throughout the semester and
research the history, complexities, key players, and intersectionalities of the issue

2. Research the key factors, players, and strategies of a youth-led movement that was not covered
throughout the semester
3. Use your creativity to develop a detailed strategy piece about expanding and organizing around
an issue of your choosing in a grassroots, intersectional way, led by those that are directly
impacted.
**You may choose to submit an alternative to a formal paper, such as a blog post, video, or other art
form. This MUST be discussed and agreed upon in advance.
Item Course Requirement Form Weight Due Date
1. Class attendance and
participation
Read, attend, and
participate in a minimum of
8 class sessions
10 percent Every week –
Tuesdays 7:00-
9:00 PM

2. On-Line Reflection Minimum 500 Words for 5
class sessions of your
choosing
30 percent By midnight the
following Tuesday
for the previous
Tuesday’s class on
CANVAS

3. Engage in a
grassroots, youth-led
movement
Attend and write a
minimum 500 word
reflection
15 percent By midnight one
week after the
event via Email
4. Final paper and
presentation
3-5 page paper and 5
minute presentation on one
of the three options above
45 percent May 12

1. Students are expected to sign-in to each class and come prepared to actively participate. Participation
will be graded using the following criteria:
A= Highly Effective Participant: Insightful questions and comments; clearly does the reading and
goes beyond by introducing other relevant material.
B= Consistent Participant: Thoughtful questions and comments; clearly does the reading.
C= Occasional Participant: Regularly attends class; sporadic involvement in discussions; often
based on personal opinion rather than analysis of class material.
D= Regularly attends class, but does not get involved in class discussions.
E= Occasional Observer: Sporadic attendance; no participation in class.

2. These reflections may be informal, but an A grade will be well-thought out, inclusive of the reading material, and show that you are thinking critically about the issue. Since these are online, I encourage students to ask questions of and respond to your peers.

3. This is an event of your choice, and I will provide opportunities throughout the semester for students to engage. Students are encouraged to find other events and share with the rest of the class for opportunities to engage. Students will attend an event and will have one week to provide a reflection on what the activity was, why it was important, how they felt about it, and how it connects to class material.

4. These are more formal papers on any one of the three options noted above with an accompanying
presentation for the last day of class to provide an opportunity to share with the rest of the class.
Presentations should be approximately 5 minutes followed by 5 minutes of questions and discussions.
Students are encouraged to be creative and turn in deliverables that can be used in activism of some
kind. Any student who wishes to do anything outside the traditional paper and presentation (i.e. video,
blog, website, etc.) must, however, seek approval from the instructor in advance.

COURSE EVALUATION
You are highly encouraged to participate in the campus-wide online course evaluation system,
CourseEvalUM, in order to provide you valuable feedback about this course. Go to the web site:
http://www.courseevalum.umd.edu to complete your evaluation.

COURSE SCHEDULE: Readings will be posted each week on Canvas
Week: Theme:
January 27 Racial Justice – Documentary Freedom Summer
February 3 Racial Justice – Activists from #DCFerguson
February 10 Youth Justice in Sweden - Documentary Do Not
Treat Us Like Animals
February 17 Youth Justice – Formerly incarcerated youth
activists from JustKids Maryland
February 24 Workshop – Organizing 101
March 3 Labor Rights - Documentary Made In L.A.
March 10 Immigrant Justice – Undocumented Youth
Activists
March 17 **No Class – Spring Break
March 24 Palestine – Documentary Budrus: It Takes A
Village To Unite the Most Divided People on Earth
March 31 Music as Recovery – Documentary Death Metal
Angola
April 7 From the Fields – Online discussion with Youth
Farmworker Organizers
April 14 Workshop – Non-Violent Direct Action Training
April 21 When the Revolution Ends - Documentary Egypt:
Children of the Revolution
April 28 – Venue: Leah Smith Recital Hall
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
Special Joint Event with The Clarice Smith
Performing Arts Center and the Nile Project on
“The Nile Prize: Empowering Grassroots Leaders
for a Sustainable Future”
May 5 Intersection Youth Activist Mixtape – Short Docs,
Poems, and Music Videos
May 12 Final Presentat

Apply to become a CMNS Recruitment Ambassador!


We are looking for students from all CMNS majors who have an interest in helping prospective students learn more about why UMD is THE place to study computer, mathematical, and natural sciences!  CMNS recruitment ambassadors assist with student panels and CMNS information tables at admissions open houses, and act as class visit and lunch hosts for prospective freshmen. This volunteer position is a nice way to show your TERP spirit and get leadership experience. Most students spend a maximum of 3-4 hours a month (no summer or winter break commitment).

Pick up your application outside of 1318A Symons Hall now. Applications are due no later than February 16th, but interviews for the most qualified applicants will be offered on a rolling basis. Questions? Please contact Eden Garosi at egarosi@umd.edu.

Internship Opportunity at the University of Maryland Police Department

Update: This internship has been filled.






University of Maryland Police / Public Safety, Information Analysis Unit

Law Enforcement Analyst Intern/Trainee Position Description



The University of Maryland Police Information Analysis Unit is accepting applications for the Law Enforcement Analyst Internship program.  This is a paid, part-time position for University of Maryland College Park students interested in a career in crime and intelligence analysis. The Law Enforcement Analyst trainee will be required to commit to a minimum of 10 hours per week. Employer is flexible with class schedules and study requirements. The office is open Monday Friday and recognizes the University Holiday Schedule, during which time the office is closed. Work will largely be conducted in typical office setting and involves contact with civilian and sworn police personnel. There may be some limited opportunities for evening and weekend hours to support special events. Preference is given to applicants planning on one year or more of employment. Position requires fingerprint background check (provided by  department).



Minimum Qualifications:

·         Currently pursuing Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science, Criminal Justice, or related field at University of Maryland, College Park; including coursework in statistics, data analysis, research methods, and theories of crime/criminal behavior.

·         Experience using statistical computer programs, computer databases, electronic spreadsheets, and desktop publishing (Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent).

·         Experience with ArcGIS preferred.

·         Applicants must submit resume, unofficial transcript, and writing sample (please limit writing sample to 600 words; samples should exhibit correct spelling, grammar, sentence and paragraph structure, and consistent citation).



Job Description:

        Prepare, clean, and code data for crime and problem analysis

        Collect, analyze, and interpret data and information related to criminal activity, public safety, and homeland security

        Maintain, query, and retrieve pertinent information in computer databases

        Identify patterns of crime and public safety concerns using database software, reviewing incident data, and conducting open source research

        Research and monitor developing crime trends, public safety issues, and threats for the University community and surrounding region

        Assist with a variety of daily, weekly, monthly and annual tactical, operational, and strategic reports

        Conduct a wide variety of open source research and evaluate credibility of information

        May perform other similar or related task as assigned or requested




Knowledge, skills, abilities:

·         Experience with data entry and/or variable coding,

·         Knowledge of and ability to interpret basic statistics,

·         Knowledge of social science research methodology,

·         Strong writing skills and ability to adapt writing to address various needs and audiences,

·         Ability to conduct open-source research using credible sources and appropriate citation

·         Ability to think critically about a variety of issues and topics, and

·         General computer functions and software applications.

For more information and to apply to the position please contact Major Calvert directly at KCalvert@umpd.umd.edu.