The Bulletin - March 8, 2023
March 8, 2023
School of Education Leads Innovative Degree Apprenticeship Program to Address Teacher Shortage
Notre Dame of Maryland’s School of Education continues to play a central role in helping address teacher shortages across the state, with a new grant of $249,553 providing an innovative pathway for paraprofessionals to earn a bachelor’s degree and special education certification through a degree apprenticeship program – the first of its kind in Maryland.
NDMU’s Elevates program, made possible through a grant awarded by the Maryland State Department of Education, will be implemented through partnerships with John Ruhrah Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore and the Harbour School in Annapolis. Five paraprofessionals at each institution will be selected to participate in the 60-credit pilot initiative. After completing all requirements for degree completion and certification, participants will be required to teach in their sponsoring school system for a minimum of two years.
“The School of Education is proud to have this opportunity to increase access to higher education for paraprofessionals in our partner schools who may not otherwise have the resources to move forward as a certified teacher,” said Dr. Kathryn Doherty, dean of NDMU’s School of Education. “NDMU Elevates is an innovative program that builds on the rigor of the School of Education curriculum, while recognizing the extensive on-the-job experience that paraprofessionals and support staff bring to their work every day. It is a nontraditional pathway to transform lives, and places us at the forefront of new models of education to serve diverse communities.”
Gators Women's Basketball Competes in NCAA III Tournament
The Gators women’s basketball team competed in the NCAA Division III tournament for only the second time in program history last Friday, March 3, after the team earned its first Colonial States Athletic Conference championship. The Gators fell in the first round to #16 Trinity (CT) by a score of 58-43 on Friday, Mar. 3 in Hartford, Conn.
Alexis Durham, who racked up 21 points, led NDMU in scoring. Alexis Jones made an impact, netting seven points in 19 minutes of action. Daija Fitchett pulled in nine rebounds, becoming the program's career rebounding leader in the process.
Education Professor Trains Faculty in Africa Through Fulbright Specialist Program
A Notre Dame of Maryland University education faculty member completed a life-changing experience in Malawi, a landlocked country located in southeastern Africa, where she taught professors innovative teaching and learning strategies as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright Specialist Program.
Dr. Molly Dunn, an assistant professor in NDMU’s School of Education, shared her expertise at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) for four weeks in January. While there, she provided valuable professional development to educators at the institution while launching long-term initiatives to expand virtual instruction capabilities and create a Center for Teaching and Learning.
President's Leadership Forum Kicks off Women's History Month
Allison Lawrence, president of Stanley Black & Decker eCommerce, helped the NDMU community kick off Women's History Month last week at the 2023 President's Leadership Forum. Student moderator Jensen Armstrong ‘24 and student presenter Nisttha Ray ‘26 participated in the event and helped make it a success. She shared her professional journey and gave advice to our students on how to reach their full potential after graduation. “The journey isn’t a perfect straight line, the beauty of the journey is what you make of all the pivots along the way,” said Lawrence."
Tracy K. Smith Inspires Students at Eichner Women Writers Series
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith shared her poetry in an intimate reading at last month's Eichner Women Writers Series. She touched on themes relating to loss and grief, race, and injustice and shared advice with students about finding their own voice through writing.
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Honors Students Present Research at Statewide Conference
Five students from the Elizabeth Morrissy Honors Program attended the Maryland Collegiate Honors Council Conference last month, and two of them presented their research. Julie Asbury, a Sister Alma Scholar, presented her research entitled, “Poly-GR leads to neuronal loss and behavioral deficits in a mouse model.” Averee Radonovich also presented her research, "Examining Burnout in Critical Care Nurses After the COVID-19 Pandemic." The other students who attended the conference are Jensen Armstrong, vice-president of the Executive Board; Erin Shaw, admissions Representative, Executive Board; and Victoria Wong, living-learning community and mentor Coordinator, Executive Board. Led by Dr. Evelyn Spratt, all of the students participated in scholarly seminars during the conference. NDMU is set to host the Maryland Collegiate Honors Council Conference in February 2024.
Student/Faculty/Staff Updates
School of Education
Ryan Schaaf, associate professor of Educational Technology, has been nominated for the Maryland Society of Educational Technology’s Outstanding Higher Education Technology award. This award recognizes an educator in higher education who has made exemplary contributions to the implementation of technology in Maryland schools. It supports the organization’s mission to advance excellence in learning and teaching through innovative and effective uses of technology.
School of Pharmacy
Drs. Sharon Park, assistant dean for academic affairs, and Nicole Culhane, assistant dean for experiential education, represented the School of Pharmacy in presentations at the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Interim Meeting last month. Dr. Park was the speaker for the Faculty Workload Reimagined Joint Task Force session. In that session, the task force co-chairs presented their findings after a critical evaluation of the literature in pharmacy, medicine, nursing, and higher education, as well as collected examples of workload tools and policies from many programs. The presenters focused on each of the primary workload components of teaching, research, service, and practice, as well as a review recent surveys of leadership and faculty regarding perceptions of workload equity. Dr. Culhane was a presenter for a debate session with the 2022-23 Academic Leadership Fellows on the topic "Online Certificates and Digital Badges will positively disrupt pharmacy education.
Congratulations to Sherry Moore M’20, who was recognized this week by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) as an Invisible Superhero! The award was presented by the APhA-Academy of Pharmacy Practice and Management Immunizing Pharmacists Special Interest Group. Moore serves as an assistant director of experiential education in the School of Pharmacy. She has worked extensively with outside preceptors to develop vaccination clinics in Baltimore, giving NDMU students countless training opportunities while providing vital healthcare support to local community members.
Conference and Auxiliary Services
Updated Dining Information
Save the Dates
Sophomore Success Program Friday Night Kick-Off
Friday, March 10 | 5:30 - 7 p.m. | Fourier Library
Sophomore students will come together to play games and connect with others, as part of the kick-off to the Sophomore Success Program weekend.
Working Women: Female Progressive Reformers Who Transformed the World
Monday, March 13 | 5 - 6:30 p.m. | Fourier Library
Two School of Education alumnae who received their PhDs and one current School of Education PhD candidate. They will present their current research on female reformers during the Progressive Movement. RSVP by March 9.
NDMU Art Hive
Tuesday, March 14 | 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Doyle Formal
The NDMU Art Hive, facilitated by members of the NDMU Art Therapy Department and students, welcomes the NDMU community and everyone else for free and open art making!
Movie Night: The Woman King
Wednesday, March 15 | 6 - 9 p.m. | Global Digital Classroom, Caroline Hall Fourth Floor
Join Dr. Jen Erdman and the History & Political Science Department for a showing of The Woman King, based on the real all-female warriors in West Africa that provided the inspiration for Black Panther. Following the showing, there will be a discussion and reflection about colonization and the portrayal of female warriors, both in The Woman King and Black Panther.
Think About it Thursday: Vision for Women
Thursday, March 16 | 7 - 9 p.m. | Feeley International Center 003 (Meletia Hall Ground Floor)
Join Campus Activities Board and Residence Life as we think about womanhood. We will make a group banner to display on campus and provide materials for a personal vision board. Ask questions of our special panelists. Share some life tips and meet someone new in our Fast dash friendship activity. Tasty refreshments are provided!
Nursing Career Fair
Wednesday, March 22 | 12 - 2 p.m. | Doyle Formal
This career fair is open to all students enrolled in programs in the School of Nursing. Learn about the differences among regional medical centers. Over 10 different employers are expected to be in attendance!
Loyola Notre Dame Library 50th Anniversary Open House
Thursday, March 30 | 4:30 - 6 p.m. | Loyola Notre Dame Library Gallery
Celebrate the library’s 50th anniversary as guest speaker Lia Purpura shares an original poetry reading. Experience our online and in-person archives exhibit that highlights LNDL history. Light hors d'oeuvre will be served, as well as wine and champagne (21+). RSVP by March 10.
Academic Calendar
View the latest version of the Academic Calendar for 2022-23.
NDMU Events
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Upcoming Events
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