Welcome back Public Health Terps! To gather the SPH community together in marking the new semester, the school will be hosting its third annual Welcome Week filled with fun activities, experiences and opportunities to connect with the SPH family.
"Our Welcome Week events create a space where our entire School of Public Health community will have a fantastic time meeting new people and learning about the impactful ways that public health touches the everyday happenings of our campus, broader community and world,” said SPH Assistant Dean for Diversity and Chief of Staff Erin McClure. “We have a vibrant and diverse community that cares about how culture shapes our belonging.”
Tuesday, Sept. 17: Welcome Back Week will kick off with its first event Tuesday with “Spill the Tea (and Coffee).” From 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the SPH ground floor, students can connect with others and enjoy a free morning beverage. Later that afternoon, join the first in a series of events created for students to overcome stress and learn valuable tips to have a successful semester. The event will take place online with Naked and Afraid TV reality star Terra Short – who made history as the first transgender woman to compete on the show – from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Short will offer advice to help students get through the semester smoothly.
Wednesday, Sept. 18: From 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on the ground floor of SPH,take a spin with Phi Alpha Epsilon’s Self-Care Wonder Wheel, where healthy lifestyle tips and free personal care items will be provided. Right afterward, from 1-2 p.m. on Zoom, Dr. Kendall Bustad will speak to students about establishing healthy and productive mindsets.
Thursday, Sept. 19: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., everyone is encouraged to attend the SPH Involvement Fair on the ground floor of SPH, where you’ll discover new ways to get connected by learning about SPH’s diverse and active organizations, programs and student groups.
Friday, Sept. 20: Before Friday, cast your vote for a movie choice and then join the fun in SPH Room 1312 at 6 p.m. for a Friday movie night complete with movie snacks.
Monday, Sept. 23: RSVP in advance of Monday to create a stuffed animal in an interactive session on Monday between 10-noon and 2-4 p.m. in SPH Room 0393.
Tuesday, Sept. 24: Tuesday heralds the culmination of Welcome Week, with Boris’ Block Party from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy a day filled with food trucks, performances, bouncy houses, meditation and more. This SPH Culture & Wellness event is welcome to the whole UMD community.
Welcome Week will close out with a Zoom panel discussion, “Overcoming the Fear of Failure,” from 3-4 p.m.
"We are thrilled to welcome our SPH and campus community to the new academic year,” said McClure. “It’s an exciting time to connect and do public health good in our community and the world.”