SPRING 2020
Director’s Reflection p3 Get to Know the Team p4 Student & Community Development Programs Welcome New Resident Life Terps p6 Q/I Housing Update p16 Terp to Terp Program p17 A Return to In-Person Programming p18 Baby Terps p20 Fun Item p20 Resident Life Award Recipients p22 Pyon-Chen Hall p24
Res Life Roundup | Fall 2021 | Vol. 4
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Director’s Reflection
“Please know, your daily work matters and makes such a difference to students at UMD and beyond.”
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Dear Resident Life colleagues, As we approach the end of a busy fall semester, I want you to know how honored I am to work with such a dedicated, caring, and supportive team. We have continued to experience changes and pivots this fall as we’ve returned to a full on-campus housing program while also carefully navigating the challenges of multiple ongoing pandemics. I am so proud to work alongside you as we welcomed, supported, and engaged more than 12,000 students living on campus in our residence halls, South Campus Commons, and The Courtyards this fall. Our staff has managed a myriad of issues and dilemmas throughout the fall, including a spike in incidents, concerns from students and families, staffing and program challenges, and the sadness that came with saying goodbye and wishing Valronica well in her next chapter. At the same time, we also have a lot to celebrate! New amazing staff joined our team this fall, we offered fantastic Fall Welcome and community programs, and we helped students create a sense of community and belonging within our residence halls. Our Resident Life team continues to show resilience, strength, and a positive attitude in each situation we face. Thank you! As we look ahead to the spring semester, I am excited to work together with you and with our students to advance the many initiatives we have planned. We have much to look forward to, including welcoming new spring residents, our work on our Resident Life Mission, Vision & Values, advancing the outstanding work of the committees leading efforts in Student Diversity Programs and the Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2.0, revamping our Multicultural Philosophy, hosting newly admitted students, and continuing to ensure our residents have a meaningful and memorable Maryland Residential Experience. Please know, your daily work matters and makes such a difference to students at UMD and beyond. The care, support, education, and engagement we offer students are important, evident, and impactful. I see you and I appreciate you!! I hope you take time to reflect, celebrate your contributions, and congratulate yourself and your colleagues for a job well done this fall semester. I encourage all of us to continue to be in community with each other for friendship, support, and on-going renewal. You have my best wishes for a safe, healthy, joyous, and rejuvenating winter break. Take good care, and Happy Holidays. Dennis Passarella-George
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Get to Know the Team: Student and Community Development Programs
Damien Franze
Dan Hairfield
Manager, Student and Community Development Programs
Favorite Part of Your Job: My favorite part of my job is getting to work with the best team on the planet. Dan, Stephanie, Miriam, and our PAs are some of the hardest working people on campus. Not only do they care very deeply about the Maryland Residential Experience, our students and student leaders, and the work we do, but they are also just the best people to be around. A close second favorite part of my job is around the half-way mark of any of our large-scale programs. By then, things are rocking and rolling and it’s always great to see students having a great time.
Coordinator, Recruitment and Outreach Programs
Favorite Part of Your Job: Experiencing the energy and excitement of the start of a new academic year with the Fall Welcome program series. And working with the best team on campus! Interesting Fact: I am an ordained minister, so let me know if you need a special event like a wedding officiated! :)
Interesting Fact: I don’t know who invented TikTok, but I don’t like them because I spend way too much time on that damn app.
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The Student and Community Development Programs (SCDP) Office serves as the department’s centralized student programming and community development unit. The SCDP Office is responsible for the planning and production of centralized educational, community development, orientation, academic enrichment and
support, engagement, sustainability, and cooperative recruitment and outreach programs for our 12,500 bed residence hall system. In addition, the SCDP Office maintains liaison and cooperative working relationships with numerous university offices and departments in service of intra- and inter-divisional programs and events.
Stephanie Olson
Miriam Fraga
Assistant Coordinator, Student and Community Development Programs
Graduate Coordinator, Academic Success and Community Development Programs
Favorite Part of Your Job: I really enjoy planning and executing big events with my colleagues such as Fall Welcome and Trash to Treasure.
Favorite Part of Your Job: Working with an incredible, supportive team. SCDP is amazing!
Interesting Fact: When I traveled to China, I performed a dance with water sleeves.
Interesting Fact: I speak three languages!
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Welcome New Resident Life Terps! We welcome several new staff members to our department over the past year! Let’s get to know them a little! Hopefully, if you haven’t had the chance already, you will meet them very soon!
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Gabriela Cabrera Joined: July 2021 Title: Resident Director Where did you move here from? Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg VA What do you miss about that place? The mountains and calm two lane drives WITHOUT traffic :) Favorite Part of Your Job: My wonderful resident assistants!!! Best Meal You Make At Home: Buffalo Chicken dip Binge-Worthy Show Others Might Like: Recently “The Queen of Flow” but I also love “New Girl and Modern Family”. Something you love about living in this area: My parents being so close and “Hook and Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar” I go all the time!
Pierre Campbell Joined: August 2021 Title: Assistant Director - Communities, North Campus Where did you move here from? Bronx, NY What do you miss about that place? 24 hour food everywhere Favorite Part of Your Job: Attending RA programs Best Meal You Make At Home: Roasted Sweet Potatoes Binge-Worthy Show Others Might Like: Snowfall Something you love about living in this area: Having space and the walking trails
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Welcome New Resident Life Terps!
Tori Eichenlaub Joined: July 2021 Title: Resident Director Where did you move here from? Kutztown Pennsylvania What do you miss about that place? The people I was working with Favorite Part of Your Job: Supervising Student Staff Best Meal You Make At Home: Buffalo chicken sandwiches Binge-Worthy Show Others Might Like: Doctor Who Something you love about living in this area: There is always something to do and everything is relatively close!
Miriam Fraga (she/her/ella) Joined: July 2021 Title: Graduate Coordinator for Academic Success and Community Development Programs Where did you move here from? Maine What do you miss about that place? My partner! He still lives in Maine and also the fall foliage of Maine . It is the best I have ever seen. Favorite Part of Your Job: Sharing an office with Nikita! Best Meal You Make At Home: Homemade chicken alfredo Binge-Worthy Show Others Might Like: The Chair. It stars Sandra Oh and it tackles lots of the issues in higher education Something you love about living in this area: All of the free museums. I love museums, especially zoos so I’m happy to easily access those in the DMV.
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Alejandra Galarce Diaz Joined: July 2021 Title: Resident Director for South Hill 1 Where did you move here from? Philadelphia, PA What do you miss about that place? Being close to my family and friends that I made in college. I also love my alma mater (Temple University) and its campus, so I miss it as well! Favorite Part of Your Job: Building relationships with RAs and residents Best Meal You Make At Home: Baked Feta Pasta Binge-Worthy Show Others Might Like: You Something you love about living in this area: Being so close to a lot of things to do! Living in Philadelphia, I was very used to the city life and having a lot of activities and restaurants close by, so I am definitely glad this area is similar in this way.
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Welcome New Resident Life Terps!
Nicole Garcia Diaz Joined: December 2021 Title: Manager for Rights and Responsibilities Where did you move here from? I’ve been in the DMV for almost 4 years now, but before that, I was in New York City and I’m originally from Miami, FL What do you miss about that place? I miss my family in Miami Favorite Part of Your Job: Having “aha” moments with students Best Meal You Make At Home: Picadillo, rice, beans, and plantains Binge-Worthy Show Others Might Like: Top Chef Something you love about living in this area: I love its proximity to everything, the parks, museums, and amazing restaurants
Nick Hernandez Joined: July 2021 Title: Graduate Coordinator, Rights & Responsibilities Where did you move here from? I’m from Maryland : ) What do you miss about that place? not much, still have it Favorite Part of Your Job: Working with students who are facing conduct consequences is rough, but I like that I can help students grow from their mistakes and become better people. Best Meal You Make At Home: Mean bowl of cereal, jk it’s black bean and turkey chile. Binge-Worthy Show Others Might Like: The Office, Parks and Rec, New Girl, Burn Notice, Suits, GOT, and Community Something you love about living in this area: Love/Hate how close everything is, but when there is traffic I hate that it’s so close yet takes me an hour to get to place 20 miles away
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Kayla Hudson Joined: July 2021 Title: Resident Director Where did you move here from? Tallahassee, FL What do you miss about that place? less traffic and not having to get on the highway to go most places Favorite Part of Your Job: Community development through programming Best Meal You Make At Home: Brunch! :) Binge-Worthy Show Others Might Like: Insecure or Schitt’s Creek Something you love about living in this area: My friends are close by to have “girls nights”, being so close to DC and having access to lots of cool events.
Nikita Kimani Joined: July 2021 Title: Graduate Coordinator for Diversity & Inclusion and Training & Development Where did you move here from? Germantown, MD What do you miss about that place? Seeing my nephew and nieces close to everyday Favorite Part of Your Job: Making connections with amazing people, being a part of a great community Best Meal You Make At Home: Chicken or Shrimp Alfredo Binge-Worthy Show Others Might Like: Manifest Something you love about living in this area: There’s a little bit of everything around here that you can find that interests you.
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Welcome New Resident Life Terps! Evan Kiser Joined: July 2021 Title: Resident Director of Elkton Hall Where did you move here from? Greenville, OH What do you miss about that place? Close proximity to friends and family Favorite Part of Your Job: My RA Staff Best Meal You Make At Home: Uber Eats (I am not good at cooking) Binge-Worthy Show Others Might Like: The 100 Something you love about living in this area: The close proximity to Washington DC and Baltimore. There is always something to do.
Daniela Mendoza Joined: September 2021 Title: Resident Director of South Campus Commons Buildings 5 & 6 Where did you move here from? I moved from Miami, FL, although I grew up in Plano, TX. What do you miss about that place? The one thing I miss about Miami is having easy access to the beach, and one thing I miss about Texas is all the different food choices available. Favorite Part of Your Job: My favorite part of my job is getting to mentor and help students. I love getting to help my RAs program for their students and creating fun activities for students to do. Best Meal You Make At Home: The best meal I make at home is my chicken enchiladas. Binge-Worthy Show Others Might Like: A binge-worthy show others might like is Shadow and Bone. Something you love about living in this area: All the different things to do and eat here in the DMV area. You will never be bored since there is just too much offered everywhere!
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Eden Rivera Joined: July 2021 Title: Graduate Coordinator, Off-Campus Housing Services Where did you move here from? Southern California What do you miss about that place? I miss the beaches!! Favorite Part of Your Job: Working with my awesome team (shout out to Jennie and Tiffany) and helping people find housing Best Meal You Make At Home: I make a mean pesto from scratch Binge-Worthy Show Others Might Like: My default is Modern Family (always a good laugh) Something you love about living in this area: I LOVE the trees! There are some really great trails for hiking and bike riding
Daniel Stott Joined: July 2021 Title: Graduate Coordinator for Human Resources Where did you move here from? Connecticut What do you miss about that place? Cannoli specialty donuts at Donut Crazy Favorite Part of Your Job: Working through the logistics of RA selection Best Meal You Make At Home: Roasted parmesan brussel sprouts Binge-Worthy Show Others Might Like: Bates Motel Something you love about living in this area: So many food options!
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Welcome New Resident Life Terps!
Kimberlee Small Joined: December 2021 Title: Residential Case Manager Where did you move here from? Memphis, TN What do you miss about that place? I will miss the good friends I made there. Favorite Part of Your Job: I’m excited to connect with the students. Best Meal You Make At Home: I think my salmon is quite lovely. Binge-Worthy Show Others Might Like: Lovecraft Country (perfect mixture of horror and history!) Something you love about living in this area: I’m looking forward to the amazing seafood and exploring the area!
Tion M. Taylor Joined: December 2021 Title: Community Director, Denton Community Where did you move here from? Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC What do you miss about that place? Hanging out with the Quarantine Crew. Favorite Part of Your Job: Helping my team reach their professional and community goals. Best Meal You Make At Home: I’m basic when it comes to cooking... Taco Salad Binge-Worthy Show Others Might Like: Old show but will always be great show to watch- SCANDAL Something you love about living in this area: I am not there just yet but I am super excited to explore the many museums the area has to offer.
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Erica Williams (Re) Joined: September 2021 Title: Coordinator for Human Resources Where did you move here from? Residential Facilities, but raised in Maryland What do you miss about that place? Parking right next to my office building Favorite Part of Your Job: Being a resource for students and staff. Best Meal You Make At Home: I’m usually in charge of making side items; potatoes au gratin, garlic green beans, quinoa salad, etc. Binge-Worthy Show Others Might Like: I like comedies and sci-fi. My current favorites are Southside and Lovecraft Country Something you love about living in this area: There is always something to do and fun restaurants to try!
James Wright Jr. Joined: July 2021 Title: Resident Director Where did you move here from? Reno, Nevada What do you miss about that place? Sunshine every day, zero traffic, and wine Favorite Part of Your Job: Helping people find their passions Best Meal You Make At Home: Mac and Cheese and smothered chicken Binge-Worthy Show Others Might Like: All-American and The 100 Something you love about living in this area: Seafood
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Q&I Housing Update In all of October of this year we had only 8 cases in Q&I housing. This is compared to the dozens of cases last year. Mike Glowacki when asked about the success of the lowered numbers modestly replied: “I wish that the q/i team could take credit for “flattening the curve,” but I think there is a bigger picture at play. It really is a combination of the many interventions at the campus level (primarily vaxing and masking requirements) and the conscientious behavior of the overwhelming number of students on campus.”
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Terp to Terp Q&A An interview with Lisa Alexander, Coordinator, Sustainability Programs
What is Terp to Terp?
A DRL program developed to respond to students in need while encouraging a culture of social responsibility and reducing waste generation.
How does the program work?
Terp to Terp is open to any undergraduate or graduate student. Unused or gently used items are donated by students and staff, mainly through DRL’s Trash to Treasure program, which is the item collection and waste diversion program that occurs during Spring residence hall move-out. Lisa also accepts donations for Terp to Terp outside of the typical move-out periods by individual request.
H
ow did Terp to Terp get started?
The idea for the program came from listening to colleagues and campus partners at different departmental presentations like the basic needs insecurity roundtables and case manager lunch and learns. In these presentations facilitators presented facts about students in need on our campus. Lisa knew that our Trash to Treasure program was collecting so many valuable items that could be useful to students right here on campus. Terp to Terp provided an opportunity to control where those donated items went and who they could help. Initially the program started by concentrating on specific campus populations such as Fostering Terps Success and international students before expanding to all undergraduate or graduate students.
to have a program Whylikeisthisit important on our campus?
Surveys of the student body showed that programs like Terp to Terp can help our students in need by providing access to household items. Survey data indicated that UMD students have significant worries about finances and are sometimes stressed about the lack of emergency funds available to them. Terp to Terp provides students with an opportunity to access household items and school supplies without adding to any financial burden.
can our department help or How promote this program?
DRL staff members should refer any students who may benefit from this program and advertise to campus partners. Spreading awareness of Terp to Terp not only helps students who may benefit from the program, but it also has the potential to increase the number of donations from faculty and staff outside of our department and division. By Ashlyn Newton
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A Return to In-Person Programming When we talk about the Maryland Residential Experience, themes of friendships and connections, academic support, and student development are vital to the conversation and relate directly to how we impact the student experience through programming. As fall 2021 comes to a close, it is amazing to consider how different this semester has been compared to the more virtual experience of the previous academic year. We have still had to consider health and safety measures throughout the fall, but a renewed energy and appreciation for in-person programming has been evident. Here are some of the highlights of this past semester:
Fall Welcome With the exceptions of mask-wearing and the prevalence of hand-sanitizer, the events of Fall Welcome 2021 returned a sense of community building and energy far above the experience of the previous year. When Bend & Bagels filled Orem Hall at the Alumni Center with over 200 students, an additional outdoor yoga session formed just outside of the Alumni Garden. As students stood in line for their cookies at Midnight Munchies, groups formed and exchanged contacts to continue hanging out at a later date. Eager students filled the Cambridge Community Center and Prince Frederick Hall Multipurpose Room to play board games and win prizes at Trivia Night. FreeFest experienced its highest turnout ever with over 5,000 attendees connecting with campus and community resources. The Student and Community Development Programs team and the Fall Welcome committee were proud of the success of these events and thankful to all of the staff who helped contribute to and support a strong start to the year.
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Glow Dodgeball As part of the Terps After Dark program (which focuses on providing late night events for students during the first six weeks of the fall semester), the Department of Resident Life hosted Glow Dodgeball in the Grand Ballroom of the Stamp Student Union in early October. The space was transformed into a dodgeball arena with an additional area for glow-in-the-dark mini golf. Students registered teams and competed to prove that they could dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge with the best of them. There were ringers who subbed in across multiple teams and some that just wanted to dance to the music provided by the entertainment company, Party Crew, but it was clear that the students loved the experience.
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While these were some of the large-scale events hosted by our department, the Communities Team has been continuously providing engaging and enriching programs and experiences for their students. Block parties included food, music, crafts, and pie throwing in the quads. Resident Assistants have hosted numerous opportunities for their students to connect over a meal or movie, learn about sexual health, take photos for their LinkedIn profiles, and go to many of the other programmatic offerings throughout the campus. We can be proud of all of our efforts this fall and look forward to a fantastic spring semester!
Terps Take Care Fair Out on McKeldin Mall, the Terps Take Care Fair provided an opportunity for students to connect with campus resources related to breaking down the stigma of discussing and attending to mental health and learn about wellness and self-care. There were therapy dogs, lawn games, giveaways, and a resource fair with offices and organizations focused on health and wellness. This was the fifth year of the event, and it saw its highest turnout yet of over 1,000 attendees.
Homecoming Food Truck Festival Looking to contribute more to the UMD Homecoming experience, the Student and Community Development Programs Office planned a food truck experience featuring some of the Maryland-DC area’s most popular hits. Included in the event were Federalist Pig, Trini Vybez, and Reba’s Funnel Cakes. Members of the campus community got to enjoy some delicious barbecue classics, curry platters, and carnival treats. Many community members also participated in our raffle, which included UMD branded socks, keychains, and Homecoming scarves.
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By Dan Hairfield
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Baby Terps
Welcome to the Res Life Family, Baby Terps! Staff Member: Maria Gelfond Baby’s Name: Mila Birthday: July 6, 2021 Favorite Thing to Do: Watching her older brother jump, it makes her laugh Favorite Item: Roly Poly Elephant Lesson learned as a parent: Not everything has to be perfect. We take the “don’t cry over spilled milk” expression literally. Children are messy and unpredictable at times and they teach us to go with the flow, and be patient and kind to ourselves.
Fun Item: Decode this message and send the answer to tkiras@umd.edu, the first three people to get the right answer get (prize): Paopqzk owuo: “Dwra w skjzanbqh sejpan xnawg!”
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Res Life Roundup | Fall 2021 | Vol. 4
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Resident Life Award Recipients, 2021 Division of Student Affairs Outstanding Service Award The Division of Student Affairs began an awards process in 2003 to recognize the outstanding contributions of Divisional “rising stars” and our “seasoned” staff. This award recognizes staff who performed exceptionally in all aspects of their positional responsibilities, and demonstrated support for the efforts of others, consistently exhibit the qualities and work ethic to which others aspire, and demonstrated excellence in serving students and staff. Two of our Resident Life team members were recognized this year for their outstanding efforts! Karlena Walker Mike Glowacki Way to represent DRL - CONGRATULATIONS, Karlena and Mike!
Welcome Pop-up Banner Large Format Printed Piece Category
ACUHO-I Marketing Awards The ACUHO-I Marketing Awards serve as an annual opportunity to recognize well-designed and innovative media for residence life and housing operations. These awards acknowledge ACUHO-I members and their departments for their accomplishments and creativity. Awards are announced annually during the ACUHO-I Business Operations Conference. Join us in congratulating the Creative Services team as recipients of five different ACUHO-I Marketing Awards! Congratulations, Ronald Molina, Maria Gelfond, Gaby Teran Aguilar, and Tracy Kiras.
Please help us recognize Resident Life Award Recipients in the future.
Multicultural Advocates Educational Conversations Social Media Category
Send information to Tracy Kiras tkiras@umd.edu
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Waste Sorting Posters Poster Category
Live Here - Landing Page Website Category
Fall Move-In - Two-Part Video Series Videos Category
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Pyon-Chen Hall Pyon-Chen Hall is the first of two new residence halls in the newly established Heritage Community. It opened its doors to residents in August 2021, with the official dedication ceremony on October 1, 2021. Pyon-Chen (pe-awn spoken as one syllable) Hall is the first residence hall in our inventory to be named in recognition of two alumni instead of a Maryland county. Pyon-Chen Hall is named in honor of two fearless trailblazers, Pyon Su, and Chunjen Constant Chen. In 1891, Pyon Su became the first Korean student to receive a degree from any American college or university. Chunjen Constant Chen was the first Chinese student to enroll at the Maryland Agricultural College in 1915. This state of the art residence hall is six-story, co-ed, traditional style hall housing 450 residents in single and double rooms. Each floor features a laundry room, a central lounge, enclosed study areas, and clusters of private communal accessible bathrooms. The bathroom configuration offers common vanity spaces and individual toilet and shower compartments that provide a much greater level of privacy and accessibility. A service desk is located on the first floor. Pyon-Chen Hall is home to some of the incoming University Honors living-learning program cohort and other incoming first-year students.
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We want to hear from YOU! What do you like most about the content? What new topics should we consider for future editions? Staff are invited to share ideas, feedback, and to contribute content to make this an inviting and helpful resource for all! We hope you enjoy the first edition and look forward to hearing your feedback. Send any thoughts to tkiras@umd.edu.
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