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  <NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="149315" important="true" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/149315">
  <Title>Campus Climate Survey for Community, Engagement and Belonging</Title>
  <Body>
    <![CDATA[
    <div class="html-content">
    <div>UMBC is conducting a climate survey to to gather data about UMBC community members' experiences and perceptions of their engagement, belonging, and overall campus climate at UMBC.</div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>All students, faculty, and staff are invited to take the survey from April 1 – May 1, 2025</div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>Those who complete the survey will have the opportunity to enter a random drawing to receive one of the following as a way of saying "thank you" for taking the time to participate in the survey: </div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>Retriever dollars ($25.00 per award)</div>
    <div>Flex dollars ($25.00 per award)</div>
    <div>UMBC swag </div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div><a href="https://rankinconsulting.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7QmKMDBWWeRX4hg" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY.</a></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>For more information, go to: <a href="https://provost.umbc.edu/campus-climate-survey/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://provost.umbc.edu/campus-climate-survey/</a>
    </div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>__________________</div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div><strong>FAQs</strong></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div><strong>What does the survey cover?</strong></div>
    <div><ol>
    <li>Engagement (Engagement is defined as experiences that are demonstrated by how UMBC community members think, feel, and act, as well as how they feel about UMBC’s environment and policies, which influence how they feel towards UMBC.)</li>
    <li>Personal Experiences</li>
    <li>Institutional Actions (Policies &amp; Programs)</li>
    <li>Sense of Belonging</li>
    <li>Health &amp; Well-Being (Well-being is defined as having both individual and community components that include but are not limited to physical health, mental health, wellness, learning/work/living environments, and overall campus climate.)</li>
    <li>Workplace Climate</li>
    </ol></div>
    <div><strong>Who is behind the survey?</strong></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>A team of UMBC students, faculty, and staff is working with Rankin Climate, an organization with 25 years of climate assessment experience at over 300 campuses on this project.</div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div><strong>Will anyone be able to identify my responses? </strong></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>Confidentiality is vital to the success of the survey. Rankin Climate has taken multiple precautionary measure to ensure anonymity. For more information go to the project website. To ensure confidentiality, raffle prizes and incentive processes happen separate from the survey itself</div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>__________________</div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>This survey is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's <a href="https://ecr.umbc.edu/discrimination-policy/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">nondiscrimination policy.</a>
    </div>
    <div><br></div>
    </div>
]]>
  </Body>
  <Summary>UMBC is conducting a climate survey to to gather data about UMBC community members' experiences and perceptions of their engagement, belonging, and overall campus climate at UMBC.     All...</Summary>
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  <PostedAt>Tue, 22 Apr 2025 08:17:44 -0400</PostedAt>
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  <NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="149314" important="true" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/149314">
  <Title>Campus Climate Survey for Community, Engagement and Belonging</Title>
  <Body>
    <![CDATA[
    <div class="html-content">
    <div>UMBC is conducting a climate survey to to gather data about UMBC community members' experiences and perceptions
     of their engagement, belonging, and overall campus climate at UMBC. <br>
    </div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div><strong>All students, faculty, and staff are invited to take the survey from April 1 – May 1, 2025 <br></strong></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>
    <div>Those who complete the survey will have the opportunity to enter a
     random drawing to receive one of the following as a way of saying "thank you" for taking the time to participate in the survey: </div>
    <div>
    <ul>
    <li>Retriever dollars ($25.00 per award) <br>
    </li>
    <li>Flex dollars ($25.00 per award) <br>
    </li>
    <li>UMBC swag </li>
    </ul>
    <h4><span><a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/womenscenter/posts/149292/9a/8c8ba803b2d19f559e5bfa06376d975f/web/link?link=https%3A%2F%2Fmy3.my.umbc.edu%2Fgroups%2Fdoie%2Fposts%2F149207%2F45eb4%2F6941c0d4c101b2cdf3e0eb7c7adb1d55%2Fweb%2Flink%3Flink%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Frankinconsulting.qualtrics.com%252Fjfe%252Fform%252FSV_7QmKMDBWWeRX4hg" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY.</a></span></h4>
    <br>For more information, go to: <a href="https://provost.umbc.edu/campus-climate-survey/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://provost.umbc.edu/campus-climate-survey/</a>
    </div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>__________________</div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>
    <strong><u>FAQs</u></strong>
    </div>
    <div><strong><u><br></u></strong></div>
    <div>
    <div><strong><span><em>What does the survey cover? </em></span><span><em><br></em></span></strong></div>
    <div>
    <ol>
    <li>Engagement (Engagement is defined as experiences that are 
    demonstrated by how UMBC community members think, feel, and act, as well
     as how they feel about UMBC’s environment and policies, which influence
     how they feel towards UMBC.) <br>
    </li>
    <li>Personal Experiences <br>
    </li>
    <li>Institutional Actions (Policies &amp; Programs) <br>
    </li>
    <li>Sense of Belonging <br>
    </li>
    <li>Health &amp; Well-Being (Well-being is defined as having both 
    individual and community components that include but are not limited to 
    physical health, mental health, wellness, learning/work/living 
    environments, and overall campus climate.) <br>
    </li>
    <li>Workplace Climate <br>
    </li>
    </ol>
    <div>
    <div>
    <strong><em>Who is behind the survey? </em></strong><em><span><br></span></em>
    </div>
    <div><strong><em><span><br></span></em></strong></div>
    <div>A team of UMBC students, faculty, and staff is working with Rankin 
    Climate, an organization with 25 years of climate assessment experience 
    at over 300 campuses on this project.</div>
    <div><em><br></em></div>
    <div><em><span>Will anyone be able to identify my responses? </span></em></div>
    <div><strong><br></strong></div>
    <div>
    <span>Confidentiality is vital to the success of the survey. Rankin Climate 
    has taken multiple precautionary measure to ensure anonymity. For more 
    information go to the project website. </span>To ensure confidentiality, raffle prizes and incentive processes happen separate from the survey itself</div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>
    <p>__________________</p>
    <p><strong><em><span>This survey is open</span> for
     full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, 
    religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under 
    applicable federal law, state law, and the University's <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/womenscenter/posts/149292/9a/21ed3e1658e87ac8f069fc51a73217cb/web/link?link=https%3A%2F%2Fmy3.my.umbc.edu%2Fgroups%2Fdoie%2Fposts%2F149207%2F45eb4%2Fead833a8a35d3a3e71bfa4bff7cf9873%2Fweb%2Flink%3Flink%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fmy3.my.umbc.edu%252Fgroups%252Fdoie%252Fevents%252F137109%252F43938%252F6f26334b7f3fdada8c1636333a947eb2%252Fweb%252Flink%253Flink%253Dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fecr.umbc.edu%25252Fdiscrimination-policy%25252F" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">nondiscrimination policy</a><span>.</span></em></strong></p>
    <br>
    </div>
    </div>
    </div>
    <br>
    </div>
    <br>
    </div>
    </div>
]]>
  </Body>
  <Summary>UMBC is conducting a climate survey to to gather data about UMBC community members' experiences and perceptions  of their engagement, belonging, and overall campus climate at UMBC.       All...</Summary>
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  <Group token="civiclife">Center for Democracy and Civic Life</Group>
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  <Sponsor>Center for Democracy and Civic Life</Sponsor>
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  <PostedAt>Tue, 22 Apr 2025 08:07:59 -0400</PostedAt>
</NewsItem>
  <NewsItem contentIssues="true" id="149305" important="true" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/149305">
    <Title>4/22 GMC Menu!</Title>
    <Body>
      <![CDATA[
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          <p>Enjoy breakfast with other UMBC commuters and get connected with on-campus resources! There isn't a better way to start your day!</p>
          <p>GMC will be hosted every Tuesday morning from 8:30am to 10:30am. It is complimentary with your Commuter Gold Card.</p>
          <p>Gold Cards are a one-time per academic year purchase and are available to be purchased at every GMC with cash only.</p>
          <p>Gold Cards at  $5 for Commuters</p>
          <p>$10 for Residential &amp; Graduate Students </p>
          <p><em>**if you purchased a Gold Card in Fall 2024 then it is still valid! </em></p>
          <p><br></p>
          <p><em>This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.</em></p>
          <p><em><br></em></p>
          <p><img src="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/news/000/149/305/a007ceafea657e5e9488326e088593dd/Spring%202025%20-%20GMC%20Flyers%20(23).png" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"></p>
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    </Body>
    <Summary>Enjoy breakfast with other UMBC commuters and get connected with on-campus resources! There isn't a better way to start your day!  GMC will be hosted every Tuesday morning from 8:30am to 10:30am....</Summary>
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    <PostedAt>Mon, 21 Apr 2025 15:23:01 -0400</PostedAt>
  </NewsItem>
  <NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="149299" important="false" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/149299">
    <Title>New Rest, Reflect, &amp; Rise: A Social Wellness Event for Scholars</Title>
    <Tagline>Tea, Yoga, &amp; Games!</Tagline>
    <Body>
      <![CDATA[
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          <div>Reposting!</div>
          <div><br></div>
          <div><a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/149269" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Original post</a></div>
          <div><br></div>
          <div>
          <div>The Graduate School is excited to invite all University System of Maryland graduate students and postdocs to Rest, Reflect, &amp; Rise: A Social Wellness Event for Scholars, taking place on Thursday, May 9, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at STAMP (TerpZone), University of Maryland, College Park.</div>
          <div><br></div>
          <div>This event is designed to promote community, connection, and well-being among scholars through a variety of engaging wellness activities, including:</div>
          <div><br></div>
          <div> Mindful Tea Workshop</div>
          <div> Mindful Moments Walk</div>
          <div> R&amp;B Yoga</div>
          <div> Community-Building Activities: Bowling, Line Dancing 101, &amp; Spades Tournament</div>
          <div>Students can learn more about the event by going <a href="https://gradschool.umd.edu/restreflectrise" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">here</a> or visiting: <a href="https://gradschool.umd.edu/restreflectrise" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://gradschool.umd.edu/restreflectrise</a>
          </div>
          <div><br></div>
          <div>This is a wonderful opportunity for graduate students and postdocs across the University System of Maryland to take a break, recharge, and connect with peers in a fun and supportive environment.</div>
          <div><br></div>
          <div>Space is limited, so we are asking students to please RSVP by May 2 to secure your spot: RSVP <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrlkStLMwwB3kU96jmX6nC-fCNWrNbh9AC988LpaZ2ytf1kQ/viewform" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">here</a>.</div>
          </div>
          </div>
      ]]>
    </Body>
    <Summary>Reposting!     Original post      The Graduate School is excited to invite all University System of Maryland graduate students and postdocs to Rest, Reflect, &amp; Rise: A Social Wellness Event...</Summary>
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    <Sponsor>Grad Student &amp; Postdoc Development</Sponsor>
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    <PostedAt>Mon, 21 Apr 2025 14:43:27 -0400</PostedAt>
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  <NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="149296" important="false" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/149296">
  <Title>Announcing the Relaunch of GradSense</Title>
  <Tagline>Council of Graduate Schools</Tagline>
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    <div><br></div>
    <div>
    <div>I am excited to let you know that we have officially relaunched <a href="https://gradsense.org/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">GradSense</a>, a website designed to provide current and prospective graduate students with essential financial information on a variety of topics, including the value of pursuing an advanced degree.</div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>In September 2024, CGS received new funding from <a href="https://www.tiaa.org/public" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">TIAA</a> to update and expand the promotion of GradSense to help students make informed decisions about their educational and financial futures.  The relaunched site features a variety of exciting updates, including an updated debt and salary calculator that helps students better understand the return on investment for different types of degrees. </div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>The re-launch of GradSense this month coincides with both National Financial Literacy Month and the <a href="https://cgsnet.org/resources/for-current-prospective-graduate-students/april-15-resolution" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Resolution Regarding Graduate Scholars</a>, <a href="https://cgsnet.org/resources/for-current-prospective-graduate-students/april-15-resolution" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Fellows</a>,<a href="https://cgsnet.org/resources/for-current-prospective-graduate-students/april-15-resolution" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"> Trainees, and Assistants (April 15th resolution)</a>, underscoring the importance of giving students the information they need to navigate their financial futures.</div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>As part of our outreach efforts, we will be sharing the updated GradSense site with <a href="https://cgsnet.org/data-insights/access-inclusion/national-name-exchange" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">National Name Exchange</a> students. We have also created a <a href="https://cgsnet.org/resources/for-current-prospective-graduate-students/gradsense-toolkit" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">GradSense Toolkit </a>that you may wish to use in promoting GradSense with your current or prospective students. I encourage you to forward this message and share the toolkit with your staff and administrators, program directors, student organizations, admissions offices, career centers, advisors, etc., to help students who are considering graduate school. </div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>We are deeply grateful to TIAA for their generous support and look forward to seeing how GradSense can support your efforts to promote the value of graduate education.</div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>Sincerely,</div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>Suzanne T. Ortega</div>
    <div>President</div>
    <div>Council of Graduate Schools</div>
    </div>
    </div>
]]>
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  <Summary>I am excited to let you know that we have officially relaunched GradSense, a website designed to provide current and prospective graduate students with essential financial information on a variety...</Summary>
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  <NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="149271" important="false" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/149271">
    <Title>AETP is Hiring Graduate Students!</Title>
    <Tagline>Academic Engagement and Transition Programs filling 2 roles</Tagline>
    <Body>
      <![CDATA[
          <div class="html-content"><blockquote><div><div>
          <div>AETP is currently hiring for two Graduate Student Worker positions in our office to provide assistance on our initiatives including Summer Bridge, UNIV Courses, Transfer and Second-Year Student Experiences.</div>
          <div><br></div>
          <div>Position descriptions: </div>
          <div>
          <div>
          <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fm7zbPg4Pp3FDfFhIuV2vIfrT1KN5NPk/view?usp%3Dsharing&amp;source=gmail-imap&amp;ust=1744224935000000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1r0KKHW_HUDuE7FYFIVNd_" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Graduate Student Worker, First-Year Academic Programs</a> - late May/early June 2025 through mid May 2026</div>
          <div>
          <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vKTP2O-IeiAFfPh4PDgba0_T8zDEjPIH/view?usp%3Dsharing&amp;source=gmail-imap&amp;ust=1744224935000000&amp;usg=AOvVaw32KrvOclBsrFAkLg31bqGA" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Graduate Student Worker, Transfer Academic Programs</a> - late August 2025, through mid May 2026</div>
          </div>
          <div><br></div>
          <div><br></div>
          <div>You can submit your application here: <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHPedegFceQtAAdnHTXD94IzSaRNFwCn9KD7mrgBjQH2wdpw/viewform?usp%3Ddialog&amp;source=gmail-imap&amp;ust=1744224935000000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1xfeza9HMkB4WwpskKlcGk" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">application</a>. </div>
          </div></div></blockquote></div>
      ]]>
    </Body>
    <Summary>AETP is currently hiring for two Graduate Student Worker positions in our office to provide assistance on our initiatives including Summer Bridge, UNIV Courses, Transfer and Second-Year Student...</Summary>
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    <PostedAt>Mon, 21 Apr 2025 10:01:47 -0400</PostedAt>
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  <NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="149270" important="false" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/149270">
  <Title>Survey on International LGBTQ+ Student Experiences</Title>
  <Body>
    <![CDATA[
    <div class="html-content">
    <div>See the letter below to learn more about participating in a study aiming to understand the well-being and media consumption habits of international LGBTQ+ students studying in the U.S.</div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>To whom it may concern,</div>
    <div>My name is Layla Chen, and I am writing on behalf of our research team at Boston University College of Communication. We are conducting a study with the help of BU’s LGBTQIA+ Student Resource Center <strong>to understand the well-being and media consumption habits of international LGBTQ+ students studying in the U.S..</strong> International LGBTQ+ students may experience identity conflict as they navigate their ethnocultural and LGBTQ+ identities, and we seek to examine this phenomenon with this national survey.</div>
    <div>The more insight we obtain beyond the BU campus, the more research rigor and positive impact we have.</div>
    <div><span>Study Details:</span></div>
    <ul>
    <li><div>15-minute online survey questionnaire</div></li>
    <li><div>Participants can enter a raffle for a chance to win a $10 gift card</div></li>
    <li><div>Survey <a href="https://bostonu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bd8ztrEmEXaRmDk" title="https://bostonu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bd8ztrEmEXaRmDk" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">link</a> and poster attached to this email</div></li>
    </ul>
    <div><span>Study Purpose:</span></div>
    <ul>
    <li><div>To inform higher education institutions and researchers about the unique experiences, needs, and stressors faced by international LGBTQ+ students</div></li>
    <li><div>To guide potential improvements in student support services</div></li>
    </ul>
    <div><span>Participant Privacy Protection:</span></div>
    <ul>
    <li><div>All responses are strictly anonymous and confidential</div></li>
    <li><div>No personal identifiers will be collected in the survey</div></li>
    <li><div>Email addresses collected for the raffle will only be used for the prize distribution and only be accessible to the research team</div></li>
    </ul>
    <div>We greatly appreciate your kind support. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. The study’s principal investigator Patrick Zhang can be reached at <a href="mailto:mohanz@bu.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">mohanz@bu.edu</a><span>.</span>
    </div>
    <div>Thank you very much for your time and consideration!</div>
    <div>Sincerely,</div>
    <div>Layla Chen</div>
    </div>
]]>
  </Body>
  <Summary>See the letter below to learn more about participating in a study aiming to understand the well-being and media consumption habits of international LGBTQ+ students studying in the U.S.     To whom...</Summary>
  <Website>https://bostonu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bd8ztrEmEXaRmDk</Website>
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  <PostedAt>Mon, 21 Apr 2025 09:55:17 -0400</PostedAt>
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  <NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="149269" important="false" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/149269">
  <Title>Rest, Reflect, &amp; Rise: A Social Wellness Event for Scholars</Title>
  <Tagline>Tea, Yoga, &amp; Games!</Tagline>
  <Body>
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    <p><span>The Graduate School is excited to invite all University System of Maryland graduate students and postdocs to </span><span>Rest, Reflect, &amp; Rise: A Social Wellness Event for Scholars</span><span>, taking place on </span><span>Thursday, May 9, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM</span><span> at </span><span>STAMP (TerpZone), University of Maryland, College Park</span><span>.</span></p>
    <p><span>This event is designed to promote community, connection, and well-being among scholars through a variety of engaging wellness activities, including:</span></p>
    <ul>
    <li>
    <span> </span><span>Mindful Tea Workshop</span>
    </li>
    <li>
    <span> </span><span>Mindful Moments Walk</span>
    </li>
    <li>
    <span> </span><span>R&amp;B Yoga</span>
    </li>
    <li>
    <span> </span><span>Community-Building Activities: Bowling, Line Dancing 101, &amp; Spades Tournament</span>
    </li>
    </ul>
    <p><span>Students can learn more about the event by going </span><a href="https://gradschool.umd.edu/restreflectrise" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>here</span></a><span> or visiting: <a href="https://gradschool.umd.edu/restreflectrise" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://gradschool.umd.edu/restreflectrise</a></span></p>
    <p><span>This is a wonderful opportunity for graduate students and postdocs across the </span><span>University System of Maryland</span><span> to take a break, recharge, and connect with peers in a fun and supportive environment.</span></p>
    <p><span><span>Space is limited, so we are asking students to please </span><span>RSVP by May 2</span><span> to secure your spot: RSVP </span><a href="https://go.umd.edu/rsvprestreflectrise" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>here</span></a><span>.</span></span></p>
    <p><span></span></p>
    </div>
]]>
  </Body>
  <Summary>The Graduate School is excited to invite all University System of Maryland graduate students and postdocs to Rest, Reflect, &amp; Rise: A Social Wellness Event for Scholars, taking place...</Summary>
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  <PostedAt>Mon, 21 Apr 2025 09:45:28 -0400</PostedAt>
  <EditAt>Mon, 21 Apr 2025 09:46:26 -0400</EditAt>
</NewsItem>
  <NewsItem contentIssues="true" id="149268" important="false" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/149268">
    <Title>OGSL's Free Coffee Monday this morning!</Title>
    <Tagline>Coffee, Tea, Hot chocolate</Tagline>
    <Body>
      <![CDATA[
          <div class="html-content">
          <p><span>Monday, April 21 </span><span>· 10 AM - 2 PM<br></span><a href="http://maps.google.com/?t=k&amp;z=18&amp;q=The%20Commons@39.2548571,-76.7110675" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">The Commons : 308</a></p>
          <h2></h2>
          <p><span>We're back to brewing up some free coffee every Monday from 10am-2pm, come join us in Commons 308 for your fresh cup! While supplies last. </span></p>
          <h2><img src="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/news/000/147/156/51b458b4e6ac5bfdcce31855ad2c0fec/Coffee%20Time%20Flyer.png" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"></h2>
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      ]]>
    </Body>
    <Summary>Monday, April 21 · 10 AM - 2 PM The Commons : 308   We're back to brewing up some free coffee every Monday from 10am-2pm, come join us in Commons 308 for your fresh cup! While supplies last. </Summary>
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  <NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="149253" important="false" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/149253">
    <Title>DoIT Student Digital Stories: Joshua Cheeks</Title>
    <Tagline>Building Connections at DoIT: A Student's Journey to Success</Tagline>
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      <![CDATA[
          <div class="html-content"><span><p><span>Follow Joshua's story as he shares how connections made at DoIT have shaped his career aspirations. Discover the impact of friendships and networking in his journey towards becoming a cybersecurity expert.</span></p>
          <br><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hwrhS73oRI" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span><span><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeDKrWworCvYQRiMljpkl2PnMUgksYm9yLvt8cih_AQmV-OSLOSZGKw7tM1m5R0e84BrsKvjWkRjtoKs8JHRqQYoZwZIJfzrfxvf2UJdfw-TxJHQoDuN7xG02lFTuloUEVi6A2SZA?key=KB7ozr4S2gYkqdsoVNXJabRE" width="624" height="391" alt="Joshua smiling and holding a laptop" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"></span></span></a></p>
          <p><span>Image: Josh carrying a laptop in the AV workspace with tech supplies in the background. </span></p>
          <br><p><span>At the heart of any dynamic academic environment lies a myriad of opportunities for growth, both personal and professional. Joshua Cheeks, a senior computer science major at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), is a testament to this fact. His journey through academia, coupled with his role at the Division of Information Technology (DoIT), exemplifies how university experiences can profoundly shape one's career trajectory and personal development.</span></p>
          <br><h3><span><strong>Joining the AV Department</strong></span></h3>
          <br><p><span>Joshua Cheeks’s time at UMBC has been complemented by his work at the AV department under DoIT. For close to two years, he has immersed himself in the daily operations that keep the department running smoothly. This position has not only allowed him to apply his computer science knowledge in practical settings but has also rendered every day an enjoyable and rewarding experience.</span></p>
          <br><h3><span><strong>Building Meaningful Connections</strong></span></h3>
          <br><p><span>One of the most impactful aspects of Joshua's journey has been the relationships he has built during his time at DoIT. He emphasizes the importance of these connections, stating that the friends and networks he has established with both his co-workers and superiors have had a significant positive impact on his life. These relationships have not only made his work environment more enjoyable but also extended beyond professional boundaries, fostering personal growth and development.</span></p>
          <br><h3><span><strong>Team Bonding Moments</strong></span></h3>
          <br><p><span>In recounting his experiences, Joshua highlights a fond memory: his team watching a movie in PAHB 132 after completing a project. Such moments of camaraderie underscore the importance of teamwork and the bonds formed in the collaborative efforts required in the AV department.</span></p>
          <br><h3><span><strong>Advice for New Employees</strong></span></h3>
          <br><p><span>Joshua has valuable advice for newcomers to the DoIT student workforce. He encourages them to engage actively with their colleagues and supervisors. Making connections, he notes, is crucial as these relationships can be beneficial in the future. The friendly and approachable environment at DoIT, according to him, is conducive to fostering these exchanges.</span></p>
          <br><h3><span><strong>Pursuing Higher Education</strong></span></h3>
          <br><p><span>Looking ahead, Joshua aspires to further his education by pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity. This advanced study will equip him with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape.</span></p>
          <br><h3><span><strong>Career Goals</strong></span></h3>
          <br><p><span>Joshua’s ultimate career goal is to become a Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst in the cybersecurity field. This role involves monitoring and analyzing an organization's security systems to detect and mitigate threats. It is a critical position within the cybersecurity domain, requiring a keen eye for detail, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of cyber threats and defense mechanisms.</span></p>
          <br><h3><span><strong>The Impact of UMBC and DoIT</strong></span></h3>
          <br><ol><li><p><span><strong>Personal and Professional Growth</strong></span><span>:</span><span> Joshua attributes much of his personal and professional growth to his time at UMBC and his involvement with DoIT. The university environment has challenged him to become a better person and a more diligent worker, pushing him to strive for excellence in all his endeavors.</span></p></li></ol>
          <br><ol><li><p><span><strong>Networking Opportunities:</strong></span><span> The connections he has formed with a diverse group of individuals, from fellow students to faculty and staff at DoIT, have broadened his perspective and provided him with a supportive network that he can rely on as he advances in his career.</span></p></li></ol>
          <br><ol><li><p><span><strong>Skill Development:</strong></span><span>His responsibilities at the AV department have allowed Joshua to develop a range of skills that are directly applicable to his future career goals. From technical proficiencies in managing audio-visual equipment to soft skills like effective communication and teamwork, Joshua has gained a holistic set of competencies that will serve him well in his future roles.</span></p></li></ol>
          <br><p><span>Joshua Cheeks’s journey at UMBC and the Division of Information Technology is a prime example of how university experiences can play a pivotal role in shaping one's career and personal development. His story illustrates the value of seizing opportunities, building meaningful relationships, and continually striving for growth. As Joshua looks to the future, with aspirations of becoming a SOC analyst and obtaining a master's degree in cybersecurity, it is evident that the foundations laid during his time at UMBC and DoIT will continue to support and guide him.</span></p>
          <br><p><span>Next on his journey, Josh will be graduating in May 2025 from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, with a BS in Computer Science. </span><span><strong>Congratulations Joshua!</strong></span></p>
          <br><p><a href="https://gist.ly/youtube-summarizer/building-connections-at-dit-a-students-journey-to-success" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span><strong>Watch his complete video here!</strong></span></a></p>
          <div><br></div></span></div>
      ]]>
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    <Summary>Follow Joshua's story as he shares how connections made at DoIT have shaped his career aspirations. Discover the impact of friendships and networking in his journey towards becoming a...</Summary>
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    <PostedAt>Mon, 21 Apr 2025 07:00:51 -0400</PostedAt>
    <EditAt>Tue, 29 Jul 2025 10:26:24 -0400</EditAt>
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