Weekly HawkTalk Student e-Newsletter

HawkTalk header graphic

calendarImportant Dates

  • Oct. 20: Classes end for Fall 7-Week Term I; registration opens for Winter Term
  • Oct. 27: Classes begin for Fall 7-Week Term II
  • Nov. 3 – 6: Spring Priority Registration opens for current students

Announcements

Celebrate and Unwind at Fall Fest!

Celebrate and Unwind at Fall Fest!

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Fall Fest returns! Enjoy a full week of fun, games, snacks, and much more at all four campuses. Get your caricature drawn, create your own custom street sign, and show off your sharp aim and strong arm with axe throwing—all for free!
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Submit Your Course Evaluations by Oct. 20

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Make your voice heard and help CSM continue to improve how we serve our students. Course evaluations for Fall 7-Week Term I close Oct. 20 at 11:59 p.m. The confidential feedback that you provide at the end of each course helps make the college a better place for you and your fellow Hawks. Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!
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Apply for Graduation by Dec. 1

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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.
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Be Prepared, Get the CSM Safe App

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The first and most vital step in keeping yourself and your community safe is knowing what to do in a crisis. The CSM Safe app puts emergency and public safety information at your fingertips. Call 911, contact public safety, locate the nearest emergency call box, report an incident, and much more—straight from the app! Download it today from your favorite app store and stay CSM Safe!
Get the CSM Safe App

 

Hungry?

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

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Whether you know it or not, you play a major role in CSM’s cybersecurity efforts to secure our college and our world. Cyber threats can be scary, and for good reason. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and we’ll be sharing tips and tools you can use to protect yourself and the college community from cyberattacks. Check out all these events, resources, and more on our Cybersecurity Awareness Month page!


Cybersecurity Events

  • Oct. 21: Adventures in Cybersecurity: A look at the need for cybersecurity professionals in the world today and common vehicles for cyberattacks.
  • Oct. 28: Phishing for Dollars: A discussion of common phishing, vishing, and smishing attacks, as well as ways to safeguard yourself and your data.

Cybersecurity Tip: Strong Passwords 

Creating, remembering, and storing passwords can be a pain, but the truth is that strong, secure passwords are your first line of defense against cybercriminals and data breaches. Use these three guidelines to help make your passwords strong:

  1. Long: Every one of your passwords should be at least 12 characters long.
  2. Unique: Each account needs to be protected with its own unique password. Never reuse passwords! This way, if one of your accounts is compromised, your other accounts remain secured. Think truly unique—don’t just change one character or add a number or symbol at the end. None of your passwords should look alike.
  3. Complex: Each unique password should be a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters (e.g. > , ! ?).

“But remembering all my passwords is so hard!” We all have a lot of online accounts, and because all our passwords should be unique and not reused, that means we have a lot of passwords! A password manager simplifies remembering all those passwords. You just need to remember the one password that unlocks your password manager vault. CSM’s Network Security Team can provide a password manager account for CSM accounts. Please email the Help Desk at help@csmd.edu to request an account.

 

Enter the Cybersecurity Poster Contest by Oct. 18

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Promote a culture of cybersecurity awareness throughout our college community by designing a poster around one of these four themes: multifactor authentication (MFA); password security; software updates; or recognizing and reporting phishing. The three finalists will all receive CSM scholarships, and the winning poster design will be displayed on all campuses and CSM social media. Submit your design by Oct. 18!
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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!
Oct. 14: Women’s Volleyball vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University; Women’s and Men’s Soccer vs. Hagerstown Community College
Oct. 16: Women’s and Men’s Soccer vs. Montgomery College
Oct. 18: Men’s Basketball vs. Virginia University of Lynchburg
Oct. 21: Women’s and Men’s Soccer vs. Harford Community College
Oct. 23: Women’s Basketball vs. St. Mary’s College of Maryland
ATHLETICS CALENDAR

Happening This Week

Self-Care and Plant Care: Growing Together

Self-Care and Plant Care: Growing Together

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On Oct. 13, join Counseling Services for a plant giveaway and workshop on how caring for green things mirrors caring for yourself! Discover simple ways to nurture your growth and take home a verdant reminder of balance and well-being.
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Maryland Department of Labor Information Session for Military-Connected Students

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Join CSM and the Maryland Department of Labor on Oct. 15 for an information session on applying for military education benefits, employment opportunities, and more.
LEARN MORE

 

Fall 2025 Blood Drive

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Save lives by donating blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive on Oct. 16. The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.
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Next Week’s Events

Cozy Coping Corner

Cozy Coping Corner

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 There’s a chill in the air, and it’s time to embrace some fall coziness. Relax, connect, and create with autumn-themed crafts and afternoon snacks at Cozy Coping Corner on Oct. 22.
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One Maryland One Book Discussion Series: ‘Kin: Rooted in Hope’

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This semester, CSM is hosting discussions of the One Maryland One Book selection, “Kin: Rooted in Hope," by Carole Boston Weatherford. Join us Oct. 23 as we discuss pages 101 - 145. Each discussion will focus on a different section of the book, so feel free to attend when you can!
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Transfer Services News

On-Campus Admissions Visits

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

Oct. 16: Frostburg State University, La Plata Campus - 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
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Meet Our Faculty: Tamara Gibbs-Franklin

Real Stories - Tamara Gibbs-FranklinThis week, HawkTalk features Associate Professor Tamara Gibbs-Franklin from the School of Liberal Arts:

"I'm a former broadcast journalist turned public-relations and marketing professional, and I am a lover of words and people."

READ MORE

Student Resources

CSM College Survival Guide

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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 A REFRESHER BEFORE YOUR EXAMS? The best time to ask for help with your classes is before you get your grades back! CSM offers free in-person and online tutoring and academic support for whatever you need help with through Learning Support Services. Avoid last-minute cramming and those heart-stopping unexpected surprises during exams by preparing and practicing now!

In Case You Missed It

Haunted Hawk Cinema with a poltergeist looking image of a hand pressed against the screen of a TV from the inside, with a 1980's TV glowing screen

Catch Frightening Films at the Haunted Hawk Cinema

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Celebrate spooky season with Halloween-themed movies at the Haunted Hawk Cinema, presented by the La Plata Campus Association. Each week in October, search for clues hidden around campus as to what’s showing and how to RSVP.
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Meet With an Advisor

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If you need to meet with an academic advisor, the sooner the better. You will want to meet before demand peaks in November and December.

Pick Up Another Class for Fall 7-Week Term II

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There’s still time to register for Fall 7-Week Term II! Keep up your academic momentum and get ahead in your program, knock out required classes, or gear up for next semester by completing prerequisites. Classes start Oct. 27
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FAFSA® is now open for the 2026-27 Academic Year

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Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) for the 2026-27 school year! Remember that you’ll need to submit a new FAFSA® every year to be eligible for financial aid. Don’t risk leaving money on the table. File your 2026-27 FAFSA® as early as possible for the best shot at scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities, including the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship. Don’t wait until the last second: FAFSA® early!
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Oct
17

Haunted Hawk Cinemas

4:30 PM
Oct
24

September 29 – October 24: Leonardtown Clubs and Organization Pop Ups

10:00 AM
Oct
24

Haunted Hawk Cinemas

4:30 PM
Oct
27

October 27 – November 14: Prince Frederick Clubs and Organization Pop Ups

10:00 AM
Oct
28

Spooky Season

11:00 AM
Nov
14

October 27 – November 14: Prince Frederick Clubs and Organization Pop Ups

10:00 AM
Nov
17

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

10:00 AM
Nov
18

Basket of Blessings

11:00 AM
Nov
18

Campus Campout

11:00 AM
Nov
19

Thankful for CSM

11:00 AM
Dec
4

Winter Celebration

10:00 AM
Dec
5

Miracle on Mitchell Road

4:30 PM
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
View Calendar
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