The UMBC Connection | A New Semester in Motion

Dear UMBC Faculty and Staff,

This edition of The UMBC Connection brings together important dates for these first weeks of the semester, opportunities to connect and get involved, updates supporting student success, and a look at some of the work and accomplishments already building momentum across the university.

Opportunities & Events

Opportunities to attend, participate in, or engage with across the UMBC community.

• Involvement Fest Returns September 2
  Involvement Fest returns Wednesday, September 2, from noon–2 p.m., connecting students with more than 200 student organizations spanning academic and professional interests, arts and performance, service, cultural communities, club sports, and more. Faculty and staff can help students find opportunities to build community and get involved by encouraging them to attend.

• Explore Baltimore Art and Community at CADVC’s Fall Opening Reception — September 3
  The Center for Art, Design, and Visual Culture will celebrate the opening of Somewhere Over the Rainbow of Row Homes, We Fly with a reception and artist panel from 6–8 p.m. The exhibition brings together artists based in or connected to Baltimore whose work explores themes of home, memory, and community. The reception is free and open to the public.

• Apply for the Picturing Pluralism Cohort by September 9
  The newly launched Center for Religion, Spirituality, & Pluralism invites students, faculty, and staff to participate in Picturing Pluralism, a semester-long photography, conversation, and dialogue project exploring how religious, secular, and spiritual identities shape our community. No photography experience is needed, and participants across religious and non-religious identities are encouraged to apply.

• Gathering on the Green Brings UMBC and Our Neighbors Together — September 12
  UMBC and local community leaders will host Gathering on the Green: Making Neighbors Out of Strangers from 4–7 p.m. at the green space on the corner of Linden Avenue and Shelbourne Road. The annual gathering features a free cookout, live music, games, and activities for all ages and offers an opportunity for members of the UMBC community to connect with our neighbors beyond campus.

Campus Updates

Important updates, deadlines, and resources that may affect your work and the broader UMBC community.

• Early-Semester Academic Dates to Keep in Mind
  As students settle into their classes, faculty and staff can help keep several upcoming deadlines on the radar:

  • August 28: Waitlist deadline

  • August 31: Waitlists deactivated

  • September 4: Schedule adjustment deadline

  • September 7: Labor Day; no classes

  • September 15: Fall graduation application deadline

Additional dates and deadlines are available through UMBC’s official Dates & Deadlines page.

• Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships Renamed to Office of Student Financial Wellness and Assistance
  The new name reflects an expanded, student-centered approach to financial support that goes beyond traditional financial aid administration to include financial literacy, proactive counseling, emergency support, and long-term financial well-being. The change reflects the office’s broader role in supporting student persistence, success, and overall well-being.

University Milestones

Institutional progress and accomplishments from across UMBC.

• Six Analytics Mini Grant Projects Will Turn UMBC Data Into Action
  The Division of Information Technology and Office of the Provost have selected six projects for UMBC’s 2026–27 Analytics Mini Grant program. This year’s projects expand the program’s focus beyond student success and retention to include faculty development and support and administrative efficiency and effectiveness, using institutional data to better understand challenges, inform future interventions, and identify opportunities for improvement across the university.

More from Across UMBC

Additional updates and stories connecting the Retriever community.

• Fall Soccer Brings Early Momentum and More Home Matches
  Retriever soccer is giving the UMBC community plenty to cheer about as the semester begins. Women’s soccer opened the season 3–0 for the first time since 2014 and returns to Retriever Soccer Park to host St. John’s on August 27. Men’s soccer continues its early-season home stretch with matches against Presbyterian on August 28 and George Washington on August 31.

• Reminder: Pick Up the Latest UMBC Magazine
  The latest issue of UMBC Magazine is available at select campus locations, including The Commons, the Administration Building, and the Performing Arts and Humanities Building. As UMBC moves away from mailing individual copies to faculty and staff, community members can pick up a print issue on campus or explore the expanded digital magazine, including additional stories, web-only features, and multimedia content. If you notice a magazine stand running low, please contact magazine@umbc.edu.

Help Shape The UMBC Connection

As this effort continues to take shape, your feedback will help guide how we strengthen internal communications across the university.We welcome your input and invite you to share your feedback on The UMBC Connection.

If you would prefer, you are also welcome to reach out directly to Jessica McGroarty, Director of Internal Communications, at jmcgro@umbc.edu.

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