More than 1,200 students participated in Commencement at 3M Arena at Mariucci on Friday, May 13, 2022. Two separate ceremonies were held. Undergraduate students celebrated the completion of their bachelor’s of science degrees, and graduate students celebrated the completion of their MEd, MA, MSW, EdD, and PhD programs. Members of the graduating classes of 2019, 2020, and 2021 also participated in the ceremonies.
Themes of resilience and dedication were echoed in the speeches. Dean Michael Rodriguez noted in the undergraduate ceremony, “As graduates of the University of Minnesota, you hold important positions in the world. You have successfully navigated the world of higher education, while managing personal and social worlds more complex than ever.”
Briana Ardolf, a business and marketing and economics double major, was the 2022 undergraduate student speaker. She highlighted the importance of expressing gratitude and investing time into forming lasting friendships. “All the setbacks and challenges I have faced contributed to my growth over the last four years and have shaped me into the person I am today,” she said.
CEHD Undergraduate Commencement 2022 – Photo by Marjan SamadiCEHD Undergraduate Commencement 2022 – Photo by Marjan SamadiFaculty at CEHD Undergraduate Commencement – Photo by Marjan SamadiGraduating students process to 3M Arena at Mariucci at CEHD Graduate Commencement 2022 – Photo by Nicole NeriGraduate student at CEHD Graduate Commencement 2022 – Photo by Nicole Neri Graduating student at CEHD Graduate Commencement 2022 – Photo by Nicole Neri
On May 3-5, CEHD hosted a socially distanced graduation gift pick up and photo opportunity outside of Burton Hall. More than 400 CEHD graduate and undergraduate students participated. Students were able to bring up to two guests to share in their celebratory moment. Thank you to Christen Christopherson, Ann Dingman, Bridget Grotins, and Jenny Schneider for conceptualizing and executing this new event, and the more than 50 faculty and staff from across the college who volunteered to staff the event.
Volunteers: Louis Quast, Peggy Pond, Christen Christopherson, Chelsey Thul, Michael Rodriguez
Michael Rodriguez and Cary Waubanascum, School of Social Work PhD graduate
The 2020 University of Minnesota TRIO Ronald E. McNair Scholars participated in an entirely virtual research experience this summer. Each of the 20 scholars worked with a faculty mentor over the summer, culminating in research projects they virtually presented in August.
Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development
Khalique Rogers, business and marketing education student, Matthew Weber (CLA), mentor
The McNair Scholars program is one of three U.S. Department of Education funded TRIO programs housed in CEHD. The program seeks to increase the doctoral program application, matriculation, and degree attainment by underrepresented and first-generation college students.
CEHD Career Services staff are ready to engage with CEHD students as fall semester approaches in new and innovative ways. Below they share some tips for connecting with employers virtually, how to engage in a proactive and reflective way on your career goals, and other helpful tips. Make a virtual appointment with Career Services.
What is CEHD Career Services’ overall approach to career development?
CEHD students are incredibly talented and our goal is to support them through their career journey starting from the moment they enroll! We take an individualized and developmental approach to the work we do with students, meaning that they are in the driver seat of each appointment, while we provide the support they need whether it is a career assessment, career/major exploration, resume review, searching for positions, interview preparation, salary negotiation, and/or grad school applications.
Every appointment we do is tailored to the specific needs of each student, and our events are specifically designed to be welcoming and reflect the community-oriented culture of CEHD.
How is Career Services approaching Fall 2020 in terms of employer connections and opportunities for students?
We have been working with employers all summer and they are excited to recruit and work with students in Fall 2020! Our plan is to host live online workshops, career fairs, and events to develop meaningful relationships between employers and students. We will be publishing the full list of events on our website so stay tuned!
What are some tips for navigating finding jobs and internships in a virtual environment?
Who am I? What is important to me? What kind of impact do I want to make? What kinds of skills do I want to learn? Asking yourself these kinds of questions can help you feel confident when looking for opportunities and sharing why you are interested. Practice sharing your passions and interests and don’t be afraid to say yes to a new experience. It could lead you to your next opportunity.
Connections are also a valuable resource to learn about occupations or fields of interest. Many internships and jobs are shared within connections and verbally, so it can be valuable to have mentors and peers in fields you want to explore or gain experience in. GoldPASS powered by Handshake and LinkedIn are two platforms to start making connections. These are great because you can virtually connect with folks locally or from around the world!
Any additional ways to connect?
Yes! We invite students to schedule a virtual appointment with us. Our career counselors are always looking forward to meeting with students including weekdays in the summer!
Our office also posts great information on our Facebook and Twitter so follow us to stay in the loop!
What are your general tips to keep in mind as we navigate this unique semester?
We know how quickly things are changing in our world today and we know how challenging uncertainty can feel. When it comes to engaging in your career development, remember that where you are at now is one part of the larger life long journey you are on. Whether you are exploring your major and career options, researching graduate school programs or looking to land your first job, know that you can always integrate what you know about yourself and what you’re learning now to help you move forward. You can do this by understanding your “sense of self” and reflecting on your skills, values, and interests. Knowing this valuable information will help you feel more confident in taking informed and meaningful action. Connect with your community, family, peers, and resources to help get information you need, process your experiences, and make decisions when needed. You will find that you are not alone on this journey! We are here to support you.
Dan-neya Yancey, a 2020 Family Social Science graduate, shares some tips for incoming and returning undergraduate students. Dan-neya highlights the importance of taking risks, making connections, and being flexible. As a student, Dan-neya was awarded a University of Minnesota President’s Student Leadership and Service Award and was the 2020 CEHD virtual commencement undergraduate speaker.
Briefly describe your plans for post-graduation/current employer and position and why you are pursuing that.
This summer I am interning with The Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth (BBAY) which “…strives to increase high school graduation rates, create pathways to college and career, and ensure the safety and well-being for youth in the Brooklyns” (Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park). I co-lead the Youth Data Squad. We are doing research on the impacts that COVID-19 and other current issues have on youth and young adults living in the Brooklyns.
I pursued this opportunity because this organization and I go way back. As a previous resident of Brooklyn Center and graduate of Brooklyn Center High School, I have benefited greatly from the programs they offer. Another reason I pursued this internship is because I want to expand my network, gain experience in business, and focus on doing community engagement work.
What were some of the informational resources on campus you took advantage of?
Besides my college advisor and peer mentor, I did my own research on campus events and to find information on just about anything. Google what you want to learn more about and put “umn.edu” behind it. It works like a charm!
As for building your network, you may want to attend some open houses to learn about campus resources. My personal favorite open house is at Appleby Hall. They house some of the best resources, from the Student Counseling Center, the Aurora Center, the Writing Center, the Women’s Center, President’s Emerging Scholars (PES), CLA PES, MCAE and more.
Were you involved in any student groups/organizations? If so, what are some key things you learned from your experience?
Between my experience as mentor with the President’s Emerging Scholars program, a bandana carrier for The Green Bandana Project, a Peer$ financial literacy mentor, and being a student leader on the campus-wide Undergraduate Advisory Board, I have learned valuable skills and key lessons:
Your voice matters. As a student on campus, you are going to experience campus life differently from the school’s administration, your instructors, and some of your peers. So, don’t just get involved but be the change you want to see on your campus.
Transparency is key. Although being involved in campus organizations is important and a major highlight of being an undergraduate student, there is something to be said about knowing your own capacity to take on more and to lessen your load as well. Be transparent about the things happening in your life and how your support system can best help you during the stressful times.
Do it. Yes, even when you’re scared! I’ve grown outside of my comfort zone since I entered the University and earned my degree. I acknowledged my struggles internally and the external barriers but learned to focus on what I can control. Sometimes the only person in your way is you.
Was there anything that surprised you about being a student at the U of M and CEHD?
Hemant Persaud, a good friend and alum of the U of M and President’s Emerging Scholars, once reminded me of this important saying, “it is easy to make a big campus feel small but it is harder to make a small campus feel big.”
Being enrolled in CEHD and the University, I was surprised at the amount of opportunities that were available to me. I was nervous that I would get lost in the sea of people and would not be able to find a community of friends and the support system I knew I needed. However, the exact opposite happened! I took the chance and I engaged with my peers and the professional staff. I became less overwhelmed and more curious about what I could do to leave my mark on both my college community and the University.
I found a few places where I felt a sense of belonging and those same spaces are where I have been challenged, where I’ve grown, learned, and have also been supported through all the ups and downs of life as a college student.
What advice do you have for undergraduate students for this upcoming academic year?
Dive in, it’s all one big balancing act!To create the undergraduate experience you want to have it is all about starting early and putting yourself out there. Yes, you’re going to wear different hats as a student, family member, friend, roommate, etc. but don’t forget to enjoy those fun moments.
Meet with your advisor(s) and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. They are there to help you navigate the stress of scheduling each semester. So come with questions. It also doesn’t hurt to do your own research on courses before setting up a meeting. They are also a fantastic resource when it comes connecting you with opportunities they hear about around campus.
It’s okay, plans can change. Having expectations needs to be balanced with flexibility. Be intentional about the time you have and how you are going to make the most of the resources around you to fulfill your goals.
Manage your mental health and your physical health. Everyone should take time to engage in self-care activities (sidenote: There is a thin line between self-care and procrastination). Take time out of your day to help strengthen the mind and body.
More about Dan-neya
Here’s an April 2021 update that details Yancey leading a pilot initiative at BBAY.
Discover Family Social Science
If you’re looking for a major where you can make a difference and create change, Family Social Science is where you belong! FSoS draws on multiple disciplines, including social work, human development, sociology, and psychology, and offers small class sizes and individualized attention. Professors see you as a whole person, are interested in what you have to say, and are committed to your success. You’ll be prepared for a variety of career paths in a tight-knit supportive department. Learn more about a major in Family Social Science.
In response to COVID-19 school closures, TRIO Upward Bound distributed Chromebook laptops and iPads for students to use for the remainder of the school year. The laptops and iPads were used for program services, so are being reallocated to support students during school closures and while TRIO Upward Bound services continue online. TRIO Upward Bound at the U of M serves students in four Minneapolis high schools. Tricia Wilkinson, TRIO Upward Bound director, distributed the Chromebook laptops along with calculators, writing utensils, notebooks, cleaning wipes, and hand sanitizer.
“We will continue to reach out to students and meet their needs so they can be holistically academically prepared,” says Wilkinson.
Associate Professor Rose Vukovic, Department of Educational Psychology, asked students in her Fall 2019 FYI course to examine data from the 2018 Student Experience in the Research University (SERU) survey. Survey responses showed first-generation students and students of color felt less valued at the U of M Twin Cities than other students, and students wrote essays reflecting on the survey results. Feedback mentioned ways advisors and student support staff can make campus more inclusive. Suggestions included a desire to discuss diversity and inclusion issues with their advisors and that they appreciate regular check-ins and referrals to campus resources. Below are excerpts from four student essays.
What can non-marginalized students do to make campus more inclusive? They could welcome others. For example, on welcome week non- marginalized students could try to knock on doors and say hi to their neighbors or kids on their floor. This way you create a sense of community, making others feel welcomed and willing to be more open towards you. The University of Minnesota Administration should also help students feel a sense of belonging by doing check-ins. A check-in would be students meeting with their advisors. Doing so may allow students to share their feelings without judgement, being able to open up and resolve problems they may be having on campus. -Johnathan
Ask questions about the feelings and needs of others, be curious of how you can make them feel more valued. Be interested in the endeavors of your peers. Make their individual interests feel important and valued. Encourage matters of growth and ideas within them. Faculty and other adult mentors, help students with their questions, inform about campus resources that can help them. There is so much one person can do to make another feel as though their individual values and characteristics are important. -Kallianne
The University of Minnesota is commonly referred to as a highly diverse campus. Right from the beginning we are shown statistics of how people from all over the world come to the University of Minnesota and just how diverse we are. So how can we allow all people no matter what a person’s race, ethnicity, or cultural background feel that sense of belonging and respect? The U does a very nice job of offering clubs and organizations to be a part of to help create that sense of belonging, but this clearly is not enough to ensure that for all students. Having these groups more accessible and having more of them could help this issue…One other thing that everyone can also help to take part in would be to always be welcoming and respectful to everyone here on campus. It should be everyone’s goal to help ensure that all students feel respected and a sense of belonging here on campus and this will be a team effort to help provide that for each student here. -Mackenzie
The feeling of belonging includes feeling respected, valued, and loved within a community. Feeling this comfort and inclusion in your community, particularly your college community, is incredibly important. Just as humans need food or water, we need to feel that our presence is significant. This is a critical step in anyone’s pursuit of happiness and overall satisfaction with life. There should be abundant resources available for students who feel at all excluded from the university community. Counselors and advisors should be ready to have discussions about any situations surrounding diversity and inclusion. The U of M should continue to support student groups for minorities. Additionally, non-marginalized students can take an active role in promoting total student body acceptance by embracing marginalized students and being open to hearing their perspectives. With these steps, our university can grow to become a more accepting, loving environment that makes it easy to feel comfortable no matter who you are. -Maggie
Anna Mraz, senior academic advisor in CEHD Student Services, won a 2020 John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising. The Tate award recognizes high-quality advising at the University and honors contributions that academic advising and career services make in helping students formulate and achieve their intellectual, career, and personal goals.
In her nomination, students described Anna as prepared, knowledgeable, empathetic, encouraging, intelligent, kind, and understanding. Anna has also focused her personal and professional work to advance understanding of diversity and equity, and how students are impacted by the climate of the University every day as they navigate coursework, adjustment to campus life, and career planning. Anna helped implement the Strengths-based model in CEHD and helped expand that work campus-wide. Anna has also been an advisor to the CEHD Undergraduate Student Board and a co-chair of the Academic Advising Network, where under her leadership a New Advisor Group was created to build community and learning for all new advising staff at the University. One of four 2020 Tate Award winners, Mraz will be honored at the John Tate Professional Development Conference and Awards Ceremony on March 4.
Tracey Hammell, academic adviser in the School of Kinesiology, and Betty Yang, academic adviser in CEHD Student Services, co-presented last week at the 2019 Overcoming Racism conference at Metropolitan State University. Their interactive workshop, Confronting White Supremacy 101, focused on the framework of the Four I’s of Oppression to discuss how white supremacy is integrated in daily life.
Nominating a colleague for one of the 10 CEHD college awards is a great way to acknowledge outstanding work and inspire others. The 2019 nominations are now open and anyone in CEHD can nominate a CEHD faculty or staff member for any of the awards. All nominations are due on February 28, 2019. Award winners will be announced at the Spring Assembly.
To learn more about the awards or obtain nomination materials, see:
The 2018 University of Minnesota TRIO Ronald E. McNair Scholars presented their summer research in August at the annual poster research symposium. The poster session highlighted the research efforts of 20 McNair scholars, including five CEHD undergraduates and five CEHD faculty mentors. The McNair Scholars program is one of three U.S. Department of Education funded TRIO programs housed in CEHD. The program seeks to increase the doctoral program application, matriculation, and degree attainment by underrepresented and first-generation college students. The cohort included students from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Carleton College, and Macalester College.
2018 CEHD McNair scholars and/or faculty mentors are: Muzamil Ibrahim, Youth Studies, and faculty mentor Katie Johnston-Goodstar, School of Social Work; Kania Johnson, Family Social Science, and faculty mentor Chris Uggen, (CLA) department of Sociology; Kimberly Knourek, (CLA) Child Psychology, and faculty mentor Ann Masten, Institute of Child Development; Brianna Lundgren, (CLA) Psychology, and faculty mentor Megan Gunnar, Institute of Child Development; Nicolas Mendivil, Kinesiology & (CLA) Psychology, and faculty mentor Beth Lewis, School of Kinesiology; and Cristaly Mercado, Special Education, and faculty mentor Keisha Varma, department of Educational Psychology.
Anna Mraz, academic adviser in CEHD Student Services, co-presented with CLA academic adviser Jacob Rudy, at the NACADA Region 6 Conference held this month. NACADA is the professional association for academic advisers in higher education.
Mraz and Rudy presented on the new adviser group they’ve implemented at the U of M to foster training, support, and networking for new advisers across the University. This group and its “Get To Know U” curriculum has helped advisers simultaneously build their knowledge base and professional network in a systematic and ongoing manner.
Congratulations to Mark Bellcourt, senior academic adviser in CEHD Student Services and CFANS Student Services, for winning a 2018 U of M John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising. The Tate award recognizes high-quality advising at the University and honors contributions that academic advising and career services make in helping students formulate and achieve their intellectual, career, and personal goals.
In Bellcourt’s nomination, students described his advising style as open, approachable, responsive, supportive, and welcoming. Bellcourt was also recognized for his commitment to serving and advocating for historically underrepresented students and helping students in financial crisis seek and find financial resources. One of four 2018 Tate award winners, Bellcourt will be honored at the John Tate Professional Development Conference & Awards Ceremony on March 8 at the McNamara Alumni Center.
Their presentation addressed how the term ally has become a “buzzword, ” and how to move beyond allyship and shift towards becoming accomplices in social justice work. “Allyship” must be re-envisioned to better serve communities and dismantle systems of oppression. Participants learned the importance of the accomplice framework and its connection to advocacy.
Pictured are some of the TRIO programs and CEHD Student Services staff who were first-generation college students.
As part of the national First-Generation College Celebration on Nov. 8, U of M TRIO programs and CEHD Student Services staff and students shared their stories, and invited CEHD first-generation students to also share their story and celebrate being the first in their families to attend college. Approximately 39% of CEHD first-year students are first-generation students.
The inaugural event was founded by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) to mark the 52nd anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965. COE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the expansion of educational opportunities throughout the United States. The council works in conjunction with colleges, universities, and agencies that host federal TRIO programs.
Owen Marciano, associate director of recruitment and admissions in CEHD Student Services, has been awarded the University’s 2017 Josie R. Johnson Human Rights and Social Justice Award. The award recognizes University faculty, staff, and students who are creating respectful and inclusive living, learning, and working environments. He will be honored at the University of Minnesota’s Equity and Diversity Breakfast on Nov. 16.
Owen has spent more than 15 years serving, supporting, and advocating for underrepresented students in higher education. He leads CEHD’s undergraduate recruitment, communications, and admissions, and brings social justice to the forefront in all of this work. For example, Owen identified and changed policies that serve as admission barriers to marginalized and oppressed individuals and groups. Colleagues noted his unwavering commitment to social justice has a far-reaching, positive impact on them personally, and impacts their work across CEHD and the University. Owen also delivers anti-oppression training on campus and in the community, is a member of the Campus Climate Engagement Team, and a community activist.
Rose Simon ’17 delivered the convocation address. to over 6,000 U of M freshmen.
Rose Simon, a 2017 family social science graduate, was a keynote speaker at this year’s New Student Convocation, the U o f M’s welcome event for the incoming first-year class. Simon was encouraged to apply for the opportunity by her undergraduate student services adviser, Carole Anne Broad. A transcript of her speech is below, and view the event on YouTube. Simon’s speech begins around the 1 hour mark.
Welcome Class of 2021 and may I be one of many to congratulate you on this huge accomplishment. You are now officially a college student and you have certainly overcome numerous barriers to be here today and you should be very proud of yourselves. I am sure you are thrilled and eager to start classes and most importantly, for the “all you can eat” ice cream in the dining halls. However, before we get too far into your college days, I’m here to share a few of my own experiences and tips to help you along the way: and my first one to you is, don’t eat too much ice cream.
When I look back at my past four years of college, I can’t help but smile. I have done some pretty amazing things, but I was still surprised when I was asked to speak to you today. Surely, there was someone more qualified than I with a more picturesque college experience. What you heard in my bio is fairly impressive and I certainly worked hard these past four years but what you don’t hear about are the many challenges I faced throughout college. You don’t hear about the mental health issues I faced, or the time I was affected by a terrorist attack when I studied abroad, or the classes that I almost failed. These challenges became part of my journey and I realized that I DID have a perfect experience, just in a different manner that can’t be compared to any other college experience. It was perfect because I was challenged academically, mentally, emotionally and physically, and eventually I realized that I walked away with greater insight about myself and my potential.
So, I’m not here to tell you my life story, but I am here to share a few tips from my own journey through college. I have four tips for you that I hope will guide you in overcoming and succeeding when faced with your diverse challenges; whether your challenges are small or mighty.
Tip #1 Find your passion – whatever that is, and follow it, and do NOT let doubt overtake your confidence.
I love French, but boy did I struggle. When I was failing a French course my freshman year, it was difficult to remember how much I loved languages and connecting with other cultures when society was telling me that I should do something more practical, something that makes money. But my heart was telling me otherwise. When I made the wise choice to follow my passion by declaring my French major, I was able to live abroad in France for an entire year learning and challenging myself in a new space and culture. So find your passion, and stick with it, because some things are just meant to be.
# 2; Ask for help. There will be times when you feel overwhelmed and you need to know that the entire U of M community has your back. Asking for help, whether it’s going to your professor’s office hours and asking for homework help, asking your mentor, friend, advisor or coach for advice, or seeing a Boynton therapist – it will be the best way for you to find support when you face tough challenges. I personally have asked for help from all of those resources and I can attest to how much it helped me. So when faced with challenges, small or mighty, ask for help.
#3: Connect with your community on campus, and you will find your home and your second family where you will only receive love, support, and connection. Find your sport team if that’s what you’re into, join a fraternity or sorority, surround yourself with those that share pride in your culture by joining a cultural group, find support through programs like the Multicultural Center of Academic Excellence, TRIO or the President’s Emerging Scholars Program. I found my niche with the University of Minnesota women’s rugby team and my President’s Emerging Scholars family, and those two groups showed me nothing but love and support and as a result, I always felt like coming to campus was coming home.
And my final tip for you…
#4; Seek challenges and step out of your comfort zone. No doubt, this will happen without choice, but there are many ways that you can deliberately step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself with new experiences. Show up at a club meeting even if you don’t know anyone, study abroad in a different country, volunteer with a community you have never worked with, learn about a new culture. From studying abroad I learned that taking a step beyond what I was used to or comfortable with was an amazing way for me to learn beyond the classroom, and I don’t regret any of the challenges that I placed upon myself.
I know this is not the first time you have faced a challenge, and for many, you have faced bigger challenges then most can even imagine. When your faced with these new challenges, remember you’ve earned your place at the U of M and in four years you will be holding a diploma instead of a tassel and looking back at your challenges and honoring your successes, for teaching you so many life lessons.
I hope that when you look back on your college career four years from now, that you will have found your passion and followed it, found a community and embraced it, asked for guidance and given it, and challenged yourself, but most importantly, I hope you can look back and can’t help but smile. Best of luck on your journey and congratulations!
CEHD Student Services senior academic adviser Faustina Cuevas presented at the 2017 NASPA conference for higher education student affairs professionals, held in San Antonio.
Cuevas and Gilbert Valencia, residence director with U of M Housing & Residential Life, presented “Starting a Faculty & Staff Affinity Group: Importance, Challenges & Sustainability.” Their session focused on the tools and resources needed to start a faculty and staff affinity group on campus. They shared strategies and challenges they faced in starting the Latino/a Faculty and Staff Association at the U of M, hopefully inspiring others to see the need and importance of affinity groups to build community and retain diverse staff and faculty.
CEHD Student Services senior academic advisers Faustina Cuevas and Tracey Hammell recently presented “Microaggressions: Did that just really happen?” to the U of M Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. Their presentation examined microaggressions’ role in society and their effect on people. Cuevas and Hammell discussed what steps can be taken to understand and limit microaggressions in our own way of being as well as creating awareness of microaggressions with others.
