Help Us Welcome Students Back to Campus
Resources, events, & ways to support students
Dear Colleagues,
It’s that time of year again! We are eagerly preparing for the start of the fall semester and welcoming our new and returning students to campus.To help you support students and answer questions they may bring to you, I want to share three messages recently sent to students about our Welcome, Retrievers program and the resources and opportunities available to them:
There are also several upcoming opportunities for faculty and staff to connect with students and help us welcome them to UMBC:
Retriever Fest: Friday, August 21
Today is new student move-in day, and students and their families will be stopping by Erickson Field to connect with campus offices, departments, and off-campus partners from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Faculty and staff are welcome to stop by the family and hospitality tent, which will feature campus resources and opportunities to connect with students and their families. There will be music, face painting, and tabling by the Family Advisory Board. We will also highlight athletics, student entrepreneurs, and more! Chartwells will host A Taste of UMBC, featuring delicious food options, and the Bookstore will be promoting new UMBC gear.
Community Cookout: Sunday, August 23
Immediately following Convocation, we will gather as a community on Geffen Hill to enjoy a delicious cookout as we head into the new academic year. This is a great opportunity to welcome new students and reconnect with colleagues. Please bring your campus ID. After the cookout, cheer on the men’s soccer team as they play Loyola University at 6 p.m. at Retriever Soccer Park.
Gathering on the Green: Saturday, September 12
The annual Gathering on the Green: Making Neighbors Out of Strangers, takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. at the green space on the corner of Linden Avenue and Shelbourne Road.UMBC community members and local neighbors will come together for an evening of connection, fun, and celebration. Enjoy a free cookout, live music, games, and activities for all ages. This is the perfect opportunity to meet new people, build connections, and celebrate the spirit of our community. Hosted by UMBC and local community leaders – everyone is welcome! Bring a friend, bring your family, and come be part of this vibrant neighborhood tradition.
Please share the UMBC events calendar with students, too, to encourage them to participate in all that UMBC has to offer throughout the year.
We want every student who steps onto our campus to know that we are ready for them. They will undoubtedly be looking for our help and our guidance as we welcome them to campus, so let’s make it easy for them to find us. I encourage you to wear your UMBC gear during the first week, look out for students who may be lost or in need of guidance, and show your excitement as we welcome students back to campus!
Finally, we know that as the academic year progresses, students may face a number of challenges, and I want to ensure that you are aware of the available resources to support student’s health and well-being. If you find that students need health, wellness, or basic needs support, Retriever Support Services and Retriever Integrated Health are both important resources.
Together, we can create a vibrant and supportive learning environment where all UMBC students can thrive academically, personally, and professionally. Thank you for your partnership and your energy. If you have any questions, please contact studentaffairs@umbc.edu.
In partnership,
Renique Kersh
Vice President for Student Affairs