Some members of those cited at party will participate in alcohol safety programs

In the wake of underage alcohol citations to some of its members, UMBC’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter plans undertake alcohol safety initiatives so as to learn from its mistake.

The chapter has undergone sanctions handed down from the fraternity’s national headquarters, according to chapter president Mohammad Marzooghian. All active members of the chapter will conduct several alcohol safety educational programs and events.

These sanctions stem from a party that occurred at a house rented by an active SAE member as well as two graduated members in Elkridge on Saturday, March 28. The Howard County police responded to a neighbor’s complaint and cited 55 individuals for underage drinking. According to Marzooghian,  five of those cited were active members of the UMBC SAE chapter.

“In conjunction with the whole chapter, those individuals specifically who attended the party are leading these educational programs and educating the entire chapter on alcohol safety and proper social planning,” Marzooghian said. “We will be holding information sessions for 100 percent of the chapter to review safe policies, and we will be working in collaboration with UMBC’s Greek Affairs office to host a mock social event to further educate our members on proper social planning and safety.”

The chapter will also host a campus-wide alcohol awareness program early next semester. They will receive support for the program from the Fraternal Health and Safety Initiative, an organization dedicated to supporting character development and safety practices by fraternities and sororities.

Marzooghian, a junior computer engineering major, described the incident as “a lapse in judgment” and expressed a resolve to rectify the situation.

“Within 24 hours, we had filed an incident report with our National Office, and remained honest and forthright throughout the investigation,” he said. “Every brother in my chapter fully accepts these sanctions, and we are looking forward to making up for this incident,” said Marzooghian.

As part of the sanctions handed down by the National Office, the UMBC chapter will undertake a series of alcohol safety education programs. Furthermore, according to Marzooghian, those directly involved in the incident will play a large role in these programs.

Howard County police reported the house where the party took place as rented to SAE’s UMBC chapter. Jim Lofti, a volunteer alumnus who oversees SAE’s Maryland chapters, stated that two UMBC alumni and one current member rent the house.

The Washington Post quoted Lofti as saying that SAE did not host the party, and that SAE expects its members to refrain from serving alcohol to individuals under the age of 21. This rule applies even at unofficial social events, according to Lofti.

Marzooghian stated that he expects the incident to ultimately prove a constructive experience for the fraternity. He described it as an opportunity to properly address the broader issue of college alcohol safety.

“Instead of shying away from this, we plan to meet it head on and not only help our own members learn and become wiser and safer, but also to reach out to the whole community,” said Marzooghian. “We hope that with these programs, and by having these important dialogues, we will never have a similar incident in the future.”

Sources:

http://washington.cbslocal.com/2015/03/30/55-cited-umbc-fraternity-house-possession-alcohol/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/55-people-cited-for-alcohol-violations-at-md-house-leased-by-sae-brothers/2015/03/30/01ddc8f8-d71f-11e4-ba28-f2a685dc7f89_story.html

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Students will be touring the facility and what it has to offer

Trellis Services strives to improve the lives of children with autism and related communication disorders. With the help of the Career Center, a group of students will tour their facility.

On April 17, students with the Career Center: On the Road will be taking a trip to the Trellis Services facility in Sparks, Md. Founded in 2001, Trellis is an agency that works towards providing comprehensive services for children with autism and other related disorders. Their goal is to instill in children that learning can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

This particular On the Road visit is part of UMBC’s Career Crush, which allows students to become better acquainted with their career options through presentations, workshops, one-on-one mentoring and, in this case, a tour of a facility. Trellis is currently looking to hire students who are studying education, social work, psychology, applied developmental and human services.

Career Center Director Christine Routzahn said, “The Career Center regularly takes groups of students by bus to visit organizations in order to provide undergraduate and graduate students with an inside look into various career and intern options. Our On the Road program serves as a great networking opportunity and learning experience.”

One of the Trellis services is The Trellis School, a non-public elementary school. From pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, their curriculum places emphasis on teaching one-on-one or in small groups using an Applied Behavior Analysis methodology, a process which focuses on the goal of a target behavior and the interventions applied to achieve that goal. They carefully gather data through practices with a child and analyze the data in order to pinpoint how exactly they should approach an intervention and better a child’s way of learning and life.

By focusing on the child’s motivation and creating language opportunities, they hope to create a naturally playful environment. Suzanne Heid, one of the executive directors of Trellis Services and a UMBC alumna, said, “We are very family and child centered. Seeing where a child’s motivation lies and what excites them in the learning process is what motivates us.”

Diana Campitelli, another executive director, specializes in Autism Waiver Services. The Maryland State Autism Waiver is a Medicaid program that provides goal-directed services in the homes and communities of children with autism spectrum disorder.

She said, “Trellis began as an autism waiver provider under the Maryland Medicaid Waiver. It’s designed to support the whole family unit and work on specific items in order to help improve behaviors, establish independence and develop useful skills.” They hope to not only help children excel in school, but also in life.

Mia Blom is the marketing manager representing Trellis Services. She said, “Trellis currently provides services to over 200 families in Maryland. About 1 in 60 children in Maryland are diagnosed with autism.” Surprisingly, that number is actually higher than the average number of children identified with autism spectrum disorder in all areas of the United States.

UMBC students have toured Trellis Services before in their old location in Hunt Valley. They are pleased to spread awareness of the resources they have to offer to the autism community. Blom said, “In honor of Autism Awareness Month, this is great opportunity for UMBC students to see what other services are out there for individuals with autism.”

Photo Credit: Heather Capezio with Learn It

Read more stories from: The Retriever Weekly

Job Description

Celebrate sustainability and Earth Day with an array of academic, social, service and awareness events here at UMBC:

EcoFest: Green Festival
Mon, 4/20 | 10am-2pm | The Quad
(Rain location: Gameroom)
A Green Festival with music, games, speakers, performances, food, crafts, giveaways, and more! Hosted by Students for Environmental Awareness.

Communication Climate Symposium
Mon, 4/20 | 12:30pm-6pm | UC Ballroom
Presentations and poster session featuring research related to climate change. Hosted by Joint Center for Earth Technologies, UMBC partnership with NASA.

Beautiful Earth (Part of the Climate Symposium)
Mon, 4/20 | 3:30pm | UC Ballroom
An artistic multi-media presentation, featuring live Native American Music, and more. Hosted by Joint Center for Earth Technologies, UMBC partnership with NASA.

Rachel Carson & Her Sisters
Tues, 4/21 | 4pm-6pm | Library 7th Floor
As part of Earth Week at UMBC, Dr. Robert K. Musil will present a talk on his book Rachel Carson and Her Sisters: Extraordinary Women Who Have Shaped America’s Environment. Hosted by EDU, GES, GWS, and more.

5k for Earth Day
Wed, 4/22 | 11am-1:30pm | The Quad
A 5k race through various green areas on campus! Those who sign up and run will receive a free 5k for Earth Day t-shirt and snacks at the race!

Earth Day at URCAD
Wed, 4/22 | 9:30am-4pm | UC Ballroom
The annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day will feature a eco-friendly new paperless system. This year, the day falls on Earth Day, so stop by for giveaways and information. Hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Education.

Green Office Reception
Thursday 4/23
In the first year of the program, several offices have earned Green Office Certification by completing a checklist with the help of a training and toolkit. At this reception we will recognize and celebrate the offices who first adopted the green makeover. Hosted by the Climate Action Steering Committee.

Tree Beautification & Clean-Up
Friday 4/24 | 12pm-3pm | Commons Garage
Weeding, mulching, and staking of trees planted by the Commons Garage. Hosted by Facilities Management, SEA, ETF, and PSS.

Position Profile

Chief Financial Officer

The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts

Baltimore, MD

The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) seeks a highly experienced, effective and strategic leader as its next Chief Financial Officer. BOPA produces high-quality programs, special events and festivals that stimulate communities economically, artistically and culturally. BOPA makes Baltimore a more vibrant and creative city.

The Organization

If you, you spouse, or your child are graduating this spring in UMBC’s undergraduate commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 21, please contact Leslie Waters in the Office of Institutional Advancement at lwaters@umbc.eduor ext. 5-8652 as soon as possible.

We are able to provide reserved seating for up to six guests for these UMBC faculty and staff members. Please contact us ASAP so we can plan accordingly. Thanks.