As part of our commitment to graduate students in and out of the classroom, we partner with the Career Center to offer a series of career resources each spring, which are open to all graduate students (based on your field). All of these grad-focused events are in preparation for our large, culminating career fair on February 27 from 2:30-5:00 p.m., which will feature 100+ local and national employers across a variety of disciplines and industries. In addition, we will have our usual alumni career panels, which are always a big hit. Scroll down to Upcoming Events for a list of panels, grad-focused resume and interview workshops and more!
Welcome to all of our new graduate students this semester! I hope you’ll visit and peruse the online modules your faculty and the graduate-school team have created to support you. From cultural awareness to financing your degree and planning your course progression, we have compiled a one-stop shop to prepare you for success in your first semester as a graduate student.
The site is unique to your entering spring cohort of graduate students, and it will serve as a resource for you again and again during your time at the College. Periodically, we will add new modules that mirror your degree progress—preparing you for that internship, capstone/thesis/dissertation experience, and career change or advancement. Click here for the link, which will take you to your Blackboard login screen. Once you’re logged in, simply click on the New Graduate Student Orientation Spring2025 course site, then click on the “START HERE” video in the center of your screen. Here’s to a successful first semester!
Welcome to another great and promising semester at Hood College! My name is Sam Pierre, and I am your Graduate Student Association (GSA) President. As we step into the new year and welcome the spring semester, it is a great time to reflect on our accomplishments, look ahead to the opportunities that lie before us, and continue to build the vibrant and supportive community that makes our graduate experience exceptional here at Hood College. For those of you returning, this past fall semester was filled with exciting events and initiatives. From our professional workshops to our multiple tabling events, we brought together students from diverse fields and witnessed the strength of our graduate student network. Many thanks to everyone who participated and helped make these events a success!
For those of you who are new to Hood College, WELCOME! I look forward to meeting you at a future event. Your dedication to fostering a thriving academic and social environment is what makes the GSA so special. This spring semester promises to be engaging and impactful, so keep an eye out for our exciting activities and opportunities planned throughout the semester. Whether you're interested in leadership roles or simply want to participate in our activities, we encourage you to contact us at GSA@hood.edu for all your questions and feedback, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X. Have a great spring semester!
Welcome to the new semester, everyone! I hope winter break has left you all refreshed and excited for the spring. My name is Autumn Smith, and I’m Hood’s Graduate Student Success Coordinator. In this role, I’m available as your first line of support when you need help staying on track with your degree. I’m a student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, and I’m excited to work with all of you.
This semester, we’re continuing to facilitate socialization and networking both within and between our different graduate programs via our Discord server. In addition, you’ll notice me tabling with snacks and wellness resources in Rosenstock Hall and the Toll House building several times throughout the semester. Keep an eye on your email for details of where I’ll be and at what times!
If you’re struggling with academic or interpersonal pressures and need help, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at GradSuccess@hood.edu so I can connect you with the College’s support resources. I look forward to working with all of you!
GradCare: Resources for Health, Wellness and Success
GradCare is intended to be an all-encompassing resource to connect graduate students with services and resources to help them be healthy at Hood. We are constantly updating the site with resources and services located on-campus and in the community, so check back often!
Campus Cupboard: Addressing Hunger at Hood
Campus Cupboard aims to provide non-perishable food staples and hygiene items to students with temporary or long-term need via a confidential system. If you are currently experiencing food insecurity or are struggling to afford groceries or basic toiletry items, simply fill our interest form or email our secure mailbox at campuscupboard@hood.edu to receive additional information on requesting/receiving this support.
Private Lactation Room Available On-Campus
The private lactation room is located on the first floor of the J. Henry Apple Resource Building in room 8B. The room accommodates one person at a time and is available on a first come, first serve basis. Individuals should bring their own personal equipment, including membranes, clean tubing, breast shields and collection bottles. For more information, contact Amanda Dymek at rzepkowski@hood.edu or 301-696-3439.
Dr. Carol Jim received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Hood College and then went on to earn a doctorate in computer science from George Washington University. She returned to Hood College to pursue a career in teaching and is currently the program director for the Master's in Management Information Systems program. Learn more about Dr. Jim and the MIS program here.
The Division of Community and Inclusivity is kicking off Black History Month on February 5th at the Whitaker Campus Center Commons. The Division is inviting events for Black History Month Programing. Please email your ideas to communityinclusivity@hood.edu by the end of the day on Friday, January 24th.
REMEMBER: ALL events must be accessible to the campus community in order to be listed in the program.
Spread the #HOODLOVE: Share Your Hood Grad School Experience!
Have you ever thought about how you first discovered The Graduate School at Hood College? Chances are, it wasn’t just an online ad or a random Google search—it was through someone you trust. A friend, colleague, or family member may have shared their story while exploring graduate school options. While digital ads and the internet are great for spreading the word far and wide, your personal connections are what truly make an impact.
Your word of mouth is priceless to us. Imagine—your positive experience at Hood could inspire someone halfway across the world in India to discover our graduate programs! That’s why we’re inviting you to help us share the #HOODLOVE and encourage others to explore their graduate education at Hood College. Here’s how you can get involved:
🌟 Be Featured in Our Grad School Stories - We want to celebrate you! Share your journey and experiences with Hood College by being featured in our Graduate Student and Alumni Story Blogs. These stories highlight the diversity, accomplishments, and unique paths of our grad community. They’re shared on our website and social media to inspire future students. Interested? Email GoFurther@hood.edu to get started.
🌟 Invite Your Network to Open House Events - Spread the word! Let your personal and professional networks know about Hood College’s regular Open House and Admission Café events. Available in a virtual format, these events are an amazing way for prospective students to meet program directors, admission staff, and current students. They can find more information and register here.
🌟 Become a Hood Grad Social Media Mogul - Love social media? Join our Social Media Mogul Program and help amplify Hood’s message! Share, like, and retweet our posts to reach a wider audience. Plus, as a thank-you, you’ll receive a gift card for your efforts! To sign up, email GoFurther@hood.edu.
Hood College is all about being SMALL, AFFORDABLE, DIVERSE, CAREER-FOCUSED and FLEXIBLE with PERSONALIZED attention to all our students. Help us showcase what makes Hood unique—spread the #HOODLOVE today!
Still looking for an on-campus employment opportunity? Join us at our on-campus employment workshop on Tuesday, January 28, at 4:00 p.m. in the Career Center, Apple Building (2nd floor). You will meet the Career Center team to navigate resources and opportunities. A panel of F-1 students will share their success stories in securing on-campus employment. Email PDSO@hood.edu if you have questions.
This virtual OPT/Exit Workshop is designed for international students graduating in May and September. It will be on Wednesday Feb.19 @ 4:00 p.m. During the session, the PDSO will provide step-by-step guidance on the OPT application process via the USCIS website and discuss other options available after graduation. The highlight of the workshop is always the panel of F-1 alumni who have gone through the process successfully. Do not miss this opportunity to get valuable insights and prepare for your post-graduation plans! For more information, please email our director of international student services, Amani Al-Dajane, MBA’20, at al-dajane@hod.edu.
Are you looking for an internship, CPT or that next career opportunity? The Hood College Career Center is hosting the Spring Career Fair for all disciplines on Thursday, February 27, from 2:30-5:00 p.m. in the Whitaker Campus Center. Register through Handshake here.
Help spread the word! The Graduate School at Hood College is hosting virtual Open House sessions on March 6 at 12 PM and 5:30 PM, inviting prospective students to discover how Hood can help them "go further" both personally and professionally. Current undergraduate students interested in learning more about Hood’s 4PLUS program are also encouraged to attend. During these sessions, attendees will:
- Explore academic programs and connect directly with program faculty
- Learn about admission and funding opportunities from Graduate School staff
- Hear firsthand from current graduate students about their Hood College experiences
Encourage your friends, colleagues, or anyone considering graduate studies to click here and register!
For the first time, this April 1-5, 2025, we will be celebrating the statewide Grad Student Appreciation Week in Maryland! Gov. Wes Moore signed a proclamation last year that recognizes and celebrates the critical importance of graduate education in the state of Maryland. During this period, we have a tradition where Hood faculty/staff show you their support, dubbed Grad Student Appreciation Week (GSAW). We will have a table set up in the lobby of all the major buildings before classes in the evening (and doctoral classes during lunch on Saturday) as well as virtual Zoom-byes. Stay tuned for more information as the semester draws to a close!
The entire campus community is invited to celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, on Wednesday, April 2, at 3:30 p.m. on the Whitaker Campus Center Patio. You will enjoy traditional food, music, dance and festivities! Partake in the optional Holi practice of chalk throwing. For more information, please email our director of international student services, Amani Al-Dajane, MBA’20, at al-dajane@hood.edu
The Graduate School is hosting our 9th Annual Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) event on Thursday, April 10 at 5:30 p.m., which is open to all current grad students and to recent grad alumni who have graduated since September 2024. This internationally recognized event features student talks in a wide array of disciplines, from the sciences and business to the humanities and education fields (and everything in between). We consistently hear from our external advisory boards that employers value the ability to relay technical information to non-technical audiences (e.g., the media, policymakers, colleagues in other depts).
Learn more about this event on the national site or on Hood’s 3MT site. Here is a brief snapshot of the event as well. If you have completed a capstone, advanced project, thesis, portfolio, ceramics show, internship, etc., this is a great opportunity for you. You not only gain practice in a valuable skill, but there are three cash prizes for the winner and people’s choice awards. We have external judges from research and education to business leaders, who will decide the winning talk. The People’s Choice Awards will be determined by audience vote. It’s a great event to attend and cast your vote, even if you do not want to compete!
Ready to win? Simply click here to submit your abstract for consideration (DUE MARCH 30).
Mark your calendar if you graduated September 2024, January 2025 or May 2025. Our dedicated commencement website will be updated frequently throughout the coming spring semester, so check it regularly. We are excited for the return of a special, dedicated ceremony JUST for our graduate students!
Email: GoFurther@hood.edu
Website: www.hood.edu/graduate
Location: Hood College, Graduate School, Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD, USA
Phone: (301) 696-3600
LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X | Bluesky