Contact Information: University of Maryland

College Park, MD 20742, USA

Phone: 301-405-1000
Email:emailum@umd.edu.

SEO: UMD Minority Enrollment Increase

Bring Diversity to Campus with New Students
Minority student enrollment is growing on the UMD campus as more people of multicultural
backgrounds join the student body
The University of Maryland reports that minority enrollment has increased by more than
eight percent 8.7% this fall. Wallace D. Loh, the University president, has said that the recent
increase in minority enrollment is the result of a series of efforts to grow diversity on campus.
With campus enrollment only increasing by one percent this year, the jump in minority
enrollment may come as a surprise. ButHowever, the data collected by UMDd shows that this is
a pattern of occurrences.
Trends in Enrollment
Minority student enrollment has been on the rise for a few years now. Data from five
years ago compared with to data from the past two years shows that there has been a steady trend
of rising enrollment:
o 1,540 students (fi
o 1,540 students
o 1,747 students
o 1,899 students

o ve years ago)
o 1,747 students (last year)
o 1,899 students (this year)

o 4%
o 11%
o 8%

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Page 2
Kevin Gough W/R #7 TA #1 Comm231-0201 Nov. 12, 2015 News Release pg. 2
According to Loh however, the recent efforts are not enough. We still have more to
do., Hhe said. Thissaid, this is only the beginning.
About the University of Maryland
We are a public state university committed to providing a space where students can learn,
grow and discover their interests. As a Uuniversity we value our students contributions to our
mission and make an effort to make our school a reflection of our students.

Contact Information:
UMD Public Relations Rep. Kevin Gough kgough1@terpmail.umd.edu 410-564-7906

###

Kevin Gough
W/R #7 TA #1
Comm231-0201
Nov. 12, 2015
News release: Pitch
Subject: Growing diversity means growing tensions
For the eyes of Matt Dragonette:
An increase in diversity means acceptance for most people, but there are those who would seek
to segregate and divide us as people. With more diversity on campus, the real minority students
are the closet racists.
Matt,
Recent campus data shows a large increase in the enrollment of minority students. Many
students are excited to have more people with different backgrounds on campus, but with there is
likely a divide between certain students on campus who would prefer a more segregated campus.
For a potential feature piece, you may be able to write on the true minority on campus,
racist/prejudiced students. As more multicultural individuals enter the university system, its
possible we may also see a rise in racist incidents. To speak with someone regarding
discrimination on campus, follow up with Jazmyn White, the acting president of the Black
Student Union at umdbsu@gmail.com.
You may also want to speak to the enrollment office as well; theyll help you determine
why there is such an influx of minority students. President Loh was unclear on his specific
methods, but did assert efforts have been ongoing to attract a more diverse student body. Thanks
for taking the time to read through, feel free to contact me with any other questions.

Kevin Gough
-30Kevin Gough
W/R #7 TA #1
Comm231-0201
Nov. 12, 2015
Feature Release
Contact Information: University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742, USA
Phone: 301-405-1000 Email:emailum@umd.edu.

Contact Information: University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA

Phone:
301-405-1000 Email: emailum@umd.edu.
SEO: Hidden consequences behind American test taking
How Aptitude and Integrity Tests are Testing for Neither
New research indicates the American standard of testing individuals may be doing more harm
than good for the recipients of aptitude and integrity tests.
Drugs. Alcohol. Gambling. Addictions of the average American. But, what if I told you
Americans were falling victim to something far more acceptable? Tests meant to determine
aptitude and integrity maymight actually be doing quite the opposite, according to research done
by F. Allan Hanson, a professor of Anthropology at UMdMD.
Hanson asserts in his book that using integrity and aptitude tests can act as a life
sentence. The result of the test binds them to the expectation of success or failure. Hanson
thinks that children taking IQ tests at young ages may adapt to their scoresthe scores as they
mature. More specifically, a students peers and mentors conform act to meet the expectations

provided by theof the IQ test, potentially impactinginfluencing the students expectation of

themselves and his/her potential for success in the future.
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Kevin Gough W/R #7 TA #1 Comm231-0201 Nov. 12, 2015 Feature Release pg. 2
[Students] are examined and evaluated less for qualifications or knowledge they already
possess than for what the test results can predict about future actions, says HansonHanson says.
He believes evaluating someones practical ability through their future potentialpotential limits
the test giver and taker.
A look into the soul
Test taking is one way for people to take a glimpse into the mind of the subjects. But,
Tto have another person peruse through your most intimate thoughts, unable to retreat into the
solace of ones own mind may truly be a shattering experience for those who take polygraph, or
lie detector tests.

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Page 2
A questioner forces an individual to submit to his line of questioning, while the individual
attaches a device, which measures stress. As the individual answers questions, the questioner
records answers, alongside stress levels corresponding with each answer. People believe that
Ttruth and lies can allegedly be determined for each response, by the person by deciphering these
stress patterns.
Hanson finds thinks these tests to beare vile and calls them a pornographic gaze into
persons private thoughts. As the results are often unreliable, iIt forces an individual to reveal

parts about themselves against their will. Those who appear in the public eye may feel pressure
take a lie detector test in order to establish credibility, but at what cost to their personal psyche?
Sacrificing ones own mental sanctity for the trust of the public is just the one of many symptoms
of Americas addiction to tests.

(more)

About the University of Maryland

Established in 1856, the University of Maryland is proud to be a continuing leader in progressive
education. We pride ourselves in our ability to tailor our education to fit our diverse student
body and to individually adapt to those same students needs.

###

Kevin Gough
W/R #7 TA #1
Comm231-0201
Nov. 12, 2015
Feature Release: Pitch
Subject: Are you smart or not?
For the eyes of Michael Errigo:
Americas obsession with testing is beginning to spill over negative consequences on the
recipients of these tests. A new book published by F. Allan Hanson indicates that aptitude and
integrity testing impact a persons individual apitutde and integrity.
Michael,
A new book written by anthropology professor F. Allan Hanson indicates that certain
aptitude tests (IQ, SAT) and integrity (Lie detector and drug tests) are actually hampering
Americans personal ability and the integrity of the nation.
According to Hanson, these tests limit both potential employees who are weeded out of a
companys hiring process and students who perform poorly on aptitude tests. Both of these
groups of people may fall into a cycle of relying on these tests to determine their own self-worth.

You may want to write an article targeting early education faculty and students, as early
aptitude tests can severely limit a childs potential according to Hanson. Laura Froh,
laurafroh@terpmail.umd.edu, is a student in the program and Dr. Christy Tirrell-Corbin, the
director of the program.
You may also be able to write an article that provides alternate views to lie detector tests
and their value. Hanson was adamantly opposed, but there are a fair amount of instances where
these tests have proved very useful. Take a look and let me know if you have any other concerns
or questions. Thanks for your time.
Kevin Gough
-30-