What is the Preview Weekend?
The Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs Preview Weekend is an all expenses paid visit to the University of Minnesota campus for prospective graduate students interested in one or more of the following Ph.D. programs:

• Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biophysics (BMBB)
• Integrative Biology & Physiology (IBP)
• Microbiology, Immunology & Cancer Biology (MICaB)
• Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology & Genetics (MCDB&G)
• Neuroscience (NSCI)
• Pharmacology (PHCL).

When will the Preview take place?
The campus preview weekend will be September 27th - 30th, 2012.

Who is eligible to attend?
Those who will be invited to the Preview must be US citizens or permanent residents who will be applying for entry into graduate school in Fall of 2013. The program is most interested in students enrolled at institutions outside the upper midwest who may be unfamiliar with the outstanding training environment provided by the University of Minnesota. Students from under-represented racial and ethnic groups, low-income family backgrounds, first-generation U.S. citizens, and students with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

What are the benefits of attending?
The Preview activities will provide opportunities for students to meet informally with the directors of graduate study, faculty and current graduate students of the six biomedical sciences doctoral programs. There will be tours of campus that will let students gain a feel for the research and laboratory environments where they would work. There will be time for the attendees to learn about the graduate programs so that they can decide which one might best meet their career goals and interests. There will also be activities to introduce you to the quality of life in the metropolitan area of Minneapolis - St. Paul. Any participants who apply to one of the biomedical sciences graduate programs will have their application fee paid. They will also be invited to participate in the admission interview weekend for the program they apply to.

What is the Cost to Attend?
All visit expenses (including travel, lodging, and on-campus meals) are provided for those who are selected to attend. Slots for talented students to preview the University of Minnesota PhD graduate programs are limited to 15 so be sure to apply early.

Application & Selection Timeframe
The online application will be available in spring 2012 and the application deadline is August 20, 2012. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applicants will be notified by early September if they have been selected to attend the Preview weekend.

Q: What is your year and major at UMBC?

A: I am a second year graduate student in the Intercultural Communication Master's program.

Q: How is your major applicable to diversity education?

A: Well…in my program we discuss and apply the concepts and definitions within culture to current events, personal experiences, and many other places.  What I am learning in my program directly relates to diversity and the conflicts that arise and what can be done.

Q: Why did you decide to apply for the Diversity Educator Internship?

A: I applied for two main reasons: (1) to apply the skills I have learned in my master's program to the facilitation and presentation of diversity concepts and campus workshops.  (2) to contribute to an environment that is accepting, appreciative, and understanding of diverse populations.

Q: How would you define diversity?

A: For me, diversity is a state, a state that is composed of many different races and ethnicities functioning and working together.  Within these different races and ethnicities exists distinct practices, behaviors, and customs.  In turn, functioning in a state of diversity signifies enrichment of knowledge and information that would not otherwise be known, recognized, or acknowledged.

Q: How does UMBC foster an appreciation for diversity?

A: Many offices and departments at UMBC provide opportunities for observation, participation, and leadership in a multitude of programs.  The Office of Student Life creates and implements programs, events and workshops, in which students and faculty can take part.  In addition, this office serves to educate and involve all departments on campus, such as the Modern Language department and the Gender studies department, to host events that encourage appreciation and discussion of diversity topics and issues.              

Q: What are ways that students can participate in advocacy for diversity?

A: The opportunities to act as an advocate are endless.  Students who desire to participate but do not want to take on the responsibility that being a leader entails can attend any dialogue, workshop, or event that is hosted.  However, being an advocate does not simply imply attending and participating in specific events.  Being an advocate is a daily act that is fulfilled everywhere someone goes.  An advocate is a representative of and model for diverse appreciation and understanding.  An advocate stands up for the beliefs, practices, and customs of others in that no one individual should be discriminated against or stereotyped.  Therefore, being advocate means having a security in one's own beliefs but a simultaneous mindfulness and appreciation for the beliefs of others, and the acting upon this.

Q: After graduating how will you continue to be an advocate for diversity?

A: Of course, whatever field I go into should have something to do with Intercultural Communication.  I would love to be a diversity trainer or a Spanish teacher.  Either way, I will carry out what I have learned while at UMBC and during this internship into all aspects of my life after graduation.  I will continue to act as an advocate no matter who I am with and where I am.  In my opinion, every situation and every moment provides a possibility for diversity education, however small the lesson.

The UMBC Circle of OMICRON DELTA KAPPA
National Leadership Honor Society is currently accepting applications!

Applications due: by Noon on Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Applications must be submitted online at http://odk.org/audience/prospective_members/membership_application_form

The UMBC Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), the national leadership honor society, is seeking applications for its student memberships. Founded at Washington and Lee University in 1914, ODK currently has more than 250 Circles on campuses throughout the United States. The UMBC Circle began in 1981 and was recharged in 2007! Come join our circle and help invigorate the UMBC community!

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE UMBC CIRCLE OF ODK?

The purpose of the Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society is threefold.

1. To recognize those who have attained a high standard of leadership in collegiate activities and to aspire to higher achievements.
2. To bring together the most representative students in all phases of collegiate life and thus to create an organization which will help to mold the sentiment of the institution on questions of local and intercollegiate interest.
3. To bring together members of the faculty and student body of the institution on a basis of mutual interest, understanding and helpfulness.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

• Undergraduates of at least Junior standing (by credit level) with cumulative GPAs in the top 35% of their respective classes
• Juniors must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.10
• Seniors must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.27
• Graduate students with at least a 3.500 cumulative GPA
• Graduate students must have completed at least 12 credit hours at UMBC
• Currently enrolled as students at UMBC
• Transfer students must have completed at least two full semesters at UMBC
• Exhibited exemplary academic and leadership achievement
• Excellence in one or more of the following areas of campus life:
• Scholarship
• Athletics
• Campus or community service/social/religious activities/campus government
• Journalism/speech/mass media
• Creative/performing arts

WHY APPLY TO THE UMBC CIRCLE OF ODK?

• You become part of lifelong campus and national network of ODK members
• You become part of a select group that promotes leadership on our campus
• People take notice of " leaders among leaders"
• Job recruiters and graduate school admissions look for ODK members

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM INVITED TO JOIN ODK?

Invited members will be notified via e-mail by Wednesday, April 11, 2012. If you accept your invitation for membership, you must complete a member information form and return it with your initiation fee of $80.00 on or before 4pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012. You must attend the initiation ceremony on Sunday, April 29^th from 3-4pm in order to become a part of ODK.  More information will be provided at a later date to those invited to join ODK.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
(dates are subject to change) 

• Wednesday, March 14 – Applications due by Noon. Applications must be submitted online
• Wednesday, April 11 (or before) - E-mail notification concerning application
• Thursday, April 12 - Mandatory membership form and $80 initiation fee due
• Sunday, April 29; 3pm-4pm– Initiation Ceremony in Commons Skylight Room (MANDATORY)
• Friday, May 4 – First General Membership Meeting

APPLICATIONS DUE: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2012 by Noon.

• Applications must be submitted online at http://odk.org/audience/prospective_members/membership_application_form by Noon on Wednesday, March 14, 2012.
• Paper or e-mailed applications will not be accepted.
  
  

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jackie Aliotta
Facilities Coordinator & Omicron Delta Kappa Advisor
Commons Operations
The Commons, Suite 335
410-455-1438
jaliotta@umbc.edu