News From Our Programs

Susan Dwyer is the New Executive Director of the Honors College
"I am delighted to welcome Professor Susan Dwyer, who brings vision, passion, and experience to this position," says William A. Cohen, associate provost and dean for Undergraduate Studies. Dr. Dwyer joined the faculty at UMD in 2009 as associate professor of philosophy. She holds an affiliate appointment in the Women's Studies department. Dr. Dwyer began her appointment in the Honors College in January. More about Susan Dwyer's appointment.

Individual Studies Students in India and Singapore
Sade Ayinde (pictured left in India), a junior IVSP major in Global Economics Development and Policy, recently returned from Bangalore, India, as a 2015 Rosalie Reilly Gubernatorial Public Policy Fellow. Sade is a recipient of a fellowship to study international relations at Princeton this coming summer. 

Irene Solaiman, a junior IVSP major in International Relations and a Banneker/Key Scholar, is at the National University in Singapore this semester. In 2015, she interned at the U.S. Department of State in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. Irene is authorized for a U.S. embassy posting in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. More about these IVSP students.

UMD Students Awarded 11 Gilman International Scholarships
In the last five years 118 UMD students received the Gilman Scholarship. The National Scholarships Office announced the 11 newest Gilman scholars will study in countries across the world during the spring and early summer 2016. The Gilman Scholarship Program offers awards to U.S. undergraduates who might otherwise not participate due to financial constraints. It aims to diversify the students who study and intern abroad, as well as the countries and regions where they go. More about the awards.

Honors Students Win Gold for Second Straight Year at the International Genetically Engineered Machines Competition
Student-led teams from universities worldwide gather yearly for the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition. UMD's iGEM team was awarded another gold medal for approaches to accelerate the construction of new biodesigns with a new method for plasmid maintenance without the use of antibiotics, and the construction of an inexpensive thermocycler using parts from a hairdryer, which earned one of five nominations for best new application. Students from the The Integrated Life Sciences (ILS) Program make up the team. More about the iGem team and their project.

Naval ROTC Program Open to Students at UMD for Fall 2016
Undergraduate Studies is home to the new Maryland Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Program (NROTC) Consortium for outstanding students planning to enroll in Fall 2016. The NROTC Scholarship Program plays an important role in preparing students for leadership and management positions after graduation. It is open to students in all majors interested in pursuing a career with the Navy or Marine Corps. More About Naval ROTC at UMD.

Scholars Students Awarded Sustainability Grant to Reduce Water Consumption
Five students from College Park Scholars' Environment, Technology and Economy program are working to install water meters in a residence hall's showers to raise awareness about water usage and reduce their water consumption. SustainableUMD awarded the team a $4,260 grant for the project. More about the project and students.

Hillman Entrepreneurs Students Focus on Academics and Community Leadership
Brianna Broadus (left) is illustrative of a promising Hillman Entrepreneurs Program student. With the financial assistance and mentorship of the Hillman Program, Brianna transferred from Montgomery Community College, this past fall. She is pursuing her bachelor's degree in the Smith School of Business, and participating in the community based activities through the Hillman Entrepreneurs Program. More about Brianna and the Hillman Program.

Transfer Advising Program Staff Recognized for Excellence and Innovation
Megan Forbes Cleaver and Leah Howell of the Pre-Transfer Advising Office are the 2016 winners for Innovative Academic Support Initiative. The award is given annually by the Commission for Academic Support in Higher Education

Office of Undergraduate Studies
2110 Marie Mount Hall, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
Phone: 301.405.9363  •  Fax: 301.314.9896