We are proud to report the success of the 2nd LLC Gradate Student Conference: #Intellectual Activist Movement(s): Reconnecting University Scholarship and Community Action.

At least 50 people participated in a conversation on the value of being an intellectual/activist: on lessons learned, on unanswered questions, on how changing socio-cultural landscapes interact with our work, and on what it means to be an intellectual activist in 2016 in Baltimore, the U.S., and internationally.

Each of the panels and the papers presented allowed participants to explore topics such as, promises on teaching and education, memory, the resilience and construction of communities, language, diversity, and power. These topics made attendees think about the need to constantly analyze, critique and act upon structures that maintain and separate the daily experience of individuals and communities.

At the same time, the micro-talks session allowed the audience to engage in debates about the evolving LGBT+ language in digital spaces; the untapped radical potential of Disability Studies to confront inequities of oppression in the university; the presence and action of social movements on campuses, and the reflection on how teachers are intellectual/activists in their daily labor.

Finally, our successful Art as Protest session included powerful performances that reflected upon community, race, gender, and memory. Each performance executed a critique of power, and examined ways of resistance.

Thanks to our presenters, collaborators, and attendees. This conference would not have been possible without the support from the following departments and organizations: The Language, Literacy and Culture Doctoral Program, The LLC GSO, B’PAR GSO, the Department of Sociology & Anthropology, the Department of American Studies, the Modern Languages, Linguistics, and Intercultural Communications Department, and the Student Life’s Mosaic: Center for Culture and Diversity.

To learn more about the conference, please visit the 2nd LLC Conference website

Some pictures taken at the conference are available here: https://flic.kr/s/aHskJcGn7y 

If you are an employee of UMBC (50% time or more) or a “Non-Traditional” student, and if you are working on your graduate school courses, proposal, or dissertation, then this event is for you! We’ve worked with our UMBC employees who are also graduate students at UMBC, College Park, Northeastern, and other institutions. This session will have support, coaching, and food will be provided for you on both days.

You work hard every day to serve others on our campus! You may be supporting your family members, or you have decided to take some time for yourself to reach your goals.  Now, let us work with you to finish your graduate degree. This version of the “Dissertation House” was created just for you!

Dissertation House for UMBC Employees and Non-Traditional Students
Friday, 10/7/2016,   9:00 – 5:00 PM (Part I),
Saturday, 10/8/2016, 9:00 – 12:00 PM (Part II), 

Location: Albin O. Kuhn Library, Room 767

RSVP by clicking “I can attend” below and apply via the Dissertation House’s website:

http://my.umbc.edu/groups/promise/events/42532

https://dissertationhouse.wordpress.com/apply/

Please send your application to promisestaff@gmail.com by September 15, 2016. 

The 2016 PROMISE Fall Harvest Dinner for graduate students and postdocs at schools within the University System of Maryland will be held Friday, November 18, 2016, at  5:00 PM.

Location:

University of Maryland College Park

Stamp Student Union

Stamp Colony Ballroom 2203

This dinner will allow you to connect with graduate students and postdocs who are in your field, allowing you to build collaborative relationships, connections, and expand your network. You may bring a guest to this event. PROMISE wants you to include your support network in events. 

This event is free. Please bring your ticket with you, and your university ID.

Each attendee, including your guest, must have a ticket.

This event will include a short program with a welcome from the hosts at College Park.

• 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Arrival & Seating
• 6:00 PM: Welcome Remarks
  • (Hosted by the PROMISE Leaders at College Park)
• 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Remarks from SREB Remarks
• 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Networking Reception
• 8:00 PM: Closing Remarks

REGISTER:

Contact Christopher Perez at the Office of Graduate Diversity and Inclusion for additional information: cperez6@umd.edu

Please see the comments below for updates on bus information.

Stay tuned to this page for any additional information.