Dear Graduate Students, 

We are approaching the end of the spring 2020 semester and find ourselves in a very different place from where we were at the start of the semester in January. The transition to social distancing by staying at home and accessing our academic, research and personal lives virtually has been challenging for all of us. We are all doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19, but we also look forward to the next phase of life. The uncertainty of when and how this will happen leads to stress and anxiety, and we want you to know that we’ve been focused on doing what we can to meet your needs.

The Graduate School and the Graduate Student Association (GSA) are hosting a virtual Town Hall meeting on Friday, May 8, 2:00-3:00 pm, to share information and answer questions you may have about all aspects of your academic progression and success at UMBC. We invite you to submit questions as you register to participate in the Town Hall here. The Webex link will be sent to all those who register, and will be shared with the graduate student email group on Friday morning.

Topics to be covered at the Town Hall include the planning underway for a phased opening of the campus for research and creative achievement, core facilities and classroom instruction; changes to academic policies that respond to the unusual circumstances of the spring semester; supporting your mental wellness; and issues of interest to graduate assistants.

Here are some links to information and resources to support your success

UMBC Information: https://covid19.umbc.edu/
Graduate Student Specific Information: https://gradschool.umbc.edu/admissions/requirements/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/
Research and Creative Achievement Information: https://research.umbc.edu/research-and-creative-achievement-at-umbc-during-covid-19/
UMBC Counseling Center: https://counseling.umbc.edu/
PROMISE Productivity Guide during COVID-19: https://promise.umbc.edu/productivity-guide-during-covid-19/

We look forward to seeing you at the Town Hall meeting.

Sincerely,
Janet C. Rutledge, Ph.D.
Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School

Alex Rittle
President, GSA

The Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising has openings available for summer Orientation Advisors! As an advisor, you would attend Orientation sessions where you would meet with undergraduate students one-on-one to plan out and register for classes. No previous experience is required, all training necessary will be provided!

Besides compensation, this is an excellent opportunity to gain professional and interpersonal experience. Depending on your field, your time as a student may not open you up to many client-facing interactions, and this is a pathway to gaining that experience. If you are considering a career in academia, meanwhile, advising experience is highly sought-after in faculty openings.

• Graduate students are eligible to be compensated at the rate of $100 per all-day session and $50 per evening session.

More details are provided in the application attached, which is due HERE by May 1, 2020. The Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising will also be hosting a number of informational sessions for those who may be interested:

• Wednesday, March 11, 12-1 PM at Sherman Hall 220 (B-Wing, 2nd Floor)
• Thursday, March 26, 12-1 PM at Sherman Hall 220 (B-Wing, 2nd Floor)
• Monday, April 6, 12-1 PM at Sherman Hall 220 (B-Wing, 2nd Floor)
• Thursday, April 16, 4:30-5:30 PM at Sherman Hall 220 (B-Wing, 2nd Floor)

Finally, if you are a graduate student with an existing assistantship, you will be required to submit a “Request for Additional Employment” along with your application by the same date. Please note the form must be signed by your Graduate Program Coordinator/Director and Dr. Jeffrey Halverson before submission. The forms can be found HERE.

For any further questions, please contact: 

Monique Ransom

Associate Director for Academic Advisor Development &

Student Transition Programs

Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising

mransom@umbc.edu / 410-455-2451