Weekly HawkTalk Student e-Newsletter

HawkTalk header graphic

calendarImportant Dates

  • Dec. 4: Last day to withdraw without a grade or change a credit to an audit (or vice versa) for Fall 7-Week Term II
  • Dec. 17: Classes end for Fall 15-Week Term and 7-Week Term II
  • Dec. 18: Classes begin for Winter Term
  • Dec. 23: College closes for Winter Break
  • Jan. 2: Last day to withdraw without a grade or change a credit to an audit (or vice versa) for Winter Term

Announcements

Picture of a group of graduates celebrating

Apply for Graduation by Dec. 1

yellow line

If you’ll complete your program of study this fall, remember to apply to graduate! The deadline to apply for graduation is Dec. 1. All graduates are invited to walk in the 67th Commencement Ceremony in May, but participation is not required. All diplomas will be mailed directly to students in January.
LEARN MORE

 

Magic and Music of Winter

yellow line 

CSM is filling the winter air with music all month long, with a series of concerts showcasing the incredible talent of our student and community musicians.

  • Dec. 4: Chorale and Chamber Choir: "The Fifth Element: Time"
  • Dec. 5: Big Band Holiday Jam
  • Dec. 6: Latin Ensemble Concert: "¡Caliente!"
  • Dec. 9: Dance Performance: "A Musical Wonderland"
  • Dec. 10: Music Student Honors Recital
  • Dec. 13: Southern Maryland Concert Band: "Something Different"
LEARN MORE
Submit your 2026-27 FAFSA - with a picture of a student sitting at a computer

Financial Aid Update: Submissions Open for the 2026-27 FAFSA

yellow line

The early bird gets the worm, and the early college student gets something much better: the best access to scholarships and financial aid. The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open, so submit your FAFSA for next year as soon as possible. Remember that you need to submit a new FAFSA for each academic year.
LEARN MORE

 

Hungry?

yellow line 

View the on-campus dining, snacking, and beverage offerings, including the CSM Café and 24-hour smart vending machines! 

The CSM Café on the La Plata Campus offers a wide variety of delicious, freshly made morning and afternoon meals. Enjoy the rotating menus at the Yolk & Folk, Char House, Heritage Deli, Rustica, Salad Studio, Main Dish, and Soup Bowl stations, with something new to try every day!

Regular hours are Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
LEARN MORE

Upcoming Athletics Events

Athletics Hawks LogoCheck out the calendar for CSM Athletics

Check out the calendar for CSM Athletics and come out to cheer your Hawks on to victory at their next home games!
Dec. 2: Men’s Basketball vs. TPLS Academy
Dec. 11: Men’s Basketball vs. Delaware County Community College
Dec. 13: Men’s Basketball vs. Montgomery County College
ATHLETICS CALENDAR

Happening This Week

Emily Creswick Writer’s Process Series: Stacy Sneed text next to a picture of Stacy Sneed

Emily Creswick Writer’s Process Series: Stacy Sneed ’24

yellow line

The Emily Creswick Writer’s Process Series is a monthly workshop where local writers discuss their creative processes. On Dec. 2, we welcome author and CSM graduate Stacy Sneed. As an accomplished children’s author, Sneed inspires compassion and acceptance in young readers with messages of kindness, inclusivity, and empathy.
LEARN MORE

Winter Celebration

yellow line

Join fellow students, faculty, and staff on Dec. 4 for the Leonardtown Campus’s annual winter celebration!
LEARN MORE

 

Miracle on Mitchell Road

yellow line

Celebrate the winter season with with a holiday-themed movie on Dec. 5, courtesy of the La Plata Campus Association!
LEARN MORE

Next Week’s Events

Jingle Bell Bash

yellow line

On Dec. 8, unwind during the rush to finals with festive snacks, activities, and a gingerbread house contest!
LEARN MORE

 

Vibes on the Patio: Santa’s Workshop

yellow line

Need a break before the holidays? The Prince Frederick Campus Association has got everything you need to feel festive! Join us on Dec. 11 for cookie decorating, crafts, hot cocoa, and holiday music.
LEARN MORE

Benny C. Morgan Concert Series: Pianist Sahun Sam Hong text with a picture of Sahun Sam Hong

Benny C. Morgan Concert Series: Pianist Sahun Sam Hong

yellow line

On Dec. 13, CSM welcomes award-winning pianist Sahun Sam Hong for the latest performance in the Benny C. Morgan Concert Series. Praised as an “artist of enormous prowess” with “lots of clarity, confidence, and wisdom,” Sahun Sam Hong brings his colorful style and riveting energy to the solo, chamber, and concerto stage.
LEARN MORE

Transfer Services News

Transfer Thursdays

yellow line

 

Connect directly with our transfer partners and get answers to your questions, straight from the source! Learn more and register for the sessions you’re interested in at csmd.edu/transferthursdays.

Dec. 4: Goucher College

Dec. 11: American College of Education,  Goucher College

On-Campus Admissions Visits

yellow line

Meet on campus with admissions representatives from CSM’s transfer partners! Learn more about the institutions, their programs, and the transfer process.

Dec. 8: St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Leonardtown and Prince Frederick campuses
Dec. 9: St. Mary’s College of Maryland, La Plata Campus
LEARN MORE

Meet Our Faculty: Dr. Lynn Carlson

Real Stories - Dr. Lynn CarlsonThis week, HawkTalk features Assistant Physics Professor Dr. Lynn Carlson:

“Learning physics is about stretching your brain and learning new ways to think. That is powerful, even if you don't consider yourself a 'STEM person.' You'll come out of class with stronger critical thinking skills and new ways of approaching and thinking through challenges.”

READ MORE

Student Resources

CSM College Survival Guide

yellow line

The College Survival Guide is a recurring feature that directs members of the CSM community to free resources and support for whatever challenges they may be facing. At CSM, no Hawk has to fly alone.

NEED HELP UNDERSTANDING FINANCIAL AID? Figuring out how to keep college affordable—the kinds of financial assistance available and how to apply, just for starters—can be complicated and confusing. We can help! Check out CSM’s FinancialAidTV for short, easy-to-digest videos on a wide range of topics, including FAFSA, scholarships, 1098-Ts and much more.

Dec
8

Jingle Bell Bash

10:00 AM
Dec
11

Santa's Workshop

11:00 AM
Dec
17

November 17 – December 17: Regional Hughesville Clubs and Organization Pop Ups

10:00 AM
Jan
27

20/26 Vision: New Year, New You – Vision Board Party

11:00 AM
Feb
10

Sugar Rush: Valentine’s Day Pop-Up

11:00 AM
Mar
12

Shamrock & Hawks: St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

11:00 AM
Apr
22

Protect This Nest: Earth Day Celebration

11:00 AM
View More Events
CMS Page Edit