UMDigest: Maryland Ranked 19th Best Public School, Athlete GPAs Rise

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Maryland Ranks 19th Among Public Schools

US News & World Report's 2013 education rankings are out, and the University of Maryland has placed 19th among public schools in this year's standings. Other notable placements for UMD: 58th among national universities, 18th among engineering graduate programs, 14th place among computer science graduate programs, and first among crimnology graduate programs. Read more from US News & World Report.

UMD Study: Exercise May Help Guard Against Stress

A study from researchers at the University of Maryland School of Public Health finds that exercise may help people cope better with stress and anxiety post-workout. "If you exercise, you'll not only reduce your anxiety, but you'll be better able to maintain that reduced anxiety when confronted with emotional events," according to J. Carson Smith, assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology. Read more from the UMD NewsDesk.

Maryland Student Nominated for Making a Difference Award

Ola Ojewumi, a 21-year-old University of Maryland student, has been nominated for a $2,500 Making A Difference award through BET.com's BLACK GIRLS ROCK! program. Her work includes collecting hundreds of books and teddy bears for children suffering from illnesses and promoting the cause of organ donation. Read more from The Gazette.

Student Athlete GPAs Up Slightly Last Semester

The cumulative GPA of UMD's student athletes rose slightly in the 2012 spring semester, according to university officials, climbing to 2.875 from 2.862 in fall of 2011. The single-semester GPA of student athletes also rose from 2.856 last fall to 2.881 this past spring. Read more from Terrapin Athletics.