Co-Create UMBC

Spring Involvement Fest Featuring Elvis

2012-01-30T14:06:00.000-05:00

Whether you come for the free food or the chance to explore and connect with 170 of UMBC's student organizations and departments, The Commons is the place to be on Wednesday (2/1) from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be lots of free performances and demonstrations, and an opportunity to make (free) screen print t-shirts. Rumor has it that Elvis Presley himself heard about the event's '50's/doo-wop theme and will be on hand to belt out some tunes and pose for photos.

The Twitter hashtag for Involvement Fest is: #UMBCIFest.

For a look at last spring's Mardi Gras themed Involvement Fest, check this out.

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Real People Profiles: Jason Palumbo

2012-01-29T19:18:00.000-05:00

I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.

Name: Jason Palumbo

Hometown: Edgewater, MD

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: 2.5 AMAZING Years

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: Design and Marketing Director of the Student Events Board, Business Manager of the UMBC Mama's Boys, and Public Relations Chair of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?

A: I motivate myself and others to be better using humor and music.

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: I LOVE entertaining! Even though UMBC is a very academically driven school students need a place where they can release stress and have some fun. Being a part of the Mama's Boys all male a cappella group and (seb) lets me relieve my personal stress by planning events for other students to come and enjoy. I love being in front of a crowd and creating an atmosphere that they relate to and be a part of while also being enjoyable. Mama's Boys first cultivated this love by giving me the chance to use music to express myself. Being a leadership figure in the group is especially fulfilling because I have grown so much during my time with the group and now I get to lead the new members every year and make sure that they get as awesome as an experience as I did.

The experience that I have had with the Mama's Boys mirrors my time with Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. The one year that I have spent with this amazing group of smart, caring, helpful, and all around awesome men has prepared me for the many leadership roles that I have on campus. I love being an active participent in the associate member process and watching thew new members grow as people and students. It makes me happier than ever to have the chance to connect with Pi Kapps on a deeper level than most of the acquaintances I have on campus.

The most recent group that I have joined is (seb). It is one of the most driven, goal oriented, fun, creative, amazing (I could go on and on), and caring groups of people that I have ever come across. They have given me the chance to design (which is one of my favorite things to do!) and be a part of the planning of events for students on campus to experience. With the leadership of our AMAZING President, Evan Ponter: one of my biggest role models on campus, Vice President, Stefanie Mavronis: one of the smartest and most driven people I have or will ever met, and Advisor, Lindsey Mitchell: always keeping me and the rest of the group on the right path, I have gotten a glimpse of how a real world business runs while being in a setting that cultivates and applauds creativity. Getting to work with these leaders and the rest of the group inspires me everyday to better myself and the UMBC community. I have never felt more at home than I do with (seb) and I can't begin to thank them enough.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: During my time as an associate member of Pi Kappa Phi I learned the importance of time management, problem solving skills, conversational skills, how to effectively work in a group, and how it feels to commit to and achieve a goal. These are valuable lessons that I use everyday in my other organizations and will carry with me for the rest of my life. Other than those lessons, someone once said a quote that I keep in the back of my head with everything I do: "take things seriously, but not too seriously"

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: Committed and driven people

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: One of my favorite places on campus is the amphitheater behind the fine arts building. If you haven't been there, GO CHECK IT OUT (now...go!....well, first finish reading then go)! It is a wonderful outdoor performance/relaxing space that is under-utilized by students. If you ever are looking for a quiet spot to chillax/perform then check it out!

BONUS VIDEO QUESTION: What else would you like to share? Ask yourself a question and answer it.

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Last Chance for Alternative School Break Trips

2012-01-26T18:01:00.000-05:00

Spring Break may seem far away, but now is the time to sign up for a group experience that will inspire and forever change you. UMBC is sponsoring five profound learning adventures during the break (starting Sunday, March 18th): Opportunities to connect with other UMBC students, make meaningful community contributions and become deeply engaged in addressing important social issues.

All of these Alternative School Break trips will take place in and around Baltimore, and will involve lodging (on campus, mostly) with the other students throughout the experience. Some trips will run 4 days (ending Thursday, March 22nd); others 5 days (ending Friday, March 23rd). The cost to participate in each trip is about $75 (with some variation among the trips) to cover expenses such as food and gas. Here are the different trip options:

ARC Trip (serving mentally and physically disabled individuals in Carroll County)
Environmental Trip (emphasizing sustainable living in urban environments)
Through the Eyes of a Refugee (focusing on the refugee population in Baltimore City)
Animal Advocacy Trip (exploring animal rights and humane treatment of animals)
Day in the Life (focusing on homelessness in Baltimore City)

For more Alternative School Break information, visit the UMBCServes group pages on MyUMBC (here). The application is on this page.

The application is due on Monday, February 6th and trips are filling up quickly, so don't delay!

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Real People Profiles: Morgan Christina Thomas

2012-01-25T19:54:00.000-05:00

Name: Morgan Christina Thomas

Hometown: Severna Park, MD

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: This is my fifth semester at UMBC.

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: I am a Resident Assistant in Harbor Hall (5th North). I am also a Student Assistant in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?

A: Resident Assistant, Admissions Student Assistant, Cheer Captain, Research Assistant, Dancer, Diva Superstar!!

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: I most enjoy leading by example and inspiring others to become involved on campus. UMBC has so many amazing opportunities, so it is important for students to be involved academically and in extra-curricular activities in order to truly make UMBC theirs.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: The most memorable thing that I have learned in college was shared by Dr. Hrabowski:
"Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny."

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: Cattleman's Gold Barbecue Sauce at The Grill!!!

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: Did you know?: Harbor Café was really supposed to be a café/coffee shop when it was built. Now it is primarily used as a study and programming space for residents.

BONUS VIDEO QUESTION: What else would you like to share? Ask yourself a question and answer it.

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While You Were Away

2012-01-25T13:31:00.002-05:00

If you haven't been on campus since the fall final exam week, or even if you have, you may have missed these recent developments at UMBC:

SGA extended the deadline for this year's Prove It! competition to March 1st. Got an idea for making the UMBC community even stronger? If you're willing to develop a practical plan and put it into action, consider submitting an entry. Three submissions will win $10,000 implementation grants plus $2,000 cash prizes for the authors to keep. Apply here.

Speaking of Prove It!, the United States Department of Education released a "Road Map and Call to Action" for advancing democratic engagement, citing Prove It! and UMBC's SGA as examples of "next generation" civic engagement efforts:

The University of Maryland Baltimore County, one of the member campuses of the American Democracy Project, transformed its student government from a client service model to one that promotes social entrepreneurship. Students now compete for cash prizes to carry out innovative ideas for improving the campus community. The [2010] winning team was selected for its plan to transform used frying oil into fuel for green campus vehicles.

The latest update to MyUMBC makes it possible to reply to individual comments on posts.

Kiplinger once again named UMBC to its list of the 100 best values among public universities.

The UMBC Chess Team placed second at the Pan-Am Intercollegiate Chess Team Championship, and now heads to the President's Cup, also known as the Final Four of college chess, on March 31-April 1, 2012.

UMBC is preparing to participate in its fifth RecycleMania competition.

The Honors College launched a new web site.

The restrooms on The Commons' first floor are now gender-neutral.

UMBC now has two electric vehicle charging stations on campus, in the stadium parking lot. They're free for members of the UMBC community and the general public to use.

UMBC shared with all students, faculty and staff members the news that the University System of Maryland Board of Regents has adopted a new policy on reporting suspected child abuse and neglect. Stephanie Lazarus, Human Relations Manager, is UMBC’s official contact for such reports. She can be reached at 410-455-5745 or slazar@umbc.edu. More guidance and education about the new policy will be provided to the UMBC community early in the spring semester.

61 UMBC students and staff devoted five amazing days to becoming better leaders at the annual STRiVE retreat, with some glorious results.

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Apply to Fill 2 Rare SGA Vacancies

2012-01-17T13:14:00.000-05:00

Two elected positions in SGA have become available: one each in the Senate and Finance Board. In addition, the Finance Board is looking for a Secretary to take minutes at its meetings. All three positions, with terms running through May 15, 2012, will be filled through an application and interview process (apply here). The application is due Friday, January 20th at 5:00 p.m. The students selected will have a chance to gain valuable experience before applications to run for positions in the 2012-2013 SGA are due in March.

The Senate is SGA’s engine for collecting ideas from students and turning them into campus change initiatives. Members meet weekly (Mondays at 5:30 p.m.) to discuss and develop initiatives, talk with campus administrators and take positions on issues. But most of the Senate’s work takes place between the weekly meetings. Members spend time talking with students, representing all undergraduates on university committees, meeting in project working groups and doing the follow-up needed to get initiatives off the ground.

The Finance Board is the branch of SGA that provides funds to support student organization activities: nearly $200,000 this year. Most of the Finance Board’s work is done at weekly meetings, where student organization leaders present requests and Finance Board members ask questions and make decisions. These meetings, which take place Tuesdays starting at 5:30 p.m., can be both long and intense. Finance Board members have to wrestle with complex issues: applying university policies, striking a balance between supporting amazing events and stretching funds across the entire year, thinking about the precedent-setting impact of their decisions. But they have a lot of fun too, partly because it’s so interactive and engaging.

If you have any questions about the Senate vacancy, contact Hamza Siddiqui at siddham1@umbc.edu. If you have questions about the Finance Board vacancies, contact Michelle Kuah at mkuah1@umbc.edu.

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Earthquake Memory

2012-01-17T07:45:00.001-05:00

Exactly 18 years ago this morning, I had no plans to be awake. As a young lawyer in a busy firm, I needed all the sleep I could get, and this was a national holiday. But before the sun began to rise, everyone’s plans changed. My words, scrawled in a journal, from that day:

Monday, January 17, 1994, 5:00 a.m., Los Angeles, California: A few minutes ago I awakened into utter terror. The biggest earthquake I've ever felt. All power and phones are out. I have no idea how big it was. I'm writing by flashlight, being interrupted by small aftershocks. Outside in the dark, people are talking and crying. My apartment is a mess.

I can't go to sleep again. I'd be far too afraid of waking to another nightmare, and I want to find out how bad it was.

I hope it wasn't just a foreshock!

Monday, January 17, 1994, 10:49 p.m., Los Angeles, California: When I woke up this morning, I was aware only of pitch blackness and total chaos. There was a tremendous shaking and (as I was only dimly aware) a very large amount of noise. I was aware that it was an earthquake. I was convinced it was The Big One: the long-anticipated San Andreas Fault quake that would devastate Los Angeles. (It wasn't). I was certain that buildings were collapsing and people were dying. I couldn't imagine that it wouldn't be so, given the unbelievable shaking.

I climbed out of bed in a rush of adrenaline. I just knew I had to be ready to get the hell out of the apartment. I got some clothes on, started to look for a flashlight, remembered I had one in my car. Somebody outside shouted, "How big was it?" An answering voice deadpanned, "Big." There was nervous laughter. My heart was pounding. I stepped outside.

It was extremely dark. (The news later reported that it was the first citywide blackout in L.A. history). The stars looked different (and far more numerous) unobstructed by city lights. I walked to my car. There were people out there in the dark. I got the flashlight, and went back to my apartment. There was an incredible silence (except during the aftershocks), in which I could hear everything being said by the people in the street.

The lamps in my living room had tumbled to the floor, as had my compact discs and a stereo speaker. An award had fallen from a bookcase, and a picture had fallen 3 feet from the wall to my desk, near my bed. Other debris also littered my floor. I was actually surprised that so much had fallen, because I had no specific memory of crashing sounds.

I was afraid to stay in my apartment (for fear it would collapse), but afraid to stay outside (for fear of hostile people and the unknown). I chose to stay indoors. I tried to call my parents' home, but the line went dead. I crouched with the flashlight and wrote the preceding entry.

[My friend] Barak called--he was in town, at Gabrielle's place in Hollywood. They were also confused and in the dark. [Another friend,] David called. I sat in the dark listening to people outside of my building. I still had no idea how big the quake had been, or how much damage it had done.

I finally got an outside line and tried my parents, my grandmother, Barak and David. I got busy signals and system overload warnings. I tried the calls repeatedly. Then I called my aunt and uncle, and got through. They told me they had lots of damage and couldn't get through to my parents or grandmother by phone. I worried that my dad might have had a heart attack. My heart was still pounding!

It was still pitch black. I tried to call other friends, to see if they could get through to my parents or grandmother. I tried my grandmother, parents, Barak, David--and got nobody. Then my brother called. It was about 6:15 or 6:30 a.m., almost two hours after the quake. He gave me my first news of the magnitude (6.6) and epicenter (Northridge). He was getting his information from stations showing footage from L.A. local news, which I couldn't see because the power was out! (He's in New Jersey).

The sun began to rise (to my great relief). I considered driving into the Valley to check on my parents and grandmother. I heard from my aunt that my grandmother was OK, pulled from amidst the rubble of her furniture by her apartment manager. My uncle said he'd go check on my parents. He did, and they were fine but suffered lots of damage.

I spent all day in my apartment, napping occasionally. The power came on at 9:55 a.m. and that's when I first saw and heard TV and radio news. I first spoke to my parents at 4:00 p.m.

I went in to the office at 5:30 p.m., just after the announcement of a darkness-to-dawn city-wide curfew. I had to get some documents. I'm supposed to be in court tomorrow morning! The office was a shambles: furniture tilted over, floor-to-ceiling bookcases tipped, drawers thrown open. The phone system was knocked out, as was the computer system. I didn't stay long. Later I spoke to Ty. We're both amazed that there has been no announcement that the courts will be closed tomorrow. It looks like I'll be driving across Los Angeles in a few hours; probably a difficult task, since the Santa Monica Freeway is closed.

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The Last Secret of STRiVE

2012-01-15T21:32:00.002-05:00

The situation started to get unpredictable on the afternoon of the first day. We were standing in a big circle, in the middle of a planned activity, when somebody suddenly initiated a kick-wave. It took a few tries, but soon enough we were all following the wave around the room, kicking and shouting in turn. Then there was a song about pie. And then a thousand more inside jokes, spontaneous celebrations, heartfelt contributions and courageous confessions. Right at the beginning I had stood up in front of the participants and said that 10% of what would happen at UMBC's STRiVE student leadership retreat would emerge from the coaches' plans, and 90% from the participants themselves. Turned out I was wrong; over the course of the 5-day retreat, it was more like 3% to 97%.

Billing STRiVE as a leadership retreat is accurate as far as it goes. Participants are exposed to cutting-edge leadership concepts and reflect on their own styles and values. They learn important lessons about how to initiate and bring about change for the common good. But what really takes their breath away and changes their lives--not to mention their coaches' lives--is the experience of building and becoming an unbelievably vibrant and tight-knit community from a group of strangers, all in a few days. Participants emerged from last week's event knowing that they were free to be themselves, that they had important contributions to make, and that in this diverse group, they truly belonged. All of us made this possible together. And we were absolutely over the moon about it! Even before the retreat bus reached Commons Circle, Facebook and Twitter were abuzz with ecstatic comments about the experience.

STRiVE is such a departure from the posturing and evasions of everyday life that it can feel like a Narnia: a self-contained, magical world to which few can ever hope to return. But I know otherwise. The last secret of STRiVE is that everyone has the capacity to liberate the authentic, hopeful, open and loving selves within us all, and to build communities in which we all can thrive. That's real leadership. The 61 people who did this for each other at STRiVE last week now carry the inspiration from having succeeded at it. I know we'll continue to learn from the experience, and bring that STRiVE spirit to every community we ever touch, on campus and beyond.

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Apply for Student Conference with President Clinton

2012-01-05T10:14:00.002-05:00

Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) is an annual event hosted by former President Bill Clinton for college students interested in contributing to social change in their communities and around the world. This year's CGI U will take place at George Washington University in Washington, DC from March 30-April 1, 2012. Each CGI U student member makes a Commitment to Action: a specific plan of action that addresses a pressing challenge on their campus, in their community, or in a different part of the world.

Click here to apply online. The deadline for CGI U applications is January 23, 2012.

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The View from My Window

2012-01-03T10:29:00.000-05:00

First snowfall of the season at UMBC. It's not much, just flurries, but still . . .

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Stress Free Zone

2011-12-13T22:39:00.000-05:00

SGA and the Peer Health Educators are hosting the end-of-semester Stress Free Zone this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Come to the Student Organizations Space on The Commons' 2nd floor between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day for free snacks, t-shirts and opportunities to relax and learn about stress management.

This is the 14th Stress Free Zone. How did the whole thing get started back in spring 2005? The answer is here.

Good luck on your exams. Have a wonderful break!

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UMBC's Hamza Siddiqui Named Finalist for Student Regent

2011-12-11T20:49:00.001-05:00

UMBC sophomore Hamza Siddiqui is going to have an exciting winter break, having been selected as one of three finalists for the position of University System of Maryland Student Regent for 2012-2013. The University System of Maryland Student Council also chose student government leaders from the College Park campus and Towson University as finalists.

The three finalists will meet with University System of Maryland officials in the next six weeks, and their names will be submitted to Governor O'Malley. The Governor will select the Student Regent early in 2012.

The Student Regent serves as the only student voice on the University System of Maryland's governing board, helping to set policies and priorities relating to academics, financial aid, facilities and budgets. UMBC junior Collin Wojciechowski is the current Student Regent. Hamza is the tenth consecutive UMBC nominee to be selected as a finalist.

Congratulations, Hamza!

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Real People Profiles: Jackie Wilson

2011-12-11T18:34:00.000-05:00

Name: Jackie Wilson

Hometown: DeKalb, Illinois

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: 6 years.

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: I am an Assistant Director for Residential Operations in the Residential Life office.

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?

A: I supervise the housing assignment & billing process for on-campus housing assignments.

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: I enjoy my work with communication and marketing for our Department.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: In college I learned that finding the humor in everything is key to a healthy life.

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: Improvisational Theater

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: My favorite spot on campus is the former site of the Baltimore Farm School. When I stand there I can almost imagine the number of children that lived and worked there. Whenever I take a walk around the loop I make sure and stop there. http://www.bcpl.info/info/history/hist_ar_farm.html

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Real People Profiles: David Clurman

2011-12-07T09:27:00.001-05:00

Name: David Clurman

Hometown: Bowie, MD

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: I began my 6th year last summer.

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: Assistant Director of Residential Education

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?

A: I help ensure that the residential communities are safe for students.

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: I love working with students. It is great to see them develop over the course of years and grow both intellectually and socially.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: I learned that you need to find a career that you enjoy, not a job that pays the bills.

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: The Lord of the Rings

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: My favorite spot on the UMBC campus is my office overlooking Erickson Field. It is great seeing students play sports and hang out there.

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11 Holiday Gifts I'd Like to Give UMBC

2011-12-05T20:39:00.000-05:00

I spent part of a weekend day at the Columbia Mall, shopping for holiday gifts and being driven to the edge of insanity. When I wasn't actively dodging crowds or responding to store greeters with polite evasions, I was distracting myself with a thought experiment: If I could, what would I give UMBC this holiday season? For all that we have in our community, there are still plenty of things we could use. Some ideas, in no particular order:

Warm, sunny days and temperate nights for the next 10 Homecoming bonfires and Quadmania carnivals.
At least a dozen new informal gathering spaces like the Student Organizations Space on The Commons' 2nd floor: flexible enough for spontaneity, comfortable enough to lounge around for hours.
For all of the students struggling to make ends meet, my colleagues who have gone years without a salary increase, and potential UMBC donors worried about their savings: an end to this interminable period of economic gloom.
A second ballroom twice the size of the original, with natural light and plenty of room backstage. And a couple of smaller event venues, roughly the size of the Skylight Room, but with solid floors, and furniture that can moved or stored away.
Chipotle. 24/7.
If we had a Chipotle on campus, we'd also have to have a napping zone with unlimited supplies of clean blankets and pillows. It would make SGA President Catie Collins very happy.
Forty more classrooms of various sizes, each with the latest multimedia technology and cozy, comfortable, movable seats. Maybe with more room for classes at peak hours, we could do away with 8:00 a.m. classes forever?
Historical markers telling the amazing stories behind familiar features of campus life. How did the free hour come into being, and who had the idea for a campus pond? What role did students play in transforming the Student Organizations Space from a storage room into a social hub? What stately brick building once stood in the shadow of the mighty oak behind Parking Lot 17? (OK, there already is a marker for that one--but I'll bet you haven't noticed it).
A dedicated physical space for free expression and open debate, maybe a little like Towson's Freedom Square.
A state-of-the-art recreational facility open to all members of the campus community, with enough racquetball, squash, basketball and volleyball courts to accommodate every intramural team, sports club and pick-up game anyone wanted to play, 24/7. Plus laser tag. And did I mention the Jamba Juice in the lobby?
Dr. Hrabowski has done a wonderful job of spreading the word about UMBC in recent weeks. To assist in that effort, I'd like to give the UMBC community its first Rhodes Scholarship, MacArthur Foundation Genius Award and Nobel Prize.

Some of these ideas are a little far-out and whimsical. For others, progress might be just a little coalition-building and a Prove It! submission away. So how about you: What's on your holiday gift list for UMBC?

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Real People Profiles: Kaitlyn Snyder

2011-12-04T21:24:00.000-05:00

Name: Kaitlyn Snyder

Hometown: Horsham, Pennsylvania

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: 1 Year.

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: Student Government Association Senator, First Year Council Peer Advisor, Orientation Peer Advisor, Tour Guide, Sister, Friend, and Student!

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?

A: Motivating my peers to engage in student life and better our community.

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: I love playing a part in getting people passionate about something on campus, whether it’s a club, organization, event, or just something that they want to change about UMBC. I’ve found my home at UMBC and I love helping others find theirs.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: For the majority of my life I have followed a predetermined course of action. I took all the right classes, joined all the right extracurricular activities, and rarely ever stood up for what I believed in. Quite honestly, I didn’t know what I believed in; I was, more or less, told what to believe by authority figures. In college I figured out my own personal positions on hot political issues. I joined clubs and took classes that I was passionate about. I tried everything and went to tons of events until I found something that made me so excited that I couldn’t stand the idea of not being a part of it. Or something else that made my blood boil and felt as though it was my responsibility to do something to change it. I found what I love but it wasn’t easy. No one is going to come knocking on your door (after welcome week) trying to get you to come to events and opportunities won’t just be handed to you; but that shouldn’t stop you. Try something new just for the fun of it! After you leave college when will you have the opportunity to take salsa lessons for free, or take a class about something you love, or get your scuba diving license? This is your time and your life, not your parents, not your professors, not your friends, nor anyone else’s. I wasted so much time doing tedious things I thought I had to do in order to boost my resume or because that’s what my older sister did so I had to as well. But more than anything, I regret not doing things because I thought it wasn’t cool to be passionate about something. It took me a really long time to figure out that everyone’s measure of success is different and mine doesn’t necessarily have to correlate with anyone else’s. Now, if I don’t absolutely love something I stop doing it (well with the exception of math class and other gen eds). I don’t love every second of every student organization and I get quite frustrated at times, but at the end of the day I love being a part of it all and wouldn’t trade my experiences for the world. You are not going to be good at everything (I certainly am not), but not trying, for fear of making a mistake, may be the biggest mistake of all. Don’t let anyone or anything hold you back from doing what you love.

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: The Phillies, baseball, running, cliff diving, enthusiasm, dancing (badly), singing far too loudly, politics, iced tea, sharks, outdoor adventures, cheeseburgers, and spontaneity!

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: My favorite UMBC story is the one about how and why free hour was created. “Forty to fifty college students held anti-war signs and sat on the floor of a classroom-lined hallway. The students were staging a peaceful protest in hopes that their "occupation" would bring to mind in passerbys the American lives in jeopardy half a world away. Across campus, hundreds of student sympathizers took note of the sit-in and several faculty members were fired for taking part in the unfolding events. The Vietnam War was close to its end, but students and faculty at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County were determined to speak out against what they believed to be an unjust war. Few members of the UMBC community today are aware of the school's history of activism. Until the 1980s, UMBC was home to numerous protests. The university's 12-1 p.m. free hour is a direct result of this past, created when student protestors convinced administrators to give them a period during the school day to organize.” http://sixties-l.blogspot.com/2009/05/few-students-aware-of-umbcs-history-of.html It was a time of such passion and the student body came together to do something meaningful that is still seen today.

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Research and Perspective (featuring Stefanie Mavronis)

2011-11-30T15:35:00.002-05:00

This is the second of three posts (the first is here) in which I'm featuring accounts from UMBC undergraduates of how participation in scholarly research is expanding their horizons. Why talk about research in a Co-Create UMBC post? Because research involves critical thinking and openness to new explanations and possibilities. A critical perspective is helpful not just for aspiring scholars but also for leaders and change agents. If you want to make a difference in the world, it helps to be able to recognize the subtle forces that shape situations, imagine alternative futures, and spot openings for action.

Here Stefanie Mavronis, a Political Science and Media & Communication Studies major and Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar, shares her experience and reflections:

I completed a four-month study abroad experience in Bolivia and made a 27-minute long research documentary about the use of audiovisual communication by people in Bolivia as a political and cultural tool, a form of resistance, and a way for the people to reclaim their own image. It's all about the way art and media is being used in the larger context of decolonization. The process was one of the most interesting parts. As I expected, my initial research proposal began to change and take a new shape when I got to La Paz, despite doing the research before I left to craft a well-written proposal. I came close to completely scrapping my project and thinking that I might leave the country without successfully completing my project. However, after happening upon a few great contacts that are now lifelong friends and allowing my investigation to be fluid, I was able to create something really interesting. I followed their lead instead of locking myself into a proposal that turned out to not be as relevant as other happenings in my field of interest.

Participating in this sort of research, especially one that seeks to work with other people instead of "study" them, is relevant to the work that I'd like to engage in in my future. Having the opportunity to conduct research in La Paz, Bolivia was an incredible experience for many reasons. It was a moment where semesters worth of classroom research on the country, its politics, and its landscapes intersected with the place itself. Never before have I created a product over which I feel more ownership. I'm not sure just yet where the future takes me, but I'm leaving my research experience feeling inspired and armed with the right tools to create new understandings at UMBC and in the larger community. Ideally, I'd love to bring back the empowerment tactics I learned from my Bolivian friends to the context of the (North) American urban experience.

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All-Time Top 5 Most Viewed Co-Create UMBC Posts

2011-11-29T17:34:00.003-05:00

I've been publishing Co-Create UMBC since fall 2007: more than 550 posts in total. Here are the five most-viewed posts of them all:

1. The Baltimore Sun Says: Change UMBC's Name (April 2010)(5,000+ views)

2. When I Was in College, I Didn't Know . . . (October 2011)

3. Your UMBC Bucket List (September 2011)

4. UMBC By the Numbers (March 2009)

5. Homeless for a Day (March 2009)(2,000+ views)

If you're reading this via MyUMBC, here's where you'll find the complete archive of Co-Create UMBC posts. Any suggestions for future topics? Send them my way (via comment or email).

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Real People Profiles: Fialelei D.A. Matthews

2011-11-28T16:10:00.000-05:00

Name: Fialelei D.A. Matthews

Hometown: Largo, Maryland

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: 3 years

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: SGA Senator, Black Student Union President, Student Assistant, Undergraduate Researcher, Impromptu Conversationalist

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?

A: Dreamer, Student, Dancer, Poet, Nerd

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: Experiencing new things and meeting new people.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: I learned that the dreams and aspirations that you have coming into your freshman year can change very quickly, and that's okay.

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: Humans vs. Zombies

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: My friends and I make up games when we have nothing else to do. The best memories are made while playing games.

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The Dubious Wisdom of Sally Brown

2011-11-27T18:26:00.000-05:00

When I was four or five years old, I got a set of bed sheets featuring characters from the Peanuts cartoons: Charlie Brown, his sister Sally, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder, Snoopy. The characters were talking (using speech bubbles), and I read their words over and over again. The only phrase I can remember was Sally Brown's. She said: "I hate to go to bed at night and I hate to get up in the morning."

Exactly, I thought. Sure, I was only five years old, but here was a philosophy I could live by. My parents believed in something called "bedtime," after which I was supposed to lie in the dark while activity continued elsewhere in the house. I wanted no such thing, and didn't like being told what to do. To me, the freedom not to go to sleep appeared to be the essential privilege of adulthood. Getting up in the morning, on the other hand . . . well, the adults could have it; I wanted no part. Maybe I was born on a planet with a 27-hour day.

In college and graduate school I came to think of myself as naturally nocturnal. In a world shackled to the antiquated tradition of getting stuff done during the day, I preferred to start focusing sometime after lunch, and would have been happy to hang out with friends until the wee hours every night. Who could sleep anyway, what with the anxiety produced by deadlines and exams? So too often, I let my inner Sally Brown make my choices. I got my academic work done, but it took a lot longer than it should have, since I was almost always fighting exhaustion. I felt weak, unhealthy and often deeply unhappy. That childhood association of late nights with freedom was making me less free, because its consequence was that I was spending my waking hours carrying the burden of unnecessary fatigue.

The amazing thing is that despite my personal education in the consequences of sleep deprivation, I've never completely dispelled my Sally Brown tendencies. It's so easy give in to the delusion that a choice to delay sleep now is not going to cost me later. I always want to watch a little more TV, check my email one more time, or give one more glance at my Facebook news feed.

But several decades in thrall to a cartoonish sleep philosophy is enough. I already had "go to bed at the same reasonable time every night" on my list of upcoming New Year's resolutions, but I'm going to get an early start. UMBC is celebrating its first Sleep Awareness Day this Wednesday, November 30th. Perfect! I'll do my part by going to sleep by 11:00 p.m. and getting at least 8 hours, and then sticking to it night after night. How about you?

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Real People Profiles: Amday Wolde

2011-11-21T21:12:00.000-05:00

Name: Amday Wolde

Hometown: Silver Spring, MD

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: 2 years, in my Junior year this fall.

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: UMBC SGA Senator. Vice President of the Zeta Upsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated.

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?

A: A scholar who harbors his own opinion of a genius.

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: I enjoy all of my roles differently because they all bring me closer to a different group of people. If it wasn't for my involvement on campus I would not be as culturally aware as I am today.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: The most important thing I have learned at UMBC is that when you are going through your journey in college you will indulge in many new interests that will captivate you, but you must never lose sight of your original goal. Basically there will be many things to learn and things that will take you off of your path to success but you must always remember why you came to college in the first place.

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: Freshboy Entertainment and SoSo Lo Records. They are my favorite local music groups.

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: Well, my favorite spot at UMBC is "The Quad" because that is where I was publicly introduced into the Zeta Upsilon chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated. Whenever I walk past it I think of that memorable day. I also enjoy the occasional strawberry and creme frappuccino from the on-campus Starbucks.

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Real People Profiles: Christa Kidd

2011-11-20T18:25:00.000-05:00

Name: Christa Kidd

Hometown: Clinton, MD

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: I am currently in my junior year at UMBC.

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: I am an Office Assistant for the Office of Student Life, Secretary for Y.O.U. (Your Own UMBC), and member of both the Mock Trial Team and Major Inspiration.

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?

A: I foster a sense of campus spirit through my daily routines/activities.

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: While working in the Office of Student Life, I have come across people with all types of backgrounds and stories. With every inquisitive student that walks through the doors of my office, I am given an amazing opportunity to interact with someone new. The relationships I have made during my involvement at work and in different organizations has helped me gain access to doors and opportunities I would have never imagined existed.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: The most important thing I have learned at UMBC is to make the most of your experience here. You are accountable for your grades, you determine the fate of your college career, and you have to be your biggest fan. UMBC does a great job of having every resource available to its students, but it is not until that initial step is made to want to learn more or be more involved that you can indulge in these opportunities.

There are an endless number of clubs and organizations you can get involved in at UMBC, varying from religion/spirituality to athletic and sports related activities. The Involvement Fest held at the beginning of both semesters was a great time for me to learn more about the clubs and organizations offered at UMBC. The Shriver Center has also played a very instrumental role during my time here. The volunteer/service opportunities you gain during your experience with them are priceless. Lastly, the academics at UMBC are the best in the state of Maryland. The teachers want to see you excel and have a personal investment in your success. By doing something as small as stopping by your professor’s office hours or thanking them for taking that extra time to help explain something to you, you create a special relationship –-- one that isn’t concerned with just getting an A or being the most outspoken, but a relationship that explores the humanness in us all.

UMBC was waiting for me to take advantage of it, and when I did, my goals for college became much more than obtaining a degree.

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: Food!!! I may be little but I love to eat!!!

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: Anyone who knows me well, knows I love sitting around with people and simply talking. I love having “family time” with my friends, and getting to know more about them and what they think and believe. In today’s society I believe technology does a wonderful job of helping people avoid interacting with others with items such as cell phones, ipods, ipads, computers, etc. This leads me to one of my favorite stories at UMBC.

Fall 2011, the power all over campus decided to go out. For those who receive text message alerts from UMBC police, the text arrived several moments after the power went out, as if we didn’t notice. I digress though. My initial thought was “GREAT! NO SCHOOL TOMORROW!” Living in Hillside, there are absolutely no back-up lights like the ones in the residential halls. What we were going to do without our oh-so-precious electricity? No lights, no TV, no computers, it was as if we have traveled back in time. Sitting in the living room, you could hear people from the neighboring apartment’s congregate outside. Having nothing better to do, myself and two of my roommates decided we wanted to take a walk around the barely lit campus. We had a blast that night! The spirit of the campus that evening was indescribable. The people we ran into were extra friendly and the conversation we had with complete strangers showed us that outside the classroom and the hustle and bustle of college life, we are all still everyday people. Not before long, the power came back on and activities resumed as usual. Another great moment to add to my long list of memories at UMBC.

BONUS VIDEO QUESTION: What else would you like to share? Ask yourself a question and answer it.

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Co-Create UMBC

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Top Ten Most Viewed Co-Create UMBC Posts of 2011

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UMBC's Hamza Siddiqui Named Finalist for Student Regent

Real People Profiles: Jackie Wilson

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Research and Perspective (featuring Stefanie Mavronis)

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Real People Profiles: Fialelei D.A. Matthews

The Dubious Wisdom of Sally Brown

Real People Profiles: Amday Wolde

Real People Profiles: Christa Kidd