CMSC 201 Computer Science I for Non-CS Disciplines
Spring 2019

This spring, Dr. Susan Mitchell will teach a special section of CMSC 201 Computer Science I designed for social and biological sciences and humanities majors. The course will cover the same content and have the same rigor as all other sections of CMSC 201 and prepare students to continue on to CMSC 202 if they wish.  As with other sections, it fulfills any major’s requirement for CMSC 201. The key difference will be that the assignments and projects will emphasize topics applicable to many non-CS disciplines, such as statistical analysis, working with large data sets, and data visualization. The catalog description is:

An introduction to computer science through problem solving and computer programming. Programming techniques covered by this course include modularity, abstraction, top-down design, specifications documentation, debugging and testing. The core material for this course includes control structures, functions, lists, strings, abstract data types, file I/O, and recursion.

The course will include a lecture from 2:30pm to 3:45pm on Mondays and Wednesdays (Section 24-LEC) and a one-hour lab on either Tuesdays 11:30-12:20 (Section 19-DIS) or Wednesdays 4:00-4:50 (Section 21-DIS).

Permission from the instructor is required to register for this section. No prior programming experience is required. The only prerequisite is that students must have completed MATH 150, 151 or 152 with a C or better; OR have MATH test placement into MATH 151; OR have completed MATH 155 with a C or better.

For permission or questions, email Dr. Susan Mitchell at *protected email*

The post CMSC 201: Computer Science I for Non-CS Disciplines – Spring 2019 appeared first on Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about Maryland Carey Law, ask questions about the application process, and share why you are interested in attending law school.

Please bring a copy of your resume.

Register here! 

DISCLAIMER: This interview will not be included in your admissions file. 

Alexia Petasis is an INDS intern on the Women’s Center student staff team. Alexia studies social justice and dance. In the following blog post, she runs through a list of crucial self-care survival strategies for activists. 

Every week, the Women’s Center asks a “question of the week” available for anyone to respond to. One week our question was, “what do you do for self-care?” This question was one I have heard many times, but this time it led me to ponder all the ways I have, or have not, practiced self-care as well as what tips I can offer everyone else. I’ve seen many people around campus this semester look drained, fatigued and overwhelmed by our campus climate. For some, this exhaustion was due to the various articles and subsequent student rallies that came about after allegations that UMBC mishandled sexual assault claims.

I’ve gathered some self care tips from my own experiences, the advice my friends find helpful, and others I’ve found online while on a quest to live my best social justice activist life, while not drowning carelessly into the pit of despair that social justice work sometimes feels like. As we head into Thanksgiving, let’s use the next few days off to reflect on ways we can practice self-care….

Take the Time to be Mad:

Over the past semester, many of our campus community members have experienced feelings of  anger. Anger at our institution and anger at the fact that this issue was more than an isolated incident. Being mad allows us to feel what we rightfully should feel and allows us to push ourselves to see what we can do about it. If we weren’t mad or bothered about issues like these, then there would be no driving force to pursue change. On that note, I’ve noticed it is equally important to be aware of how much “bad news” you consume.

During the semester, while UMBC was exploding with its own bad news about the alleged mistreatment of survivors of sexual assault, the news was overwhelmingly reminiscent of how the roots of injustice are so deeply ingrained in our society. Survivors of sexual assault nationwide have had to revisit their past trauma with the news pertaining to Supreme Court Judge nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, who was accused of sexual assault. An article published on CNN states, “the day Ford testified in front of senators and the whole country, the sex assault hotline saw a 201% increase in calls compared with a typical day”. It was almost like our school and the federal government were in a parallel universe and the influx of bad news was overwhelming.

So, be mad, but also be careful to balance out time to also think about the good things. As hard as it is, try not to allow yourself to stay so up-to-date with everything that you bombard your mind with all the bad in the world. This can cause opposite results and paralyze your abilities as an activist since it feels as though nothing is getting better. This leads me to my next point.

Surround Yourself with Other Activists:

This one is IMPORTANT! I didn’t realize just how draining it was to be around those who truly don’t give a sh*t about the injustices many face in our world. Therefore, I would first say, have conversations and meet individuals whose views align with yours and who want to help the world become a better place too. At the Women’s Center, I have seen so many bonds created in the lounge area of the Women’s Center and have been part of many conversations empowering us to speak our truths. We Believe You, a student organization on campus, holds weekly discussion group and general body meetings for survivors of sexuals assualt and allies. In the wake of campus conversations around sexual violence, it can sometimes feel good to be with people who are doing the work and also feel similar frustrations.

But, along with meeting activists in person, there are many podcasts out there that can make us feel hopeful of all the other activists we have doing amazing work and raising our consciousness about issues that are all around us.

One of my favorites is called “Transforming Together” by two staff members at HopeWorks, a domestic violence shelter in Howard County. Brittany Eltringham and Heidi Griswold shed light on issues happening in our country with an intersectional feminist perspective. They describe their podcasts as, “a blend of pop culture and social justice, the show is hosted by two queer folks who are committed to healing, laughing, and loving their way to a world free from exploitation, oppression, and violence.” Another resource called Know Your IX mentions various tips for self care on their website as well.

Express Gratitude:

Express gratitude when it’s easy, but more importantly, make the conscious decision and effort to express gratitude when the world feels as if it’s a dumpster fire. Even if it is as simple as I woke up on time today, I made an extra good cup of coffee this morning, or I had a good conversation with someone. Try to start each day or end each night writing five things that you are grateful for that day. Every little bit of positivity you offer to yourself trains your mind to escape this bubble of pessimism towards the world (which frankly I do often too, but I am working on it).

Another cool way to bring in more optimism among all the dreariness that comes with social justice activism is to sign up for The Good Trade email notifications. The Good Trade describes their daily newsletter as, “Everyday Inspiration For The Informed Woman: A 30 second read of good things to listen, follow, visit, browse and read—delivered to your inbox each morning. Curated by and for women.” Their mission statement at the bottom of the newsletter states that the inspiration of the day leaves you “informed + inspired about the good things that rise above the clutter”. To say the least, waking up and reading the good work that others are doing around the world can help to ground us and recenter our views of the world.

Embody Self Preservation:

Finally, the infamous quote by Audre Lorde, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Viewing self-care as an inherent part of any activism effort and a duty you owe yourself is crucial to taking good care of yourself while you are busy trying to take care of everyone else. As we head into finals and holidays and reasons for activism always continue to exist what will you do to practice self-care? Feel free to share your ideas or comments with us on the Women’s Center social media pages!

These programs can be a great opportunity for students to get their feet in the door for an internship.

Our Exploratory Programs allow college freshmen and sophomores to learn more about financial services as well as our firm’s business, people and culture. Our goal is to bring students together from different schools, majors and backgrounds and to help set them up for success as they explore future career interests and opportunities. Our program includes skill-building workshops, interactive case studies and networking sessions with Goldman professionals.

Please note: Goldman Sachs will provide domestic travel within the U.S. and hotel accommodations.

Go here to learn more:
https://www.goldmansachs.com/careers/blog/posts/ask-the-diversity-recruiters.html

Learn more about the diversity recruiting programs and apply for the upcoming events.

2019 Spring Exploratory Programs

Details/Eligibility:
Women’s Leadership Camp | February 6-8 | New York and Salt Lake City
Eligibility Requirements: undergraduate women graduating between December 2020 and June 2022.
 
Undergraduate Camp | February 20-22 | New York, Salt Lake City and Dallas/Irving
Eligibility Requirements: black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, and/or first-generations undergraduate students graduating between December 2020 and June 2022.
 
Pride Summit | March 13-15 | New York
Eligibility Requirements: undergraduate students graduating between December 2020 and June 2022 who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender.
 
Engineering Essentials | May 13-17 | New York
Eligibility Requirements: black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American and/or women undergraduate students graduating between December 2020 and August 2021.
 
Virtual Insight Series | 2019 Summer | Virtual
Eligibility Requirements: undergraduate students graduating between December 2020 and June 2022.
 
Application Deadlines
·         January 6th           Pride Summit | Women’s Leadership Camp |Undergraduate Camp
·         March 3rd              Engineering Essentials
·         March 31st            Insight Series
 
You may apply to as many exploratory programs as you are eligible for & interested in, but can only be selected to attend one in-person program. Please note that you need to complete the application only once if applying to multiple programs. 

Do you have an interest in Becoming a Nonprofit Leader or Social Entrepreneur?
Are you ready to intern within a Nonprofit or Social Venture this Spring?

If yes, apply to the Shattuck Family Internship Program for Entrepreneurship Innovation and Social Change.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  Monday, 12/3

The Shattuck Family Internship Program for Entrepreneurship Innovation and Social Change prepares UMBC students for the rigors and rewards of entrepreneurship and social innovation. This program places highly-motivated students from diverse backgrounds in mentored internships to better prepare them to launch nonprofit or social ventures. Students get training and experience to empower them to become the next generation of social entrepreneurs–working largely in the not-for-profit world, developing and delivering innovative solutions to some of our region’s most urgent social problems.

Internships last one semester (15 weeks) and students will work, on average, 8 to 10 hours per week. Students receive a stipend of $1,500 toward their compensation. In addition to the internship, students engage in projects and activities that further expose them to the social entrepreneurial mindset.

Why Participate?
- Earn a competitive stipend of $1,500
- Gain valuable experience in your career field by interning 120 hours over the course of the semester (8-10 hours per week)
- Be exposed to the knowledge, skills, and mindset required to successfully launch and manage a nonprofit/social venture
- Develop a network of contacts in the nonprofit community for future references and opportunities
- Apply classroom knowledge in a realistic work environment and apply lessons learned in the workplace to academic coursework

TO APPLY:
Interested students are asked to submit a Resume and a Cover Letter answering the following questions:
Discuss your interest in social entrepreneurship/nonprofit leadership and this intern program.  What has been your entrepreneurial involvement thus far such as coursework, seminars, etc. (if applicable)?  What type of nonprofit would you like to intern for and why?

Credentials can be submitted via UMBCworks (position 9303390).  If you do not have your resume approved in UMBCworks, please e-mail your credentials to:
Christine Routzahn
Director
UMBC Career Center, UMBC
routzahn@umbc.edu, 410-455-3671

DEADLINE TO APPLY:  Monday, December 3rd