A post curated by Women’s Center director, Jess Myers.

Last week, the Women’s Center celebrated our Returning Women Student Scholars + Affiliates graduating this semester at our graduation pinning ceremony (virtually, of course!). This event has become a special tradition in the Women’s Center to create celebratory space for both our continuing and graduating returning women students/adult learners who are UMBC students 25 years and older seeking their first undergraduate degree.

These students are called “returning” because they often have various circumstances that have kept them from what our popular culture deems as a traditional college path and they are now “returning” to college to pursue their degree. Student scholars in this program not only receive scholarships to help financial supplement their tuition, but also benefit from tailored support and programming from Women’s Center staff through individualized meetings, programs, and events that meet the specific needs of older students on campus. Affiliate students are also an important part of our program (and if you’re interested in joining, reach out to the Women’s Center!). This year we have our largest cohort of scholars + affiliates that includes 31 students participating in this unique program.

In usual times at this pinning ceremony, graduating seniors receive their Women’s Center Returning Women Student Scholars + Affiliates pin to wear at graduation along with a yellow rose. This year, we sent their pins to them via snail mail and they pinned themselves!

Upon their pinning, each scholar says a few words. Despite being in their own homes and not sharing physical space with each other, we still created a “collective assembly” in which graduates were still able to invite us into sharing their joy, excitement, gratitude, and sheer relief. “I finally made it!” rang through the Women’s Center lounge walls along with laughter and tears.

Anyone who has spent time in the Women’s Center knows that working with this special group of students is one of my favorite experiences in my role as director of the Women’s Center. At a University which celebrates, grit and greatness (even during non-pandemic times), no other student cohort exhibits both with such deep grace and humility. As individuals and as a community, they are brave and unstoppable.

So, it is with great joy that I invite you to join me in celebrating these fantastic students and their accomplishments. Below are some of our graduating students who in their own words* share what they were involved in at UMBC, what’s next for them after UMBC, and advice they wanted to share with other adult learners.

Happy Graduation!!!

Christan Malenia Dior Wallace, Newcombe & AEGON Scholar
Major: Social Work

A self-submitted photo of Chris in her graduation cap and gown. 

What was your experience like as an adult learner? What were you involved in at UMBC?
I was involved in attending Social Work Student Association, the First Generation Team and the Women’s Center. As an adult learner I initially stayed to myself. I really did not talk to anyone. At one point my fellow social work peers were even surprised to learn I was a senior and have been there for years. I did not feel connected to anything. Then I met Jess at the Women’s Center. She embraced me and introduced me to a lovely group of people. I felt included and came out of my little shell. I felt so embraced, understood and accepted.

Looking back on your experience, what is your advice for current Returning Women Students?
My advice for current Returning Women Students would be to open up and don’t be afraid to meet new people. I have social anxiety and I never thought I could. I would also say try the Women’s Center for yourself. You will find a place in there where you fit in regardless of who you are. They are so accepting of anyone and it’s a safe space.

What are your plans after graduation?
I will get my MSW. I plan to start my own organization and help any population needed.   

You can also learn more about Chris my visiting the UMBC’s First Gen myUMBC page and our Instagram post where we featured Chris for an RWS Spotlight.    

Harley Khaang, Newcombe Scholar
Major: Individualized Studies

What you were involved in at UMBC?
I was incredibly fortunate to have been involved with the Women’s Center at UMBC through my internship at the center and its scholarship program.  The support I received was amazing and the continued scholarship throughout my undergrad career via the Newcombe Scholarship was invaluable.  I am grateful to UMBC and to the Women’s Center for being a part of academic career.

Looking back on your experience, what is your advice for current Returning Women Students?
It all goes by very quickly.  2)  Yes, it is totally worth it.  3)  You will be able to look back on your time at UMBC and know you made the right choice. 
Get involved with the Women’s Center and reach out anytime you need help or support.  You are not alone, and you don’t have to do this all by yourself! 

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on pursuing a graduate degree at UMBC. 

Iris Tapia, Newcombe Scholar
Major: Management of Aging and Pre-Dental  

Photo of Iris from the RWS Fall 2018 Scholars + Affiliates Orientation

What was your experience like as an adult learner and what were you involved in at UMBC?
As a returning, first-generation, and transfer student, UMBC helped me feel like I belonged and that I mattered. Jess Myers, the Women’s Center Director, has inspired me in many ways to get more connected on campus and to never give up! I also had the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone. At the time, I was enrolled in FYS 102 with Gib Mason, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership Professor & Graduate Program Director. The first day in any class can be very stressful, but Gib’s FYS class is something none of us will ever forget. I can still remember on the second day of class when student guest speakers presented to us (who soon after became my teammates). The moment they shared their experiences as students who were once in the same FYS class. I was moved by the amount of dedication and passion they each have towards OCA Mocha, and their story resonated with me. I am delighted to share that I had the opportunity to be part of this student-led initiative. This experience enabled me to expand my network, build community, and meet some extraordinary people.

Looking back on your experience, what is your advice for current Returning Women Students?
Step out of your comfort and network! Personally, the Women’s Center helped me in countless ways, and I will forever call it my second home.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on applying to dental school and keep volunteering.

Mafoudia Bangoura, Newcombe Scholar
Major: Business Technology

What was your experience like as an adult learner at UMBC?
My experience as an adult learner wasn’t an easy one, but I can truly say it was rewarding! You learn to appreciate your individual journey. 

Looking back on your experience, what is your advice for current Returning Women Students?
Reach out more to your fellow affiliates [adult learners in the RWS Scholars + Affiliates program); whatever you are going through, they have probably gone through most of the same things or can be additional support.

What are your plans after graduation?
I will work as an Operations Analyst and apply to grad school for the Fall 2021 entrance.

Mimi Yaldram, Newcombe Scholar
Major: History, USG

A self-submitted photo of Mimi.

What were you involved with during your time at UMBC and how did it impact your experience as an adult learner?
As a retuning women student, I learned to be resilient and patient with myself. I was able to take advantage of the opportunities that UMBC and Shady Grove offered and it helped me grow as an individual. As a UMBC student at the Universities at Shady Grove I was involved in numerous leadership opportunities such as the President of Zeta Sigma Disability Honor Society, President of History Student Association, Student Council, UMBC Peer Advisory Team, USG Blogger and Author of History Journal for Mildawareness. These experiences as an adult learner was noteworthy because I was able to contribute my insight from an adult learner’s perspective. I shared my experiences as an adult learner with my fellow peers.     

Looking back on your experience, what is your advice for current Returning Women Students?
My advice is to be kind to yourself and learn to ask for help. I also encourage returning women students to take advantage of the resources that UMBC offers.          

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend and have been accepted to UMB’s School of Social Work’s Advanced Standing graduate school program.

Tess Robinson, Newcombe Scholar
Major: Political Science  

A self-submitted photo of Tess and her kitty, Sparkles.

What you were involved in at UMBC?
My experience as an adult learner was sometimes very stressful but I applaud the Women’s Center for believing in me especially during my most dark days. I appreciate the sessions, group meetings, one-on-one’s and meeting other courageous women to share my journey with.    

Looking back on your experience, what is your advice for current Returning Women Students?
My advice for current returning Women Students is to reach out to the Women’s Center when you feel over burdened with the demands of school, work and home. Sometimes, just talking to other women who are experience the same challenges as you helps to ease the stress tremendously.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to continue my education either by obtaining a master’s degree or going to law school. I haven’t made a final decision, yet.

Congratulations to our other Returning Women Students Scholars + Affiliates graduating this December:

Sara Weiss, Affiliate Scholar 

• We don’t have many in person photos these days so this is a throw back photo of the 2019-20 cohort of Returning Women Student Scholars and Affiliates at August 2019 orientation which includes some of our December graduates!
• The 2020-21 cohort of Returning Women Student Scholars and Affiliates at our virtual August 2020 orientation.

For more information about the Returning Women Student Scholars + Affiliates program, visit the Women’s Center website. Returning Women Students/Adult Learners at UMBC are also encouraged to join the group’s Facebook group.

*Minor edits were made for clarification and tone. 

This post was anonymously written by a fellow student at UMBC and posted by the Women’s Center.

Content Disclaimer: This blog post will discuss immigration policies along with my personal experience as an undocumented/DACA student. The content and images shared may be triggering to those that have or are currently being affected by these immigration policies. 

I first learned about my residency status when I was in high school completing the SAT registration form. One of the questions that stood out to me was “Are you a U.S. citizen?” I thought to myself, “well I was not born here, but I live in the U.S now. This is my home…so yes! I am a U.S. citizen.” I remember looking over my shoulder to see what my friends had selected and confirmed that my answer was “correct.” I quickly found out that same year, that I was indeed NOT a U.S. citizen. As a matter of fact, I did not belong under any of the available citizen “options.” As I reflect on my high school senior year, it was one of the most heartbreaking seasons of my life. I was not able to get a part-time job, my driver’s license and the most devastating of all was not being able to afford to go to college.

[Image Description: A GIF with a purple background with moving lettering going up and down that changes color from white to orange and pink to green. The text reads “NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL”.]

Growing up in a low-income household, I have always had to work twice as hard to “get ahead”. However, I had no idea of these other limitations and restrictions that were placed on me. As an undocumented student, I did not qualify for any financial aid or any scholarships that require a U.S Citizenship or permanent residency status as most do. It seemed as though all of my efforts and experiences over the years had all been in vain as there were no signs of a secure future for me in sight. 

It wasn’t until June 15th, 2012 that the Obama Administration announced the initiation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA. This program gave undocumented individuals who came to the United States at a young age deferment from deportation. The age qualification is under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012, and came to the U.S before turning 16th years of age. This would give a “lawful present” status in the United States while under this program. This program also granted those who were approved an employment authorization to work in the United States. However, a person’s acceptance is not permanent as eligible applicants must apply every two years to remain in the program. There is also the financial barrier of paying $495 and sending all documentation at least 3 months in advance of the expiration date. Not to mention the lawyer fees and any additional cost to send the applications.

[Image Description: illustration by Julio Salgado. Text at the top reads “MY PARENTS ARE COURAGEOUS AND RESPONSIBLE. THAT’S WHY I AM HERE!”. The illustration shows two parents with their two young children.]

The implications of this program changed everything for me. This meant that I could finally work a job, which also meant I could provide for myself, my family, and attend college! However, this was still a very faint light at the end of the tunnel as this program has constantly been under attack since its inception. There also lay many other struggles and barriers ahead in my educational journey. As I began, I was a part-time student for many years while working full-time to provide for my own needs, as well as for my family. 

In addition, I have had to submit multiple documents throughout the years to be approved for in-state tuition while at community college and even until this day at UMBC ($12,028 in-state vs. $27,662 for out-of-state tuition). In total, it took a little over six years for me to complete my associate’s degree. After graduating in 2018, I had no idea how I was going to attend a four-year university. This initially meant working more hours to pay double the tuition and the expenses of attending a university. Luckily, I have benefited from multiple scholarships at UMBC that have enabled me to go to school without having to worry so much about making full tuition payments. Now as a senior, I reflect on my years as an undergraduate student at UMBC and cannot forget about those who have paved the way for me to get here.

[Imagine Description: Illustration with bold white lettering that reads: “No Longer Interested in Convincing YOU OF MY HUMANITY”. There is a blue graduation cap at the bottom of the illustration. Illustration by Julio Salgado.]

Dreamers

Before any policy was ever passed, many before me advocated on behalf of the roughly 454,000 undocumented students in America today. For instance, In 2013 nine young undocumented activists known as The Dream 9 “self-deported” themselves to bring attention to the struggles of undocumented students. As a form of protest, they walked with their graduation caps and gowns to the U.S. border to seek out asylum. In doing this, they risked never being able to return to the U.S., the country they had called home since childhood. They were then apprehended at the border and placed in an immigration detention facility. This led to the arrest of many other young immigrant activists at the U.S. Capitol while in their caps and gowns during the first Dream Act hearings, which failed to pass through the Senate in 2010. Their activism and bravery would continue the immigration movement across the nation for many years to come.

[Image Description:  Two young immigrant activists, one wearing a blue graduation cap and gown and the other wearing a black graduation cap and gown, being arrested by Capitol Police officers At the U.S. Capitol during the Dream Act hearings.]

Now with the passing of the Dream Act, what was once a “dream” is a reality for many undocumented students because of their sacrifice. However, there is much that still needs to be done through congress and much that can be done within universities to better assist undocumented students today.

Supporting Undocumented and DACA Students

There are more than 450,000 undocumented students in higher education institutions across the country and 216,000 DACA recipient students pursuing post-secondary education. Undocumented students are diverse, coming from different countries, cultures, and nationalities. In the state of Maryland, there are about 16,000 undocumented college students, placing the state as the 7th highest undocumented student population in the country. There are many concerns among undocumented and DACA students due to the unclear and unstable policies at the federal, state, and local levels. The lack of resources, the constant fear of potential deportation, and the safety of oneself and their family contribute to a constant concern for safety, mental and physical health. The following are recommendations to continue to improve a more inclusive campus environment for undocumented and DACA students. While UMBC may be already following some of these recommendations, these recommendations are opportunities for higher education institutions at large to do and be better:

• Opening more financial assistance to undocumented and DACA students through direct financial support in opportunities for on-campus employment and scholarships. Identify and intentionally advertise financial opportunities that are inclusive of undocumented and DACA students.
• Evaluate admission application language or other official institution documents that use racist and dehumanizing terminology such as “illegal” or “alien” students. This applies in the classrooms and student organizations as well. These terms are often used in federal and state policy and can be found on different government documents. This is something simple that can and should be changed as referring to a student as an alien is hurtful and unwelcoming. 
• Stopping the misclassification of undocumented and DACA students as international students. When I first enrolled in college, I was misguided and placed as an international student. I was required by the institution to submit the wrong documentation which ultimately delayed my entry into school. 
• Publicly denying the presence of ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents on campus and refusing to share any personal information about undocumented students. Many states and federal government institutions have broken the trust of the immigrant community by sharing their addresses and immigration statuses with ICE. 
• Create best practices for outreach to undocumented/DACA students at recruitment events (virtually/person). Do not expect students to share their immigration statuses, especially in a public facility or forum. Create financial aid workshops or recruitment events for these students that discuss FAFSA as well as the MSFAA (Maryland State Financial Aid Application). Undocumented and DACA students have the opportunity to apply for some state financial assistance.
• Invest in providing a welcoming and inclusive campus environment through administrative trainings and hiring diverse staff/faculty members who hold different social identities and immigration statuses with experience working with undocumented and DACA students. In addition, institutions can partner with local organizations for off-campus support (legal assistance or housing assistance).
• When engaging with stakeholders at federal, state, and local levels, advocate for the implementation of policies that will protect undocumented and DACA students. Review current campus policies that directly impact immigrants students on campus. Are these policies excluding undocumented and DACA students? Do these policies directly place undocumented and DACA students at-risk? Is all programming available to all students including undocumented and DACA students? 
• Be mindful that undocumented and DACA students have experienced many traumatic situations since childhood such as poverty and homelessness. Many have been separated from parents, siblings, and other family members. Many also live in constant fear for their safety as well as their family’s safety. All have had to assimilate to a completely new environment and have experienced discrimination at school and other public places. Lastly, many have and continue to endure bullying and microaggressions from peers, colleagues, and other students.

[Image Description: Illustration of five individuals with different ethnicities and races. The text at the top reads “Despite the pain, tears, criminalization, erasure, and heartache, WE EXIST!”. They are standing tall over a small border wall with a text that reads “Bigger than any BORDER ”. Illustration by Julio Salgado.]

The Fight Continues 

I am expected to graduate this upcoming May of 2021. It will officially be an eight-year-long academic journey in pursuing a bachelor’s degree. As a first-generation college student, Latinx Womxn, adult learner, and DACA recipient, I can’t help but feel so much joy and fear all at the same time. I am currently in the process of applying for a master’s degree and I am going through the same emotions I felt when I started my journey eight years ago. The uncertainty of paying for higher learning and the fear of the unknown is all too real for me and as well as many other undocumented students. Nevertheless, I believe in the spirit of each undocumented/DACA student to persevere, just as we always have, as our fight for social justice and inclusivity continues.

[Image Description: A GIF with a black background. There is a big red location pin that pops up with writing on it that reads “HERE TO STAY” as the pin inflates from the bottom of the graphic.]

To the Dream 9-Luis León, Claudia Amaro, Ceferino Santiago, Lizbeth Mateo, Lulu Martínez, María Inés Peniche, Marco Saavedra, Adriana Díaz, Mario Félix–Thank you for your sacrifice and for advocating on behalf of many undocumented immigrants in this country. And thank you to the many more allies and activist around the nation supporting the protection of immigrant rights in the U.S. I see you, I believe, and you are not alone.

Resources Available at UMBC and The Universities at Shady Grove

• Attending UMBC as an Undocumented Student
• Resources for Undocumented and Immigrant Students and Community Members
• MSFAA for Undocumented Students
• Immigration Resources at the USG Campus located in Rockville, Maryland
• Financial Undocumented Student Resources 
• Retriever Immigrants United (RIU): The Mosaic, Interfaith, and Pride Centers as an ongoing discussion and support group self-identified immigrant students, as well as staff, faculty, and alumni. For more information contact Carlos Turcios, Coordinator for Student Diversity and Inclusion.

Undocumented Artists to Follow

• http://yosimarreyes.com/videos 
• https://soniaguinansaca.com/video-audio 
• http://www.alanpelaez.com/writing-2/ 
• https://www.juliosalgadoart.com/gallery/ 
• https://joseantoniovargas.com/about/ 
• https://www.kemibello.com/about 
• https://www.instagram.com/browngirljoy/?hl=en (Amritpal Kaur)

References

• UWD #HereToStay Toolkit for Educators
• How Colleges and Universities Can Support DACA and Undocumented Students
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals: A timeline
• ‘Dreamers’ aren’t just coming from Latin America
• Removing Barries to Higher Education for Undocumented Students
• College Guide for Undocumented Students
• Undocumented Activists Take a Giant Risk To Return Home

Fulbright Accelerator Workshop for CAHSS Faculty

Friday, February 12, 2021, Noon-1:00pm (invitation with a registration link will be sent in January)

Online

Please save the date for this overview of the Fulbright Core Scholar Program and other exciting Fulbright opportunities for UMBC faculty. The workshop will include information on the upcoming competition and provide tips for short- and long-term planning and preparing strong Fulbright applications. Time will be given for Q&A.

We will be joined by a Program Officer from the Institute of International Education (IIE), which develops and implements the Fulbright programs. Brian Souders, Associate Director for Global Engagement Opportunities in UMBC’s Office of International Education Services, will discuss UMBC’s support for faculty applicants. CIRCA Director and Professor of Visual Arts Lynn Cazabon will share her experiences as a Fulbright Scholar in Latvia in 2015. There, she developed and taught classes in the New Media Arts Program at Liepaja University while pursuing her own project, a series of photographic and text portraits of Liepaja residents at the edge of the Baltic Sea.

The 2021 Fulbright Accelerator Workshop is co-sponsored by the CAHSS Dean’s Office; the Center for Social Science Scholarship; the Center for Innovation, Research, and Creativity in the Arts; the Dresher Center for the Humanities; and the Office of International Education Services.

Save the Date: 
Fulbright Accelerator Workshop for CAHSS Faculty

Please save the date for this overview of the Fulbright Core Scholar Program and other exciting Fulbright opportunities for UMBC faculty. The workshop will include information on the upcoming competition and provide tips for short- and long-term planning and preparing strong Fulbright applications. Time will be given for Q&A.

We will be joined by a Program Officer from the Institute of International Education (IIE), which develops and implements the Fulbright programs. Brian Souders, Associate Director for Global Engagement Opportunities in UMBC’s Office of International Education Services, will discuss UMBC’s support for faculty applicants. CIRCA Director and Professor of Visual Arts Lynn Cazabon will share her experiences as a Fulbright Scholar in Latvia in 2015. There, she developed and taught classes in the New Media Arts Program at Liepaja University while pursuing her own project, a series of photographic and text portraits of Liepaja residents at the edge of the Baltic Sea.

Look for an invitation with a registration link in January.
 
The 2021 Fulbright Accelerator Workshop is co-sponsored by the CAHSS Dean’s Office; the Center for Social Science Scholarship; the Center for Innovation, Research, and Creativity in the Arts; the Dresher Center for the Humanities; and the Office of International Education Services.

Questions? Rachel Brubaker, Assistant Director for Grants and Program Development, Dresher Center

National Science Foundation
Build and Broaden Program

Applications are due by March 5, 2021.

Continued innovation and economic growth in the U.S. depend on training and supporting the next generation of scientists and expanding opportunities to conduct vital research. To help fill that critical need, the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences has launched the Build and Broaden program supporting transformative research, training opportunities and new research infrastructure at minority-serving institutions throughout the country.

The Build and Broaden program supports cutting-edge research in the social, behavioral and economic sciences at minority-serving institutions, including historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions and tribal colleges and universities.

Minority-serving institutions educate millions of Americans, including many who will go on to join the U.S. science and technology workforce. However, NSF receives few grant proposals from minority-serving institutions. As a result, innovative and potentially groundbreaking scientific work at those institutions is left unfunded and unpursued.

The Build and Broaden program seeks to increase proposal submissions from minority-serving institutions by fostering research partnerships centered on those institutions, thus growing their scientific infrastructure and capacity while expanding the overall diversity of social, behavioral and economic science disciplines.

“Minority-serving institutions make critical contributions to our nation’s STEM enterprise by producing some of our most talented scientists and engineers,” says Kellina Craig-Henderson, deputy assistant director of NSF’s Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, “Build and Broaden will help to grow research capacity in the social, behavioral and economic sciences at minority-serving institutions.”

Proposals are welcome from individual researchers and groups at minority-serving institutions. Researchers at other institutions may also submit proposals if they are collaborating with scientific staff at a minority-serving institution and if their proposal includes a focus on fostering scientific partnerships or capacity-building at those institutions.

For full details on how to submit a proposal, see the Build and Broaden program.

For additional information on NSF’s efforts to increase the diversity and effectiveness of the STEM workforce, read “I’ve been there. Fighting stereotypes in the world of science.” in NSF’s Science Matters blog.

For researchers pursuing external funding, the Center for Social Science Scholarship maintains a list of general social science RFPs as well as those specific to COVID-19.  More information is also available here.

For assistance with proposal preparation and submissions:  Social science PIs generally obtain pre-award and post-grant management assistance from MIPAR. To set up an appointment, email mipar_info@umbc.edu. For faculty submitting proposals to foundations, please consult Bruce Lyons in UMBC’s Office of Institutional Advancement.  

Save the Date: 2021 Health Disparities Research Institute

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) will host the Health Disparities Research Institute (HDRI) virtually August 9-13, 2021. Applications will be accepted from February 1 - March 8, 2021! HDRI aims to support the research career development of promising early-career minority health and health disparities research scientists, and to stimulate research in disciplines supported by health disparities science.

The program will feature:

• Lectures on minority health and health disparities research
• Mock grant review
• Seminars and small group discussions

Institute participants will also have the opportunity to engage in sessions with NIH scientific staff involved in health disparities research across the various NIH Institutes and Centers.

Please note that applications will only be accepted from extramural scientists who meet NIH’s Early Stage Investigator (ESI) eligibility criteria. NIH and HHS staff, including persons in fellowships/training at NIH or an HHS agency, are not eligible to apply.

Visit the HDRI webpage to learn more about the target audience, eligibility, selection criteria, and how to apply.

For questions or more information, email HDRI@nih.gov

Join the Center for Social Science Scholarship for a virtual social science coffee hour!

Bring your own beverage and stay connected with the social science community.  This will be our last opportunity to get together this semester, so please join us to share your Fall 2020 successes and challenges, as well as your hopes and plans for Spring 2021.