The Graduate School Newsletter
Fall 2026
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the way we learn, work, and lead, and Hood College is committed to helping our students navigate this evolving landscape responsibly and effectively. This fall, we are excited to launch the new AI Hub at ai.hood.edu, a central resource for AI tools, training opportunities, best practices, and guidance on the ethical and appropriate use of artificial intelligence in academic and professional settings. Students are also encouraged to explore our AI Student Resources webpage for practical guidance, policies, and support as you develop AI literacy and learn how to use these emerging technologies with integrity.
To promote transparency and shared expectations, every Hood course syllabus will now include an AI Designation that clearly identifies how AI may be used in that class. Courses will be designated as Fully Human-Centered, Human-Directed with AI Assistance, or AI-Produced, Human-Guided, helping students understand the role AI plays in learning activities and assignments from the very first day of class. We encourage all students to familiarize themselves with these designations and make the AI Hub a regular part of their academic toolkit as they prepare for success in an increasingly AI-enabled world.
The Office of Accessibility Services assists and supports eligible students with disabilities. The primary goal of OAS is to reduce barriers to access, eliminate the stigma around disability, and to promote student self-advocacy and independence. Graduate students who may benefit from accommodations are strongly encouraged to meet with OAS to discuss setting up an accommodation plan, even if they have never used accommodations before. Please visit hood.edu/accessibility for more information or reach out to accessibilityservices@hood.edu with questions. We look forward to meeting you.
The Career Center here at Hood College isn’t just for undergrads—we’ve got your career goals covered, too! Need a sharp LinkedIn headshot? Our photo booth’s ready. Missing the perfect interview outfit? Check out our career closet. Want to land that dream job or internship? We’ll help you fine-tune your resume, prep for interviews, boost your LinkedIn profile, and master job search strategies.
We’ve also developed a great resource for graduate students on our website—visit your dedicated page: https://www.hood.edu/student-life/catherine-filene-shouse-center-career-development-experiential-education/graduate-international-students. For more information about these and other programs, stop by the Career Center on the 2nd floor of the Apple Building, email careers@hood.edu, or make an appointment in Handshake. Let’s make your next step your best step!
Hello and welcome to Fall Semester 2026! I am Amanda Emily Smith, and I am so excited to serve as the Graduate Student Association (GSA) President. I am a graduate student studying clinical mental health counseling.
As the president of the GSA, I am looking forward to serving all graduate students. The GSA is about making connections to each other, our professors, and the community. There is such beautiful diversity in the graduate student body in race, age, ethnicity, gender and sexuality. I want to make a welcoming environment for all graduate students to learn, connect and grow. One of the best ways to do this is by attending our events. This is an excellent time to meet other graduate students, to socialize and find support. As you attend events, you will see your network grow.
Let’s talk about other ways to get involved and grow your leadership skills. You can join the Graduate School Association as our Vice President, Social Media VP or Event VP. This is a great way to take part in the GSA. You will be helping to decide the direction of our GSA and support its mission.
Finally, email us at GSA@hood.edu. We would love to hear your ideas about events, your questions about grad school and your concerns. Please follow us on socials--links below. We are here for you! Let’s have a great school year! Wishing you the best this semester, and I look forward to seeing you around campus and at our virtual events!
~Harriet Caesley, Grad-Student Success Coordinator~
Happy fall, everyone! Welcome to all new students who are starting at Hood and welcome back returning students. We are excited to have you all at Hood College this Fall!
I hope everyone had a wonderful summer. I am delighted to be back as your Graduate Student Success Coordinator. In this role, I am here to support you as graduate students by ensuring you are connected to the resources necessary for SUCCESS.
This semester I will be hosting a variety of tabling events. The first of which will be on Monday August 24th in Tollhouse Lobby and on Thursday August 27th in Hodson Lobby. This will be your chance to understand the support resources available to you at Hood as well as an opportunity to ask me any of your burning questions.
For the events above and any further events that are out on by the Graduate School please watch your Blazer Navigate app for details! If you have not yet downloaded the free Blazer Navigate app onto your mobile phone, please do so ASAP. Visit this link for instructions: www.hood.edu/BlazerNavigate. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at GradSuccess@hood.edu if you have any questions about the above events or find yourself in need of support. Have a great fall! Good luck for the semester!
Whether this is your first semester or your third year, we hope you had a wonderful summer and are preparing for a great start to the new academic year. New things can be exciting and energizing, but they can be a little (or a lot!) scary, too. Transitions are hard, and it is common for us to feel more stress, anxiety and worry during times of change. If the transitions in your life are causing you stress, here are some things to try:
Find some consistency: In a world that seems full of change, little pieces of routine can be grounding and comforting. Try to notice opportunities to inject some predictability into your day, whether that be a morning or evening routine, time spent exercising your mind or body, or time spent talking to a friend or family member on your way to campus. Even though some of your day might be new and unfamiliar, this will give you predictable pieces to hold onto!
Practice self-care: Change is tiring, both physically and mentally. All the new situations you are finding yourself in stress your mind and body as they try to adapt and learn how to navigate this new environment. Take some time to be gentle towards yourself by getting good sleep, feeding and nourishing your body, and taking time to relax.
Embrace your community: Here on campus, all of us are going through this season of change together, whether it is our first year on campus or our fiftieth. The start of the new academic year brings new challenges and transitions for everyone. Do not be afraid to reach out for that little extra support as you adjust!
Counseling Services is ready and eager to support you as you make your return to campus or the virtual classroom. Drop in during one of our walk-in hours which are offered in-person from 11 am-1 PM in Apple 8A or 8C, Monday-Wednesday. You can also schedule a virtual or evening consultation by emailing nctc@hood.edu. Check our website at www.hood.edu/counseling to learn more about how we can help!
GradCare: Resources for Health, Wellness and Success
GradCare is intended to be an all-encompassing resource to connect graduate students with services and resources to help them be healthy at Hood. We are constantly updating the site with resources and services located on-campus and in the community, so check back often!
Campus Cupboard: Addressing Hunger at Hood
Campus Cupboard aims to provide non-perishable food staples and hygiene items to students with a temporary or long-term need via a confidential system. If you are currently experiencing food insecurity or are struggling to afford groceries or basic toiletry items, simply fill out our interest form or email our secure mailbox at campuscupboard@hood.edu to receive additional information on requesting/receiving this support.
Private Lactation Room Available On-Campus
The private lactation room is located on the first floor of the J. Henry Apple Resource Building in room 8B. The room accommodates one person at a time and is available on a first come, first serve basis. Individuals should bring their own personal equipment, including membranes, clean tubing, breast shields and collection bottles. For more information, contact Amanda Dymek at wellness@hood.edu.
My name is Christian Villarosa, and I am the international-student liaison in the Graduate School. Along with Ms. Al-Dajane, our PDSO, I provide support to international students from the moment of application. At Hood College, we want to ensure that all graduate students, both U.S. and international, are aware of the different resources available to them. We hope you lean on these resources to ensure you have the best experience possible during your time here at Hood College.
For international students, please visit our international student support resources page for details on the supports and information unique to your situation, like transportation options, health insurance, local dining options and more! We want your experience in a new country to go as smoothly as possible, so please make sure to check out those resources if you haven’t already done so.
Finally, I encourage you to download the Blazer Navigate app for details on the above resources and events. If you have not yet downloaded the free Blazer Navigate app for onto your mobile phone, please do so ASAP! Visit this link for instructions: www.hood.edu/BlazerNavigate. Have a great fall!
It’s that time again—time to brag about yourself! We are always looking for stories about the wonderful accomplishments of our students, both current and alumni. To facilitate the collection of such good news, we have a handy online form for you to use as often as you like. Whether you just presented at a conference or received an academic award or work promotion, we want to know about it. So what are you waiting for?
People's Choice Winner, Quiera Harris
People's Choice Winner, Venkata Krishna Kandalai
Georgia Braun is the Executive Assistant to Dean Boulton and Event Manager at the Graduate School. She also oversees the Graduate Student Association, whose student leaders host events each semester that encourage graduate students to rest, reflect, and connect with one another and the broader Hood community. Passionate about building connections and fostering a welcoming campus environment, Georgia is committed to enhancing the graduate student experience at Hood College. Learn more about Georgia here and email your event questions to her at braun@hood.edu.
~Tanith Fowler Corsi, Director of Graduate Admission~
Chances are, it wasn’t just a website or an ad—it was a friend, colleague, or family member sharing their experience. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful ways to discover new opportunities. While digital ads can spread the word far and wide, most people still turn to their personal networks for trusted recommendations.
That’s why your voice matters. Every time you share your Hood experience, you could inspire someone—nearby or halfway across the globe—to take the next step in their education. Here’s how you can help spread the #HOODLOVE:
- Be featured in our graduate student and alumni story blogs. We love showcasing the diverse journeys of our students and alumni. Your story could inspire future Blazers! Email us at GoFurther@hood.edu to be featured on our graduate website and social media.
- Invite your network to our open house events. Whether virtual or in-person, our Open House and Admission Café events are the perfect way to explore our programs, meet faculty and staff, and hear from current students. Share this registration link with anyone exploring their graduate options.
Remember what makes Hood special: small class sizes, affordability, career-focused programs, flexible options, and personalized attention. Help us share the #HOODLOVE and make a difference in someone’s educational journey. Questions or ideas? Contact me at GoFurther@hood.edu.
A native of Severn, Maryland, Cameron is a proud Double Blazer (BA '17, MA '24). As an undergraduate, he studied Communication Arts, competed in distance freestyle for the Hood College Men's Swimming Team, and wrote for The Blue & Grey student newspaper. Cameron is the Graduate School 4PLUS liaison. Learn more about Cameron here and email him at crogers@hood.edu.
We recently added the below 4PLUS pathways. If you are interested in either of these tracks, do not hesitate to reach out to us at the Graduate School. Additional 4PLUS pathways are in the works, so please keep an eye out in the near future!
- B.A. or B.S. to M.S. in Management Information Systems. This 4PLUS program is designed for highly motivated students who have the desire to build career options into their undergraduate curriculum and earn a master's degree in management information systems. The program is especially relevant to students majoring in either computer science or business administration, but it is also available to students from other disciplines.
- B.A. or B.S. to M.S. in Health Informatics. By connecting people, technology and data, health informatics professionals are an essential part of the patient-physician relationship and are instrumental in improving healthcare outcomes and safety. Undergraduate students from all majors are eligible to participate in this 4PLUS program that allows for a combined, and in some cases accelerated, master’s degree in Health Informatics after the completion of their undergraduate program.
4PLUS is an accelerated, dual-degree program that allows undergraduate students to begin graduate coursework as early as their junior year. Eligible students can earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as little as five years. The 4PLUS program includes the following master’s degrees:
- Biomedical Science
- Business Administration (MBA)
- Cybersecurity
- Clinical Mental Health or School Counseling
- Environmental Biology
- Information Technology
Current undergraduate students and recent alumni also receive special benefits for applying to The Graduate School at Hood College through our ALTY (Alumni of the Last Three Years) scholarship program. Benefits include waiving the application fee, no cost to your last three graduate credits, and an expedited admission process. Interested students should contact our 4PLUS liaison Cameron Rogers at 4PLUS@hood.edu for more information.
The job market is evolving faster than ever, and today's most successful professionals are the ones who continuously invest in learning. Hood College's Skill Accelerator Badge Program gives graduate students the opportunity to build practical, in-demand skills that complement their degree and make them more competitive in any industry.
Whether you're looking to advance in your current field or explore new opportunities, earning a digital badge allows you to step outside your area of expertise and develop a well-rounded professional skill set. Our badges in Artificial Intelligence and Project Management, for example, are designed to be valuable across virtually every profession.
These flexible, career-focused programs help you gain immediately applicable skills, demonstrate your expertise to employers, and stay ahead in an increasingly changing workforce. Investing in your professional development today can open doors to new opportunities tomorrow. We have over 70 badges to choose from! Learn more at our Skill Accelerator website.
Still looking for an on-Campus Employment Opportunity? Join us at our on-campus employment workshop on Wednesday, August 19 at 4:00 p.m. in the Career Center (Apple Building). You will meet the Career Center team members to navigate resources and opportunities. A panel of F-1 students will share their success story in securing on-campus employment. Email PDSO@hood.edu if you have questions.
Meet with representatives from Frederick regional nonprofit organizations to learn about volunteer, internship, and employment opportunities. See participating organizations in Handshake!
Or registering using this event link.
Have a question for the Dean, or just want to chat? Join Dialogue with the Dean for a one-on-one session to discuss what’s on your mind.
https://zoom.us/j/901227084?pwd=WjloQ3I3aWR1VzNzdVBEYjRxei9sdz09
Meeting ID: 901 227 084; Passcode: 000772
A Lobster's Perspective on Changing Climate
HOOD TALKS is a series of free virtual discussions hosted by Hood’s faculty. Covering topics from AI and cybersecurity to healthcare and business management, HOOD TALKS provide an in-depth look at politics, culture, technology and more. Our faculty experts unpack these complex subjects and guide you through real-world case studies. Gain insider knowledge to help turn obstacles into opportunities. Learn how to navigate challenges in a rapidly evolving world. Satisfy your intellectual curiosity with diverse perspectives. Register for our first Hood Talk of the season, which will explore how climate change is impacting the lobster industry with Eric Annis, here.
Interested in learning more about Hood’s 4PLUS program? This accelerated dual-degree program allows undergraduate students to begin graduate coursework as early as their junior year. Eligible students can earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as little as five years. All undergraduate students (first year through senior) are welcome to attend one of the below virtual events. We encourage all prospective graduate students (at Hood and beyond) to attend one of the below virtual events, so spread the word! To learn more, register for one now here.
Have a question for the Dean, or just want to chat? Join Dialogue with the Dean for a one-on-one session to discuss what’s on your mind.
https://zoom.us/j/901227084?pwd=WjloQ3I3aWR1VzNzdVBEYjRxei9sdz09
Meeting ID: 901 227 084; Passcode: 000772
For all students on F-1 visas, the International Student Services, in partnership with the Registrar Office and Career Center, is hosting a virtual internship/CPT information event on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Policies and procedures for securing an internship/curricular practical training (CPT) on your F-1 visa will be explained. Ms. Kelesy Stottlemyer, Associate Registrar for Graduate Studies, will explain the CPT internship registration process. The Career Center staff will give a virtual demonstration of their search engines for locating such opportunities. The highlight of the workshop is always the panel of F-1 alumni who have gone through the process successfully. To register, click here. For more information, please email our director of international student services, Amani Al-Dajane, MBA’20, at PDSO@hood.edu
How Nursing is Shaping the Future of Healthcare
HOOD TALKS is a series of free virtual discussions hosted by Hood’s faculty. Covering topics from AI and cybersecurity to healthcare and business management, HOOD TALKS provide an in-depth look at politics, culture, technology and more. Our faculty experts unpack these complex subjects and guide you through real-world case studies. Gain insider knowledge to help turn obstacles into opportunities. Learn how to navigate challenges in a rapidly evolving world. Satisfy your intellectual curiosity with diverse perspectives. Register for our first Hood Talk of the season, which will explore how nursing is shaping the future of healthcare with Jennifer Cooper, here.
We look forward to celebrating our next round of 4PLUS inductees on Tuesday, November 3, from 1-2 PM. Friends and families are welcome to attend the celebration! Reach out to our 4PLUS liaison Cameron Rogers’17 at 4PLUS@hood.edu for more information. You can also stop by the graduate school office on the 3rd floor of the Apple Resource Building for more information.
Empowering Teachers: How AI is changing K-12 Education
HOOD TALKS is a series of free virtual discussions hosted by Hood’s faculty. Covering topics from AI and cybersecurity to healthcare and business management, HOOD TALKS provide an in-depth look at politics, culture, technology and more. Our faculty experts unpack these complex subjects and guide you through real-world case studies. Gain insider knowledge to help turn obstacles into opportunities. Learn how to navigate challenges in a rapidly evolving world. Satisfy your intellectual curiosity with diverse perspectives. Register for our first Hood Talk of the season, which will explore how AI is changing K-12 education with Marisel Torres-Crespo, here.
Have a question for the Dean, or just want to chat? Join Dialogue with the Dean for a one-on-one session to discuss what’s on your mind.
https://zoom.us/j/901227084?pwd=WjloQ3I3aWR1VzNzdVBEYjRxei9sdz09
Meeting ID: 901 227 084; Passcode: 000772
CONTACT & FOLLOW US
Email: GoFurther@hood.edu
Website: www.hood.edu/graduate
Location: 401 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, Maryland
Phone: (301) 696-3600
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