Public Policy Professor Emeritus George La Noue recently released his newest book, "Silenced Stages: The Loss of Academic Freedom and Campus Policy Debates." 

Synopsis:

Recently, many American higher education institutions have endured politically motivated disturbances undermining academic freedom. Unlike the wave of disruptions under the expanded “free speech” banner in the Sixties, these new protests have often sought to limit the speech of invited speakers, campus spokespersons, and the media with whom they disagreed.  In response, many prominent persons, including former President Obama, university leaders, and faculty senates, have sought to restore the primacy of open dialogue as an academic ideal. 

The barking dog of censorship usually creates attention. This book discusses incidents that created national publicity at Amherst, Brown, City University of New York, Evergreen, Lewis and Clark, Michigan, Middlebury, New York University, Reed, Seattle, Yale, UC Berkeley, University of Pennsylvania, University of Washington, Vanderbilt, and Wesleyan. But, if that guard dog just silently patrols the fences of acceptable campus discourse, nothing may be heard in the vacuum created. Many speakers will not be invited and many public policy issues will be thought too controversial for open discussion. Even tenured faculty may avoid expressing ideas that will upset their colleagues or campus activists. For free speech, the problem may be more often what is omitted from campus discussions, the silenced stages, than overt suppression.

This book reports on original research about the topics and participants in on-campus policy debates or forums where divergent viewpoints were presented regarding 24 national policy areas. Accessing campus calendars for 2014 and 2015 in a stratified national sample of 97 universities and colleges and 28 law schools enrolling 991,802 students annually, the results show a paucity of such events, except at very elite wealthy institutions or law schools. For most students in American higher education, the opportunity to hear on-campus debates about important public policy issues does not exist. Free speech for controversial speakers dominates the press coverage, but the more important story of the absence of debate and divergent opinion is missed.

Details on Silent Stages can be found here:
https://cap-press.com/bo…/isbn/9781531016029/Silenced-Stages

Lauren Mortimer ‘19, management of aging services, remembers visiting a nursing home for the first time during middle school. What she saw deeply saddened her. “It was the first time I had been in a nursing home,” she recalls. “All I could see were disregarded senior citizens who were lonely and being talked to like children.” Mortimer knew at that moment that she needed to change the senior care experience.

This year, a decade after she found her career path, the Centreville local earned an Erickson School alumni pin, marking her graduation from UMBC’s aging services program. At the end-of-year Erickson School ceremony, students also presented their capstone projects on research designed to inform and improve aging services. Topics included strategies for working with patients with dementia, workforce development, combating financial exploitation, exercise and sports, and communication between health care providers.

Joining the longevity economy

“Our ceremony provides an opportunity to reflect upon the tremendous personal growth of each of our graduates,” explains Dana Bradley, dean of the Erickson School. “We celebrate the amazing opportunities our graduates have as leaders in aging services to ensure that our society is ready to embrace the longevity economy.”

At UMBC’s Erickson School, Mortimer developed leadership skills through internships in aging care focusing on dementia, transitional housing, assisted living care, and independent living. Her last internship, at Brightwood Senior Living in Severna Park, evolved into a full-time staff position.

Her new role with the facility is enabling her to move forward on her career plan. Rather than provide direct care, she shares, “I wanted to be in health administration to help influence policy and improve the care of senior citizens” more broadly.

With this in mind, Mortimer has focused on growing as a leader. As a student, she served as president of the aging services council of majors, where she organized service activities to support local older adults. And while pursuing her new role at Brightwood, she’ll also begin a master’s in healthcare administration at the University of Maryland University College.

Path to innovation

Diane Tichnell ’70, political science, a member of UMBC’s first graduating class, shared advice with the program’s graduating students at the celebration event. She encouraged them to stay connected to UMBC as they launch their careers, to help open doors for future innovators. Tichnell recalled, “Even in the earliest days, UMBC was about innovation. Stay innovative and stay connected to UMBC.”

Tichnell’s emphasis on UMBC’s innovative and community-oriented spirit struck a chord with Mortimer. She used her capstone project as an opportunity to create a new support for people with dementia. Mortimer’s “Comfort Book” (currently going through the patent process) provides tools for people with dementia to soothe themselves during periods of confusion and irritability. Filled with familiar sounds, sights, and materials, it’s designed to de-stress and empower people with dementia who are experiencing challenging moments.

This is the type of creative thinking that John C. Erickson, founder of Erickson Retirement Services, had in mind when he gave a $5 million gift to establish the UMBC Erickson School in 2004. “UMBC’s forward thinking is the pathway to new products, service development, and delivery” in the field of aging, Erickson shared at the event. “It influences better aging policy, and is the foundation for innovative uses of technology to improve the quality of life for all seniors.”

Banner image: 2018 commencement mortarboards. All photos by Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC. Video, “Why MAgs,” courtesy of the Erickson School of Aging Services.

So, you’re thinking about becoming a Retriever? Here are 10 reasons why we know you’ll love it here at UMBC. (Twelve, if you count the puppies and squirrels.)

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF!

#10:  Our Community of Retriever Believers…

Retrievers stick together in and out of the classroom…and long after we graduate. We create together, we build together, and we learn together — and we have a lot of fun together, too. One afternoon you could be playing Humans vs. Zombies and the next cheering on one of UMBC’s 17 Division I sports teams — like the men’s basketball team, which made NCAA history in 2018 by becoming the first No. 16 seed to beat a No. 1 seed. Here you can help save the Earth, experience new cultures, and make discoveries together — all in the same day. And after you graduate, you’ll always be a part of #RetrieverNation.

#9:  ….Who Change the World Every Day

Want to make a lasting mark? Through classes, clubs, internships, and research opportunities, UMBC lets you follow your passion through to practice. You’re also never in it alone. Faculty mentors guide our students at every step, and also know when it’s time for students to take the lead on projects themselves, to take their work over the finish line.  And, with more than 70,000 alumni touching lives through their work every day, you’ll be part of a proud tradition of global and local impact that’s uniquely UMBC.

#8:  Professors Who Know Your Name…

U.S. News and World Report repeatedly recognizes UMBC’s professors for their incredible commitment to teaching. In fact, in 2019, UMBC ranked #8 nationally on its closely-watched list of universities with a “strong commitment to undergraduate teaching,” alongside Princeton, Dartmouth, Brown, and Rice. So, what does that mean for you? It means small classes and plenty of one-on-one time with academic all-stars whose first concern is you.

#7:  …And Take You Beyond the Classroom

Speaking of commitment, that professor-student relationship doesn’t stop when class is over. At UMBC, you’ll find opportunities not only to team up on research and creative projects, but to explore even further through amazing internships. Collaboration between people in different fields results in an experiential, interdisciplinary learning environment. UMBC students are able to be active learners prepared for a multi-dimensional workforce.

#6: A World-Class Education…

Whatever your passion, at UMBC you’ll find a prestigious academic program with a reputation to truly challenge and excite you. Don’t know what you want to study yet? We’re here to help. UMBC’s mentoring and guidance can help you figure it out. Plus, we’re always looking to the future, so you’ll be prepared for grad school or a career — or both! Check out our areas of study.

#5: …For an Amazing Value

There’s a reason UMBC has been selected by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance as a “Best Value” and the Fiske Guide to Colleges as a “Best Buy” year after year. Our students get an amazing value for their dollar, earning a top-notch education while graduating with less debt than students at other universities. Read more about our grad and undergrad rankings.

#4:  Baltimore is an Exciting College Town…

Craving a concert or an amazing meal? How about a ball game? Museums, theaters, performance halls, clubs, restaurants, hiking and biking trails, and professional sports are right around the corner to test your mind, challenge your creativity — and make sure you have plenty of good times. 

#3:  …With Easy Access to a World of Opportunity

Nestled between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and minutes from airports, trains, and bus routes, UMBC’s beautiful campus is perfectly situated to help you explore your passions. Learn more about our city at baltimorecollegetown.org.

#2:  Our Impressive Career Network

Not only does the Baltimore/Washington corridor brim with internships and job opportunities, you’ll also find tens of thousands of Retriever alums nearby to help you get a foot in the door. A little grit goes a long way at UMBC.

#1:  UMBC Believes in You

A big part of what makes UMBC different is that we’re truly a community of learners. Whoever you are, whatever your interests, you’ll find friends and professors here who will share your passions and broaden your perspective. You can be yourself — and become your best self — at UMBC. We can’t wait for you to join us!

BONUS REASONS #11 and 12: Our Amazing Wildlife

If you ever drop a French fry while walking between classes, not to worry. One of our trusty campus squirrels will gladly pick it up for you. UMBC’s squirrels are so friendly that many think of them as honorary mascots. But they just can’t compete with the best doggo mascot out there…

Our mascot, True Grit, is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, one of the smartest, most loyal pups out there. Gritty can be seen dancing with the Pep Band at games and Homecoming, and he’ll always give you a high five when you meet him walking down the street. Need a little luck? Just rub the nose of our True Grit statue in front of the RAC for a little extra Retriever magic – and don’t forget to pose with him on graduation day.

We love you, Gritty!

Hey @KState can your mascot play drums? pic.twitter.com/pJw6Awzk1N

— Drew Ballantine (@aballantine555) March 19, 2018

Beginning July 1, 2019 a new law provides free ridership services for all regular USM faculty and staff members on the Maryland Transit Administration’s (MTA’s) light rail transit system, metro subway, local bus service, commuter bus service in the Baltimore region, and any other systems and services specified by the MTA. 

The MTA has created a sticker that can be affixed to university employee identification cards.  In order to access transit, employees would be required to present their university ID badges with the sticker affixed to it.  The institution is in the process of purchasing the stickers for employees who wish to participate in the program.  Parking Services will be coordinating efforts with the MTA on the sticker purchase.  Employees wishing to obtain a sticker may contact Parking Services for more details.

In the meantime, employees wishing to take advantage of this benefit before the stickers are available may obtain a State ID badge that will allow them to access the participating transit vehicles.  In order to obtain the ID card, employees must complete the Maryland Capitol Police ID Request form and take it, in person, to:

Andy Clark

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Government Relations

University System of Maryland, Office of Government Relations

9 State Circle, Suite 201

Annapolis, MD 21401

A photo ID, such as a Maryland Driver’s License, Maryland MVA Identification Card, Passport, or current Military ID card must be shown to process the Maryland Capitol Police ID Request form.

The Council on Black Health (CBH) seeks to have a significant impact on health in Black communities through collaboration, discovery, and innovation. Formerly known as the African American Collaborative Obesity Research Network (AACORN), the CBH builds on AACORN’s 15-year legacy of developing and distributing information about ways to improve the health status of Black Americans.

The Inaugural Council on Black Health National Workshop will focus on building the collective capacity of Black scholars, institutions and change agents to plan and promote a high impact action agenda devoted to changing the course of Black health for the better and for the long term. The 2020 priorities for closing research-to-action translation gaps will point the way to positive impacts on Black health risks and outcomes.

Plan to attend this workshop and lend your energy, experience, expertise and perspectives to the dialogue.

Why You Should Attend

By attending this workshop you will have the opportunity to provide input on CBH research action priorities for 2020; contribute to a vision for realizing healthy Black communities; and engage in dialogue with other researchers, organizations, and change agents who are committed to this vision.

Hotel Accommodations

We have secured a room block at The Study at University City for hotel accommodations. The rate is $183.00 per night. 

Financial Assistance

There are some financial assistance packages available to support workshop attendance.

Register