January 15, 2026 — 2:00 p.m. ET

Media Training for Academics

Don Solomon, Vice President for Communications and Marketing, National Humanities Center

Many academics struggle with the desire to share their expertise with mainstream audiences, worrying about how they and their work will be represented. In this session you'll learn how to work with traditional media, including how to engage reporters and get them interested in your work, how to handle press inquiries, and how to make sure your version of the story gets written.

Don Solomon has over 30 years experience sharing stories about products, people, and organizations of all kinds, and since 2006 he has led communications and marketing at the National Humanities Center. Prior to joining the Center, Don was co-founder and principal of Distill Consulting, and has worked with a wide range of clients that includes Michelin, Hanes, IBM, Rhone Poulenc, CooperTools, and the March of Dimes, among others.

Congratulations to the officers who were elected for the Spring 2026 term! 

President: Spencer Hupe
Vice President Membership: Samantha Bennett
Vice President Programming: Ethan Black
Treasurer: Audrey Grutzik 

Here's to a great spring semester! 

This is a self-nomination scholarship. While the application portal opens on Tuesday, January 6, students are encouraged to review the requirements and begin preparing materials in advance.

Application Deadline: Friday, February 6
Requirements: Completed application, including a letter of recommendation
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate USM students in good academic and disciplinary standing

More Information.

While the Spring 2026 semester has not yet begun, we hope you're enjoying a restful break. Student Disability Services (SDS) is here to support you and share a few important reminders to help you prepare before classes resume.

Important Reminder: Submit Your Semester Accommodation Request

If you have not already done so, please submit your Semester Accommodation Request as soon as possible.

A Semester Accommodation Request must be completed each semester you are enrolled and seeking accommodations.

How to submit your request:

1. Log into Accommodate using the Student Accommodate Login

2. Complete and submit your Semester Accommodation Request

Submitting this request:

• Notifies SDS to send official accommodation letters to your faculty

• Allows you to select which accommodations you plan to use

• Designates the specific courses where accommodations are needed

Please note:
Accommodations are not retroactive. They begin only after the accommodation letter is sent to your instructor. Submitting your request at the beginning of the semester is essential for timely implementation, course access, and your overall success.

Accommodation letters may be sent at any time during the academic year and can be revised or amended if needed; however, accommodations are implemented only once the letter is officially sent from SDS to your faculty member.

Changes in Your Status

If your status changes at any point, such as:

• A new or worsening medical condition

• A new diagnosis or hospitalization

• Transitioning from undergraduate to graduate study

• Participation in fieldwork, internships, or study abroad

Please notify an SDS staff member promptly so we can best support you and determine whether accommodation updates are needed.

Testing Accommodations Reminder

Students approved for testing accommodations may schedule quizzes and exams at any time during the semester.

• SDS requires 96 hours' advance notice to ensure space availability and test coordination

• We strongly encourage you to schedule all quizzes and exams as soon as dates are known (many are listed in your course syllabus)

For more details, please visit the Testing Accommodations page.

If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to help. Wishing you a smooth and successful Spring 2026 semester!