UMD Pushes Forward with Global Terrorism Minor

START, the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, was founded in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security after the Sept. 11 attacks.

William Braniff is the Executive Director of the innovative program, START, housed at the university's sprawling Baltimore Avenue. START aids in the research efforts of social scientists and other similar research institutions by investigating the basis of terrorism-related questions.





Specifically, the program aims to discover the nature of terrorism and its evolution, dating back even before the Sept. 11th attacks. The program further investigates how geography and cultural influence impact terrorism on a global spectrum, and what the future of terrorism may look like.

The purpose of this program is to not only cultivate research and results, but to disseminate these findings on a national level. For example, teaching methods and research methods that are used at the graduate and professional level.

It is important to note, Braniff explained, that the research generated by START is relevant and helpful to the government, although it is not a government entity, it is an academic entity at the university.


The academic side of the START requires a study of the behavioral and social sciences aspect of terrorism coupled with experiential learning.

Complex is the word that Braniff would consistently use to define the changing field of study that is terrorism. On a global or local scale, the study of terrorism ranges from countering violent extremism in schools to combating larger groups like Al-Qaeda.

Terrorism involves many fields of study that, together, help to mold the Global Terrorism minor. The study of terrorism is not just the study of crime, government or sociology, but a culmination of different studies, coupled with an intensive study of the history and manifestations of terrorism.

Experiential learning is also a fundamental component of the START program. Braniff explained that students this semester are working on a Fearless Ideas program that involves countering violent extremism.

Students are required to contribute research to the Fearless Ideas program as part of their experiential learning. Students conduct research to design very localized thinking about terrorism. For example, Braniff explained that a group of students is currently working to develop a plan on how to counter violent extremism in elementary schools. Gangs and other violent groups may develop early, on a very localized level, and if plans can help schools regulate and discipline these groups, their potential to become a part of larger terrorist organizations decreases.

Internships and study abroad opportunities are also available to students through START. Braniff assisted a group of 15 students on a study abroad trip to Australia this winter where students studied the manifestation of terrorism in foreign countries and how they deal with threats and counter attacks.

The program is still young, Braniff explained, and he hopes it evolves and develops as a leading resource in terrorism studies nationwide.

UMD Pushes Forward with Global Terrorism Minor

Headline: UMD Pushes Forward with Global Terrorism Minor

SUBHEAD 1: START, the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, was founded in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security after the Sept. 11 attacks.

• Basis for program and funding
• *INTERVIEW ABOUT MOTIVATION BEHIND PROGRAM*

SUBHEAD 2: Through curricular and experiential learning, the program helps train students to be national security scholars and practitioners.

• Global terrorism classes required
• *INTERVIEW ABOUT TYPES OF CLASSES OFFERED* 
• Fearless ideas program -- countering violence extremism (Spring 13 addition) 

SUBHEAD 3: The students are required to participate in experiential education opportunities through a flagship internship program.

• Sarah Fishering is the research transition manager
• Discuss some of the internship opportunities

William Braniff, Executive Director of START

I could post this barcode to Facebook or post it to Twitter and write, "Want to learn more about the University of Maryland Global Terrorism Minor?"

Web and Text Alerts at the Forefront of Snow Day News for University of Maryland Students

As the University of Maryland prepares for snow, students turn to the Web, mobile devices and social media to learn about school closures and delays.

A University of Maryland senior, who prefers to remain unnamed, uses Google and AccuWeather to find the latest news on school closures and delays. 

In light of the impending storm, Shannon, who works at the University of Maryland Stamp Student Union assistance desk, explains that there is a chain of events that occur when snow sweeps campus.

Shannon is one student who uses the university's alert system to receive text alerts about school closures and delays. She also turns to social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook.

Despite Shannon's turn to social media for the latest news updates, the Pew Research Center reported that only 47 percent of adults turn to Facebook for news. However, 78 percent of the subgroup reported that they found news related information on Facebook unintentionally, when browsing the social media site for other reasons. 

Campus Recreation Services already reported that Ritchie Coliseum arena will close at 3 p.m. and the fitness center and multipurpose room will close at 7 p.m.

The University of Maryland urges students to check the university homepage, contact the "snow phone line" (301-405-7669) and listen to local radio and televisions statements for the latest updates on delays and cancellations.

Photo courtesy of National Weather Service

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Story Ideas for Mobile Story

My first idea is to report on the importance of the Israeli platform in the 2016 election. With the road to the elections beginning, I think it will be important to many voters to hear candidates stance on the issue. By interviewing experts like assistant professor, Eric Zakim, and Executive Director of Gildenhorn Institute for Israel Studies, Paul Scham, I can gauge appropriate expert opinions on how important the Israel platform will be in the coming election.

My second idea is to research the importance of START, the new program at the University of Maryland designed for the study of terrorism and responses to terrorism. With the field of study becoming more widely available at universities, I would like to interview Gary LaFree who is the director of START and Arie Kruglanksi, the assistant director START. Through these two specialists I can gain insight into the program itself and its importance in today's society.