Announcements

Dear graduate student community, Like you, I am horrified and saddened by the killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and too many others due to racial violence.  Many of you, particularly African American / Black students and other students of color, are frustrated and angry, and I stand with you in demanding racial and social justice. 

We invite all UMD international undergraduate and graduate students to join us on May 27th at 4pm for a virtual International Student Community Meeting with Senior Vice President and Provost Mary Ann Rankin, Associate Provost and Graduate School Dean Steve Fetter, and Associate Vice President for International Affairs Ross Lewin. We will discuss concerns specific to the international student community, and share updates about resources and support the University is providing for students at this time. We will also address any questions you may have. 

Join the Graduate School on May 26-29 for the 4th annual Summer Symposium: Invest In Your Success. This four-day virtual workshop series includes sessions focused on staying motivated, setting goals, and making progress with writing and career plans. Sessions will be held from 10-11:30am each day.   Tuesday, May 26

The Graduate Council approved a new policy on Remote Dissertation or Thesis Defense in a Public Health Emergency. Read the full policy here.    President Loh has suspended on-campus instruction from March 16 until April 10. Please follow the guidance below for dissertation/thesis defenses scheduled from now until the end of the semester:  

All graduate assistantships will continue during the coronavirus crisis. GAs will receive stipends and benefits as planned. Graduate assistants should consult with their supervisors about how their duties and responsibilities will be modified.

Giving Day is on Wednesday, March 4th. This campus-wide annual Giving Day campaign offers a time for family, friends, and the UMD community to support graduate students who, like you, are looking for ways to support their education. Donations help to fund Graduate School programming that benefits students as they advance toward their degree and beyond. 

The University of Maryland is monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. 

Dean Steve Fetter, on behalf of the Graduate School, submitted written testimony on HB 214, for the hearing on the bill before the Maryland House of Delegates Appropriations Committee, held January 28, 2020. Read his full testimony here. Read a HB214 Information Sheet here.

Again this spring semester, the Graduate School Writing Center will offer support for students at the dissertation stage. The semester-long dissertation coaching program will include online modules, weekly accountability meetings, and personalized writing support throughout the semester.  Participants will meet weekly in either a face-to-face or a virtual accountability group.

Have some big goals for 2020?  Join us to get a jumpstart on your academic and professional development! Thursday, January 23, 2020 9am-4pm, Edward St. John Teaching and Learning Center Doctoral students and postdoctoral associates are invited to join the Graduate School for a day of networking and interactive, hands-on sessions designed to help you achieve your goals. We’re offering three tracks aimed at helping you reach your academic and professional goals.