The Graduate School Newsletter
Fall 2025
Every other fall, we collect feedback from current grad students on their academic and support experiences here at Hood College. Last fall (2024), we learned that graduate students are yearning for deeper connections within and outside their degree program. They want connections to their peers, their faculty and successful alumni in their field. Pair that finding with curricular strengths across our graduate programs, and you will arrive at this year’s theme of “connections.” From interdisciplinary programming and collaboration across graduate programs to networking with alumni in your and related disciplines, you will have many opportunities in the coming year to expand your strengths and professional network. I look forward to connecting with each of you. Let’s start by finding each other on LinkedIn!
The Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) 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 are located on the second floor in the Apple building (right next to the Career Center), and 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. Plus, we’ve got some can’t-miss events this semester:
🍦 8/20 – Careers, Cones, & Cornhole – Handshake Activation Day, 1 – 2 p.m., Campus Quad
🌍 8/27 – F-1 Campus Employment Workshop, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., Career Center
💬 9/2 – Woman2Woman Mentoring, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m., Coblentz Dining Hall
🤝 9/9 – Community Volunteer & Internship Fair, Noon - 2 p.m., Whitaker Campus Center
💊 9/16 – UMD School of Pharmacy Visit, 9:30 a.m. - Noon - Hodson Science & Tech & 12:30 – 2 p.m. - Coblentz Dining Hall
💻 10/1 – MD/PA Virtual Career Fair, Noon – 5 p.m., Virtual
🚔 10/2 – Criminal Justice Career Fair, 12:30 - 2 p.m., Whitaker Campus Center
✍ 10/7 – Fulbright Grant Writing Workshop, 1 – 2 p.m., Career Center
🔬 11/6 – Science & Technology Career Fair, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., Whitaker Commons
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!
Welcome to all of our new graduate students this semester! I hope you’ll visit and peruse the online modules your faculty and the graduate-school team have created to support you. From cultural awareness to funding your degree and planning your course progression, we have compiled a one-stop shop to prepare you for success in your first semester as a graduate student.
The site is unique to your entering spring cohort of graduate students, and it will serve as a resource for you again and again during your time at the College. Periodically, we will add new modules that mirror your degree progress—preparing you for that internship, capstone/thesis/dissertation experience, and career change or advancement. Click here for the link, which will take you to your Blackboard login screen. Once you’re logged in, simply click on the New Graduate Student Orientation Fall2025 course site, then click on the “START HERE” video in the center of your screen.
Here’s to a successful first semester!
Welcome to the Fall 2025 semester! Whether you're beginning your journey as a new graduate student or returning to continue your academic pursuits, I want to extend a warm welcome to every one of you.
As the President of the of the Graduate Student Association (GSA), I look forward to connecting with you to better understand your needs and interests. The journey through graduate school can be as challenging as it is rewarding, and we’re here to make sure you don’t have to face it alone. Our goal is to help you achieve your academic, professional, and personal goals at Hood while navigating the challenges of graduate school.
One of the best ways to make the most of your graduate school experience is by engaging with the GSA. We are a vibrant and supportive community, and our activities and events are designed to help you build academic, professional, and social connections. Keep an eye out for our event calendar and I encourage you to get involved and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way this semester. If you are wondering how to get involved, you can start by following us on Instagram (@hoodgsa), Facebook (@HoodGSA), and X (@Hood_GSA). Links below. I look forward to an amazing semester together!
Feel free to reach out to us at GSA@hood.edu. The GSA is here to support you every step of the way, and we look forward to working with you to make Fall 2025 a memorable and successful semester! Best of luck this semester, and I look forward to seeing you at our events!
Happy fall, everyone! I hope the beginning of the fall semester finds you all refreshed and ready to dive into everything the fall semester has to offer. I’m so happy to be returning for one last semester as your Graduate Student Success Coordinator before graduating from the Counseling program. It’s truly been an honor to work with and alongside all of you for the past two years, and I will genuinely miss Hood and all of you once I’m gone. This semester, I will be partnering with Dean Boulton to host alumni networking events for our business, biology, and wellness students (i.e., counseling, nutrition, thanatology & trauma) from 5:30 to 6:30 PM on October 9th. I will also be partnering with Hood’s Wellness Office to table in both Hodson and Toll House with snacks and information related to problem gambling.
For all of the above events and more, 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!
Autumn Smith, Grad-Student Success Coordinator
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 12-2PM in Apple 8A or 8C, Monday-Thursday. 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?
The Graduate School is pleased to highlight Dr. Dorian Elizabeth Knapp, the founding director of our MFA in creative writing. Dr. Knapp is a professor of English and has taught at the College for more than 16 years. She earned her B.A. in English and fine arts from Amherst College, followed by an MFA in creative writing from the Bennington Writing Seminars (a low-residency program like Hood’s MFA) and her Ph.D. in English from Western Michigan University. Knapp has written multiple poetry collections, including Causa Sui, which won this year’s Three Mile Harbor Book Award. It will be published in September. Learn more about Dr. Knapp here.
Susan Glover, founder and CEO of Tour de Force Partners, brings 25 years of executive leadership experience and her organizational leadership studies at Hood College to help leaders and organizations thrive. She is also vice president and senior consultant with HealthSearch Partners. Formerly chief quality officer for Adventist HealthCare, Glover has served on numerous boards focused on quality, safety, and domestic violence prevention, including chairing the Maryland Patient Safety Center. She currently serves on the Generation Hope Board and is a founding member of Champions for Children. Passionate about organizational effectiveness, leadership, and governance, Glover now channels her expertise into driving positive change for leaders and teams. Read more here.
1st Place Winner, Shannon McGoey
People's Choice Winner, Anup Navuru
People's Choice Winner, Angie Auldridge
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.
~Tanith Fowler Corsi, Director of Graduate Admission
We’re excited to announce that we’re expanding our 4PLUS offerings this upcoming academic year! Stay tuned in the coming months for more information and instructions on how to sign up:
1. 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.
2. 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. 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 Nick Masucci ’17 at 4PLUS@hood.edu for more information.
Still looking for an on-Campus Employment Opportunity? Join us at our on-campus employment workshop on August 27 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.
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
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.
Expand your network and connect with successful alumni in your field and related disciplines. As part of our Year of Connections, these events will gather professionals from our BMS, BIFX, MBA, COUN, THAN and NUTR programs.
- Time: 5:30 – 6:30 PM
- Biology/Business: Hodson Atrium
- Wellness: Tollhouse
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
We look forward to celebrating our next round of 4PLUS inductees on Nov 4 from 1-2 PM. Friends and families are welcome to attend the celebration! Reach out to our 4PLUS liaison Nick Masucci ’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.
Join us for our annual STEM networking event and career fair to grow your professional connections. Whether you are currently employed or not, there is always value in expanding your network, so join us! Email careers@hood.edu for more details.
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
LinkedIn: @hood-college
Instagram: @hoodgradschool
Facebook: @HoodGradSchool
TikTok: @hoodgradschool
Bluesky: @HoodGradSchool