Announcements - Faculty and Staff
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The UMBC Connection | Deadlines, Campus Updates, and What’s Ahead

Connecting the people and work shaping UMBC

Announcements - Faculty and Staff November 12, 2026 at 10:26 AM

Dear UMBC Faculty and Staff,

As the semester moves toward its final weeks, this edition of The UMBC Connection brings together important deadlines and reminders, opportunities to connect and participate across campus, and recent developments and stories from across the university.

From Open Enrollment and winter weather preparation to Commencement, International Education Week, Athletics, and the arts, here’s what to keep on your radar in the weeks ahead.

Opportunities & Events

Ways to connect and engage across UMBC.

  • Under Armour 410 Invitational Comes to UMBC — November 12–13
    UMBC hosts Morgan State in the opening round of the inaugural Under Armour 410 Invitational, a new college basketball tournament featuring four Baltimore-area universities. Men’s basketball tips off Thursday at 6 p.m., followed by women’s basketball Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena.

  • First Works Concert — November 12–13, 7:30 p.m.
    The Department of Dance presents its annual First Works Concert, featuring new works created and performed by UMBC dance majors.

  • 6th Annual UMBC Brain–Computer Interface Workshop — November 12–13
    Connect with researchers and practitioners working across brain-computer interfaces, neurotechnology, and robotics through demonstrations, discussions, networking, and opportunities for collaboration.

  • Professor Appreciation Day at UMBC Swimming — November 14, 1 p.m.
    Faculty are invited to cheer on UMBC Swimming as the Retrievers host La Salle at the Aquatic Center for Professor Appreciation Day.

  • Walt Weiskopf Quartet — November 15, 3 p.m.
    The Department of Music welcomes saxophonist Walt Weiskopf and his quartet, featuring UMBC faculty musicians, for an afternoon of jazz standards and original works.

  • International Education Week — November 16–20
    Celebrate UMBC’s global community through programs focused on international education, intercultural learning, immigration, research, global opportunities, and supporting international students.

  • Journalistic Ethics from the Campaign Trail to the Statehouse — November 17, 7–8:30 p.m.
    Journalists covering Maryland politics discuss the ethical challenges of reporting on campaigns, elections, and the General Assembly.

  • UMBC Recreation Turkey Trot 3K — November 18
    UMBC Recreation’s annual Turkey Trot returns with opportunities to participate whether or not you plan to run or walk the 3K. Join the campus community for a fun, active break before Thanksgiving.

  • Circles for Beloved Community: Building Belonging After Change — November 18, 4–5:30 p.m.
    Faculty, staff, and students are invited to a facilitated community circle exploring belonging, connection, and how the UMBC community moves forward together during periods of change.

  • Idea & Innovation Challenge — November 19, 6–8 p.m.
    Watch UMBC student entrepreneurs pitch ideas across technology, social impact, and early-stage innovation tracks, with attendees helping select the Best Presentation winner.

  • UMBC Wind Ensemble — November 20
    The UMBC Wind Ensemble presents its fall concert, bringing together student musicians for an evening of works for winds and percussion.

  • UMBC Camerata — November 22
    UMBC’s Camerata chamber choir presents its fall performance featuring choral works performed by students from across the university.

  • Register for the 2026 Service Awards Ceremony — December 3, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
    Join colleagues in the Retriever Activities Center to celebrate UMBC staff and their years of service to the university and the State of Maryland. The event includes lunch and advance registration is encouraged.

  • Join UMBC for Winter Commencement — December 18
    Faculty and staff are invited to help celebrate the Class of 2026 by participating in Winter Commencement. Faculty and staff can join the academic procession or support the ceremonies as event staff. The Undergraduate Ceremony begins at 10 a.m., followed by the Graduate School Ceremony at 3 p.m.

Campus Updates

Important information and resources for UMBC faculty and staff.

  • Open Enrollment Ends November 13
    State of Maryland health benefits Open Enrollment closes Friday, November 13, at 5 p.m. Employees who need to enroll in, cancel, or change their benefits should complete their selections in SPS Workday before the deadline. Healthcare and dependent daycare flexible spending accounts require new enrollment each year, even if you participated in 2026.

  • Prepare Now for Inclement Weather
    As colder weather approaches, faculty and staff are encouraged to make sure they are prepared for potential changes to university operations. Review your contact information in UMBC Alerts, familiarize yourself with UMBC’s inclement weather and emergency closing guidance, and speak with your supervisor in advance if you have questions about your responsibilities during weather-related changes to operations.

  • Complete Mid-Year PMP Feedback Meetings by the End of November
    Supervisors and employees participating in UMBC’s Performance Management Process should complete their mid-year feedback meeting by the end of November. The conversation is an opportunity to review expectations, assess and update goals, discuss progress, and identify training or development needs.

University Milestones

Major achievements and institutional developments across UMBC.

Stories from UMBC

A few recent stories highlighting research, ideas, and experiences across the university.

  • The World Is Full of Smart Devices. But Are We Better Informed?
    Explore how UMBC research is working to make the enormous amount of data generated by everyday sensors more useful while navigating questions around privacy, accuracy, cost, and human decision-making.

  • How Retrievers Engaged in the 2026 Midterm Elections
    A recent UMBC story looks at how students engaged with this year’s midterm elections through voting, civic learning, campus programs, and conversations about why participation in democracy extends beyond Election Day.

  • A Club for Every Student
    Take a closer look at UMBC’s more than 250 student-led organizations and the many ways students build friendships, develop skills, explore interests, and find community beyond the classroom.

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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