As part of UMBC's ongoing commitment to fostering equitable and inclusive learning and working environments, we are pleased to share our growing training opportunities designed to deepen our community's understanding of religious discrimination and equip faculty and staff with effective strategies to address it. These offerings include two virtual courses and follow-up surveys available through Vector Solutions and in-person sessions facilitated by partners in the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Pluralism.
Faculty, staff, supervisors, and campus partners are encouraged to participate. For enrollment support, submit a request form here or email culture@umbc.edu.
Virtual Trainings via Vector Solutions
1. Recognizing and Responding to Antisemitism
This course provides an overview of antisemitism, its historical development, contemporary manifestations, and effective strategies for addressing bias in academic settings.
Participants will:
Build a foundational understanding of antisemitism and how it has adapted over time.
Learn to identify common expressions of antisemitism in academic and community contexts.
Explore practical approaches for responding to harmful behaviors, comments, or incidents.
2. Recognizing and Responding to Islamophobia
This course introduces the historical context and contemporary experiences of Muslims and Arabs, who are often treated as a single monolithic group. Participants will examine the interpersonal, institutional, and online forms of harm individuals may experience, and develop strategies to counter bias and discrimination in campus settings.
Participants will:
Understand the historical and social factors shaping Islamophobia.
Identify common behaviors, comments, and structures that perpetuate harm.
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Learn practical tools for addressing and reducing harmful actions or assumptions.
In-Person Training: FaithZone Training – Exploring Faith & Spirituality in Higher Education
Available Facilitators: Matt Hoffman, Director for the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Pluralism; Joseph Vann-Jones, Coordinator for the Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being.
FaithZone Training (FZT) is a general workshop and a tailored in-person training session designed to equip participants with the knowledge, language, and practical tools needed to better understand and engage with religious and spiritual diversity in higher education. Drawing from theory, lived experience, and real-world scenarios, the training explores how faith, spirituality, and worldview identities shape identity, values, and daily experiences in academic, professional, and social environments.
Grounded in a model similar to Safe Zone training, FaithZone integrates education and storytelling to encourage participants to dive into their own experiences with religion and spirituality. Additionally, FZT invites participants to recognize how assumptions, misunderstandings, and lack of awareness about religion and spirituality can influence interactions, classroom and workplace dynamics, policies, and institutional culture. The session emphasizes curiosity, respectful engagement across differences, and the importance of inclusive practices that support a diverse campus community.
During this session, participants will:
Learn and define terms connected to the study of religion and spirituality
Learn about the diversity of religious and spiritual traditions on campus as well as national trends within higher education.
Explore the role that religion and spirituality play in individual identity and lived experience by engaging in personal reflection and storytelling.
Reflect on personal assumptions, biases, and knowledge gaps related to religion and belief.
Examine common challenges and misunderstandings related to religious expression in academic and workplace settings.
Engage in interactive activities and dialogue to practice respectful communication across belief differences.
Discuss strategies for fostering inclusive environments that honor religious and spiritual diversity.
Example learning outcomes: By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
Demonstrate increased knowledge, religious literacy, and awareness of diverse belief systems and how they intersect with identity, culture, and institutional life on college campuses.
Interrogate their own personal experiences with religion and spirituality, including biases assumptions, misunderstandings, and knowledge gaps
- Apply practical strategies and best practices for engagement with individuals of different faiths or belief systems.
- Commit to continued learning and engagement in order to support and create spaces for religious practice, belonging, and energetic pluralism.
Learn More & Get Involved
For questions about UMBC's Policy on Faith-Based and Religious Accommodations, please contact ECR at ecr@umbc.edu.
We encourage all campus partners to take advantage of these opportunities to strengthen our shared culture of equity and belonging.
For questions about registering, scheduling, or determining the best session for your role, please visit culture.umbc.edu or contact the Community & Culture team at culture@umbc.edu.
All sessions are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.