Dissertation House for UMBC Employees (only)
Friday, 9/24/10, 9:00 – 5:00 PM (Part I), Commons 329
Friday, 10/1/10, 9:00 – 12 noon (Part II), Commons 329

DISSERTATION HOUSE APPLICATION PROCEDURES

The on-campus setting provides Dissertation House participants with productive and rewarding scholastic engagement. Students who participate in this program will spend each day thinking, writing, and sharing ideas about their doctoral dissertations. Students will learn effective time-management skills; learn how to set small manageable goals, and will meet with a dissertation coach in one-on-one consultations to discuss and address obstacles that might prevent them completing their degrees.

This is a Friday (9 a.m. – 5 p.m., non-residential) commitment to focus on the doctoral dissertation. The Dissertation House activities focus on areas where students typically have difficulty: conceptualizing a topic, writing a literature review, transitioning from a proposal to a dissertation, analyzing data, writing the last chapter, and editing.

To apply to attend the Employee 2010 Dissertation House, submit a brief description (maximum 2 pages, font size 11-12 point 1 inch margins) that describes the project that you wish to accomplish during the Dissertation House period. Please use the following guidelines:

(1) Summary of the project, including research question(s), data or texts, and method;

(2) Amount completed on the project to date; and

(3) Any obstacles that you are encountering that hinder completion of the dissertation. Include the following header information with the description:

Name:
Address:
Telephone numbers (home, office, and fax):
E-mail address:
Academic Program:
Year in Program:
Degree Sought (Masters or Doctorate):
Expected Defense Date:
Expected Graduation Date:

DATES/LOCATION

• University of Maryland at Baltimore County (UMBC): Sept 24, 2010, (9-5) Room in Commons TBA
  
• University of Maryland at Baltimore County(UMBC): Oct 1: 9-12 (follow-up Session)
  

APPLICATION PERIOD

Monday, September 13 , 2010 – Friday, September 17, 2010.

Email applications to promisestaff@gmail.com with the subject line: “Dissertation House”

UMBC's SGA is not an ordinary student government.  For one thing, it's much larger and more inclusive than most, so students with a variety of interests and passions find a home.  Last year more than 140 students served in SGA positions; this year, the total will undoubtedly be even higher.

• SGA's Executive Branch is looking for staff members work on a variety of initiatives to support students and enhance campus life.  Each staff member works within an Executive Branch department, under the guidance of the President, Vice Presidents and Department Directors and Assistant Directors.  Staff positions are available in the departments of Academic Affairs; Community and Governmental Affairs; Environmental Affairs; Finances and Operations; Health and Wellness; Public Relations; Service, Volunteerism and Awareness; Student Advocates; and Student Organization Support.  No experience is necessary; training is provided.  If this is NOT your first year at UMBC and you want to apply for an Executive Branch position, follow this link:  Executive Branch Application (first year students, please read on).

• If this is your first year at UMBC, consider applying to be a First Year Ambassador.  First Year Ambassadors serve in the SGA Senate, Finance Board and Executive Branch.  They have all of the responsibilities of other SGA officers (except that First Year Ambassadors serving in the Senate and Finance Board do not vote), but receive special training and opportunities to learn about SGA's and UMBC's structure and operations.  In addition, First Year Ambassadors have the opportunity to represent SGA on the First Year Council.  To apply to join SGA as a First Year Ambassador, follow this link:  First Year Ambassador Application

•  Finally, one of the students elected to the SGA Senate last spring has resigned, and SGA will appoint a new Senator to fill the vacancy.  The 11 SGA Senators meet weekly (Mondays at 5:30 p.m.), connect with other students to learn about their experiences and frustrations, represent students in formal and informal policy discussions with other campus leaders, and develop initiatives in partnership with the Executive Branch.  To apply for the vacant SGA Senate position (application is due 9/17), follow this link:  SGA Senator Application

• this post appeared on By The People, produced by the Center for Democracy and Citizenship in Minnesota
• this post, which Yasmin wrote, appeared on the American Democracy Project blog, organized by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities in Washington, DC.