They're calling for snow flurries, or at least "winter precipitation" of some kind, here at the tail end of this week. If you're looking for more winter than a few stray flakes, though, the Shuangfeng Forest Farm in Heilongjiang province, China, may be of interest! Learn more about it in this 2023 Xinhua article. 

Closer to home, there's a lot happening on campus - keep reading for more info! 

International Education Week Events

International Education Week is happening now! If you're interested in study abroad, continuing your studies and research overseas after graduation, or other opportunities outside the United States, there is an event for you! 

Highlights include info sessions about the prestigious U.S. Fulbright Student Program (fully funded long-term opportunities in one of 140 countries around the world, to teach English, conduct research, or earn a graduate degree); the table fair to learn about a variety of programs (and how to fund them), and more! 

Visit the International Education Week website for more information!

Faculty-Led Study Abroad: Japan, June 2025

Are you thinking about Study Abroad, but aren't sure how to juggle a full semester or academic year at a different school amidst your other plans? Consider a Faculty-Led Study Abroad trip! 

Asian Studies affiliate faculty member Dr. Oakes is leading a trip in June 2025 called "Art and Power in Japan." This special opportunity will give you a chance to gain first-hand experience abroad while also earning academic credits towards your studies at UMBC! 

Dr. Oakes is hosting a virtual info session for the program on Friday - see the attached flier for more details, and feel free to send her an email at <juloakes@umbc.edu> with any questions you might have! 

Spring 2025 Advising Still Available

It's not too late to make an advising appointment with Dr. Vaporis or Dr. Kim for Spring 2025 registration. You cannot add classes to your Spring 2025 schedule until you have advising clearance. Email Dr. Vaporis <vaporis@umbc.edu> or Dr. Kim <kimsy@umbc.edu> for an appointment today - don't wait! 

Winter 2025 Registration Available Now

Students need to take an average of 15 credits per semester (30 credits per academic year) to graduate in four years. Winter can be a great opportunity to catch up or get ahead - and you don't need advising clearance to register for a winter class! 

Learn more about the Winter 2025 session, including course offerings, dates and deadlines, and fees, on the Winter Session website.

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

• Happening Now: International Education Week (see above)
• Thursday, Nov 28: Thanksgiving (UMBC Closed)
  
• Friday, Nov 29: American Indian Heritage Day (UMBC Closed)
• Tuesday, Dec 10: Last Day of Classes; last day for Full Semester Withdrawal
• Dec 11-18: Finals

[thumbnail image description: a view over the snowy streets and rooftops of China's Shuangfeng Forest Farm. Bright red lanterns hang from lampposts along the streets.]

Today is Election Day! If you haven't voted yet, polls are open now until 8pm tonight. Maryland has same-day voter registration, so even if you aren't already registered, you may be able to cast a ballot today! Find your polling place on the state's Voting Location Lookup site here. 

Last Chance for Advising!

Remember that you cannot register for your Spring 2025 classes until you get clearance from your advisor, and you can't get clearance from your advisor until you have an advising appointment with them. 

Have you signed up for an advising appointment with Dr. Vaporis or Dr. Kim? They've emailed an advising sign-up sheet a few times. This week is the last opportunity to meet with them during special extended office hours. If you haven't received the sign-up sheet, or are unsure how to complete it, please contact us as soon as possible. 

Registration for Spring 2025 is happening now, and we anticipate that many classes will fill up quickly. Don't miss your chance to sign up for the courses you need and want - get advised today! 

New Spring 2025 Course Offering: ASIA 330/ART 355 - The Dao of Intermedia

Prof. Chan is offering her popular "Dao of Intermedia" class again this spring. The course, crosslisted as ASIA 330 and ART 355, explores the connection between art and the everyday through lectures, and readings of Asian philosophy. The course consists of discussions about the philosophy and how traditional and contemporary artists/craftspeople have related the philosophy to their work. Students learn traditional arts/crafts such as brush-painting, papermaking, paper/textile decorative arts as well as creating art that is both physical material and performative. Seats are extremely limited - sign up today! 

Winter Session Registration Continues

Are you interested in taking a class during the Winter 2025 session this coming January, but aren't sure which one is the best option? Consider an asynchronous class that will count towards your Asian Studies requirements!  

ASIA 300 - Modern East Asia 
HIST 381 - From Samurai to Salariman: Japanese History Through Film and Literature

Unlike the Spring and Fall semesters, you do not need advising clearance to register for Winter Session classes. For more information about Winter Session, visit their website. 

Don't Forget: Guest Lecture with Dr. Anita Mannur on Monday, Nov 11!

We hope to see many of you in the Library Gallery on Monday afternoon, Nov. 11, for Dr. Mannur's lecture "From Pandan Donuts to Masala Chai Ice Cream." Dr. Mannur will explore the ways that a new generation of chefs is bringing the cuisine of Asia to a global audience - and we'll have refreshments for the lecture attendees, as well! 

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

• Ongoing: Winter 2025 Registration
• Ongoing: Spring 2025 Advising & Registration
• Tomorrow (November 6): Last Day to Withdraw from Individual Courses with a "W" 
• Monday, Nov 11: Guest Lecture, Dr. Anita Mannur (see above)
• Thursday, Nov 28: Thanksgiving (UMBC closed)
  
• Friday, Nov 29: American Indian Heritage Day (UMBC closed)