BreakingGround Digest #4

BreakingGround celebrates and extends innovative social change work by UMBC's students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners.  Here are some highlights from the past week.


From the BreakingGround website:

--David Hoffman

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.
]]> BreakingGround celebrates and extends innovative social change work by UMBC's students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners.  Here are some highlights from the past week. The Green... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/09/breakingground-digest-4.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/17115/guest@my.umbc.edu/2a89a75f691503b22f9e24a3b97640f7/api/pixel Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 7 0 true Thu, 27 Sep 2012 10:58:00 -0400 First Year Council: Impact from the Start

Each October a group of new UMBC students gathers to share stories and start envisioning contributions which will enhance the UMBC experience for them and their peers. Over the ensuing weeks, with help from a more experienced peer and staff advisors, they learn about UMBC's structure, resources and decision processes. But they already are experts on the most important subject they need to master before starting to make a difference:what it is like to be new members of our campus community. 

When the Office of Student Life and Student Government Association collaborated to launch the First Year Council in 2004, we had high hopes but modest expectations. Would new students really be willing and able to think creatively about UMBC's future while they were still learning how to thrive here? We hoped the chance to connect with peers and campus leaders would build their confidence and sense of opportunity, and we were right. The founding First Year Council envisioned and planned an event that would pull the campus together: a "world record" water gun fight (more photos here), which made local headlines. One of its members, Thomas Locastro, worked all year to win campus support for his plan to launch the tradition of a Homecoming Bonfire. He succeeded, and the very first bonfire took place in October 2005. 

 Subsequent Councils have provided feedback to campus administrators on Welcome Week, developed resources to help new students navigate UMBC, and provided information to their peers about opportunities to get involved in campus life. The First Year Council has been a launching pad for student leaders, many of whom have used the skills, knowledge and relationships they developed as freshmen to make significant contributions to UMBC. SGA President Kaylesh Ramu was a member of the First Year Council her freshman year. 

Recruitment for this year's First Year Council is underway.  To become a member, students must be nominated by any student organization using this form by Friday, September 28th.  If you're a new student and want to join, all you have to do is find an organization to nominate you.  But the nomination requirement isn't intended as a barrier to joining, so if you have any difficulty, contact sophomore Sam Spehr, the First Year Council's peer advisor, at sspehr1@umbc.edu.

 --David Hoffman

 Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter. 

]]> Each October a group of new UMBC students gathers to share stories and start envisioning contributions which will enhance the UMBC experience for them and their peers. Over the ensuing weeks, with... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/09/first-year-council-impact-from-start.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/17079/guest@my.umbc.edu/6bd09ec8740b4fd508be7c2240f5ba03/api/pixel first-year-council Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 15 0 true Tue, 25 Sep 2012 17:30:00 -0400 Real People Profiles: Nana Yaw Asare We're 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: Nana Yaw Asare

Hometown: Bowie, MD

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: I have attended UMBC for 6 semesters.

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

A: I am the Coordinator for Leadership Development in SGA.  I am also a second year RA, a student assistant at the office of undergraduate admissions, a STRiVE’r, and also a part of Health Leads.

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

A: I #EMPOWER and encourage students to find their inner greatness.

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

A: What I enjoy most about my roles on campus is being able to interact with so many people from various walks of life.  I have been able to learn about other cultures, different perspectives, and interesting (random) facts! I find it a blessing to be in a culture where diversity is fully accepted and promoted.   

I also enjoy the inspiration from other students and faculty.  Being apart of SGA and Residential Life, I am fortunate to interact with a multitude of students.  Through these interactions, I have been able to see the courageous and noble acts of so many students.  What makes UMBC different from other universities is that we have students who do not only seek to excel in their academics, but also want to better their environment.  Constantly being around this environment has inspired me to become more involved and active in shaping my environment.  

Overall, I truly enjoy working with people who are not like myself and also come from different backgrounds.  It truly has shaped the person I am...though I will still always love Beyonce!

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 is broken down into 2 thoughts.  

For one, I have learned that everything happens for a reason. I MEAN EVERYTHING! In college, we seek for internal greatness through sports, social activities, and academics and when we don't achieve that, it is seen as a failure.  But I have come to the realization that it is not a failure, but just another stone laid for this everlasting journey called, life!  Everything that happens not only prepares us for the future, but sometimes open doors which may have never been opened.  I have learned to also understand that there is a greater motion occurring, rather than thinking of that singular event.    

Second, my college experience (especially at UMBC) has taught me to "keep on trucking" on this road called life.  It is important to take each day at a time, while being retrospective of all actions.  Taking time out of our busy schedules to enjoy life, and the people in it.  It is so easy to lose ourselves in the busyness of our college career, but I learned that all this will fade and the only thing that will last is our memories and experience.  So from that, I continually seek to enjoy life, the people in it, the hardships and also the triumphs.  

I always say, "we're in college, so lets enjoy this!" It's all about schoolin' life!

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

A: Seeking God, IKEA, Kanye West's music, Love, Friendship, French Fries, Swimming, Beyonce, Inner Peace, Obama, Chipotle, My WONDERFUL Mother...and of course UMBC!

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: The majority of my UMBC stories wouldn't be funny via technology.  Just know that I have endured too many awkward situations for my own liking!  The best place on campus is on top of the physics building on the patio, the Public Policy lobby, the outdoor pool (only during the summer), and the fifth floor of the Library.

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




Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter. 

]]> We're 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... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/09/real-people-profiles-nana-yaw-asare.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/17051/guest@my.umbc.edu/9899453a31fe7de1790a9e53b0bed8cd/api/pixel real-people-profiles Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 122 18 true Tue, 25 Sep 2012 08:35:00 -0400 My Political Identity
The first political label I applied to myself was “moderate liberal.” That was when I was a college freshman.  What I really meant was, “I don’t want to appear ignorant or offend anyone, but I’m clueless.” There were plenty of people around me who could articulate their allegiances or debate political issues with confidence, and I envied them.  Some were probably just parroting arguments they had heard at home or among their friends. But they had an identity, and I didn’t know my own.

Through student government I began to develop strong interests in academic policy issues like the course drop deadline and general education requirements. But many of the students I worked with had broader interests: in racial and economic justice, on campus and beyond. They were a diverse group, and generally patient with the questions I asked them, some of which must have been pretty insensitive. Their strong political views came from hard experiences in communities that were, until then, completely outside of my small universe. Not only did I want to stand with them, but I felt betrayed by the softness of my own circumstances: I had been so sheltered, so naïve. The part of me that already wanted to rebel against arbitrary and unjust authority thrilled to the cause.

Racial justice became my cornerstone. It was easy enough to build perspectives on that starting point, just by paying attention to what like-minded people believed about other issues. George H. W. Bush helped too, running a campaign for President against Michael Dukakis in 1988 (the year I graduated from college) that stoked racial fears and prejudices. Whatever Bush was for, I knew I had to be against.  And it felt really good to be able to say for sure what I was against.

In graduate school I met truly thoughtful and decent Republicans, which forced me once again to wrestle with what I had taken too easily for granted. And I saw in some Democrats shades of sanctimony and hypocrisy I found truly unattractive (I’m looking at you, Senator Joe Lieberman). I can’t say I’ve ever voted enthusiastically for a Republican, but I’ve voted against some Democrats.

After a stint as a lawyer, I took jobs that reflected my emerging passions: community-building, education and democracy.  I developed more ideas and priorities of my own, totally distinct from party platforms and campaign slogans. Even more important, from experience, reading and reflection I developed a sense of how things actually get done in the world: the planning and coalition-building, the changes in culture enabled by, and in turn enabling, changes in policy and practice. And I developed a sense of when and why good intentions fail to yield good outcomes. This education made me a wiser voter, but also reoriented me to a world of politics beyond voting: everyday politics, in which people work effectively together to build our world.

I’m not done learning, and I know my views will continue to evolve, hopefully growing ever more nuanced as I accumulate experiences. But I’m OK with that now: I’m finally confident enough in my own identity as a human being that I feel less urgency about having a fixed and final political viewpoint.

So that’s how I developed my political identity. How about you? What has your process been like, and where are you now?

 --David Hoffman

 Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter. 

]]> The first political label I applied to myself was “moderate liberal.” That was when I was a college freshman.  What I really meant was, “I don’t want to appear ignorant or offend anyone, but I’m... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-political-identity.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/17011/guest@my.umbc.edu/e54c11654adc82d0f8b72274a5322461/api/pixel personal-stories social-justice state-and-national-elections Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 24 11 true Mon, 24 Sep 2012 09:05:00 -0400 Real People Profiles: Cindy Greenwood We're 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: Cindy Greenwood

Hometown: Ishpeming, Michigan

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: Since January 2011. 

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

A: I am the Alumni Programming Coordinator and also advisor to the Student Alumni Association and the UMBC Vegetarians student groups.

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

A: I am a connector among alumni, students, and the UMBC campus.

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

A: My favorite aspect of being at UMBC are all the amazing people I get to work with in various ways.  My co-workers are great, the students in SAA and the UMBC Vegetarians are impressive and fun, colleagues across campus have been so open and collaborative, and even many months after my experience as a STRiVE coach, I continue to be impressed by the bonds created among those who were there and the relationships that have continued. 

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

A: One important thing I learned while in college was that I didn't have to do things in traditional, expected, or safe ways all the time.  Taking risks and following your gut can bring you places you never expected.  For me, that started with studying abroad in Australia, then moving across the country from Michigan where I had always lived to grad school in Washington state.  From there, I've pretty much created my own path through life and am so thankful for all the experiences I've had because of that.

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

A: Waterfalls, hammocks, fireworks, beaches, football (especially the Packers), pizza, and so many more things!

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: As of now, the Student Alumni Association is still a little-known entity at UMBC, but I'm looking forward to that changing as the group grows and contributes great things to our campus.  The purpose of this student group is twofold:  1) to connect students with alumni in various ways and 2) to promote spirit and traditions on campus.  The group has only been a recognized student organization since the spring 2012 semester, but the founding members continually make me smile with their great ideas and enthusiasm.  Keep an eye out for them this semester on campus and come check out some of their events! 

Also, everyone should check out Baltimore VegFest, typically held in April on Erickson Field, which is co-sponsored by the UMBC Vegetarians and the Humane League.  There's awesome stuff there for everyone, whether you eat meat or not!

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.

]]> We're 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... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/09/real-people-profiles-cindy-greenwood.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/17002/guest@my.umbc.edu/e78b0032f51404b2add8bea6d0d73336/api/pixel real-people-profiles Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 36 7 true Sun, 23 Sep 2012 19:39:00 -0400 BreakingGround Digest


BreakingGround celebrates and extends innovative social change work by UMBC's students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners.  Here's what's new in the past week.
Don't forget that BreakingGround offers grants to support service projects designed to get members of the UMBC community more deeply involved in social change work.  Read about the grant program and apply by September 30th.  All UMBC departments and student organizations are eligible.

--David Hoffman

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.

]]> BreakingGround celebrates and extends innovative social change work by UMBC's students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners.  Here's what's new in the past week. Kelly Cyr, a UMBC... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/09/breakingground-digest_20.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/16958/guest@my.umbc.edu/fa1f9105c5095cf33d7b079adc162aa8/api/pixel Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 4 0 true Thu, 20 Sep 2012 13:10:00 -0400 Co-Create UMBC @ 5

644 posts and 5 years ago this week, I launched Co-Create UMBC.

At the beginning, there were no Real People Profiles, no participation from faculty and staff, and no long strings of comments from readers. The audience I imagined for my posts was limited to the 30-40 SGA members (SGA was a much smaller organization back then) not in the room with me at the moment. I wanted to share some of the stories and ideas from my one-to-one conversations with them. And I wanted to talk about my own vulnerabilities, and my own process of learning how to be an effective human being and citizen, to make it OK for students to experience their own imperfections and growth as something other than traumatic and isolating. The entire first semester, Co-Create UMBC attracted half the number of views it now gets in a week.  

Much has changed. I'm more confident in my intuitions about how to say things. But in a way, I still I'm still discovering my voice and my purposes. I know I want to make UMBC visible to itself as a community co-created by all of its members. I want the people at UMBC to see and know each other as human beings, not merely as roles like "professor" and "student." And I still want to name my own struggles, past and present, when doing so can help set someone else free. My favorite moments as a blogger have been the ones when people have shared how they have become conscious of their thought patterns by identifying with mine, or able to name a hope or fear because I did so in a post. I'm grateful to everyone who has ever shared those thoughts with me.

In case you're wondering, this is the most-viewed post of all time, which is kind of funny because I said very little (but provided a link to something provocative).  This is my favorite personal story I've shared, although if you're willing to read my two epic multi-chapter sagas (one about quitting a law firm, one about the implosion of my undergraduate student government), please help yourself. This is my favorite piece of Co-Create UMBC social/political commentary. And I have treasured the reaction to this post the most (I've re-posted each year), because years ago this list was simply my way of coping with life.

So what topics should Co-Create UMBC tackle in the years ahead? What new series could complement the Real People Profiles and help reveal the UMBC community to itself? What conversation starters would prompt you to share?  Leave a comment, and let's get this next half-decade started.

--David Hoffman

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.

]]> 644 posts and 5 years ago this week, I launched Co-Create UMBC. At the beginning, there were no Real People Profiles, no participation from faculty and staff, and no long strings of... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/09/co-create-umbc-5.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/16932/guest@my.umbc.edu/b6adf973efeb9f7a12377365673b4cfa/api/pixel Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 24 4 true Wed, 19 Sep 2012 15:49:00 -0400 Wed, 19 Sep 2012 15:49:00 -0400 Your UMBC Bucket List We have a fine tradition at UMBC (now one year old): At the beginning of the academic year, we share our lists of things we'd like to do while we're here. My UMBC Bucket List includes seeing performances in every venue in the new Performing Arts & Humanities Building, participating in my third Election Night Extravaganza (this November), advising a student organization other than SGA (already advised SGA, loved it), and completing my Ph.D.  

 So what's on your bucket list? Take a look at the lists people posted last year for inspiration, then please share. After that, let's hold each other accountable for following through.  I didn't do so well at checking off items from my list from last year.  Did you?

 --David Hoffman

 Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter. 

]]> We have a fine tradition at UMBC (now one year old): At the beginning of the academic year, we share our lists of things we'd like to do while we're here. My UMBC Bucket List includes seeing... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/09/your-umbc-bucket-list.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/16876/guest@my.umbc.edu/5b73802fad8f32f0d40bced6d3075e69/api/pixel Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 49 56 true Tue, 18 Sep 2012 09:27:00 -0400 Electoral College: What It Is, Why It's Unfair
With today being Constitution Day (225 years ago today, September 17, 1787, is when the Constitutional Convention signed the final document), I thought my first post on Co-Create UMBC might commemorate this day by examining one particularly relevant component of the Constitution—the Electoral College—and its influence on presidential campaigns.

Background

On Election Day, you will vote for Electors who will convene weeks later to formally elect the President and Vice President.  In the Electoral College, each state has a number of votes equal to the number of its Representatives (determined by population) plus Senators (two per state, regardless of population).  Because Maryland currently has eight Representatives and two Senators, it will cast 10 electoral votes in the 2012 Presidential Election. The Electoral College originated in a compromise among states with higher populations and lower populations.

The Electoral College Today

In 1787, the Electoral College, though it tipped the scales toward states with small populations even then, found a place in the Constitution out of political convenience. In today’s landscape, however, the system has evolved into an institution that routinely disempowers millions of Americans every four years. How?

Well, we can first start with the representation issue. By counting Senators when determining the number of electors each state receives, we privilege less populous states in the Electoral College. For example, Wyoming’s small population and three electoral votes means that one of the state’s electoral votes represents 56,363 citizens, while Maryland’s large population and ten electoral votes results in one of its electoral votes representing 577,355 of its citizens. While many of us assume that in America our votes count equally, the reality is that they do not when we elect Presidents and Vice Presidents.

Another problematic feature of the Electoral College emerged only a few decades after the institution’s creation. In the early nineteenth century, many states looked for ways to heighten their influence in presidential politics. States began implementing “winner-take-all” models as one method, in which states package their electoral votes together and award them to the candidate winning a plurality of each state’s popular vote. Over the years the winner-take-all rule has become the default method of awarding electoral votes; only Maine and Nebraska do not use the winner-take-all system. The rule rewards presidential candidates who camp out in competitive states that award large numbers of electoral votes. In 2012, Ohio, Florida, Virginia, and Colorado have seen presidential candidates spend significant time and resources in their states based on their “swing state” status—their politically moderate populations and large blocs of electoral votes. Conversely, less populated states that tend to vote predictably for the same party election after election—like Wyoming (which reliably votes Republican) and Vermont (reliably Democratic)—attract little to no attention from modern campaigns and are often shut out of the national political dialogue.

With the inherently unequal distribution of political power in the Electoral College and the winner-take-all system working in tandem, we now have a presidential voting process that is anachronistic, undemocratic, and, in many states, difficult to experience. Many individuals and organizations have spawned efforts to amend the Constitution in an effort to dispose of the Electoral College. One contemporary movement is called the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC), an initiative inviting state commitments to revise current rules governing how they apportion their electoral votes to ensure that states select the winner of the national popular vote. The agreement will only take effect when the compact enlists the required number of states to represent the majority of electors. (Currently, eight states and the District of Columbia have joined the NPVIC, with Maryland being the first state to join in 2007.)

Conclusion

I think the most important thing for us to remember is that the Constitution is not a static document. While making the process difficult, our founders did entrust us with the ability to amend the Constitution as necessary. Regardless of political affiliation, we all own a piece of that Constitution and its contents (including the Electoral College). On this Constitution Day, I think it's worth thinking about what kind of system for electing Presidents we want to have.

How do you feel about the Electoral College? If you don’t like it, how would you amend it?

Note: You can read the original text of the Constitution here, and the 27 amendments adopted since that day in 1787 here and here.  David has written a couple posts in the past to celebrate this holiday. In 2010,David asserted that the Constitution represented the ideals of co-creation and restraint. In 2009, David’s Constitution Day post proposed that U.S. Senators be apportioned among the states at least partly based on population(not two per state).

--Craig Berger

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter. 

]]> With today being Constitution Day (225 years ago today, September 17, 1787, is when the Constitutional Convention signed the final document), I thought my first post on Co-Create UMBC might... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/09/electoral-college-what-it-is-why-its.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/16848/guest@my.umbc.edu/31eda01ff7a9eafd057fa29f8c634929/api/pixel Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 22 6 true Mon, 17 Sep 2012 09:19:00 -0400 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 09:19:00 -0400 Real People Profiles: Michael Fell We're 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: Michael Fell

Hometown: Blacksburg, VA

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: This is my third semester at UMBC. 

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

A: I am a Service Peer Educator, secretary of UMBC College Democrats, treasurer of the Gender and Women's Studies Council of Majors and I am an IHU Peer.  I was also an orientation peer adviser over the summer and was also a member of the SGA Election Board.

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

A: Passionate psychology major who loves UMBC and is always learning.

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

A:I love the opportunity to talk with other students and learn about their experiences, interests and viewpoints on different subjects .  One of my favorite things about being an orientation peer adviser over the summer was to convey my passion for UMBC to the incoming students and to let them know about all the amazing opportunities that are available here.  In turn, I learned a lot about the diversity of the incoming freshmen and transfer students, which helped me grow in my appreciation for our awesome university.

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

A:  I have learned that there are always great opportunities available to you, but that it it is up to you to find them and advocate on behalf of yourself.  There really are so many amazing groups, clubs and research opportunities at UMBC, but they won't fall into your lap...you have to be brave and take a few chances that may seem a bit intimidating at first.  I have also come to appreciate that one of the best things you can do in the classroom is to speak up and get to know  your professors--they are really interesting people and want to hear what you have to say!

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

A: Music, psychology, people, UMBC and learning new things.

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: UMBC is a great place to get involved and meet so many new and interesting people.  I entered the university as a transfer from community college, and never dreamed that I would be so involved in so many different areas of campus life.  Everything at UMBC is open to anyone who is interested in taking part.  I encourage everyone to try new things and meet as many different people as you can--talk to people in your classes, go to clubs that sound interesting or get involved in a club sport that you've always wanted to try.  You never know when you'll meet your next best friend, or the individual who will connect you with an amazing opportunity!

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


Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter. 

]]> We're 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... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2012/09/real-people-profiles-michael-fell.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/16843/guest@my.umbc.edu/3418a0ed01bc636b87b1c29912eaafa9/api/pixel Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 51 6 true Sun, 16 Sep 2012 21:27:00 -0400