PSA’s annual Occupy McKeldin elevates marginalized victims

By Hannah Ziegler The Preventing Sexual Assault (PSA) student group at the University of Maryland hosted its  annual Occupy McKeldin week from April 25-30 to raise awareness and support survivors of sexual assault on campus. PSA canceled Occupy McKeldin last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year the event took place virtually and featured 18 speakers across five days of activities. The theme of … Continue reading PSA’s annual Occupy McKeldin elevates marginalized victims

SGA moves forward with proposal to rename Francis Scott Key Hall

By Hannah Ziegler The University of Maryland Student Government Association introduced legislation April 14 that would move forward with a proposal to rename Francis Scott Key Hall.  The SGA passed emergency legislation at their meeting on April 14 that added a referendum question on the renaming to their general election ballots this week. At their meeting on April 21, the legislature also approved the creation … Continue reading SGA moves forward with proposal to rename Francis Scott Key Hall

Raise Your Voice Week tackles virtual sexual violence prevention, survivor support

By Hannah Ziegler The University of Maryland Sexual Assault Prevention Committee held virtual sexual assault awareness events from April 12-14 for students to confront sexual harassment and help survivors heal. The three-night Raise Your Voice campaign culminated in a community panel on April 14 that addressed sexual violence in a virtual world. The Raise Your Voice campaign also featured a virtual restorative yoga session on … Continue reading Raise Your Voice Week tackles virtual sexual violence prevention, survivor support

‘Drag Race’ queen Shea Couleé gives students Zoom makeup tutorial

By Hannah Ziegler “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” Season 5 winner Shea Couleé joined University of Maryland students for a drag makeup tutorial and Q&A session hosted by Student Entertainment Events (SEE) on Thursday. The hour-long tutorial covered a wide range of topics including makeup tips, zodiac signs, favorite “Drag Race” memories and Couleé’s family roots in Maryland.  “I spent a lot of time going … Continue reading ‘Drag Race’ queen Shea Couleé gives students Zoom makeup tutorial

UMD students hopeful for end of pandemic after receiving vaccines

By Hannah Ziegler University of Maryland freshman journalism major Josie Jack described receiving her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on March 31 as a sign of freedom. “[The vaccine] means I could be in a college classroom. It means I get to go to parties. It means that I get to live again,” Jack said.  The possibility of increased freedom is a primary … Continue reading UMD students hopeful for end of pandemic after receiving vaccines

Scholars address solutions to AI biases in film screening and panel discussion

By Hannah Ziegler The University of Maryland College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences coordinated an expert panel to discuss AI biases and discuss a film on the topic via Zoom Friday, March 26.  The panel consisted of experts across the data science, engineering and sociology fields to provide a holistic view of AI dangers. Panelists used the 2020 documentary “Coded Bias” to guide their … Continue reading Scholars address solutions to AI biases in film screening and panel discussion

SGA passes MaryPIRG referendum amid funding-based tension

By Hannah Ziegler The University of Maryland Student Government Association passed an act at a March 3 meeting establishing a general election referendum question on funding for the MaryPIRG student organization. The SGA debated the MaryPIRG referendum for over a month, with the original act being introduced to the legislature on Feb. 3. The referendum asks students whether funds from the Student Activities Fee should … Continue reading SGA passes MaryPIRG referendum amid funding-based tension

VP of Student Affairs addresses COVID-19 variants, vaccines and fall semester plans in student town hall

By Hannah Ziegler Vice President of Student Affairs Patty Perillo held a community town hall Thursday, March 4 to address student concerns regarding the university’s vaccine rollout and plans for the fall semester.  Perillo said that University of Maryland administrators received confirmation Wednesday that there is a new coronavirus strain on campus. She added that a campus-wide email Friday, March 5 would provide additional information … Continue reading VP of Student Affairs addresses COVID-19 variants, vaccines and fall semester plans in student town hall

‘A Leader’s Rhetoric Matters’: Scholars and Professors Analyze Jan. 6 Insurrection in UMD Libraries Series

By Hannah Ziegler The University of Maryland Libraries held an Interdisciplinary Dialogue event with five university departments on Friday to discuss the historic Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Professors and scholars in history, journalism, communications and government and politics, as well as librarians, shared presentations during the 90-minute discussion to provide cross-departmental perspectives on the Capitol insurrection.  Event moderator and librarian Eric Lindquist … Continue reading ‘A Leader’s Rhetoric Matters’: Scholars and Professors Analyze Jan. 6 Insurrection in UMD Libraries Series