11-29 Weekly HawkTalk Student e-Newsletter
important dates
Dec. 10: Classes end for Fall 7-Week Session II
Dec. 13: Classes end for Fall 15-Week Session
Dec. 15: Deadline to apply to graduate with diploma only, without participating in the January commencement ceremony
Dec. 20: Classes begin for Winter Session
ACCREDITATION FOR THE HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Great news for students in the Health Pathway! CSM’s Health Information Management program has received initial accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). This is an important development that qualifies our graduates to sit for their national certifying exam!
E.X.I.T.O. LATINO/HISPANIC CLUB
E.X.I.T.O (which means “success” in Spanish) is a new club here at CSM. Our mission is to teach everyone about the liveliness of Latin American culture, as well as to provide resources for CSM’s Spanish-speaking students to ensure an enriching college experience. You’ll be immersed in the language, the history, and so much more! If you’re interested, or have questions, contact our sponsor, Marina de Paz-Martinez, at midepaz-martinez@csmd.edu.
NEW NURSING TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY: RN TO BSN PATHWAY AT WVU
Nursing students, CSM just added a new option for taking the next step in your career! We recently finalized an agreement with West Virginia University (WVU). The RN to BSN Pathway offers in-state tuition to registered nurses pursuing their bachelor’s in nursing at West Virginia University, regardless of residency. Visit Transfer Services for the full list of more than 220 articulation agreements and search by institution or program of study!
NOV. 30 IS GIVINGTUESDAY!
Join us Nov. 30 for GivingTuesday—a global day of giving that unleashes the power of radical generosity to transform the lives of our students and enrich our community. Choose CSM and champion student success by donating to scholarships, athletics, or the Hawk Feeder micro-pantries. Gifts of every size will help change lives here in Southern Maryland.
Students who donate will be entered into a drawing to win a CSM Foundation scholarship, which can be used for either tuition or books. Don't forget to identify yourself as a student on the donation form.
CHORALE AND CHAMBER CHOIR CONCERT
On Dec. 1, CSM’s Chorale and Chamber Choir, conducted by Siobhan O’Brien, present their end-of-season concert. Join us for an evening an evening of small and large ensemble vocal numbers, as well as vocal chamber music and solos by members of the ensembles.
MANAGING END-OF-TERM AND HOLIDAY STRESS
If finals exams and papers and the extra demands of the holidays have you feeling not so jolly, join the CSM counselors on Dec. 1 for a lively discussion of practical ways to alleviate stress and find peace in the moment.
STRESS BREAK: VIRTUAL PARTY WITH THE PREZ
Join us for a party with CSM President Maureen Murphy! There’s nothing like a good party to help de-stress from exams and the end of the semester madness. Dr. Murphy will hang out, answer questions, and play games—with more than $1200 in prizes!
PATHWAYS 101
Join CSM staff as they discuss academic pathways, provide registration guidance and tips, show you how to make appointments with CSM personnel, and provide transfer information and strategies.
Sessions start at 7 p.m. and will last no longer than an hour.
Dec. 2: Arts and Humanities, Education and Public Service, and Health
STRESS BREAK: VIRTUAL BEATBOXING WITH SUNGBEATS
Take a break and learn how to beatbox with an interactive workshop with beatbox champion SungBeats! You will be sure to have a blast learning basic drum sounds, vocal scratching, and sound effects in a way that is relatable and fun.
TRANSFER THURSDAY
Connect directly with our transfer partners and get answers, straight from the source! Learn more and register for the Dec. 2 sessions you're interested in.
Old Dominion University and ODU Online, Trinity Washington University, SUNY Delhi School of Nursing (Online RN to BSN Program)
CONNECTIONS LITERARY MAGAZINE: READINGS AND DISCUSSION
Join the contributors to the Fall 2021 Connections Literary Magazine on Dec. 3 for a reading and discussion of their published works.
ST. MARY'S COLLEGE OF MARYLAND STEP PROGRAM WEBINAR
Join us Dec. 3 to learn how you can work on your bachelor’s degree at St. Mary’s College of Maryland while earning your associate degree at CSM, with the STEP program.
HELPING YOURSELF THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS: REFRAME, RECHARGE, RESET
Dec. 3
This live workshop will help you explore self-care and practice mindfulness through the holiday season. Check out your Student Lingo site to get all the details!
Discussion Topics
- The importance of self-care and how to say no to external pressures
- Keeping worry in its place and how to focus on mindfulness practices
- The power of good sleep, exercise, and nutrition
- How a community can help “level-set” our expectations
- The role of humor in overcoming holiday stress
WHO ARE YOU? WHERE ARE YOU GOING? HOW ARE YOU GOING TO GET THERE?
Are you unsure about yourself, your purpose, and how to make a change? These things can bring about anxiety symptoms and irrational thoughts. In this workshop on Dec. 6, we will discuss how to reclaim yourself, awareness of your positive traits, and how they contribute to your purpose.
CSM TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS WEBINARS
Explore the wealth of scholarship opportunities available to you as you transfer to a four-year institution with Transfer Scholarships Webinars! Register now for the webinar on Dec. 7.
TRANSFER THURSDAY
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 www.csmd.edu/TransferThursdays.
Dec. 9: Salisbury University, Towson University, University of Maryland, College Park (Air Force ROTC)
SOLID BRASS JAZZ ENSEMBLE CONCERT
CSM’s Jazz Ensemble, Solid Brass, directed by Professor Randall Runyon, is a community jazz band with membership consisting of CSM students, several military band veterans, and members of the community. Join us Dec. 10 for our end-of-season concert.
LATIN ENSEMBLE CONCERT
On Dec. 11, Ritmo Caché, CSM's Latin Ensemble directed by Dr. Stephen Johnson, performs at the Indian Head Center for the Arts. The concert features several classics of Latin American music in styles such as salsa, bolero, cha-cha-cha, and modern renditions of Latin pop and jazz.
STUDENT RESOURCES
Student health 101
This online health and wellness magazine is your resource on nutrition, career advice, articles like "A cool-down stretch sequence to help you stay flexible," and more. View the current issue now and sign up to receive the Student Health 101 email each month.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
VETERANS, ACTIVE DUTY, AND STUDENTS USING VA BENEFITS
If you’re a recipient of education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Ch. 33), you may be affected by recent policy decisions from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs. Check your student email for important GI Bill® updates for 2022.
The COVID-19 incentives regarding online courses have not been renewed. For terms starting after Dec. 17, 2021, you’ll be required to take on-campus classes; this includes Face-to-Face, Hybrid, and Hy-Flex.
If you receive a monthly housing allowance and/or kicker payments, you’ll need to verify enrollment at the end of each month for terms starting after Dec. 17, 2021.
For more information, check your CSM student email, visit CSM’s Veteran and Military Support page, or contact the college’s Veterans Affairs team.
WEEKLY HAWK PANTRY is Now open
CSM’s new food pantry program, Hawk Pantry, is now open. The Hawk Pantry is a weekly opportunity for students experiencing food insecurity to receive safely stored canned and packaged food items at no cost at the La Plata, Leonardtown, and Prince Frederick Campuses. Any current student in need is welcome to visit any pantry location and receive 30 pounds of food per week, with complete confidentiality. During the months of November and December, holiday food items will also be available at all three Hawk Pantry sites. For more information, including hours and locations, visit the Hawk Pantry page.