Dear Colleagues,

We are sharing the message sent to all students today, which outlines key well-being resources and academic information to support them throughout finals week. We hope this is helpful if you encounter a student in need of guidance or care.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and to UMBC.

We wish you a successful end to the semester.

Sincerely,

Carlos Jensen
Vice Provost for Student Success and Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs

Renique T. Kersh
Vice President for Student Affairs

Christa J. Porter
Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of The Graduate School 

Earlier this week I was a guest on Rob Bennett’s radio show at WMBC. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Rob and so appreciate the relationship with shared governance partners as we work together (and have so much respect for Rob as he continues to give so much to our university community through his teaching and service while also finding time to present a radio show!). Rob always asks his guests to select a song and I chose Peace Train by Cat Stevens/Yusuf. I love the song and thought it was timely as well. 

Music has always played a central role in my life. Music makes me happy and I generally start the day with listening to music. Music can be both calming and inspiring, energizing and elevating. For me it sets the tone of the day and gets me ready for what comes my way. I love listening to our students and faculty play and am so appreciative we have a wonderful Department of Music! What song gets you going in the morning? 

As we end the year, there are celebrations galore. On Thursday evening I spoke at the McNair Induction Ceremony. I left the students a message of three songs as they go forward:

1. Make your own kind of music

2. Just breathe

3. Everybody needs an angel

What is your song to send graduates on their way? Please share it here. We will highlight the results next week.

___________________________________

NEWS & NOTES

CNMS Dean Search Candidate Open Forums

Tuesday, May 12, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m., Library Gallery

Thursday, May 14, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m., University Center 310

Monday, May 18, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m., University Center 310

We invite you to join us at an open forum with each of the three finalists for the dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Science. During the forums, the candidates will share their academic journey, present a vision for the college, and participate in an open Q&A session with attendees. Forums will be moderated by the search committee chair. For additional information on the position, please visit the Provost Leadership Search listing.

Your participation is vital to the selection process, and we encourage you to join us for these important events. 

Call for Faculty Applications: 2026-27 Generative AI Pedagogy Fellows Program

The USM Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation is now accepting applications for the Generative AI Pedagogy Fellows Program for 2026-2027. This year-long program offers faculty a unique opportunity to deepen their expertise in AI pedagogy while contributing to evidence-based teaching practices across our system.

Learn more about the call for faculty applications for the 2026-27 Generative AI Pedagogy Fellows Program.

Communication Survey

All faculty and staff are invited to participate in a short survey about how information is shared across UMBC. The survey, which you should have received in an email earlier this week, focuses on the tools, platforms, and processes used to share information, as well as your experience receiving and using that information in your day-to-day work or studies. This includes things like email, myUMBC, Webex, websites, and other systems, along with how clearly and consistently information reaches you.

The survey will remain open through Friday, May 15. Responses are confidential and will be reported in aggregate. Please contact Jessica McGroarty with any questions. 

Explore the New UMBC Connection: A Faculty & Staff Newsletter

The UMBC Connection is a new e-newsletter from University Communications and Marketing (UCM), designed to help bring more visibility to that work through a thoughtful selection of updates, opportunities, achievements, and milestones from across the university. The newsletter is developed in partnership with a network of contributors representing colleges, divisions, and administrative units across UMBC, helping ensure a broader view of what is happening throughout our community.

Explore The UMBC Connection.

Provide Open Access (free access) to You Works in ScholarWorks@UMBC

Providing open access (free access) to your publications makes them available to more people and increases citations. You can provide open access to your works in ScholarWorks@UMBC without paying article processing charges.

The Albin O. Kuhn Library will add works to ScholarWorks@UMBC for you. Simply send a link to your Google Scholar page or your publications website, your CV, or a list of your works to Claire Johnson. The library staff can also add unpublished works such as presentation slides if you send them.

If you've previously sent a list of publications, or a link to a list of publications, you don't need to do anything. Each year, the library staff automatically adds your new works, contacting you if anything is needed. 

____________________________________

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 

Using Generative AI to Support Your Course Design: A Faculty Workshop

Use AI iteratively to align course objectives & activities.

Monday, June 1, 9 - 10:30 a.m., Virtual

Join colleagues to explore how generative AI can support teaching, course design, and student learning and where faculty judgment remains essential. 

This session practically demonstrates how generative AI can support course design when embedded within a backwards‑design workflow. Rather than isolated prompting, faculty will learn to use AI iteratively to align objectives, assessments, and course activities. Participants will gain repeatable, model‑agnostic workflows for using Gen AI to augment design while preserving faculty voice and pedagogical intent. 

The FDC is co-sponsoring this workshop, facilitated by John Schumacher, professor of sociology, anthropology and public health and a USM Generative AI Pedagogy Fellow for 2025-26. This workshop is a condensed version of The AI-Assisted Educator: A Course Design Sprint that was initially offered in January 2026.

Register for part III of Introduction to Generative AI in Teaching Series.

Presidential Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

University Center Ballroom

3-5 p.m. Awards Ceremony and Reception

Please join us in celebrating this year’s Presidential Faculty and Staff awardees, University System of Maryland awardees, and additional distinguished university honorees. 

Learn more and register for the Presidential Faculty Awards Ceremony. 

2026 Visual Arts Senior Exhibition

May 13 – 22

Center for Art, Design, and Visual Culture

The Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture presents the 2026 Visual Arts Senior Exhibition, on display from May 13 through 22, presenting the broad and dynamic scope of senior undergraduate student work within the Department of Visual Arts.

2026 Visual Arts Senior Exhibition

___________________________________

Help Make this Newsletter Better

The goal each week of this message is to deepen our connection to UMBC, whether that is learning about an upcoming event, a divisional accomplishment, an innovative program, or an update from the Office of the Provost. If you know of a program or event that should be highlighted, please share it here.

The USM Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation is now accepting applications for the Generative AI Pedagogy Fellows Program for 2026-2027. This year-long program offers faculty a unique opportunity to deepen their expertise in AI pedagogy while contributing to evidence-based teaching practices across our system.

Program Highlights

• $1,500 stipend for full participation

• Structured cohort-based learning with peers across USM

• Opportunity to design and implement an AI-infused intervention in your own course

• Leadership experience facilitating faculty development workshops

Who Should Apply

We’re seeking faculty who are already experimenting with generative AI in their teaching and are interested in peer leadership and workshop facilitation. The full call for applications can be found here with complete details on requirements, expectations, and the application process.

The application deadline is Friday, May 22, 2026.

Regards, 

Anupam Joshi
Vice Provost and Chief AI Officer

Ana Oskoz
Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs

Dear UMBC Faculty and Staff,

Across UMBC, there is a great deal of meaningful work happening every day, from supporting our students to advancing research and building community. At the same time, it can be difficult to keep up with everything happening beyond your immediate area or to see the full breadth of work taking place across the institution.

The UMBC Connection is a new e-newsletter from University Communications and Marketing (UCM), designed to help bring more visibility to that work through a thoughtful selection of updates, opportunities, achievements, and milestones from across the university. The newsletter is developed in partnership with a network of contributors representing colleges, divisions, and administrative units across UMBC, helping ensure a broader view of what is happening throughout our community.

A new edition will be published on the first and third Wednesday of each month. This is an evolving effort, and it will continue to take shape through your feedback, including input from the internal communications survey shared earlier this week. We hope it becomes a useful and consistent way to stay informed, connected, and engaged with the people and work shaping UMBC.

Coming Up

Events and opportunities for the weeks ahead.

• Celebrate the Class of 2026 at Senior Sendoff (May 7)
  Faculty and staff are invited to stop by and celebrate our graduating students as they prepare to become UMBC alumni.
• America East Outdoor Track & Field Championships (May 9–10)
  UMBC Athletics will compete in the America East Outdoor Track & Field Championships this weekend in Lowell, Massachusetts.
• Presidential Faculty and Staff Awards (May 13)
  Faculty and staff are invited to join President Valerie Sheares Ashby in recognizing this year’s awardees and University System of Maryland honorees.
• UMBC Talks: Inclusive Excellence (May 13)
  Faculty and staff are invited to participate in a facilitated dialogue to help shape UMBC’s shared definition of inclusive excellence and inform future institutional priorities.

Key Updates

Important updates and moments across the university that may affect your work and the broader UMBC community.

• Share your feedback on campus communications (closes May 15)
  UCM, in partnership with Hanover Research, is inviting faculty and staff to complete a brief, anonymous, survey about internal communications. Your input will help improve how updates, resources, and communications reach the campus community.
• Commencement 2026: Faculty and staff participation (May 20 - 21)
  Faculty and staff are invited to take part in UMBC’s Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies and celebrate the Class of 2026. Faculty and staff may march in the procession, volunteer, or reserve seating for graduating family members.

University Milestones

Major achievements and recognitions across UMBC.

• Meyerhoff Scholars Program celebrates 500th Ph.D.
  UMBC marks a major milestone as 500 Meyerhoff Scholars alumni have earned Ph.D.s, highlighting the program’s national leadership in diversifying STEM fields.
• Accessibility Trailblazers
  This event recognizes faculty and departments advancing inclusive teaching and accessible learning environments across UMBC through a strong commitment to universal design for learning.
• Four UMBC students named Goldwater Scholars
  UMBC is celebrating four students named Barry Goldwater Scholars, one of the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate awards in science, engineering, and mathematics.

More from across UMBC

Additional updates and opportunities from across the university.

• Celebrating Humanities Books (May 6) — campus celebration of faculty publications across disciplines
• Politics Everywhere: Understanding the AAPI Vote (May 6) — discussion on AAPI political engagement and voting behavior featuring Maryland leaders and policymakers
• SistaCare (May 7) — community care and dialogue space centered on the experiences of Black and Africana women and femmes
• Maryland New Venture Pitch Night (May 11) — Shark Tank-style competition showcasing student ventures focused on innovation and real-world impact
• Stories We Carry: AAPI Storytelling Circle (May 11) — guided conversation and community reflection
• UMBC Night at Oriole Park (June 27) — Orioles game and community gathering for faculty, staff, and alumni
• Retrievers Read 2026— summer reading challenge for faculty, staff, students, and alumni

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. 

University Communications and Marketing

As the calendar flips to May and we approach the end of the academic year, the energy on campus is beginning to ratchet up. It is easy to let our own well-being slip. However, if your caffeine-to-blood ratio is currently nearing a critical tipping point, this is your gentle reminder: Self-care is not a luxury; it is a professional imperative.

Refilling the Tank

We often view self-care as a reward for finishing the work, but research suggests it is actually the fuel that allows the work to happen. Burnout isn't just a result of hard work; it is often a result of a lack of intentional recovery. To operate effectively, we must first ensure we are functioning from a place of sustainable health rather than depletion.

Evidence-based Best Practices

To help you cross the finish line with your sanity intact, consider integrating these habits into your daily routine:

• Set small boundaries: Protect your focus hours. Even a 20-minute block without email can significantly reduce the cognitive load of task-switching and decision fatigue.

• Practice “soft fascination”: Attention Restoration Theory suggests that even brief periods of looking at nature such as a walk through the campus or simply looking out a window can restore your ability to focus after hours of screen time.

• Embrace self-compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a struggling student. Acknowledging that this is a difficult, high-pressure season can actually lower cortisol levels and improve your emotional regulation.

• Accept the power of no: During this season, it is okay to decline non-essential meetings or postpone new projects until the summer. Protecting your bandwidth is a form of respect for the commitments you already have.

A Final Word

Every day, I see the commitment you bring to this wonderful community, and I am grateful for all you have contributed this year. As we wrap up the academic year, I encourage you to take time for yourself. I hope the summer offers not just a chance to recover, but time to truly rest and enjoy.

___________________________________

NEWS & NOTES

New Academic Affairs Shared Inbox and Request Form

On Wednesday, Vice Provost Anupam announced the launch of a new shared inbox and centralized request system for the Office of the Provost-Academic Affairs to better serve the campus. 

The initiative is designed to streamline communication and ensure that your inquiries and requests are directed to the appropriate functions with Academic Affairs as efficiently as possible, and tracked internally for timely completion and response.

Learn more about the new shared inbox and centralized request system. 

Updates on Impact of Executive Orders and Federal Actions on Promotion and Tenure Reviews

Since the beginning of 2025, faculty members across the university may have experienced disruption to their research, teaching, and service activities due to White House executive orders and federal actions. In light of these ongoing impacts, we are continuing modification of protocols surrounding promotion and tenure reviews for the AY 2026 – 2027 cycle.

Learn more about the continued modification of promotion and tenure reviews.

Order Your Regalia For Commencement

If you intend to participate in commencement and need to order regalia, the final day to do so is Saturday, May 2. Click here for more information.

Faculty and Staff: Send Me Your Highlights

As we near the end of the semester, I want to encourage faculty and staff members to send me your highlights and accomplishments from the academic year. Our goal is to call out outstanding work and programs that positively impact UMBC and the community. . If you or your team has done something cool, innovative, exciting, or just downright effective, let me know. Pictures of team members and activities are highly encouraged. The deadline to be included is Wednesday, May 6, so do not delay. Please email highlights and images to Aaron Burnett.

CNMS Dean Search Candidate Open Forums

Tuesday, May 12, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

Thursday, May 14, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

Monday, May 18, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

Location to be announced.

We invite you to join us at an open forum with each of the three finalists for the dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Science. During the forums, the candidates will share their academic journey, present a vision for the college, and participate in an open Q&A session with attendees. Forums will be moderated by the search committee chair. For additional information on the position, please visit the Provost Leadership Search listing.

Your participation is vital to the selection process, and we encourage you to join us for these important events. 

Provide Open Access (free access) to Your Works in ScholarWorks@UMBC

Providing open access (free access) to your publications makes them available to more people and increases citations. You can provide open access to your works in ScholarWorks@UMBC without paying article processing charges.

The Albin O. Kuhn Library will add works to ScholarWorks@UMBC for you. Simply send a link to your Google Scholar page or your publications website, your CV, or a list of your works to Claire Johnson. The library staff can also add unpublished works such as presentation slides if you send them.

If you've previously sent a list of publications, or a link to a list of publications, you don't need to do anything. Each year, the library staff automatically adds your new works, contacting you if anything is needed. 

____________________________________

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 

Generative AI Workshops

Join colleagues for two practical sessions that examine where generative AI can support teaching, course design, and student learning—and where faculty judgment remains essential. The final sessions are:

Generative AI in Teaching II: Applied Skills and Use Cases

Part II of Introduction to Generative AI in Teaching Series

Monday, May 4, 12 - 1 p.m., Virtual 

Building on Gen AI & Teaching I, this interactive session highlights applied skills and practical use cases. Faculty will practice effective prompting, explore discipline-specific scenarios, and consider assignment design strategies. Examples will touch on advanced features (custom GPTs/GEMs, Canvas Mode, Deep Research Mode, agent mode) related to teaching.

Part II of an Introduction to Generative AI in Teaching Series. The FDC is co-sponsoring a series of three workshops facilitated by John Schumacher, Professor of Sociology, Anthropology and Public Health and a USM Generative AI Pedagogy Fellow for 2025-26. Whether you have already begun exploring AI for your teaching and for student learning, are an AI-skeptic, or are somewhere in between, joining Dr. Schumacher and your UMBC colleagues for these hands-on workshops will help you to deepen your understanding of how AI works, some of the ethical concerns of AI-usage, and when and how to use which Gen AI tools. This workshop is a repeat of one that was initially offered twice in Fall 2025.

Register for part II of Introduction to Generative AI in Teaching Series.

Using Generative AI to Support Your Course Design: A Faculty Workshop

Use AI iteratively to align course objectives & activities.

Monday, June 1, 9 - 10:30 a.m., Virtual

This session practically demonstrates how generative AI can support course design when embedded within a backwards‑design workflow. Rather than isolated prompting, faculty will learn to use AI iteratively to align objectives, assessments, and course activities. Participants will gain repeatable, model‑agnostic workflows for using Gen AI to augment design while preserving faculty voice and pedagogical intent. 

The FDC is co-sponsoring this workshop, facilitated by John Schumacher, Professor of Sociology, Anthropology and Public Health and a USM Generative AI Pedagogy Fellow for 2025-26. This workshop is a condensed version of The AI-Assisted Educator: A Course Design Sprint that was initially offered in January 2026.

Register for part III of Introduction to Generative AI in Teaching Series.

Global Asias Symposium and Celebration

Monday, May 4

This daylong event will showcase and celebrate the work of the Global Asias Initiative, a three-year initiative funded by the Mellon Foundation that has created a forum for engaging in conversations in the fields of Asian American Studies, Asian diaspora studies, and Asian Studies. The initiative has created connections across disciplines, departments, institutions, organizations, and communities here on campus and beyond. With our grant from Mellon Foundation coming to a close this year, we are showcasing the many achievements of the initiative.

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Welcome & Belonging and Community Luncheon: Conversations on Asian experiences at UMBC

1:00 – 2:15 p.m. – Keynote Address with Dr. Anna Guevarra

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Global Asias in Dialogue

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. – Global Asias Student Showcase & Reception

Learn more and register for the Global Asias Symposium and Celebration.

Computational Social Science Series: ML Models for Causal Inference Analysis + HPC

Please join us for the last workshop of the semester in the Computational Social Science Series. 

Led by:

• Dr. Eric Stokan, CS3 Director and Associate Professor of Political Science, UMBC 

• Roy Prouty, Assistant Director for Research Computing, DoIT; UMBC Ph.D. Candidate, Computer Science, CSEE

• Sai Vikas Amaraneni, iHARP Research Assistant and UMBC Ph.D. Student

Register for the ML Models for Causal Inference Analysis + HPC workshop.

Presidential Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

University Center Ballroom

3-5 p.m. Awards Ceremony and Reception

Please join us in celebrating this year’s Presidential Faculty and Staff awardees, University System of Maryland awardees, and additional distinguished university honorees. 

Learn more and register for the Presidential Faculty Awards Ceremony. 

___________________________________

Help Make this Newsletter Better

The goal each week of this message is to deepen our connection to UMBC, whether that is learning about an upcoming event, a divisional accomplishment, an innovative program, or an  update from the Office of the Provost. If you know of a program or event that should be highlighted, please share it here.

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to share an important update to the University System of Maryland’s (USM) leave programs that will expand support for employees during significant life events.

Beginning July 1, 2026, USM will implement a new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. This benefit provides eligible employees with fully paid, job-protected leave for qualifying family, medical, and certain military-related reasons.

PFML is a USM-administered benefit and is separate from the State’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program. USM employees will continue to receive leave benefits directly through USM.

What This Means for You

PFML allows you to take time away from work while continuing to receive your regular pay and maintaining your benefits and job protection.

In most cases, employees may take:

• Up to 12 weeks of paid leave in a 12-month period

• Up to 24 weeks in limited circumstances

PFML covers:

• Bonding with a new child (birth, adoption, or placement)

• Your own serious health condition

• Caring for a family member with a serious health condition

• Certain military-related situations

What’s Changing

Paid Parental Leave

• USM’s current parental leave policies will be replaced by PFML.

• Leave for bonding with a new child will now be provided through the PFML program.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

• USM will move from a “look-back” method to a “look-forward” method for tracking FMLA leave.

• Going forward, your 12-month FMLA period will begin on the date you first use FMLA leave.

• All eligible employees will receive a new 12-week FMLA entitlement starting July 1, 2026, regardless of prior usage

These updates are designed to better align federal FMLA with Maryland’s PFML making it easier to coordinate your leave benefits. 

What You Should Do Next

No immediate action is required.

If you are planning to take qualifying leave on or after July 1, 2026:

• Please review the linked PFML Employee FAQs.

• Contact Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management-Talent Engagement and Labor Relations team with any questions or for guidance on your specific situation by emailing Michale Tallon at mtallon@umbc.edu.

• Employee and supervisor information sessions will be announced in the coming weeks, with sessions taking place in May and June. 

UMBC is committed to supporting our employees during important moments in their lives. We believe this new program provides meaningful flexibility and support for you and your families.

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Lynne Adams
Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Dear UMBC Community,

We are pleased to announce the launch of a new shared inbox and centralized request system for the Office of the Provost-Academic Affairs to better serve the campus. This initiative is designed to streamline communication and ensure that your inquiries and requests are directed to the appropriate functions with Academic Affairs as efficiently as possible, and tracked internally for timely completion and response.

New Shared Email Address: academicaffairs@umbc.edu.

Centralized Request Form: We have also implemented a new Academic Affairs Request Form to better serve you. We encourage you to use this form for specific requests, which allows you to select a "Functional Area" (such as Assessment-Academic Program Reviews, Curriculum Development, Classroom Committee, Space Planning, General Inquiry) so that your inquiry is assigned to the relevant function/division.

We appreciate your partnership as we move to this organized system aimed at supporting UMBC's academic mission.

Best regards,

Anupam Joshi
Vice Provost and Chief AI Officer

What gives you energy? It is a simple question that is so profound and important. For me, conversations with faculty, staff, students, and alumni often have me in awe (although after almost two years at UMBC I now expect to be amazed by the creativity and innovation of our community). 

On Tuesday evening, I attended an Alumni Hilltop Society event including a panel discussion on AI. The panel, led by Vice Provost and Chief AI Officer Anupam Joshi, was both thoughtful and provocative. I felt inspired and comforted, knowing our future is in the hands of UMBC graduates who are trained to be thoughtful, critical, and innovative. At the same time, I reflect on various meetings recently with faculty and staff in academic departments in the humanities and arts. These meetings remind me of the profound contributions these areas make in teaching our students lifelong skills (e.g. conflict resolution, interpersonal communication, perspective taking, and critical thinking). These skills are called lasting (or durable), as they are not emerging or dependent on technological changes, which are likely to become even more important in preparing students for the careers and jobs of the future. What an opportunity we have in this space at UMBC, particularly as we start rethinking our general education program! 

As we lean into how AI can augment higher education, I encourage us also to lean into conversations about lasting skills. It is not an either/or. Our opportunity is to lean into both areas simultaneously and graduate students who are the best of both worlds. Meeting those students 20 years from now would give me energy!   

Digital Accessibility as Inclusive Excellence

Late last week, we learned the federal government extended the official enactment of the new Title II ADA regulations regarding digital accessibility from today to April 26, 2027. However, this adjustment does not change UMBC’s proactive stance. 

We view digital accessibility (DA) not merely as a regulatory requirement, but as a natural extension of our inclusive excellence mission. By ensuring our digital environments are accessible for all, we uphold our commitment to an equitable education and work environment for every student, staff, and faculty member and continue the essential work we have already begun.

With this in mind, and building on the “Strive for 85” campaign launched before Spring Break, I want to share several updates and resources to support your efforts:

• New Digital Accessibility Policy Added to UMBC Policies Site: Our formal Digital Accessibility policy is now published, providing a clear framework for our institutional standards.

• DoIT Offers CoRE (Course Roadmap to Equity) Summer Camp: Summer Camp Dates (June 3 or June 10): Join us for intensive workshops designed to help you refine your course materials.

• Support for Faculty Teaching in Summer 2026: Workshops and consulting are available now as Summer '26 Blackboard Course Shells have been created, allowing for immediate accessibility implementation.

• Accessible Math: In a new collaboration, DoIT, Math, and SDS have launched a dedicated Accessible Math support site to assist STEM faculty with complex formatting and notations.

• Raise a Fall 2026 Blackboard Course's Ally Score by Fixing the Prior Version: Use the Blackboard Ally Course Accessibility Report to identify and remediate gaps in previous course versions now. When Fall 2026 shells are released in late July, you can simply copy your improved, high-scoring content into the fresh shell.

Our collective efforts toward achieving equity across all courses ensure that UMBC remains a leader in inclusive digital learning.

___________________________________

NEWS & NOTES

Faculty and Staff: Send Me Your Highlights

As we near the end of the semester, I want to encourage faculty and staff members to send me your highlights and accomplishments from the academic year. Our goal is to call out outstanding work and programs that positively impact UMBC and the community. If you or your team has done something cool, innovative, exciting, or just downright effective, let me know. Pictures of team members and activities are highly encouraged. The deadline to be included is Wednesday, May 6, so do not delay. Please email highlights and images to Aaron Burnett.

Order Your Regalia For Commencement

If you intend to participate in commencement and need to order regalia, the final day to do so is Saturday, May 2. 

Provide Open Access (free access) to You Works in ScholarWorks@UMBC

Providing open access (free access) to your publications makes them available to more people and increases citations. You can provide open access to your works in ScholarWorks@UMBC without paying article processing charges.

The Albin O. Kuhn Library will add works to ScholarWorks@UMBC for you. Simply send a link to your Google Scholar page or your publications website, your CV, or a list of your works to Claire Johnson. The library staff can also add unpublished works such as presentation slides if you send them.

If you've previously sent a list of publications, or a link to a list of publications, you don't need to do anything. Each year, the library staff automatically adds your new works, contacting you if anything is needed. 

____________________________________

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 

Learn about Study, Internships, and Funding Opportunities in Germany

Monday, April 27,  12 – 1 p.m.

Fine Arts Building, Room 459

The German Program at UMBC is hosting an informational event on April 27 to learn about 

studying, internships, and funding opportunities in Germany. Presenters include: 

• Amelia Wallace: Information Officer, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

• Danielle Bolden, J.D.: UMBC Center for Global Engagement; Fulbright Fellow, Germany 2010

• S. Maila Raphael, DAAD RISE Intern ‘22, UMBC ‘21 B.S. Chem. Eng., B.A. German

This is a follow-up to the fall event focused on research, collaboration, and funding opportunities in Germany with representatives from the German Academic Exchange Service, the American Friends of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, and the German Research Foundation.

Generative AI in Teaching I: Basic Critical Literacy and Foundations

Part I of Introduction to Generative AI in Teaching Series

Monday, April 27, 12 - 1 p.m., Virtual 

This session introduces the basics of generative AI and its implications for teaching and learning. It focuses on AI literacy by examining what these tools are, what they can and cannot do, basic prompting, ethical & responsible use, and how they may impact classroom practice. Faculty will see short demos of ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity. 

Part I of an Introduction to Generative AI in Teaching Series. The FDC is co-sponsoring a series of three workshops facilitated by John Schumacher, Professor of Sociology, Anthropology and Public Health and a USM Generative AI Pedagogy Fellow for 2025-26. Whether you have already begun exploring AI for your teaching and for student learning, are an AI-skeptic, or are somewhere in between, joining Dr. Schumacher and your UMBC colleagues for these hands-on workshops will help you to deepen your understanding of how AI works, some of the ethical concerns of AI-usage, and when and how to use which Gen AI tools. This workshop is a repeat of one that was initially offered twice in Fall 2025.

Generative AI in Teaching II: Applied Skills and Use Cases

Part II of Introduction to Generative AI in Teaching Series

Monday, May 4, 12 - 1 p.m., Virtual 

Using Generative AI to Support Your Course Design: A Faculty Workshop

Use AI iteratively to align course objectives & activities.

Monday, June 1, 9 - 10:30 a.m., Virtual

Learn more and register for Generative AI in Teaching sessions.

Dialogue Sessions to Help Shape UMBC’s Inclusive Excellence Framework

Tuesday, April 28

The Division of Institutional Equity team has developed a draft framework for inclusive excellence, building on ideas shared by our campus community through the series UMBC Talks in 2024 and 2025. The framework is intended to articulate our shared commitments, communicate our values, guide action, inspire collaboration, and support the development and implementation of UMBC’s next strategic plan.

The campus community is invited to participate in dialogue sessions to help continue to shape the framework. The conversations are an opportunity to share your experiences, reflect on your values, and provide feedback to strengthen this work.

The next session is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28. 

Learn more about the upcoming Dialogue Sessions.

Retirement Celebration for Connie Pierson

RSVP by April 30

After 27 years of service, Connie Pierson, associate vice provost for Institutional Research, Analysis and Decision Support, is retiring from UMBC. She is a beloved alumna, colleague, and friend. Join us in celebrating Connie on May 7, from 2 – 4 p.m. at Fat Tuesdays in the Commons. 

Please RSVP for Connie Pierson's retirement celebration by Thursday, April 30. 

Global Asias Symposium and Celebration

Monday, May 4

This daylong event will showcase and celebrate the work of the Global Asias Initiative, a three-year initiative funded by the Mellon Foundation that has created a forum for engaging in conversations in the fields of Asian American Studies, Asian diaspora studies, and Asian Studies. The initiative has created connections across disciplines, departments, institutions, organizations, and communities here on campus and beyond. With our grant from Mellon Foundation coming to a close this year, we are showcasing the many achievements of the initiative.

• 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Welcome & Belonging and Community Luncheon: Conversations on Asian experiences at UMBC
• 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. – Keynote Address with Dr. Anna Guevarra
• 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Global Asias in Dialogue
• 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. – Global Asias Student Showcase & Reception
• Learn more about the Global Asias Symposium and Celebration.

Presidential Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

University Center Ballroom

3-5 p.m. Awards Ceremony and Reception

Please join us in celebrating this year’s Presidential Faculty and Staff awardees, University System of Maryland awardees, and additional distinguished university honorees. 

Learn more and register for the Presidential Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony. 

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Help Make this Newsletter Better

The goal each week of this message is to deepen our connection to UMBC, whether that is learning about an upcoming event, a divisional accomplishment, an innovative program, or an  update from the Office of the Provost. If you know of a program or event that should be highlighted, please share it here.

At the Faculty Senate meeting Tuesday I mentioned to the senators that my phrase of the week was “being a realistic optimist” (credit goes to a recent episode of one of my ‘go to’ podcasts FranklinCovey on Leadership). I have given (and continue to give) a lot of thought to how to be both realistic and optimistic in the midst of a changing landscape of higher education, state funding, federal policy, and global uncertainty. 

Last week, I started meeting with department chairs and their budget managers to better understand the budget realities in academic units. These individual meetings have been incredibly helpful for me to be realistic about how departments are using the resources available to them, and what may be needed for us to be successful. At the same time, it is clear that we will need to continue making thoughtful and, at times, difficult decisions to ensure our long-term success.

What gives me continued hope and optimism is the strong commitment across the UMBC community to be innovative and adapt in a changing world. Last August, I convened the Provost Academic Council – approximately 150 academic leaders – for a day-long meeting on the academic budget and the evolving landscape of higher education. This event provided guidance that continues to help us chart a path forward.

As we are gearing towards the end of the semester, I ask you to help me think through our approach to being realistic optimists at UMBC. You can give your feedback here. We have so much to be proud of (did you see we have four Goldwater recipients and a new AAAS Fellow?). The future is bright if we lean into our strengths, are creative, and collaboratively work on what is best for UMBC and the people and communities we serve.   

Phi Beta Kappa

Please join me in congratulating the 180 students who were accepted this year for induction into Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious scholarly honor society. The students will be inducted in May. It marks an important milestone for the scholars in their academic journey.

National Library Week

I encourage you to join the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery, Dresher Center for the Humanities, and UMBC Department of English in celebrating National Library Week and UMBC BookFest, April 19-25. A full list of the week’s events can be found here.

Call for Advisory Board Nominations

I am delighted to extend an invitation for nominations for two distinctive groups connected to the Office of the Provost: the Faculty Advisory Board and the Staff Advisory Board. We are looking for expertise and insight from a variety of perspectives as we continue to develop the provost's priorities and advance student success. 

Learn more here. 

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NEWS & NOTES

Final Day: University Strategic Planning Survey

Today is the final day to participate in the University Strategic Planning survey. Share your perspectives on UMBC’s strategic plan via this survey. The survey includes five sections, each aligned with one of the university’s strategic pillars. As a reminder, the pillars are:

• Cultivate organizational innovation and vitality

• Redefine excellence in research and creative achievement

• Strengthen Maryland and its communities

• Advance student opportunity and success

• Transform teaching and learning

You can choose which sections you would like to complete based on your interests and experiences. The survey is also designed to capture additional ideas you may have for strengthening these five focus areas. Please note that each section of the survey will take approximately 10 - 15 minutes to complete and all responses are anonymous and confidential.

Resources for Responding to Difficult, Disruptive, and Dangerous Behavior in Classrooms

In the post-COVID era, instructional faculty are seeing an increased frequency of challenging behaviors in classroom settings. Behavior can range from difficult, to disruptive, to dangerous and each type or level calls for a differentiated response.

You can find guidance from Student Conduct and Community Standards here.

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR 

URCAD 30th Anniversary

Wednesday, April 22

The RAC

Join us on Wednesday, April 22 in the RAC as we celebrate 30 years of grit, grunge, and groundbreaking research and creative work of UMBC undergraduate students at the Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD).

URCAD not only provides an opportunity for students to hone their research and writing skills, practice public speaking and networking in a professional conference-style environment, and strengthen relationships with their peers and mentors, but it showcases the work of UMBC’s talented undergraduate students with the campus community and beyond. Over one third of students who graduate from UMBC engage in mentored research, making UMBC a leader in national undergraduate research. In a time when there has been so much discouraging news surrounding research support on the national and local levels, URCAD continues to be a joyous and inspirational event, proving that critical thinking and creativity through research and the arts are a vital part of our democracy.

Come see all of the oral and poster presentations, films, artwork, live performances, video games, and keynote speaker at URCAD 30, and stop by the graffiti and selfie booth as we throw back to 1997, where it all began! For the full schedule see: URCAD.umbc.edu

Logo created by visual arts student Sonia Pivovarov

UMBC BookFest 26

Tuesday, April 21 and Thursday, April 23

Library Plaza

We invite the campus community to participate in UMBC BookFest '26 on Tuesday, April 21 and Thursday, April 23, a celebration of writers, readers, makers, and advocates! Part of the campus's National Library Week festivities, this two-day event will include an open air book market on the Library Plaza; a reading from Lawrence Burney , author of our 2026 state book, No Sense in Wishing; a workshop on library advocacy; and a panel of distinguished Maryland librarians on the freedom to read, moderated by Maryland State Librarian Morgan Lehr Miller. All events are free. Full event details can be found at the BookFest website here. 

This festival was made possible by a collaboration between the English Department, AOK Library, Dresher Center for the Humanities, Breaking the M.O.L.D., Maryland Humanities, and the Maryland State Library Agency.

Dialogue Sessions to Help Shape UMBC’s Inclusive Excellence Framework

Friday, April 24 and Tuesday, April 28

The Division of Institutional Equity team has developed a draft framework for inclusive excellence, building on ideas shared by our campus community through the series UMBC Talks in 2024 and 2025. The framework is intended to articulate our shared commitments, communicate our values, guide action, inspire collaboration, and support the development and implementation of UMBC’s next strategic plan.

The campus community is invited to participate in dialogue sessions to help continue to shape the framework. The conversations are an opportunity to share your experiences, reflect on your values, and provide feedback to strengthen this work.

Upcoming sessions are scheduled for Friday, April 24, and Tuesday, April 28. 

Learn more here.

USM Generative AI and Teaching Virtual Showcase

Friday, April 24,  9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The University System of Maryland's Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation is hosting an online Generative AI Virtual Showcase on Friday, April 24, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Faculty, staff, and faculty/staff/student teams from Maryland institutions of higher education will describe and demonstrate their innovative approaches to incorporating generative AI into teaching and learning practices. 

The free virtual event features a keynote presentation and four concurrent session blocks with 42 presentations (including nine from UMBC) exploring innovative approaches to teaching and learning with generative AI. Participants must register in advance to receive the Zoom link. Sessions include live auto-captions and accessible materials.

Register here.

Learn about Study, Internships, and Funding Opportunities in Germany

Monday, April 27,  12 – 1 p.m.

Fine Arts Building, Room 459

The German Program at UMBC is hosting an informational event on April 27 to learn about 

studying, internships, and funding opportunities in Germany. Presenters include: 

• Amelia Wallace: Information Officer, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

• Danielle Bolden, J.D.: UMBC Center for Global Engagement; Fulbright Fellow, Germany 2010

• S. Maila Raphael, DAAD RISE Intern ‘22, UMBC ‘21 B.S. Chem. Eng., B.A. German

This is a follow-up to the fall event focused on research, collaboration, and funding opportunities in Germany with representatives from the German Academic Exchange Service, the American Friends of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, and the German Research Foundation.

Global Asias Symposium and Celebration

May 4

This daylong event will showcase and celebrate the work of the Global Asias Initiative, a three-year initiative funded by the Mellon Foundation that has created a forum for engaging in conversations in the fields of Asian American Studies, Asian diaspora studies, and Asian Studies. The initiative has created connections across disciplines, departments, institutions, organizations, and communities here on campus and beyond. With our grant from Mellon Foundation coming to a close this year, we are showcasing the many achievements of the initiative.

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Welcome & Belonging and Community Luncheon: Conversations on Asian experiences at UMBC

1:00 – 2:15 p.m. – Keynote Address with Dr. Anna Guevarra

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Global Asias in Dialogue

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. – Global Asias Student Showcase & Reception

Learn more.

Retirement Celebration for Connie Pierson

RSVP by April 30

After 27 years of service, Connie Pierson, associate vice provost for Institutional Research, Analysis and Decision Support, is retiring from UMBC. She is a beloved alumna, colleague, and friend. Join us in celebrating Connie on May 7, from 2 – 4 p.m. at Fat Tuesdays in the Commons. 

Please RSVP by Thursday, April 30 here. 

Help Make this Newsletter Better

The goal each week of this message is to deepen our connection to UMBC, whether that is learning about an upcoming event, a divisional accomplishment, an innovative program, or an  update from the Office of the Provost. If you know of a program or event that should be highlighted, please share it here.

Until next week, 

Manfred van Dulmen

Dear faculty and staff,

We are delighted to extend an invitation for nominations for two distinctive groups connected to the Office of the Provost: the Faculty Advisory Board and the Staff Advisory Board. We are looking for expertise and insight from a variety of perspectives as we continue to develop the provost's priorities and advance student success. 

The two advisory boards will work in tandem with several groups including the larger Provost Advisory Council and the shared governance oraganizations at UMBC. The boards will be smaller with no more than 12 members serving a single  one- or two-year term.

Members of each advisory board will:

• Provide strategic advice and guidance based on their areas of expertise and experience

• Engage with fellow board members and the Office of the Provost leadership team

• Offer critical feedback on initiatives, priorities, and overall direction to the provost

• Advocate on behalf of the Office of the Provost to respective colleges/divisions and the campus community

Faculty and staff who are interested in being considered for these boards are encouraged to self-nominate, or to nominate others, via the nomination form by Friday, April 24. Once nominations are reviewed, selected members will be invited to a kickoff event at the end of the spring semester with a goal to have both boards stood up and running by the start of the 2026-27 academic year.

If you have questions about this call for nominations, please reach out to Ana Oskoz, chair for the Faculty Advisory Board, and Laila Shishineh, chair for the Staff Advisory Board.

Thank you,

Ana Oskoz & Laila Shishineh