Institute for the Recruitment of Teachers Cohort Receives Professional Development
According to its mission, "The Institute for Recruitment of Teachers (IRT) addresses the lack of diversity in the nation’s teaching faculties by recruiting outstanding students of color and other scholars committed to diversity, counseling them through the graduate school application process, and advocating for sufficient funding for advanced study." The Graduate School's Office of Diversity and Inclusion (OGDI), along with its graduate program partners put great emphasis on the recruitment and retention of IRT scholars.
Each month, OGDI offers extensive "lunch and learns" for UMD's IRT scholars on topics relevant to their professional and personal development. In December, this group was treated to a presentation and testimonial by Dr. Mindelyn Anderson, faculty member at American University. She spoke passionately about social mobility in higher education.
This month also marked the first annual IRT Alumni Networking event for Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia and vincinity. About 35 friends, family and supporters gathered to mingle with current and former IRT scholars. The event included an inspiring welcome by Rev. Dr. Shively Smith and words from current IRT students. More details about the full program can be found here.
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) First Annual Fall Research Symposium
On December 2, College Park welcomed undergraduate, community college, and graduate students within the University System of Maryland for a first-ever fall research symposium. Focused on supporting students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, the event provided students with the opportunity to both view and present their research through poster, traditional oral, and TED-style presentations, while also enhancing their scientific development and STEM identity. Registrants participated in the Graduate School and Resource Fair and networked with graduate schools, investigated summer research opportunities, research and graduate school funding.
2017 USM PROMISE AGEP Fall Harvest Dinner and Networking Reception
Graduate students and postdocs from the University of Maryland System institutions attended an evening of programming focused on strengthening the PROMISE AGEP network. Hosted by OGDI, leadership from UMD and UMBC provided welcome remarks. Dr. Renetta Tull, Dr. Janet Rutledge, Dr. Erin Golembewski, and Dr. Steve Fetter represented UMBC, UMB and UMCP respectively. Ceylon Mitchell II, alumnus of this University, provided a musical performance. The program also included the Southern Regional Education Board's representatives.