What’s the GradTerp Book? The GradTerp Book was developed to guide Graduate Students through the various traditions alive at the University of Maryland. Perform all traditions and become an official University of Maryland Tradition Keeper!
How does it work? The process of becoming a Tradition Keeper is fairly simple. Contained within the pages of this book are a number of GradTerp traditions. Each tradition is an event that countless GradTerps like yourself have enjoyed before you. With the completion of each tradition, you get one step closer to the title of Tradition Keeper.
What matters most is that you get evidence that you were present and participating in the tradition. For each tradition, take a picture of yourself (and your friends!) participating in the tradition. At a football game, you might be cheering on the Terrapins in the stands. For Kickoff, it might be a picture of you and your friends in the Graduate Student Life photo booth. Throughout the year, Graduate Student Life will send out reminders to submit your pictures to be officially logged and recorded. Upload your pictures at go.umd.edu/gradtrads and GSL will track your progress to becoming a Tradition Keeper. Along the way, you’ll earn tokens to show your fellow grads your progress.
• After completing 10 traditions, you will receive a red and white pin to wear at your graduation. • After completing 20 traditions, you will receive a black and gold pin to wear at your graduation. • After completing 25 traditions, you will receive a purple cord to wear at your graduation. • After completing all 30 GradTerp traditions, you will earn the title of Tradition Keeper, and receive an official Tradition Keeper pin to wear at your graduation.
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A Word from the Author Jamie Welch, Graduate Assistant for Graduate Student Life, wrote the GradTerp Book to enrich pride with the Grad experience at the University of Maryland.
Making the GradTerp Book Giving Maryland pride to the Graduate Students. Graduate Student Life has been fostering a community of graduate students since its inception in 2003. In a time when university campuses traditionally focused on programming for undergraduate students, new student welcomes, orientations, and social programs did not always take into consideration the hectic schedules, families, and responsibilities that often come with graduate coursework. As a graduate student, it was hard to find community and resources that were aimed directly at graduate students. Graduate Student Life was created with the express interests of graduate students in mind. We strive to create programming that caters to your already busy lives, and to advocate on your behalf. Graduate Student Life, with its weekly Newsletters, Graduate Student Lounge, Monthly Social Series programming, Graduate Student Kickoff, and Graduate Student Appreciation Week has helped graduate students create a community on campus.
“ As a graduate student, it was hard to find community and resources that were aimed directly at graduate students. Graduate Student Life was created with the express interests of graduate students in mind.” But Graduate Student Life wants to do more. We want our GradTerps to feel like they are part of the University of Maryland community. We want our GradTerps to be just as excited to join the Terrapin Family as our undergraduates. We want you to proudly bear our University of Maryland colors and consider us your alma mater once you’re gone. Graduate studies can take a while, and we want you to feel like College Park is your home while you’re here. UMD is proud of its graduate students, and for good reasons. We’re a Research 1 university for a reason, pumping out state of the art research in many disciplines with the help of its graduate student body. University of Maryland is also home to a number of top 10 and number one graduate programs in the country. As a GradTerp, you have a lot to be proud of. Graduate Student Life is here to support you throughout your studies, and to help you find a community of graduate students like yourselves.
“ GradTerps have always had traditions, and the GradTerp Book is a place where we’ve collected some of our favorites to present to you.”
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“The purpose of the GradTerp book is simple — build community with other GradTerps while forging good memories and making College Park your home. ” That’s where the GradTerp Book comes in. GradTerps have always had traditions, and the GradTerp book is a place where we’ve collected some of our favorites to present to you. The purpose of the GradTerp book is simple: build community with other GradTerps while forging good memories and making College Park your home. The GradTerp book will take you to places both on and off-campus, all to help you get acquainted with the things that GradTerps like yourself have been doing for generations before you. GradTerps who complete traditions will be rewarded along the way with tokens and prizes. GradTerps who finish the GradTerp Book become GradTerp Tradition Keepers, and will hold the title for the rest of their lives.
“ GradTerps who finish the [traditions] become GradTerp Tradition Keepers, and will hold the title for the rest of their lives.” Whether or not you decide to embark upon the journey to becoming a GradTerp Tradition Keeper is up to you. Graduate Student Life welcomes you to the University of Maryland and hopes that you find a community and a home here in College Park. Remember, Graduate Student Life is here to support you in any way they can. Congratulations on becoming a GradTerp, and we hope to see you soon.
Jamie Welch GradTerp Book Author Ph.D. Candidate 2019
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A Word From Your Director of STAMP The Adele H. Stamp Student Union — Center of Campus Life, better known on campus as “STAMP.”
Welcome Terp Graduate Students! What a joy to welcome you to the University of Maryland and to welcome you to our family in the Adele H. Stamp Student Union – Center for Campus Life. I serve as the director of this vibrant campus hub, and we want to make sure that STAMP is a place that warmly welcomes you – each and every time you come in for a cup of coffee or lunch, to visit the University Book Center, to frequent one of our comfortable lounges or study rooms, to take part in one of the many programs, to avail yourself of the many services we offer, and/or to peruse the art in our STAMP Gallery or the Contemporary Art Collection. We are not only a place – we are people. From our colleagues in Graduate Student Life to the many staff that are committed to putting students at the center of all we do – we are here for you. We stand ready to engage you in conversation, to advocate for you, and to provide you access to the many resources in STAMP and/or on campus. We’ll reach out to you often, but you feel free to call upon us at any time.
“We are not only a place — we are people... We are here for you.” I did my PhD at the University of Maryland a very long time ago and I teach in a graduate program in the College of Education. I have such empathy for the work you are doing. Your contributions as scholars and engaged campus leaders will make such a difference in our community. One of the most valuable lessons I learned in graduate school was that what you learn is important – but often who the people are that engage in your community of scholars is equally important. I hope that you find occasion to engage in deep conversations with students, staff and faculty who cause you to think in a new way or who inspire you to act. I also hope you take advantage of the many occasions we have on campus where you can feel the power of that community. You may experience that feeling at a large lecture, a concert in Xfinity or The Clarice, a rollicking game of bowling in the TerpZone, a football game in the Maryland Stadium, or it may be a nationally renowned speaker that is part of our Voices of Social Change speaker series. Take advantage of the learning — in and outside of the classroom. If I can ever help you on your journey, know that I stand ready to support you as you pursue your graduate degree. We are thrilled to welcome you to the University of Maryland and STAMP.
Sincerely,
Marsha Guenzler-Stevens Director, STAMP
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A Word From Your Interim Dean at the Graduate School The University of Maryland Graduate School offers over 230 degrees — including 81 doctoral programs and over 100 professional degrees.
Dear GradTerp, Welcome to the University of Maryland. Enrolling in a graduate degree program was a big decision on your part and you made a great choice to study and conduct your research here. Your credentials got you in. Your hard work and perseverance will enable you to achieve your goals. This period of your life’s journey will prove to be exciting and challenging. There will be opportunities for deep exploration into the unknown as well as opportunities to apply what you have discovered. You will spend time alone in thought and other times working with others to find the answer. In between will be moments of making new friends, life changing moments, doubts, and joys. But you will succeed.
“The best way to begin is to participate.” Through all of this, you are not alone. In addition to your family and your partner, you have your fellow students, your advisor, the members of the faculty and the staff of the university. We were all there to welcome you to the campus. We are here to assist you.
“ And when you walk across that stage on commencement day, we will be your biggest fan club cheering at the top of our lungs...” So now, the choice is yours. I encourage you to take advantage of all that the Graduate School, Graduate Student Life, your department, your college and, yes, the university has to offer. The best way to begin is to participate. If you need something, ask. If you want to try something, let us know so we can help. If you want to laugh, we will be there too. And when you walk across that stage on commencement day, we will be your biggest fan club cheering at the top of our lungs in celebration of what you have accomplished. We are proud to be GradTerps. We take great pride in those who join our ranks. Go GradTerps!
Wishing you all the best,
Jeffrey Franke Interim Dean, The Graduate School
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A Word From Your Graduate Student Life Coordinator Graduate Student Life (GSL) is a department at the university’s student union, STAMP, providing services exclusive to GradTerps.
Dear Grad Terp, Welcome! We are excited to have you join a large, talented, and diverse group of graduate students-past and present- at UMD. We know that this is no small undertaking! Some of you have traveled far and sacrificed to make it to this point and we are so happy that you have joined us. While you are here you will not only be pursuing your degree, but you will encounter many opportunities, meet new people, be exposed to new ideas, and so much more. This book is designed to introduce you to the many traditions on and off campus for #GradTerps! It contains important information about campus life, traditions, and resources available to all graduate students. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of all of the wonderful opportunities while you are here. By participating in and documenting your involvement in the traditions presented in this book you have the opportunity to become a Tradition Keeper. The more traditions you check off the list, the more points and prizes you will earn. Do you have an idea for something that should be included that we missed? Let us know! We are here to help make your graduate studies experience the best that it can be!
“[This book] is the first step in helping make your graduate experience at the University of Maryland a memorable one!” As you start your UMD journey, we hope that you will keep this book close. It is the first step in helping make your graduate experience at the University of Maryland a memorable one! Again, welcome to the UMD #GradTerps family. I hope to see you at the many events Graduate Student Life hosts over the year, from our Monthly Social Series to our Free Coffee Thursdays. Please stop by the Graduate Student Lounge in STAMP to say, “Hi!”
Sincerely,
Sarah Grun Coordinator, Graduate Student Life
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A Letter From Your Graduate Student Government President Graduate Student Government (GSG) is the body that represents GradTerps on campus. GSG sponsors Graduate Research Appreciation Day, GradPub, and other events through the year.
Graduate School is a rich and complex experience. In your tenure here you will teach, research and learn, often all at the same time. While this is extremely challenging it is also truly amazing, because even on days when all you’re doing is grading, pipetting or answering emails you are still fighting to push the boundaries of human knowledge. This is an ongoing battle, there are grade disputes, failed experiments and endless messages in your inbox. Sometimes you’ll win, and sometimes you’ll lose. Know that in these moments, you are not alone. There is a community here, of both domestic and international pride. There are hundreds of student groups that support the activities of the local community and the celebrate the diverse cultures of our international student population. I know this because as a Canadian citizen I left my home and chose to come to UMD because it was the right place for me. Though it wasn’t always easy, I found my space.
“Sometimes you’ll win, and sometimes you’ll lose. Know that in these moments, you are not alone.” Your space may or may not be in your department or college, but all graduate students are automatically members of the Graduate Student Government, so I encourage you to get involved. The Graduate Student Government is the only campus organization sponsored, staffed and run exclusively by graduate students. We are completely independent of the University administration and we report only to the graduate student body. We fight for your rights, provide resources and host recreational events such as Grad Socials, sporting events such as Rock Climbing and Tennis, celebrate your research at Graduate Research Appreciation Day (GRAD) and fund events created by other grad student organizations all across this campus. The graduate experience differs between departments and colleges but in this difference you can find communion, because graduate school is a unique experience and no one understands that better than your fellow grads. Your time here will go by quickly, so cherish it. The days are long but the years are short.
Sincerely,
Stephanie J. Cork Graduate Student Government President
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Let’s Get Started! The following pages contain 30 traditions for you to fulfill during your experience as a GradTerp at the University of Maryland. Take pictures throughout your tenure, and document these traditions as you fulfill them. Be sure to submit your pictures at go.umd.edu/gradtrads to have your traditions verified by a GSL staff member. All submissions must contain a signifier of which event you are attending, or action taking place to provide context to Graduate Student Life staff.
Traditions at-a Glance 1. Attend Graduate School Orientation 2. Get Your UID at the Mitchell Building 3. Participate in Graduate Student Life 4. Relax in the Grad Student Lounge 5. Wear Your Red, Black, and.... 6. Eat at the Maryland Co-Op 7. Sweat at the Eppley Recreation Center 8. Rub Testudo’s Nose in STAMP... 9. ... Or Leave an Offering 10. Study at McKeldin Library 11. Seek Career Advice at Hornbake Library 12. Reflect at the Memorial Chapel 13. Take in the View on McKeldin Mall 14. Explore STAMP’s Resources 15. Hang out with Jim Hensen 16. Join a Student Organization or Committee
17. Get Enriched at The Clarice 18. Learn at the LGBTQ Center 19. Think Globally with MICA 20. Visit the Nyumburu Cultural Center 21. Enjoy Maryland Day 22. Meet the Animals at the Maryland Farm! 23. Play Frisbee at the Engineering Recreation Field
24. Take a Selfie with Testudo 25. Grab a Copy of the Diamondback 26. Get Advice at Graduate Legal Aid 27. Participate in GSG 28. Explore the District 29. Go to Art Attack! 30. You Are Appreciated! 10
1. Attend Graduate School Orientation Every year, the Graduate School hosts a campus-wide New Graduate Student Orientation. The event is designed to provide information for graduate students across programs and is a great chance to meet fellow GradTerps. Take a selfie in the audience or when you get a turtle pin from President Loh!
2. Get Your UID at the Mitchell Building Your UID is your Student ID. It serves as your library card, your shuttle bus pass, your University Recreation and Wellness pass, and more. Head to the Mitchell Building once you’ve registered for classes, and say, “Cheese!” Snap a picture (or have a friend take one!) of you and your new ID.
3. Participate in Graduate Student Life Graduate Student Life is your resource on campus to help advocate for your needs, connect you to other GradTerps across campus, and provide spaces for developing a GradTerp campus community. The office for Graduate Student Life is located inside the Graduate Student Lounge at 0121 STAMP. To fulfill this tradition, take pictures at three of our signature events, including: a) Monthly Social Series, b) Graduate Student Appreciation Week, c) Study Break, d) Grad Student Kickoff, e) Craft Night(s)
4. Relax in the Graduate Student Lounge The Graduate Student Lounge is a place just for graduate students where you can hang out, study, play board games, or just relax. Every week, you can indulge on Free Coffee Thursdays. To complete this tradition, head on over to the Graduate Student Lounge located at 0121 STAMP on the ground level (across from the Hoff Theater), and show us your favorite way to lounge!
5. Wear Your Red, Black, and... In 2014, The University of Maryland entered the Big Ten Conference. Show your team support by wearing your red, black, or gold at a UMD sporting event!
6. Eat at the Maryland Co-Op University of Maryland’s Co-Op started in the mid-70’s as a worker-owned business and a natural food store. The Co-Op offers healthy, vegetarian-friendly food, has a host of vegan options, and serves a different vegan hot lunch every day, all at fair prices. Support Food for People, Not for Profit and take a pic in the Co-Op, located on the basement level of STAMP.
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7. Sweat at the Eppley Recreation Center (ERC) University Recreation & Wellness, known also as “RecWell,” is dedicated to your complete health. RecWell offers a number of classes, programs and challenges to keep you happy, healthy, and fit! Take a jog around the indoor track, a dip in one of the indoor or outdoor pools, or take the courts to show your racquetball skills. To fulfill this tradition, snap a photo of you taking a part in one of RecWell’s programs at the ERC!
8. Rub Testudo’s Nose in STAMP... Join in on the Maryland tradition, and rub Testudo’s nose for good luck on that presentation or scholarship essay. Contribute to his shine when you need a boost on your upcoming exam. Bronzed Testudos can be found throughout campus, including inside STAMP and in front of McKelding Library.
9. ... Or Leave Testudo an Offering. There’s a Maryland tradition to leave an offering for the statue of Testudo in front of McKeldin Library for that extra bit of good fortune. Sit back and watch the offerings grow each day of finals week, or leave a gift at anytime for a little luck for yourself!
10. Study at McKeldin Library Be sure to get to know your subject area librarian for all your research needs at McKeldin Library. Stop by the “Grad Student Only” study room or visit the Graduate School Writing Center for one of their programs or retreats. Can’t study because you forgot your computer? The IT desk on the second floor rents out computers, computer and phone chargers, cameras, headphones, and even A/V equipment. Snap a studious selfie in the stacks to fulfill this tradition!
11. Seek Career Advice at Hornbake Library Not sure of what comes after your Masters or PhD? Visit the University Career Center & The President’s Promise for information about internship opportunities, career path assessments, and interview help. Hornbake Library also offers individual and group study spaces, so it’s another great place to hit the books on campus. Remember to nab a selfie taking advantage of Hornbake Library’s resources, or using one of the study spaces!
12. Reflect at The Memorial Chapel The UMD Memorial Chapel is host to religious and secular events throughout the year. Come visit the Memorial Chapel and take a picture while you relax and destress in the Labyrinth or the Garden of Reflection & Remembrance.
13. Take in the View at McKeldin Mall The highly photogenic and ever-so-popular McKeldin Mall offers many services just for graduate students. The mall in front of the McKeldin Library is a great place for Frisbee, taking a nap, or studying when there’s good weather. It’s also the spot where our UMD Quidditch Team holds their practice, and where you’ll often see Erasable, Inc. practicing and performing improv on Friday afternoons. Snap a picture of yourself or with friends on the lawn — whether you’re being studious, enjoying the sun, or just taking a break from classes. Even after you’ve completed this tradition, we know you’ll be back soon!
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14. Explore STAMP’s Resources STAMP is the center for campus life at the University of Maryland. Throughout the year, STAMP offers events and opportunities to enhance the student experience. Whether you bowl a few frames in the TerpZone or visit STAMP Gallery, there’s something for everyone happening at STAMP every day. To fulfill this tradition, choose three of the following, and snap pictures of your experience: 1) take a class at the Art & Learning Center, 2) view an exhibition at STAMP Gallery, 3) attend an event by SEE, 4) visit the TerpZone in the basement, 5) attend or participate in a program from Leadership & Community Service-Learning.
15. Hang Out With Jim Henson Jim Henson, an alumnus of the University of Maryland at College Park, is commemorated in statue form with his longtime associate, Kermit the Frog, beyond the trees in the gardens outside the front steps of STAMP. For this tradition, take a moment to spend a few minutes with Jim and take a picture sitting with him on his bench.
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16. Join a Student Organization or Committee Find your niche on campus. Run for a Graduate Student Government position, find a graduate student organization, or get involved with your academic department. There are over 800+ student organizations at the University of Maryland, including organizations for graduate students. Once you’ve found your niche, snap a pic with your new crew, or head over to the brand new (and super stylish) Student Involvement Suite on the ground level of STAMP. Tip: Login to OrgSync to sift through the different orgs on campus!
17. Get Enriched at The Clarice The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, known as “The Clarice,” is the hub for the arts on campus. The Clarice brings in a wide variety of artists and productions, so make sure to take advantage of it as much as you can while you are here. Take a picture at one of their master classes or workshops, at an event or festival, or taking advantage of their Free Ticket Mondays!
18. Learn at the LGBT Equity Center The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Equity Center aims to empower innovators and agents of social justice for the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBT Equity center serves students, staff, faculty, and alumni of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Take a photo of you checking out the Center’s extensive library or attending one of their annual events like Quelcome or Lavender Graduation.
19. Think Globally with MICA The office of Multicultral Involvement & Community Advocacy (MICA) at STAMP serves to empower students through education on issues of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, and their intersections. Snap a selfie at one of their annual diversity events designed to build community and create social change locally, nationally, and globally.
20. Visit the Nyumburu Cultural Center The Nyumburu Cultural Center is named after the Swahili words “nyumba” for house, and “uhuru” for freedom. This “freedom house” offers opportunities for social, cultural, and intellectual interaction for students of color. The Nyumburu Center offers guest lectures, seminars, exhibits, music, workshops, and academic courses to the public and University of Maryland surrounding communities. The Nyumburu Cultural Center (NCC) founded in 1971 is home to courses, volunteer activities, events, civic engagement and has served as an affirming space for students of color at the University of Maryland. Stop by and take a selfie!
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21. Enjoy Maryland Day! Maryland Day is a holiday in Maryland, but also a chance to have a one-day open house with family-friendly and interactive events. Come see how the University of Maryland contributes to the community, the state, and the globe... and don’t forget to take a picture!
22. Meet the Animals at the Maryland Farm! The University of Maryland is a land grant university with a history of agricultural science. Stop by the UMD farm to check out the animals and get in touch with our university’s Land Grant Roots! Tip: Take a once-in-a-lifetime picture of you reaching into one of the cows with fistulas to see how foods are digested! Or you can take a less intense picture with the goats and horses.
23. Frisbee at the Engineering Recreation Field The Engineering Recreation Field, located just south of the A. James Clark School of Engineering, is a popular spot for pick-up games of Frisbee, flag football, and soccer. Gather some friends to join a game already in progress, or start a game of your own! Take a photo to show us how you relax and stay active at the Engineering Recreation Field.
24. Take a Selfie with Testudo Maryland’s mascot, Testudo, can be found around campus for special events, or walking around campus giving high-fives to whomever comes in passing. Unlike his bronzed bretheren, you’ll never see more than one Testudo on campus at a time! Be sure to tag Testudo, @Testudo_UMD, on Twitter!
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25. Grab a Copy of the Diamondback To get the pulse on campus, grab a copy of the Diamondback at various newsposts around campus. Or, join the Maryland tradition of reading a copy when an opposing team announces their starting lineup at basketball games. You can pick up copies of the Diamondback at various kiosks throughout campus, or bring one to the next basketball game! Remember to take some selfies!
26. Get Advice at the Graduate Legal Aid Office Located in the South Campus Dining Hall, the Graduate Legal Aid Office (GLAO) is a resource providing free legal consultations, referrals, and information on a wide range of both off-campus and university matters. Snap a picture while you take advantage of their lease-review services or attend a Lunch & Learn brown bag event throughout the semester at STAMP.
27. Participate in the Graduate Student Government Graduate Student Government (GSG) is the body that represents GradTerps on campus. GSG sponsors Graduate Research Appreciation Day, sports tournaments, GradPub, and other events through the year. Snap a photo of yourself at a GSG general assembly meeting, GradPub, or GRAD! Follow @GSGUMD on Twitter to see what GSG has going on throughout the semester!
28. Explore the District Take advantage of what the nation’s capital has to offer. The University of Maryland is less than 9 miles from Washington, D.C. You might consider visiting one of the many free Smithsonian museums, checking out the monuments on the national mall, taking a trip to the National Zoo, or even foray into DC’s bustling Brunch culture. Take a photo of you and your friends anywhere in our Nation’s Capital!
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29. Go To University of Maryland’s Annual Concert, Art Attack! Art Attack started as a small festival centered on student art and design, and is now an annual event serving thousands of students and bringing big name acts to the campus. Get ready for the announcement of this year’s performing artists, and grab a ticket (and a picture!) while you can.
30. You Are Appreciated! Graduate Student Appreciation Week (GSAW) is your chance to be appreciated for everything you do as a graduate student. Graduate Student Life provides free coffee, food and activities throughout the week. Pose among the petals during our annual Cherry Blossom Cruise. Tickets go fast, so get yours as soon as possible!
B. Bonus Tradition: Take Your Cap & Gown Pictures! You’ve done it! You worked hard for your degree, and it’s your turn to show off that academic regalia. Take advantage of University of Maryland’s beautiful campus to take pictures in your cap and gown. Be sure to grab some photos of the Maryland M, the statues of Testudo, and McKeldin mall while in your academic regalia.
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Traditions Checklist Take pictures while participating in these traditions to earn the title of Tradition Keeper!
oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo
Attend Graduate School Orientation Get Your UID at the Mitchell Building Participate in Graduate Student Life Relax in the Grad Student Lounge Wear Your Red, Black, and.... Eat at the Maryland Co-Op Sweat at the Eppley Recreation Center Rub Testudo’s Nose in STAMP... ... Or Leave an Offering Study at McKeldin Library Seek Career Advice at Hornbake Library Reflect at the Memorial Chapel Take in the View on McKeldin Mall Explore STAMP’s Resources Hang out with Jim Hensen Join a Student Organization or Committee Get Enriched at The Clarice Learn at the LGBTQ Center Think Globally with MICA Visit the Nyumburu Cultural Center Enjoy Maryland Day Meet the Animals at the Maryland Farm! Play Frisbee at the Engineering Recreation Field Take a Selfie with Testudo Grab a Copy of the Diamondback Get Advice at Graduate Legal Aid Participate in GSG Explore the District Go to Art Attack! You Are Appreciated!
About the GradTerp Book Jamie Welch, GradTerp Book Author Charlene Prosser Castillo, Layout & Design Sarah Grun, Advising Coordinator Photographs on pages 13,14 and 18 by John T. Consoli Icons designed by Whitney Schepf