Kimberly Moffitt, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Socials Sciences, and co-pi Tamara Bhalla, associate professor of American studies and director of the Asian American studies minor, have been awarded a $750,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation to establish the Global Asias Initiative. The initiative will support the rethinking of Asian American issues on campus in a global, diasporic, and collaborative framework through community-engaged, public-facing scholarship and teaching.

“The impact and influence of the Asian diaspora in this region makes it clear that our world has more to offer in providing valuable opportunities for our students, while also creating additional partnerships with the greater Baltimore community,” says Moffitt.

UMBC’s existing Asian studies program and Asian American studies minor will grow into a more expansive Global Asias program that better serves and represents UMBC’s Asian American community, interested students, and beyond. This includes launching an undergraduate community-based research fellowship in Global Asias and the conversation series “Reframing Global Asias,” which invites prominent leaders, scholars, and community members in the field to present and discuss key issues, possibilities, challenges, and new research.

“Together,” says Bhalla, “we will create a forum for engaging in difficult yet productive intellectual conversations in Asian American studies, Asian diaspora studies, and Asian studies.” 

Faculty across UMBC are collaborating to bring the Global Asia Initiative to fruition along with community partners:

• Meredith Oyen, associate professor of history and director of the Asian studies program
• Shin Yon Kim, Asian studies lecturer
• Fan Yang, associate professor of media and communication studies
• Emily Yoon, assistant professor of English
• Noor Zaidi, assistant professor of history
• Christopher Tong, associate professor of modern languages, linguistics, and intercultural communication
• Theo Gonzalves, former American studies chair and professor, curator of Asian-Pacific American history at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History
• Robbin Lee ’13, visual arts and media and communications studies, director of partnerships and mobilization at UpSurge Baltimore

Learn more about the Global Asias Iniatiave and Asian studies program.

Click Here to fill out the nomination form

In the post-COVID world of fancy tops and pajama bottoms for virtual meetings, it’s worth revisiting what constitutes work and interview-appropriate attire to make sure you’re hitting the mark. Whether you’re meeting with a future employer online or shaking hands with employers at an in-person career fair, here are some tips to make sure you’re looking your best.

• Clothing. Should be modest, wrinkle-free, and well-tailored with no holes or tears. Do not wear graphic T-shirts or anything in less-than-ideal condition. Skirts and dresses should have appropriate hemlines and tops should have appropriate necklines. No cropped shirts, off-the-shoulder shirts, or shorts. 
• Colors. For interviews and more formal business settings, stick with solid, more traditional colors. Subtle patterns can work as well. You don’t want to detract attention away from the interview/business setting because your outfit is too over-the-top and colorful. 
• Accessories. Avoid garish or excessive jewelry. No noisy jewelry as well. Stay away from accessories that are too large and distracting — that includes belts, ties, and purses. Any accessories should be tasteful additions that don’t completely pull attention at first glance. 
• Footwear. Select shoes that are in good condition and are comfortable to wear. Avoid shoes that have heels above three inches. Don’t wear flip-flops, slippers or athletic shoes. Be sure that you’re able to walk around without pain or too much effort on your part. 

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to dress for success!

Don’t have any business-appropriate attire in your closet? You’re in luck! Today is the last day to head over to Susquehanna Hall where we’ve set up our UMBC Suits You: Clothing Closet. In partnership with T. Rowe Price, you can shop and choose an outfit perfect for your next interview or job, absolutely free, from 2-6 PM.

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION HERE!