FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 11, 2012 Office of University Relations Turner Hall, Room 2101 College Park,

MD 20742 univcomm@umd.edu (301) 405-4621 Olivia Denn 774-573-3641 o.denn@yahoo.com

Maryland Minority Enrollment Increases by 8.7%

COLLEGE PARK, Md. Minority enrollment at The University of Maryland has increased by 8.7 percent this fall. The enrollment change reflects university efforts to diversify the student body. While total student enrollment remains at 24,500, an increase of less than 1 percent from the previous year, Maryland President Wallace Loh deems this a major accomplishment. The university has taken a significant step forward, Loh said. Our many efforts of recent years are beginning to produce the desired results. Recent efforts by the university have shown significant changes over the past five years. According to statistics, minority enrollment stood at 1,540 five years ago. Today, with the addition of 152 students who belong to minority groups, such enrollment has grown to 1,899 this fall. (more)

News release: Minority Enrollment p.2

Enrollment numbers in specific categories has jumped over the past year. Minority Enrollment Minority group American Indian Asian Hispanics African American Increase 22.55% 8.45% 6.19% 5.01%

The change in Marylands minority enrollment is the first step to an exciting future, Loh said. The increase in minority students is a gratifying sight for many students, faculty and administrators who have worked for it, Loh said. We still have more to do. This is only the beginning. For more information, visit www.admissions.umd.edu. ### About the University of Maryland The University of Maryland, College Park is a public research university located just outside of Washington D.C. in the city of College Park, Maryland. Founded in 1856, the university is the largest public institution in the state of Maryland, with a fall enrollment of 24,500 students. Maryland offers over 100 undergraduate majors and 120 graduate programs. The university is member to the Atlantic Coast Conference athletic league as well as the Association of American Universities. For more information visit the universitys website at www.umd.edu or call 301405-4621.

TO: Yasmeen Abutaleb FROM: Olivia Denn DATE: Nov. 10, 2012 SUBJECT: Minority Enrollment Increases at UMD Ms. Abutaleb: Minority enrollment at the University of Maryland has increased to 8.7 percent this past fall. University efforts have led to recent enrollment changes, including an increase of the number of African American, American Indian, Asian and Hispanic students. This University has taken a significant step forward, university president Wallace D. Loh says. Our many efforts of recent years are beginning to produce the desired results. I believe that readers of The Diamondback will be interested in learning about these recent enrollment changes. The university demographic directly impacts students, as admitted students are future classmates of those currently enrolled at the university. Your newspaper reaches students who might be interested in stories of minority groups such as: Personal experience Family dynamic Integration at a public university

I will send more information about the recent minority enrollment as it is released by the university. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 774-573-3641 or o.denn@yahoo.com. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to working with you in the future.

Sincerely,

Olivia Denn

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 11, 2012 Office of University Relations Turner Hall, Room 2101 College Park, MD 20742 univcomm@umd.edu (301) 405-4621 Olivia Denn 774-573-3641 o.denn@yahoo.com

Maryland Professor Interprets Testing Maryland Professor Releases Book Discussing Negative Consequences of Testing
F. Allan Hanson, professor of anthropology at the University of Maryland, has written Testing Testing: Social Consequences of the Examined Life: a book about American societys addiction to tests. In his work, Hanson unveils hidden consequences of tests commonly used for businesses and educational purposes. He recommends the elimination of integrity testing, which is commonly used by employers to screen applicants and monitor employees. He also calls for an exception of drug tests only with probably suspicion. Hanson credits tests that measure performance, such as what a student has learned in class or skills someone has learned for a job, as important and useful. However, he deems tests that predict behavior and attitude as problematic. Hanson argues that tests such as IQ tests can have unpredicted and undesirable consequences. (more)

News release: Book Release p.2 Negative impact Hanson notes that tests assign people to certain categories, including genius, slow learner or security risk. Dependant on results, these categories may significantly hinder an individual. They are then treated, act and come to think of themselves according to the expectations associated with those categories, Hanson says. These tests prove to have negative consequences in the workforce as well, as employment decisions are too often determined from results. People are examined and evaluated less for qualifications or knowledge they already possess than for thaw the test results can predict about future action or potential behavior, Hanson says. Such tests are designed to provide information about people; however, they often inaccurately determine an individuals potential. For more information or access to Hansons book, visit www.lib.umd.edu. ###

TO: Yasmeen Abutaleb FROM: Olivia Denn DATE: Nov. 10, 2012 SUBJECT: Putting Hanson to the test: Maryland professor releases book on testing Ms. Abutaleb: F. Allan Hanson, professor of anthropology at the University of Maryland has written a book about American societys addiction to tests. The book, Testing Testing: Social Consequence of the Examined Life, discusses Hansons perception of drug tests, intelligence and aptitude test and integrity tests. Within is work, Hanson recommends eliminating tests because of negative unintended and undesirable consequences. Hanson says that test results are too often used by employers, educational administrators, insurance firms or even law enforcement agencies to determine who to employ, to arrest or admit to college. I believe that readers of The Diamondback will be interested in a review of Hansons book. Testing Testing: Social Consequence of the Examined Life presents topics that are relevant and applicable to University of Maryland students, as they are affected by test results in and out of the classroom. If you prefer, I can send a free chapter of Hansons book for your review. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 774-573-3641 or o.denn@yahoo.com. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to working with you in the future. Sincerely,

Olivia Denn ###

Synopsis A. Type a. The following sample news releases and e-pitches. B. Key Story Elements a. Key elements include news releases and e-pitches. C. Focus a. The first news release and e-pitch focus on minority enrollment at the university and the second present the release of a book about testing. D. News Values a. Impact/importance i. This story presents universal topics that affects a wide demographic: enrollment and testing E. Target Audience a. Primary audience: i. The primary audience for both releases is present and future students.

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