Message from HR:

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

Last week, the Women’s Center celebrated our Returning Women Student Scholars graduating this semester at our pinning ceremony. This event has become a tradition in the Women’s Center as a means to celebrate our continuing and graduating returning women students 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. Each year we have between 20-25 scholars and affiliates participate in this unique program.

Returning Women Student Scholars celebrating the end of the semester and our December graduates at the pinning celebration.

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. 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 some sage advice for other adult learners. Happy Graduation!!!

Ariel Poirier

Ariel and Jess at the Returning Women Student Scholars pinning celebration

I became a full-time student at UMBC in the fall of 2016. Before this I was working through my associates at AACC and completed that with a degree in general studies and photography. My major at UMBC and what I’ll be graduating with is environmental studies and geography! I’m so excited to finally end this long journey to my Bachelor’s degree.

My future plans are to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, I had a great experience interning with them last summer in Jacksonville, Florida. I also plan on returning to school within the next few years to earn my Masters degree in ecology.

My advice to returning women students is to connect with your professors! I had such great relationships with my professors and that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been bold and introduced myself. This goes a long way with building a rapport and establishing trust. Another thing I would say is to try not to become discouraged! You’re here for a reason!

Laura Newman

Laura and Jess at the Returning Women Student Scholars pinning celebration

I was a UMBC dropout in 2004 when I could not continue as a student. I spent years struggling with mental health issues and my family has told me how they had thought I would never be capable of going to school again. A genetic test called GeneSight helped determine what medicine to take and I quickly began to recover. I went to communtiy college for a semester and got As and gained confidence to return to UMBC. My grades have been above 3.5 my whole time here. I am proud to be graduating and already employed full time. I hope to be an inspiration to anyone who has struggled with the balance of mental health and school.

My advice to returning women students is to connect with the Women’s Center which provided me amazing professional development support for me as I began to transition into a full career. Additionally, the scholarship program provided me additional financial support and helped me work an internship that led to an awesome job. The Women’s Center had helpful workshops, including salary negotiation and helpful tips on Google apps. I was surprised how much I learned!

Lauren Hall

Lauren and Jess at the Returning Women Student Scholars pinning celebration

Stay tuned for more from Lauren in her own words. In the meantime, let’s celebrate Lauren who is graduating with a degree in English Literature. We’re excited that Lauren will be staying on campus as she pursues a Masters in the Art of Teaching for secondary education beginning this spring. Happiest of birthdays to her son who is very excited to be celebrating his birthday on Lauren’s graduation day!

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

2019 USM PROMISE AGEP Research Symposium & Professional Development Conference

Location:
University of Maryland College Park
Adele H. Stamp Student Union – Center for Campus Life
3972 Campus Dr
Colony Ballroom
College Park, MD 20742

Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Attire: Business Casual

Transportation:
There will be free transportation from UMBC and UMB campus to UMD. Please send an email to promisestaff@gmail.com before February 8, with the subject title, “2019 Research Symposium Bus,” with your name, school, and cell phone number. The bus departs from the UMBC Administration Circle at 7:30 AM. This location is in front of the administration building. The bus will depart from UMD at 4:00 PM and arrive at UMBC around 5:00 PM.

Parking:
If you choose to drive on your own, you may pay to park in the Union Lane Garage – located between the Adele H. Stamp Student Union Center for Campus Life and Cole Field House. Hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily. In this garage, you park in a numbered spot, remember your number, and walk out toward the entrance to enter it into the machine, where you will pre-pay for a certain number of hours. Other parking lot information can be found here: http://cvs.umd.edu/visitors/parking.html.

Important:

• Presentation slots are limited to graduate students within the University System of Maryland.
• A custom webpage will be designed for each presenter. The presenter’s website will include a photo, bio, abstract, synopsis of research, and list of other relevant publications or presentations as applicable. Students who participated in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 can update their current pages.
• Postdocs from universities and organizations outside of the University System of Maryland can participate as mentors and judges for poster sessions.
• All graduate students and postdocs are invited to participate as audience members and attend the professional development workshops.
• Undergraduate students are invited to attend to learn from the presentations.
• Faculty from within the USM are invited to serve as judges to provide constructive feedback.

Join us! Registration is free. 

Register here:

Types of Presentations

This conference will feature STEM-based oral presentations, posters, and professional development seminars. Participants are invited to submit abstracts to participate in three oral categories and one poster category.

Oral Category 1: Traditional Research Presentations

[7 minutes presentation, 3 minutes critique, 2 minutes of questions, traditional PowerPoint presentation]

Oral Category 2: TED-Styled Talks

[5-minute talks + 5 minutes for critique/questions, PowerPoint presentation with images only – no text]

Oral Category 3: Lightning Round Talks (elevator speech)

[2-minute talks with a timer on the screen, no PowerPoints, no critique.]

Posters:

Please print a 4 ft by 3 ft poster.

Call for Abstracts

The slots will be filled in a first come – first get basis, the earlier you submit your application the better chance to get in line with the presentation style of your choice. Those who did not specify a category will be given a space for a poster.

If you are interested in presenting, please follow the schedule below:

January 18, 2019: Abstracts and the information below is required for all presentations types. Email all materials from all four categories below to promisestaff@gmail.com, with the subject: “2019 USM PROMISE AGEP Research Symposium Presenter Information.”

1. Name, school, department, choice of oral category (1, 2, 3) or poster, and title of your presentation. “TED-Styled” and “Lightning Round” titles must be tailored to appeal to a general audience.
2. Formal Abstract (250 words or less). Biographical Sketch (250 words or less)
   • Font: 12 Point, Times New Roman
   • Heading, Left-justified:
     • Title (Bold)
     • Name (Italicized)
     • Department (No abbreviations)
     • University (No abbreviations)
3. General Summary of Graduate Research (250 words or less)
4. High-Quality Photograph
5. Numbered List of up to 5 publications and or/presentations. Please give precedence to publications and conference proceedings as applicable.

All presenters must register.

Agenda

Colony Ballroom, Adele Stamp Student Union, University of Maryland College Park

2019 PROMISE AGEP Research Symposium & Professional Development Conference

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Arrival, Coffee & Refreshments, Registration, Poster Set-Up

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Opening Remarks, Traditional Oral Research Presentations

Welcome:

1. Host’s Opening and Welcome: Jeffrey Franke, Assistant Dean and Chief of Staff, Graduate School, University of Maryland College Park.
2. Moderator: Dr. Renetta Tull, Director of Graduate and Professional Pipeline Development, and Special Assistant to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University System of Maryland.

Oral Category 1: Traditional Research Presentations

1. Linda Moise, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
2. Canessa Swanson, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
3. Ramses Long, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Department of Biology
4. Jeffrey Inen, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Department of Biology

Confirmed Judges:

1. Dr. José A. Ortiz, Assistant Clinical Professor, LEAP Director & Bilingual Certificate Program Coordinator Hearing & Speech Sciences, University of Maryland
2. Dr. Takamasa Kanaya, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Laboratory for Rock Physics, Department of Geology, University of Maryland
3. Dr. Alexis Y. Williams, Instructional Development Specialist, Teaching and Learning Transformation Center, University of Maryland
4. Dr. Isabella Alcañiz, Associate Professor, Department of Government and Politics, University of Maryland
5. Dr. Muhammed Shafeekh Muyyarikkandy, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland
6. Dr. Efrain E. Rodriguez, Associate Professor Chemistry Graduate Program Director Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland
7. Dr. Alfredo Ruiz-Barradas, Associate Research Professor CMNS-Atmospheric & Oceanic Science, University of Maryland
8. Dr. Christopher Bonner, Assistant Professor of History, University of Maryland
9. Dr. Nicole Cousin-Gossett, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sociology, University of Maryland
10. Dr. Daniel Contreras, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Maryland

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM: Networking Break

10:45 AM – 11:15 AM: “TED-Style” Talks

1. Alex Rittle, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Department of Geography & Environmental Systems
2. Ajmeeta Sangtani, University of Maryland, College Park (UMD), Department of Bioengineering
3. Daniel Teodoro, University of Maryland, Center for Environmental Science (UMCES), Department of Geographical Sciences

Confirmed Judges:

1. Dr. Elizabeth Marie Aparicio, Assistant Professor, Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland
2. Dr. Carolyn Fink, Senior Faculty Special EDUC-Counseling, Higher Education and Special Education, University of Maryland
3. Dr. Jennifer Roberts, Assistant Professor, Kinesiology Faculty Associate, University of Maryland Population Research Center and Prevention Research Center, School of Public Health, University of Maryland
4. Dr. Yaqiong Xiao, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, BSOS, University of Maryland
5. Dr. Ricardo Arevalo Jr., Associate Professor, Department of Geology, University of Maryland
6. Dr. Renee F. Hill, Senior Lecturer, Director, School Library Specialization, Associate Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Equity Administrator, University of Maryland
7. Dr. Kelly E. Slay, Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education (CHSE), College of Education, University of Maryland
8. Dr. Richard Prather, Assistant Professor, EDUC-Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland
9. Dr. Christopher Bonner, Assistant Professor of History, University of Maryland
10. Dr. Eusebia Mont, Assistant Clinical Professor, Director, Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Emphasis Program (CLD-EP) Hearing and Speech Sciences, University of Maryland
11. Dr. Nicole Cousin-Gossett, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sociology, University of Maryland
12. Dr. Ronald Luna, Undergraduate Director, Geographical Sciences, University of Maryland 
13. Dr. Vanessa Frias-Martinez, Assistant Professor, INFO-College of Information Studies
14. Dr. Belinda Huang, Higher Education Administration, The Graduate School, University of Maryland College Park

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM: Lightning Round Talks

1. Brianda Beverly, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Department of Biology
2. Denise Williams, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
3. Lampouguin Y. Douti, University of Maryland, College Park (UMD), Department of Bioengineering
4. Shawnisha S. Hester, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Department of Language, Literacy & Culture (LLC)
5. Erika Aparaka, University of Maryland, College Park (UMD), Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership
6. William Easley, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Department of Information Systems

Confirmed Judges:

1. Dr. Katie White, Assistant Director, Consortium on Race, Gender, and Ethnicity, University of Maryland
2. Dr. Eliza A. Thompson, Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Hearing & Speech Sciences, University of Maryland
3. Dr. Akua Asa-Awuku, Associate Professor, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland
4. Dr. Hugh Bruck, Professor and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Mechanical Engineering, Office of Advanced Engineering Education, University of Maryland
5. Dr. Kevin M. Daniels, Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Institute for Research in Electronics & Applied Physics, University of Maryland
6. Dr. Siddhartha Das, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland
7. Dr. Justicia Opoku, Department of Biology, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland
8. Dr. Marccus Hendricks, Assistant Professor, Urban Studies and Planning Program, University of Maryland
9. Dr. Gregg Duncan, Assistant Professor, Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland
10. Dr. Carlos A. Machado, Professor, CMNS-Biology, University of Maryland
11. Dr. Keith Yearwood, Lecturer, BSOS-Geography, University of Maryland

12:00 PM – Buffet Lunch

Remarks by Dr. Steve Fetter, Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Maryland College Park (UMD).

12:45 PM – 1:30 PM: Poster Session and Dessert Reception

1. Cassandra Jordan, University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), Department of Microbiology and Immunology
2. Annette Kenney, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore (UMES), Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Sciences
3. Valencia Watson, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering
4. Zoe C. Johnson, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore (UMES), Department of Natural Sciences
5. Ellen Freebern, University of Maryland, College Park (UMD), Department of Animal and Avian Sciences
6. Chinedu Ahuchaogu, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore (UMES), Department of Natural Sciences
7. Eguono Omagamre, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore (UMES), Department of Natural Sciences
8. John Fenimore, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Department of Biology

Confirmed Judges:

1. Dr. Caryn N. Bell, Assistant Professor, Department of African American Studies, University of Maryland
2. Dr. Manuel Franco Sevilla, Assistant Professor, CMNS-Physics, University of Maryland
3. Dr. Claudia Galindo, Associate Professor, Education Policy and Leadership Program, University of Maryland
4. Dr. José A. Feijó, Professor, Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland
5. Dr. Kevin M. Daniels, Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Institute for Research in Electronics & Applied Physics, University of Maryland
6. Dr. Craig S. Fryer, Associate Professor, Department of Behavioral and Community Health, Associate Director, Maryland Center for Health Equity, Faculty Associate, Maryland Population Research Center, University of Maryland
7. Dr. Shannon Dunn, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of Baltimore
8. Dr. Ebony Terrell Shockley, Associated Clinical Professor, Diversity Officer, Director, Office of Teacher & Leader Education, Director, Master’s Certification Program College of Education, University of Maryland
9. Dr. Diana Obanda, Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences
10. Dr. Nicole LaRonde, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Organization
11. Miryam C. Gerdine, M.P.H., Social Science Research Analyst at Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSAgov), HHS
12. Dr. Keith Yearwood, Lecturer, BSOS-Geography, University of Maryland

Additional Confirmed Judges

Dr. George Kintiba, Lecturer, Department of African American Studies, University of Maryland

Dr. Jarred Young, Keystone Lecturer, Space Power & Propulsion Lab, Department of Aerospace Engineering, Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland

1:30 PM – 3:15 PM: Professional Development Workshops (postdocs and graduate students)

Session I – 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM

“Navigating Graduate School, Postdoc Life, and Career – Fulfilling the PROMISE with Excellence, Social Justice, and Love.”

by our very own Dr. Renetta G. Tull

Founding Director of PROMISE,  Engineering Report II team for the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Global Engineering Deans Council/Airbus Diversity Finalist, VP for Initiatives for the Latin and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions (LACCEI), University System of Maryland (12 Institutions): Director of Graduate and Professional Pipeline Development, and Special Assistant to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, http://www.usmd.edu/institutions/; NSF USM LSAMP, NSF USM PROMISE AGEP UMBC: Associate Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives (housed in The Graduate School), Professor of the Practice, College of Engineering & IT @ UMBC. Twitter: @Renetta_Tull, Personal: http://www.renettatull.com, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/renettatull.

2:15 PM – 2:45 PM: Networking Break

Session II – 2:45 PM – 3:15 PM

“Learning-through-Diversity: Being Inclusive, Being Human”

by Dr. Spencer Benson

Consultant Graduate School and TLTC at UMD
Education Innovations International Consulting, LLC Eii-Consulting LLC

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Closing Reception and Awards Ceremony

This is a research symposium for current University System of Maryland graduate students, postbaccalaureate and postdocs. If you are currently a student in one of the 12 institutions part of the Maryland System, this conference is for you! This is a free event funded by the University of Maryland College Park, OGDI office, and the National Science Foundation. We aim to serve underrepresented students in STEM fields pursuing a graduate degree or faculty position.

Each UMBC student has a unique journey, including challenges to tackle with tenacity, courage, and grit. For many of UMBC’s newest grads, a culture of community support has made all the difference, enabling them to both claim their future and help others along the way.

Determined to succeed

Jeffrey Inen ’18, graduating with a biological sciences degree this week, grew up down the road from UMBC, but his college journey has had unexpected twists and turns. Support from his UMBC community, particularly faculty mentors, helped him to persevere through significant health challenges. Ultimately, Inen would undergo five rounds of chemotherapy while completing his UMBC degree, doing impactful research, serving as a teaching assistant in cell biology, and holding down a full-time job.

“Enduring my struggles with chemotherapy and trying to obtain my degree felt impossible at times,” says Inen. But after taking some time off and starting anew within the biology department, Inen found the support system that would allow him to not only graduate from UMBC, but flourish academically and personally.

When a teaching assistant recommended Inen to Charles Bieberich’s research lab, his entire academic trajectory shifted.

“Dr. Bieberich has supported me from the beginning. Even when I’ve made mistakes in the lab, he’s never once given up on me,” says Inen. When he became ill earlier this semester and spent several days in the hospital, Bieberich visited almost daily.

“It has been a true inspiration for me having Jeff in the lab, knowing the physical setbacks he has overcome in the past few years,” says Bieberich. “He brings that same determination to overcome any and all obstacles to his work, and that’s exactly what it takes to succeed in biomedical research environment.”

“Despite his ongoing struggles,” Bieberich says, “he just continues to work hard and continues to be grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our research goals. I’ve learned more from Jeff than he has from me.”

Inen has also developed a close connection with Michelle Starz-Gaiano, associate professor of biological sciences and his academic advisor, as well as a mentor. Inen says, “I can’t express how helpful she has been throughout my time here at UMBC. She has given me the guidance and the support to pursue my goal of obtaining my Ph.D.”

“The inspiring thing about Jeff is that not only did he persist in the face of extreme difficulties, he remained optimistic and hopeful throughout,” says Starz-Gaiano. “Jeff faced challenges…that would have derailed most people, but he kept going, and kept improving.”

Inen showed that persistent drive to grow, learn, and discover when he earned a summer 2018 research award through the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation program.

After commencement, Inen will continue to work in Bieberich’s lab on his ongoing research. In February, he’ll apply for STAR-PREP, a post-baccalaureate program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Strength in numbers

On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria touched down in Puerto Rico. Over 1,500 miles away in Maryland, Paola Rojas ’18, business technology administration, was in the midst of her studies at UMBC. But her heart was with her hometown of San Lorenzo.

An avid athlete and strong student, Rojas quickly made a name for herself when she came to UMBC in fall 2014. She finished her first season with 11 match appearances and was named to the All-Rookie Team. Accolades continued to roll in throughout her career and she managed to secure a place on the All-Conference First Team and All-Conference Second-Team, even after suffering an injury in the 2016-2017 season.

Rojas found a new family of support at UMBC and in the surrounding community. That was never more evident than when disaster befell Puerto Rico.

She and other players from Puerto Rico turned to one another for support while they waited for days to hear news from home, with communications hampered by hurricane damage. After over a week of waiting, Rojas finally heard from her family.

“It was really hard the first time I talked to my mom after the hurricane, on September 27, her birthday, hearing her cry over the phone talking about how Puerto Rico looked like a completely different island and how getting food or gas was beyond hard,” she says. “It broke my heart to know that my family was going through a lot and I couldn’t do anything to make it better.”

Energized by support from teammates and the broader UMBC community, Rojas and friends started a GoFundMe page called Project PRdise to aid in relief efforts in Puerto Rico. Through their fundraising efforts, they were able to raise over $10,000 and gather thoughtful personal messages to support those devastated by Hurricane Maria.

“It was one of the best experiences I’ve had here at UMBC, to see how much people cared and helped,” says Rojas.

Head women’s volleyball coach Cristina Robertson provided mentorship and encouragement for Rojas along the way. “Paola exemplifies the student-athlete model,” shares Robertson. “She’s a great student in the classroom and a phenomenal athlete on the volleyball court.”

One memory of her time with her coach stands out to Rojas, from the team’s Senior Day celebration. “I still remember when Coach Cristina was giving her speech. She delivered a portion of it in Spanish so my family could understand,” says Rojas. “That was one of the best days of my life.”

Rojas leaves UMBC as the ninth all-time player in terms of hitting percentage, tenth in assisted blocks, and tied seventh in single-season assisted blocks. She will play volleyball professionally for Las Changas de Naranjito in the Puerto Rico’s Liga de Voleibol Superior Femenino.

Fresh start

This week, Arabia-Iman Tillery ’18, economics, will become the first member of her family to earn a college degree. For a time, she was worried it might not happen.

Tillery started her college career at another university, taking out large loans to pay her tuition. Facing significant debt after just one year, she decided to return home to Maryland and enroll at UMBC. Bolstered by her mother’s support, Tillery rededicated herself to completing her degree. She shares, “I was determined to climb out of that hole…and come out a better person.”

Tillery threw herself into new pursuits on campus, which quickly shaped her day-to-day routine. She’s served as vice president of the Women’s Center’s Women of Color Coalition and a co-founder and president of the Spanish Conversation Club. She’s also interned with Habitat for Humanity and served as treasurer for the UMBC chapter, all while balancing work and her degree.

“With the guidance and support of several members of the UMBC community, I was able to earn great grades while also being involved with other students on campus,” she says.

Tammy Henderson, lecturer of Africana studies and a mentor of Tillery’s, shares, “Arabia is one the most determined and committed students I have had the pleasure of teaching. Her ability to persist despite the obstacles she has had to face makes her a person we should all admire.”

After earning her UMBC degree this week, Tillery will work as a project coordinator for a security company. Thinking back on how much she has achieved and what it took to get here, she shares, “UMBC never, ever gave up on me…UMBC always saw my potential.”

December commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed through both the UMBC Commencement website and UMBC Facebook page. Share well wishes for our grads using #UMBCgrad and #UMBCproud.

Banner image: Jeffrey Inen, right, speaking with his mentor, Javier Guzman. Photo by Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC.

UMBC hosted a mandatory Title IX training on Dec. 6 for 350 responsible employees, who are required to report incidents of sexual misconduct and who were determined to be the first “core” group of trainees. Title IX is a federal law prohibiting discrimination based on sex under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. The training was made up of administrators, police officers, athletic coaches, general counsel and student leaders, including members of the Graduate Student Association, Student Government Association and We Believe You.

The training was planned just months after the lawsuit was filed that alleged the university had mishandled sexual assault cases. Dr. Sarah Shin, the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, organized it. “I agreed to do it because of the need,” she said. “We could not afford to wait.”

The training, which was split up into two different sessions to accommodate schedules, was presented primarily by Gina Maisto Smith and Leslie Gomez, lawyers from the offices of Cozen O’Connor who work directly with colleges and universities to improve institutional responses to sexual and gender-based harassment and misconduct through policy developments. policy audits, investigations, trainings and Title IX education.

The training included presentations from UMBC Title IX Coordinator Bobbie Hoye and the Women’s Center’s Director Jess Myers. University president Freeman Hrabowski attended the afternoon training session.

Gomez and Smith had been on campus earlier this semester in September for the campus’s annual Title IX/Sexual Misconduct Seminar, which reached 125 faculty, staff, and students. Hoye believes their “wealth of experience” and prior knowledge of the campus made them a natural choice to pick for December’s training. “They were familiar with us, had the opportunity to be on campus and were familiar with our processes, policies and procedures,” she said. “In terms of content, there aren’t better trainers.”

Gomez and Smith opened this month’s training with messages of encouragement for UMBC. “I have never seen an institution pull together a training this quickly with a commitment to train all,” Smith said. They followed by asking participants to write questions and concerns about Title IX on index cards, planning to address them throughout the presentation.

This was perhaps the most unique part of Gomez and Smith’s presentation, which they have shown at hundreds of colleges and universities across the country: their request for ongoing feedback. Not fifteen minutes into their introduction, a member of the audience asked them to make one of their slides more inclusive to age. They thanked the man for his feedback, and Smith changed the slide immediately.

The biggest question asked on the index cards was how the proposed Sexual Misconduct Rules by the U.S. Department of Education would impact the training going forward. But, Gomez and Smith cautioned the room to be patient and focus on what could be done in the now, given that the new Title
IX regulations may not be final for some time, a sentiment echoed by Hoye. “Our need was now,” she said.

Gomez and Smith focused heavily on the legal aspects of Title IX, explaining legislation and policies, and then offered institutional goals, which, Smith said, will help UMBC “follow Title IX procedures.” Gomez said in an interview following the training that their work is based on the “recognition that there isn’t one set of best practices” that fit each university.

“There is no school that is immune to these issues,” Gomez said. “[However], in [my] seven years with this practice, only a handful of schools of the hundreds we have worked with have asked us to provide in-person training for every single employee.”

Hoye and Myers also presented following Gomez and Smith and covered reporting policies from the Title IX side and from the eyes of a sexual assault survivor, respectively.

This mandatory training reached a 96 percent participation rate. The next phase of mandatory Title IX training will reach the rest of the responsible employees, including Resident Assistants, in mid-late January, and the remaining 1,100 employees not designated as responsible employees will receive training in May.

The Student Advisory Group is currently working with administrators to help plan Title IX training for students. One of its co-chairs, Aliya Webermann, a clinical and community psychology Ph.D. student, was present at the Title IX training on Dec. 8 and said it offered something that was “necessary, but not sufficient.”

The training focused primarily on the legal aspects, she said, and less on supporting trauma-survivors. Myers presentation on survivors of sexual assault was 25 minutes of the three-hour training – “and that’s unacceptable,” Webermann said.

Administrators and the Student Advisory Group are still planning how student Title IX training will look. Webermann is advocating for mandatory training for freshman with a yearly mandatory online booster training. Haven, the university’s current answer to sexual assault prevention training, is not currently mandatory for students. In 2016, only 44 percent of incoming students actually completed the module.

Webermann has been outspoken against the university’s sexual assault prevention practices, even publishing an op-ed in the Baltimore Sun saying that the university’s mishandling of sexual assault cases has been going on longer than the public may have been aware. However, she is committed to working with the administration – or anyone who cares about issues of sexual assault.

“At this point I think there’s been some strides – not enough in my opinion, but there’s been some – and I think we can build on that,” she said.