Graduate Student Appreciation Week is a week-long series of events and free offerings held each spring designed to recognize the contributions of graduate students.

Ed. Note: Since the writing of this article, Natalie Groom, DMA, continues to live and make music for and with residents at Collington during the COVID-19 lockdown.

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.

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. 

By Anna De Cheke Qualls An elementary school teacher told Lakuan T. Smith (’17 MPS, Organizational Industrial Psychology) that his life would be easier if he used his middle name, Terry.  Smith often used both names from then on, depending on the situation.

Invest in Your Future:  Graduate School Success Symposium January 23, 2020

Again this spring semester, the Graduate School Writing Center will offer support for students at the dissertation stage. The semester-long dissertation coaching program will include online modules, weekly accountability meetings, and personalized writing support throughout the semester.  Participants will meet weekly in either a face-to-face or a virtual accountability group.

Have some big goals for 2020?  Join us to get a jumpstart on your academic and professional development! Thursday, January 23, 2020 9am-4pm, Edward St. John Teaching and Learning Center Doctoral students and postdoctoral associates are invited to join the Graduate School for a day of networking and interactive, hands-on sessions designed to help you achieve your goals. We’re offering three tracks aimed at helping you reach your academic and professional goals.