Newsroom

By Anna de Cheke Qualls  For international graduate students, finding a job usually involves walking a complex path. COVID-19 has brought this even more into focus, as many graduate students now struggle with navigating the job search in the virtual landscape.

Dear graduate student community, Like you, I am horrified and saddened by the killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and too many others due to racial violence.  Many of you, particularly African American / Black students and other students of color, are frustrated and angry, and I stand with you in demanding racial and social justice. 

We invite all UMD international undergraduate and graduate students to join us on May 27th 2020 at 4pm for a virtual International Student Community Meeting with Senior Vice President and Provost Mary Ann Rankin, Associate Provost and Graduate School Dean Steve Fetter, and Associate Vice President for International Affairs Ross Lewin. We will discuss concerns specific to the international student community, and share updates about resources and support the University is providing for students at this time.

The University’s current guidelines instructing all employees to telework and avoid coming to campus directly impacts thesis and dissertation defenses.  The Graduate School has provided emergency policy for remote defenses. In addition to these policies, we offer some advice for all defense participants.

The Graduate Council approved a new policy on Remote Dissertation or Thesis Defense in a Public Health Emergency. Read the full policy here.  President Loh has suspended on-campus instruction from March 16 until April 10. Please follow the guidance below for dissertation/thesis defenses scheduled from now until the end of the semester:

Giving Day is on Wednesday, March 4th. This campus-wide annual Giving Day campaign offers a time for family, friends, and the UMD community to support graduate students who, like you, are looking for ways to support their education. Donations help to fund Graduate School programming that benefits students as they advance toward their degree and beyond.