Our new dean of students, Dr. Demetrius Johnson, brings to Hood College a strong background in higher education leadership, student affairs and academic administration. His previous experience at Bowie State University (vice president for student affairs), Marymount University (associate vice president for student affairs) and Dillard University (dean of students) have prepared him well to lead and empower Hood's student life team in our quest to enrich and elevate the student experience.
Dr. Johnson's first day on campus was Monday, December 4, and his office is located in the student life suite on the second floor of the Whitaker Center.
Also on December 4, Taylor Hahn, M.S.'22, began serving as Hood's new mental health counselor. Taylor joined Hood College's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program as a graduate student in 2019 after moving to Frederick and transitioning from a career in high school education. During her time at Hood, Taylor worked as the graduate student success coordinator supporting various aspects of student wellness and success before graduating in May 2022. After receiving her masters degree, Taylor worked as a mental health counselor for a practice in Frederick.
Taylor will provide mental health counseling services and programming to undergraduate and graduate students through Hood College Counseling Services. Her office is located in the Apple Resource building, Room 8A.
Hood's new coordinator for Title IX, investigation and campus accessibility, Dr. Bryan Robinson, began serving the College on Monday, December 11. He served previously as an assistant dean of students at The University of Akron where, among other things, he received and processed referrals for Title IX cases. In addition, Dr. Robinson has served as a Title IX investigator, hearing panelist and case manager.
Dr. Robinson has been an assistant professor in sociology and/or criminal justice at Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia, and The University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio.
Dr. Robinson's office is located on the third floor of Alumnae Hall, Room 308.
On January 29, Akeem Todman joined Hood's Division of Community and Inclusivity as the director of inclusive excellence. In the inaugural role of director, Akeem will help us build upon our proud and diverse community that is committed to cultivating and strengthening an inclusive, tolerant, multi-cultural and intellectually open environment with equal opportunity for all. The director will be responsible for developing and implementing events and programs that educate and engage the Hood community in its ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging. He will also provide education to undergraduate and graduate students, and staff and faculty regarding issues and experiences of sex and gender-based violence and assist in the development of a healthy sexual campus culture. He will work collaboratively with campus partners to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct.
After earning his B.A. in communications arts and M.S. in higher education administration from Florida International University, Mr. Todman was a graduate career counselor in the Office of Business Career Management before joining Stetson University as the coordinator of diversity and inclusive trainings. Soon thereafter, he was appointed to serve as director of diversity and inclusion. Mr. Todman's office is on the second floor of Alumnae Hall, Room 212.
2024-25 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now available. Maryland residents should file by March 1 to have their state financial aid awarded by April 15. All undergrad and graduate students receiving financial aid are required to renew the FAFSA each academic year. FAFSA renewals can be completed at www.studentaid.gov. The Department of Education recently announced that they plan to begin sending student FAFSA information to institutions in early to mid-March as they are adjusting the FAFSA income tables to accurately reflect inflation and ensure the accuracy of financial assistance. The Office of Financial Aid appreciates your patience as we navigate the FAFSA Simplification with you and will keep you informed of any further updates.
VA Educational Benefits recipients: All students utilizing VA Educational benefits need to submit a Declaration of Intent each semester they would like to use their benefits. Completed forms need to be submitted to the financial aid office before a student's enrollment for the spring semester can be certified. Please contact the financial aid office (finaid@hood.edu) if you need a printed copy of this form or need assistance.
Talking about drinking, substance use and problem gambling is often seen as taboo. Let’s “detoxify” these topics by directly talking with your student about them. Use the following tips to plan and start the conversation!
1. You can disapprove of high-risk behaviors such as drinking alcohol or online gambling. Research shows that parents who communicate zero-tolerance alcohol use are less likely to have a student who drinks excessively compared to parents who have more permissive attitudes. You may assume that your student has experience with high-risk drinking situations, has been offered substances such as cannabis by a friend, or has thought about online sports gambling, but it’s okay as the parent or adult family member to take a stand on these issues. It’s important that your student understands your expectations, even if they don’t agree with them.
2. Your disapproval is not naïve. There is nothing naïve about disapproving of your student’s drinking, substance use or gambling behaviors. Many family members and students think that “… all the kids drink … that’s what everyone does…. all the time…” But that is simply false! Some college students choose to experiment with high-risk activities; however the majority of students do not participate regularly or excessively. Your voice on the matter can have a powerful impact on when, where and how your student chooses to engage in these activities.
3. Recognize the power of your influence. Some family members say, “They’re 18, I can’t tell them what to do anymore.” While your student is no longer a child, your opinions still matter! Let your student know that your role as an adult family member is to keep them safe and healthy, and to provide guidance that will help them get where they want to go in life. When we asked a group of fourth-year college students, “What were the most important influences in helping you achieve what you have in college,” their number one answer was “My parents.”
This content was provided by College Parents Matter. If you want additional tips on how to talk with your student about these topics, you can sign up for their quarterly e-newsletter. If you are concerned about your student or have questions about resources to support your student on Hood’s campus, you can reach out to the director of wellness at dymek@hood.edu.
Designed to help plan for life after Hood--check out these programs designed just for seniors: Countdown to Commencement!
As Hood’s Parent Advisory Council (PAC) grows, so does the number of opportunities for involvement! The fall semester started with the PAC welcoming new students and their families on Move-In Day, meeting and greeting new Hood parents, and answering their questions about campus life.
At 2023 Homecoming & Fall Family Weekend, President Chapdelaine and husband Dave hosted the annual PAC breakfast at East Cottage where new members were welcomed by “veteran” Council members. President Chapdelaine gave an informal update on the College followed by an informative Q&A.
Many thanks to our Council members who gave their time and energy on two “Discover Hood Days.” The PAC greeted admitted Hood students and their families, sharing their Hood stories, answering questions, and demonstrating the power of the “Hood Hello!”
The semiannual “Take a Study Break!” event has found a new home! On the last day of classes, members gathered in Whitaker Atrium to help students fill study break bags with snacks, fruit, drinks, stickers and fidget toys!! The parents also “distributed” hugs and encouraging messages, letting our students know that they were going to ace their finals! Visit the Hood College Parents & Families Facebook page to see photos from this event, and don’t be surprised if you see a familiar face or two!
More opportunities for parent involvement are in store for the spring. Visit the Parent Advisory Council webpage to learn more, or contact Kellye Greenwald ’86, director of alumni and constituent engagement at greenwald@hood.edu.
Of the many traditions that enrich a student’s affection and affinity for Hood, the Hood Ring is the one that alumni hold very close to their hearts. Its unique design makes it instantly recognizable, and many an alum can share a story about how they met a friend, a spouse or a partner because they were wearing their Hood ring.
Traditionally purchased in the junior year, and first worn at the Ring Ceremony held annually in the spring, the Hood ring is a concrete symbol of your student’s perseverance, hard work and well-deserved achievements. We now welcome juniors and seniors to take part in this milestone tradition.
Hood Ring vendor Herff Jones is offering discounted pricing and payment plans. Please contact our HJ representative Michelle Kuhn at mkuhn@herffjones.com for your order. Hood Rings ordered by February 26, 2024, are guaranteed to arrive in time for the 2024 Ring Ceremony on Saturday April 27, 2024.
Hood Alert, the campus emergency notification system, gives college administration and security professionals the ability to reach participating students, faculty, staff, parents and others with time-sensitive information during unforeseen events or emergencies.
For additional information and instructions about signing up to receive alerts, please see Hood Alert.
The College's Mission Statement reads, "Through an integration of the liberal arts and the professions, Hood College provides an education that empowers students to use their hearts, minds and hands to meet personal, professional and global challenges and to lead purposeful lives of responsibility, leadership, service and civic engagement." Faculty and staff interact with your students daily and are dedicated to ensuring students have the tools needed to access and take full advantage of a Hood education.
Please encourage your student to utilize all available resources. We are as excited to see them learn and thrive and embrace Hood's core values as you are!
Hood College's Core Values
- Hope: To believe that everyone can have a positive impact in the world and that education is instrumental in creating and sustaining hope.
- Opportunity: To fully use one’s talents and skills to realize professional and personal achievement and to help create and realize opportunities for others.
- Obligation: To fulfill personal and professional responsibilities with integrity and to be a responsible steward and servant to the betterment of others and this world.
- Democracy: To embrace diversity, foster freedom of thought and expression, and to promote engaged citizenship both in self and others.
Office of Community and Inclusivity
Email: communityandinclusivity@hood.edu
Website: www.hood.edu
Location: 401 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD 21701
Phone: 301-696-3573
