McDaniel Weekly - May 12, 2020

From Liz Towle, Dean of Students

Hello Everyone,

It has been a great privilege to write these quick intros to the student newsletter for the past weeks. In the first newsletter I wrote, “I cannot begin to tell you about all the McDaniel Community members who have reached out to me and others wanting to know how they can help YOU! We are all here and want to stay connected to you and continue to work in support of your success!”

As you study and work your way through this exam week please know that all those folks are still thinking of you and sending you their support just like they would have done if you were crossing paths with them on campus this week.

At some point after you have closed out the spring 2020 semester, take a few moments to consider all the obstacles you overcame this semester. I hope you feel a sense of pride in all you have accomplished no matter how great or how seemingly ordinary. And if the online portion of the semester posed some obstacles that you could not overcome, please remember that at some moment in the future you will probably be faced with a similar challenge and you will overcome it and realize that this semester’s struggles were the building blocks for your future success.

Keep moving forward,

Dean Towle

From Julia Jasken, Provost and Executive Vice President

Dear Seniors,

On behalf of the faculty and staff at McDaniel College, I wish you the very best. Congratulations on your significant accomplishments! We look forward to seeing you at the bell ringing ceremony and celebrating with you in person next spring.

All the best,

Julia Jasken, Provost and Executive Vice-President

Residence Hall move out information

The State of Maryland has given McDaniel the okay to begin the residence hall move-out process. By now, residents have received an email that outlines the health and safety guidelines to be followed during the move-out process and provides access to the McDaniel College Spring 2020 Check Out Sign-Up. With the health and safety of everyone in mind, we will limit the number of students who can move out of each building at one time. The move-out process will begin the week of May 18-22, 2020.

GPA calculations

McDaniel has voted that for this semester only, grades of Ds and Fs will not be calculated in GPAs. Grades in the D range will be recorded as DX; credits will be awarded and GPA will not be affected. Grades of F will be recorded as FX; credits will not be awarded and GPA will not be affected. Official transcripts will carry a notation explaining the meaning of DX and FX grades. Contact your advisor or academiclife@mcdaniel.edu with questions. 

Survive finals with Hoover Library

Hoover is helping you destress during finals week with a variety of activities, including Mac & Cheese Jedi Style, Make Your Own Baby Yoda, a Mandalorian Escape Room, and a special message from some of your favorite KPETS therapy dogs! Click here for more information about these activities and access to the virtual Relaxation Room resources. 

Spring textbook returns

The due date for spring rental returns has been pushed back to Monday, June 15th. Renters will receive email reminders as the date approaches. Textbooks will need to be returned via mail as the bookstore is closed to the public. Free UPS labels will be provided in the email or you can access a free UPS label by clicking here. Email sm412@bncollege.com for your order number. 

Financial Aid updates

A separate email was sent on May 6th with updates from the Financial Aid Office. Please remember that the 2020-2021 FAFSA is now available for you to complete and that parents can now apply for the parent plus loan. You can view your award letter by logging into the self-service portal; remember to complete all necessary requirements. 

Important -- voting registration

Please do NOT use McDaniel’s address for voting registration purposes. Use your home address to ensure you receive your ballot in a timely manner. Click here to change your address or request an absentee ballot. 

Pep Band looking for members

McDaniel's new Pep Band is looking for members!  The class meets and rehearses each Friday from 2:20–3:50pm (August 24 - December 4) and plays for each McDaniel home football game.  Spend Saturdays enhancing the atmosphere on game day with all kinds of serious funk, fusion, and fun! Tim Jenkins (tjenkins@mcdaniel.edu) directs the group and repertoire will be lively and diverse.  Register soon if you have interest (MUE–1T01 Pep Band).

2020 graduates -- a special message from former President Barack Obama

In celebration of 2020 graduates, former President Barack Obama will hold an address in a Youtube event titled “Dear Class of 2020” on June 6th. Those joining him include Michelle Obama, the K-pop group BTS, Lady Gaga, former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Alicia Keys, Chloe x Halle, and Kelly Rowland. 

Shout out from the CEO

The CEO would like to wish everyone good luck during finals week! And please remember -- we're here all summer to connect you to remote jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities!

Follow us on social media

Want more updates? Make sure to follow offices on social media!

• OSE: Twitter, Instagram
• CEO: Twitter, Instagram
• ODI: Instagram
• Hoover Library: Twitter, Instagram
• SASS: Instagram
• Athletics: Twitter, Instagram

Elizabeth Skeffington Towle
Dean of Students

Phone: (410) 857-2241

Fax: (410) 857-2773

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