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Important Dates
- Oct. 21: Classes end for Fall 7-Week Term I; registration opens for Winter Term
- Oct. 28: Classes begin for Fall 7-Week Term II
- Nov. 4–7: Spring Priority Registration opens for current students
Weekly HawkTalk Student e-Newsletter
Announcements
Pick Up Another Class for Fall 7-Week Term II
Fall 7-Week Term II starts next week! Keep up your academic momentum and get ahead in your program, knock out required classes, or gear up for next semester by completing prerequisites.
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Registration Opens Today for Winter Term
Winter classes are a great opportunity to get ahead in your program, catch up a bit, or earn extra credits for transfer. Classes begin Dec. 19.
Need to meet with an academic advisor? Sooner is better! Advising services are in high demand in November and December, so don’t delay.
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Vote for the Winner of the Cybersecurity Awareness Student Poster Contest
From Oct. 22 to Oct. 30, cast your vote for the best cybersecurity PSA created by your fellow CSM students in the Cybersecurity Awareness Student Poster Contest. The three finalists will receive CSM scholarships and their designs will be displayed on campus! Winners will be announced on Oct. 31.
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Basket of Blessings Food Drive
Help provide members of our community with Thanksgiving food baskets during the Basket of Blessings Food Drive. As we approach the season of gratitude, let’s come together to support those in need within our community. Drop off your donations in the yellow donation box in the Prince Frederick Atrium.
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Hungry?
View the food truck and vendor schedule for the week of Oct. 21.
VIEW SCHEDULE
Upcoming Athletics Events
Check out the calendar for CSM Athletics
Come out and cheer your Hawks on to victory at their next home games!
Oct. 21: Men’s Soccer vs. Community College of Baltimore County Catonsville
Oct. 26: Men’s Basketball vs. Anne Arundel Community College
Nov. 1: Men’s Basketball vs. Central International
Nov. 3: Men’s Basketball vs. Bryant and Stratton College (Virginia)
ATHLETICS CALENDAR
Happening This Week
Connections Literary Series: Author Wayne Karlin
On Oct. 21, the Connections Literary Series welcomes author Wayne Karlin to present his latest novel, “The Genizah,” and to discuss the Holocaust backgrounds of the novel and the process of turning family history into fiction.
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S’more Scares
On Oct. 22, Student Life and the La Plata Campus Association bring the thrills and chills, with s’mores, snacks, and scary short stories.
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Pumpkin Painting
Express your creativity on the spookiest member of the gourd family at the Leonardtown Campus on Oct. 23. (Fun fact: Pumpkins belong to the genus Cucurbita, which is Latin for gourd, because botanists are not very imaginative.)
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Unmasking Misinformation: Understanding the Impact of Fake News
On Oct. 23, the CSM communication faculty and the Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. Center for Leadership explore the challenges of fake news in shaping public opinion and strategies for identifying misinformation and fostering critical media literacy in today’s digital landscape.
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Night of Engineering
Explore the pathways, partnerships, and transfer and internship opportunities available to you through CSM’s engineering programs at Night of Engineering on Oct. 24.
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Next Week's Events
Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention
Suicide can be prevented. Join us on Oct. 29 to learn the common risk factors for suicide, how to spot the warning signs in others, and how to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and those in our community safe.
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Casting Call: Audition for “Ain’t Misbehavin’”
Students and community members are invited to audition for CSM’s spring theater production of the musical “Ain’t Misbehavin’” on Oct. 30. This tribute to the life and career of Black jazz musician Fats Waller is filled with upbeat, energetic songs and instrumentals that embody the soul of the Harlem Renaissance.
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Transfer Services News
Transfer Thursdays
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.
This week, Oct. 24: George Mason University, Stevenson University, Virginia Wesleyan University
Next week, Oct. 31: Goucher College, Fayetteville State University, Old Dominion University – ODU Global
On-Campus Admissions Visits
Meet on campus with admissions representatives from CSM’s transfer partners! Learn more about the institutions, their programs, and the transfer process.
Oct. 21: Johns Hopkins Hospital Schools of Medical Imaging, La Plata Campus
Oct. 22: Towson University Education at the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland, Leonardtown Campus
Oct. 23: University of Maryland College of Education, La Plata Campus
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Meet Our Faculty: Krista Keyes
This week, HawkTalk features English Professor Krista Keyes:
“I aim to provide a positive, equitable learning experience for all of my students.”
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Student Resources
Cybersecurity Events
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 Month page!
Cybersecurity Events
- Building a Culture of Security: On Oct. 22, guest speaker Dr. Gale Pomper discusses how to make cybersecurity an ingrained habit in our lives, careers, and institutions.
- Makerspace Tours: Visit the Velocity Center Makerspace for a tour in October and print your own “I Got Cyber-Secure at CSM” coaster.
- Defending the Digital World: Complete courses and earn industry certifications that can lead to career opportunities in cybersecurity in this cyber challenge, presented by CSM and the Cisco Network Academy.
Cybersecurity Tip: Software Updates
One of the easiest ways to boost your cybersecurity is to always keep software and apps updated. Software and app developers constantly search for holes where cybercriminals could sneak in. To fix these issues and improve security for everyone, trustworthy software companies release regular updates. Here are some simple tips:
- Automatic updates make your life easier. You don’t have to check your Settings tab every morning – you can usually set up automatic updates so that updates are downloaded and installed as soon as they are available.
- Get updates from the source. Before downloading anything, be sure you know the source. Only download software to your computer from verified sources, and only download apps from your device’s official app store.
- Don't fall for fakes! You’ve probably come across suspicious pop-up windows that urgently demand you download a software update. Never click any buttons on these pop-ups! These are always fake and are attempts at phishing.
- Make it a habit. Even if you don’t have automatic software updates turned on, make updating your devices and software a regular habit. Even if it’s a pain, it is worth it to do this right away, especially if the update patches an urgent security flaw.
CSM College Survival Guide
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 REGISTERING FOR CLASSES? Talk to an advisor! Reach out now and your academic advisor will help you map out and navigate the next step in your educational journey. Sooner is better! Advising services are in high demand in November and December, so don’t delay.
Find Your Next Opportunity on College Central Network
Whether you’re looking for an on- or off-campus job, a paid internship, or a potential career path, College Central Network is the go-to career posting site for CSM students and alumni. Upload your current resume or create one using a template and start searching for the position that’s right for you. There’s also a video and print library on topics related to getting and keeping the job, such as salary negotiations, attending job and career fairs, and more!
In Case You Missed It
Make Your Voice Heard: Register to Vote
The 2024 General Election is in two weeks! Decisions get made by those who show up, so make sure you’ve registered to vote.
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Apply for Graduation by Dec. 1
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 participate in the 66th Commencement Ceremony on May 9, 2025, but participation is not required. All diplomas will be mailed directly to students in January.
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Expanding Hawk Hub: Bringing One-on-One Student Services to You
We’re constantly improving how we support you in reaching your academic and professional goals, and the newest additions to the Hawk Hub make it even easier to get answers to your questions and meet your needs. With the new remote-service booths and stations located on all four campuses, you can connect directly to any student service or college office, no matter which campus you’re currently at.
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Financial Aid Update: 2025-26 FAFSA Available in December
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-26 academic year will be available on or before Dec. 1, instead of the usual Oct. 1 date. This updated launch date will help ensure a smoother experience for students and parents as they fill out their FAFSA.
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Supporters of CSM students, Stay Plugged into Your Student's Campus Community
Parents, caregivers, and supporters of current and prospective CSM students can stay plugged into their student’s campus community with Hawk Family Connection. Keep up to date with personalized newsletters and get access to important information and resources that will help you better support your student on their educational journey!
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