Did you know that you can read major newspapers for free online using the Library's databases?

Keep informed by bookmarking or using a feed-reader app (like Feedly) to access:

● New York Times

● Wall Street Journal

● Washington Post

We’ve got the paper versions too!  Head up to the 2nd floor for current newspapers such as: the Baltimore Sun, the Guardian, Le Monde, the New York Times, The Times (London), the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post.

Last year, Naomi Mburu became the first Rhodes Scholar in UMBC’s history.  A few weeks ago, she traveled to England to begin her graduate studies at Oxford University as part of the 115th Rhodes cohort. Here, she reflects on the transition to Oxford.

My time in Oxford has been very busy, but quite exciting and full of new adventures! I started my journey to Oxford in New York City, where I met all of the other American Rhodes scholars, along with two Caribbean Rhodes scholars and one Chinese Rhodes Scholar who are living in the US. During the weekend, we attended Hamilton on Broadway and met some of the cast, and had many networking opportunities with Rhodes Alumni including a meet up with female Rhodes alumni living New York City.

When we arrived at Oxford, we met up with all of the other Rhodes Scholars from around the world. There are over 90 Rhodes Scholars from all over the world this year! We mixed and mingled with each other, and the older Rhodes Scholars who are still at Oxford. It has been really nice to have this community of Rhodes Scholars during this big transition to England. We even had a dinner for all of the Rhodes Scholars on campus studying engineering! Having a built-in support group full of friendly faces makes being in a foreign place much less intimidating!

The next week was Oxford's official Fresher's Week, where we had many opportunities to meet the other students in our college, departments, and across Oxford. The city of Oxford is an incredibly beautiful city with a rich history. Oxford is split into 38 colleges, and I chose to live in the oldest one! It was founded in 1249, and it is called University College. The college system provides another sense of community within Oxford, in addition to your department and any other organizations you are part of (such as Rhodes). The Kofo Collective is a cultural organization that I recently joined, and we had a nice brunch together to kick off the term. The week ended with matriculation, where we dressed in graduation clothes and were formally deemed students of the University of Oxford. 

I work in the Osney Thermofluids Laboratory, which is a subset of the engineering science department here. The lab is very interdisciplinary, and most of the research projects are sponsored by industry partners. My research is focusing on developing in thin film, liquid metal cooling system for a nuclear fusion reactor, and I am working with an industry sponsor in the area that is focusing on making nuclear fusion reactors! I really enjoy the practicality of the work that I am doing. Some of the students in my research lab put together a Black Panther themed science event for kids that I was able to help out with, which was a really fun way to get to know the greater Oxford community and teach a diverse group of kids about science.

-NM

For more information about Prestigious Scholarships, or if you'd like to be the next UMBC Rhodes Scholar, email Dr. April Householder at aprilh@umbc.edu or visit:

https://ur.umbc.edu/prestigious-scholarships/

This year’s STRiVE retreat will take place January 7-11, 2019. STRiVE participants will make new friends, learn about themselves, reflect on values and ethics, work in teams to envision contributions they could make at UMBC, and tackle both simulated and real leadership and social change challenges. Past STRiVE participants have gotten deeply involved in campus organizations and initiatives, and have made phenomenal contributions.

To apply for a spot in STRiVE 2019, complete this form by Sunday, November 4, 2018. 

If you're interested but have questions, consider attending the optional STRiVE information session on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 from noon - 1:00 in Commons 329. You can also send questions to David Hoffman at dhoffman@umbc.edu.

STRiVE is hosted by UMBC's Center for Democracy and Civic Life, and sponsored by the UMBC Student Government Association. More information on this program is available below.

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STRiVE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is STRiVE?

STRiVE is an intensive, engaging and exhilarating off-campus leadership retreat (5 days, 4 nights) developed by UMBC to help students become more effective leaders on campus and throughout their lives. STRiVE participants will make new friends, learn about themselves, reflect on values and ethics, work in teams to envision contributions they could make at UMBC, and tackle both simulated and real leadership and social change challenges. The STRiVE experience will include a bonfire, challenge course, games and other fun activities.

Do I have to be an “involved” student to attend STRiVE?

Absolutely not! STRiVE will be helpful to any student regardless of previous involvement or leadership experience. No prior experience is necessary! We are looking for a diverse group of students committed to developing their leadership skills and applying them to create positive change in the campus community. The application asks about campus involvement only to give the STRiVE planning team a sense of the different perspectives participants will bring to the retreat.

When is STRiVE?

The dates for STRiVE will be January 7 - 11, 2019.

Where is STRiVE being held?

STRiVE will be held at Skycroft Conference Center in Middletown, Maryland. Participants will stay in motel-style rooms (sharing a room with 1 other student) and all activities will be held on site. Bus transportation between UMBC and the retreat site will be provided.

How much does it cost to attend STRiVE?

UMBC covers most of the cost of each participant’s attendance. However, there is a participation fee of $100 that helps cover some of the cost of transportation, lodging and food. Money should not be a barrier to attendance, however, and participants will be able to complete a form to request financial assistance.

When is the application due?

Sunday, November 4, 2018.

When will are accepted applicants informed?

Applicants will receive an email in late November with additional details about participating in STRiVE.

How can I find out more information about STRiVE?

Please contact David Hoffman at dhoffman@umbc.edu.

• UMBC Non-Discrimination Policy Statement
• USM Policy of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression
• LGBTQ+ Resources at UMBC
• UMBC Gender Inclusive Housing Options
• UMBC Career Center Resources
• The Mosaic Center
• UMBC LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Association
• UMBC LGBTQ Student Union

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is offering current UMBC undergraduates with an opportunity to apply for a deep immersive experience in research activities in economics.  The program is designed for top undergraduate students with strong quantitative and analytical backgrounds of all majors.  These positions offer a $10,000 Stipend plus Housing.  The program has a rolling admission with an absolute deadline of Friday, December 7th.  

UMBC and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business have created a special partnership to provide up to four UMBC undergraduates with this paid summer research experience.