STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND STUDENT AWARDS

The American Studies Council of Majors is a student organization which enhances the student's intellectual and personal involvement with both the American Studies Department and the campus community through a number of educational and peer-group support activities. The Council works with the AMST faculty to sponsor special events throughout the year, such as panels of alumni in particular careers, assistance with applying to graduate school, films, and social events. The Council also acts as a liaison between the faculty and the majors, providing a vehicle for student participation in decisions which affect the department. The Council is open to all American Studies majors and UMBC students, and can be contacted through its mailbox in the American Studies office, FA 453.

Graduating seniors are honored each year at UMBC's Student Recognition Day. The American Studies Department confers the Outstanding Achievement in American Studies Award to students who have demonstrated superior academic performance and significant contributions to school and community. The Joe Tobesman Award recognizes returning students who exemplify life-long learner Joe Tobesman's enthusiams for learning, generosity of spirit, and contribution to the lives of others. The department also annually selects a major with one or more semesters of study to receive the UMBC Alumni Association's Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award, an honor which confers a $1000 stipend.

The department invites American Studies alumni back to campus regularly to participate in career and graduate school panels and social events. Alumni also receive the department newsletter and can sign up for the department's alumni listserve by contacting Kathy Bryan (kbryan@umbc.edu).