December 3rd is the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities, honoring the United Nation's commitment for promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities - more than 1 billion people worldwide are in this demographic, the world's largest minority. The day raises awareness of the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of disability that affects people around the world.
The theme for 2022 is transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fueling an accessible and equitable world. The theme reflects recent consideration of the impacts of COVID-19, climate change, and the invasion Ukraine. More information about the UN Virtual New York Commemoration event, including registration is linked here.
Hello! My name is Natalia Alfaro and I am a Senior Public Health major here at UMBC. I am also a Career Peer at the UMBC Career Center. Did you ever wonder what we Career Peers do? I would love to tell you!
As a Career Peer, I am a source of advice for career resources guidance and a conversational guide for those with no experience with resume writing. One of my main responsibilities is to provide feedback to students on their resumes and cover letters during our daily drop-in hours. I advise students on professional document formatting, efficiently communicating their accomplishments, and understanding the technical aspects of resume and cover letter writing.
I also present Career Center workshops. This means collaborating with various student organizations and classes to provide students the opportunity to learn about the resources provided by the Career Center and details about the job search process. Workshop topics can range from learning how to pick a major to job search tips to learning how to navigate networking platforms like Retrievers Connect and Linkedin, and more.
Being a Career Peer is a very enriching experience. I have learned a great deal about professional resume writing and career development via interacting with students and direct training from the Career Center staff. I have also been able to learn how to better my own career goals by using the various resources available from the Career Center and attending networking events. Before becoming a Career Peer, I would not necessarily have accessed as many Career Center resources; however, this opportunity has empowered me to feel confident in my abilities and has given me skills to network and begin my path to achieve my career goals.
I highly encourage students to go to the UMBCCareer Center website to learn more about resources on major tools, networking and more! For help or if you have any curiosity in seeking resume review support there are a few options:
Express Drop-in services hours are anytime Monday-Friday from 2:00pm to 4:00pm (last student seen at 3:45pm) in the Career Center, Math/Psychology building, 201.
Schedule a Virtual Express Resume Review. These are held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Tuesdays. Schedule inHandshake or via theCareer Center website
Schedule a resume review with the Internship & Employment or Career Specialist teams.
Check out our Upcoming Events!
NSA IN PERSON Information Session: Stop By and Learn About Current Opportunities!
Tuesday, December 6, 2022 - 5 - 6 PM in The Commons : 331
ChAMP Career Corner: Stop By and Learn About Current Opportunities!
Wednesday, December 7, 2022 - 10 AM - 2 PM in The Commons : Across from the Bookstore
Hello fellow i3b community members!
We hope that you are all having a great start to your December. You are receiving this email because you have participated in Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging (i3b) programming this semester or you have visited The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being, The Mosaic: Center for Cultural Diversity, or The Pride Center. As a member of the i3b community, we would appreciate your honest feedback!
The first 100 participants to complete this 10-minute survey will receive their choice of an i3b or UMBC swag bag or t-shirt. To respect your privacy, please note that you will need to complete the Google Form at the conclusion of the Climate Survey to claim your giveaway(s). Your responses will not impact your chances of receiving a prize. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at i3b@umbc.edu. Thank you for taking the time to complete our survey!
Follow the link below to the Survey:
Take the Survey
Or copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser:
https://umbc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1BmbxyOQ17mILpc?Q_DL=12Ww2buck3EIUoF_1BmbxyOQ17mILpc_CGC_oey29uDy4OpWw36&Q_CHL=email
First observed in 1988, World AIDS Day is a day to unite to help end HIV and remember those lost to AIDS-related illnesses. Keep reading for ways to prevent AIDS and support anyone that may be living with HIV or AIDS-related illnesses.
What is HIV? How are HIV and AIDS related?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person living with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex (sex without a condom or HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV), or through sharing injection drug equipment. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
How is HIV spread?
Direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood, anus fluids, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk can transmit HIV if they enter the bloodstream of an HIV-negative person via a mucous membrane, such as the vagina, rectum, penis, or mouth. Other ways for it to enter the bloodstream include via open sores or cuts, as well as, transmission via sharing a needle or syringe.
How can HIV be prevented?
In 2019, adults ages 18-24 were found to have the highest percentage of people with HIV who had sex without using any HIV prevention strategy in the past 12 months. It's important to use protection when engaging in sexual activities. This is one strategy to help prevent HIV/AIDS.
Read this OHP blog post for more information on how to protect yourself during sexual activities and to learn about other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Most college students have never been tested for HIV despite regularly engaging in unprotected sexual activities and typically doing so with multiple partners. Help be a part of the change by getting tested and encouraging your community to also get tested. You and your partner(s) should both get tested regularly. Spread the word by encouraging your friends, partner(s), and loved ones about the importance of getting tested often.
If you or someone you know is living with HIV or AIDS, check out this NACCHO article that provides resources for college students living with HIV. The guide includes the following information:
HIV: Helping Students Understand the Basics
Living with HIV in College
Facing Discrimination with HIV
HIV & Maintaining Health at College
Youth HIV/AIDS: By the Numbers
Scholarships & Grants for Students Living with HIV
HIV Prevention: How to Minimize Your Risk
Want more information? Access the CDC Risk Reduction Tool and read answers to FAQs.
Nervous about getting tested? Read about what to expect.
The Office of Health Promotion, in collaboration with the Health Department, will be hosting Worlds AIDS Day Testing on Thursday, December 1, 2022, 12 - 5 PM in the Center for Well-Being. During this event, you can visit our Relaxation Zone in the Center for Well-Being Lobby to learn more about HIV/AIDS prevention while waiting for your test results. Visit theOHP myUMBCpage for up-to-date offerings.
Greetings Residential Retrievers--
The fall semester is coming to a close and we wanted to share important information about end of semester closing. Please take the time to review this email.
Important Dates
Winter Break Closing Information
Eight-month communities close for Winter Break on December 21, 2022 at 8:00 PM and reopen on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 9AM. Students are expected to leave 24 hours after their last exam, or by Dec. 21 at 8PM, whichever comes first.
Students in 8-month communities do not have to remove all of their items, but are expected to vacate and complete the below checklist to help ensure the overall health & safety of their room and personal belongings:
RAs will conduct an inspection in each 8-month community. Failure to properly prepare your space and vacate by the deadline may result in student conduct action. For more information about break closing please contact your RA or Community Director.
Late Stay Requests
Residents may be eligible to apply for late stay if their permanent address is more than 50 miles (Distance D) from UMBC and they are:
Residents approved for late stay will be expected to depart by December 22, 2021 at 10AM.
If you meet the requirements and do not see the application on your housing portal (umbc.edu/go/housing), please submit an RT Ticket requesting to be issued the late stay application. Late stay applications are due by Friday, December 9, 2022 at 5PM.
Requests for Spring Housing Release
As a current resident you acknowledged a housing license (contract) that is for the entire academic year (Fall & Spring semesters), however we recognize that circumstances may change for students and their families that impact their ability to continue at UMBC and/or in on-campus housing.
With the exception of December graduates and Spring Study Abroad students, if you are not planning to return to UMBC for the Spring and/or housing you may not automatically be released from the housing or terms of the license. Instead, you should contact Residential Life to request access to the Housing License Petition Request Form. Please note that License releases are extraordinary, not automatic, and will be reviewed, with appropriate supporting documentation.
Additional information about the petition process can be found in the "Petition for Release" section on https://reslife.umbc.edu/rlexperience/procedures/.
Spring Registration & Housing Eligibility
Spring registration is currently open to eligible students. If you are planning to continue to live on-campus, you should be working with your Academic Advisor to enroll as a full-time student for the Spring semester. Exceptions to that policy will be made for the following groups:
Students with outstanding fall semester balances over $250 may be ineligible to register for Spring courses and risk housing termination. Primary contacts for assistance in resolving account issues are Student Business Services (umbc.edu) and The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships(financialaid.umbc.edu). If your fall account is not cleared or you are not granted a registration clearance by December 13, 2022, you may receive a Spring Housing Termination Notice and will be expected to vacate and remove all personal items by 8 p.m. on December 21, 2022.
We wish you the best of luck at the end of the semester!
Residential Life
Name: Riya Kaneria
Internship, Co-op, or Research Site: University System of Maryland
Position Title: Economic Development Intern (Consultant)
Major or Program: Information Systems
Current Class Level: Master's Student
Work Term: Summer 2022
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.
"My work as an intern was working on the early development of USM's early stage entrepreneurship program. The University System of Maryland’s Early-Stage Entrepreneurship Capital Program is based on providing funding for early-stage startups and is committed to support student , faculty, alum and community entrepreneurs who are connected to the institution. The program includes connecting and increasing accessibility for early-stage entrepreneurs to existing resources; providing mentorship and enhancing access to early capital.
I assisted in developing the application, the rubric for analysis and other essential tasks in the program. I lead the lift-off track of this program which helped us stay on track with our deadlines. I also assisted in conducting the mock application round and was one of the reviewers for the applications.
My day-to-day responsibilities differed at every stage in the program. It started with attending weekly meetings, planning and discussing the contents of applications. I had the chance to meet people from various venture capitals, collaborators, raised entreprenuers to discuss various aspects of our program. My work as an intern included providing a student's point of view at every stage in the program, conducting research for better decision making. "
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I had an opportunity for this position through the UMBC career center. Earlier that term, I had taken a zero credit course PRAC 112, that I had taken under Annie Weinschenk through which I gained the knowledge and confidence to apply for this position.
It was a broadcast email from the career center, which mentioned the position and the description for the same. I immediately emailed Christine Routzahn with my resume. It was Christine and the career center who recognized and considered my application. My application was sent to USM and I was given the opportunity for an interview with Lindsay Ryan ( Interim Executive Director of Economic Development) . The following week I was offered the position as their Economic Development Intern for Summer 2022.
"
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization?
The most amazing thing about my position was that my thoughts and ideas were always valued and considered. My opinion in the overall development process mattered a lot. I always felt welcomed and that is what motivated me to work harder everyday to make our ideas a reality.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I doubted myself when I first applied for this position that how can someone from an Information Systems background help in Economic Development of an organization. Slowly I realised how important a student's perspective is, in programs like these. It was a smooth transition for me.
I have the courage to speak up and share what I believed, which has made a great impact on our program in developing new ideas and fuel discussions. I have had the chance to network and build connections not only limited to the organization. These long term relationships will play a vital part to my career growth. I had the chance to make an impact on our young entreprenuers and our program is going to change many lives of many early stage entrepreneurs.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
The only advice I would give is to be open-minded and ready to learn. Always listen your instinct and have confidence. When is comes to seeking opportunities like these, always look out for emails or flyers that are sent. These are life changing opportunities and will always help you focus on your strengths .
Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.
This experience has given me a sense of self realisation. I would have never got this opportunity if I had not replied to that email. I would just say : "Believe in yourself and seize every opportunity because one day you will look back to your career and be proud that you tried everything"
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Want to be the next Intern of the Week? Make sure to fill out this form and stay tuned. New interns are announced every Monday! ]]>Enter now for a chance to win your very own private study room in the Library from December 8th through December 21st!
To enter, simply leave a comment below sharing your favorite study tip/study hack. A winner will be randomly selected on December 7th and will have exclusive use of the study room!
Good luck!
We have chosen a winner, and will be sending an email shortly. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their study advice.
Have a great end of the semester!
Dear Colleagues,
I am thrilled to announce that Lenn Caron, currently the Associate Vice President of Facilities Management, will be the next Senior Associate Vice President of Administrative Services, effective January 3, 2023. In Lenn's six years at UMBC he has been a high performing, results-driven leader who values collaboration and partnership and works with the highest level of integrity. As a key member of my executive team, Lenn will provide leadership to Facilities Management, Auxiliary Services, Strategic Procurement and Strategic Sourcing, Management and Advisory Services and Environmental Health and Safety. Additionally, Lenn will oversee the operations of the Columbus Center and handle all real property transactions and development.
Prior to coming to UMBC, Lenn served in the United States Navy for 30 years with progressively responsible assignments. He oversaw a range of management functions including operations, capital projects and facilities on several bases. Lenn's attention to detail, his strong business development skills, and his ability to build trusted relationships have served him well at UMBC and make him uniquely qualified for this position.
When asked about his new role at UMBC, Lenn said, "I continue to be impressed by the faculty, staff, and students at UMBC and have enjoyed making improvements throughout the campus as the Associate Vice President at Facilities Management. I am very much looking forward to continuing to serve UMBC as the Senior Associate Vice President of Administrative Services. UMBC has a very bright future and I'm eager to help shape the course of the university in the coming years."
I am excited that Lenn will be continuing at UMBC in the Senior Associate Vice President role. I am appreciative of everyone involved in the search for their time, diligence, and thoughtfulness. I am also grateful to Terry Cook, retiring Senior Associate Vice President of Administrative Services, for her many years of service to both UMBC and the University System of Maryland.
Please join me in congratulating both Terry and Lenn on their respective next endeavors!
Kathy L. Dettloff, Vice President, Administration and Finance