State Health Benefits Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment for State of Maryland health benefits will begin on Tuesday, October 14, and will end on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 5 p.m.
 
Employees who are not making any health benefit changes do not need to take action. However, to continue a healthcare and/or dependent daycare flexible spending account, employees must re-enroll in their Open Enrollment event by November 7, 2025, at 5 p.m.
 
During Open Enrollment, eligible employees can enroll, cancel, or make changes to their health benefits, with all updates becoming effective January 1, 2026. Employees will receive weekly email alerts from the State of Maryland regarding Open Enrollment.
 
Open Enrollment will continue to be online in the SPS Workday system. Prior to the start of Open Enrollment, it is important for employees to log in to their Workday account to ensure they have access. Instructions for logging into the SPS Workday system can be found here. 
 
NEW for 2026:
  • Effective January 1, 2026, all health benefit premiums will be deducted from payroll on a bi-weekly basis across 26 pay periods, an increase from the previous 24 deductions per year.
  •  Beginning July 1, 2026, contractual employees will begin receiving pre-tax benefit premiums, which will be automatically deducted from their paychecks.
 
State of Maryland Open Enrollment resources can be found on the Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management (HRSTM) Open Enrollment website. Resources include virtual and in-person information sessions with State vendors, State wellness information, as well as the 2026 Rates and State Benefits Guide.
 
Employees who are adding new dependents to their health benefits during Open Enrollment should review the required dependent documentation. Dependent documentation is required to be attached to the employee’s Open Enrollment event by Friday, November 7, 2025, at 5 p.m.
 
Please join us on Wednesday, October 15, at noon for a live, virtual Open Enrollment Information Session to learn more about new changes and receive updates and reminders. This session will be recorded and posted to the HRSTM Open Enrollment website by October 24.
 
To ensure timely receipt of vendor communication, we advise employees to confirm their home address is correct by logging into their myUMBC account and viewing their Profile. Employees address changes must be made in the Payroll Online Service Center (POSC).
 
Please visit the HRSTM Open Enrollment website for more information and email the HRSTM Benefits and Wellness team at hrbenefits@umbc.edu with any questions.
 
Benefits and Wellness Team
Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management

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Have you ever wondered what a provost does? Do you have a question about the state of higher education or the Eredivisie (Dutch football's top division)?

Drop in and join us for a warm beverage and a snack and meet Provost Manfred van Dulmen.


This is a great opportunity to connect, share ideas, ask questions, or simply enjoy some conversation over coffee and light refreshments.

Thursday, October 9
10-11 a.m.
Information Technology / Engineering 456

No RSVP required and all are welcome.

Stop by, grab a cup, and say hello!

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Dear Colleagues,

It’s no secret that higher education is going through unprecedented times. Yet, here at UMBC, we continue to work toward our shared mission of inclusive excellence—advancing knowledge, economic prosperity, and social justice by welcoming and inspiring inquisitive minds from all backgrounds.

Your dedication to our students and our mission sets UMBC apart from other institutions. And that's why the continued support of our most ardent advocates—our faculty and staff—is crucial to moving us forward. Your philanthropic investment doesn’t just support the university; it empowers President Valerie Sheares Ashby's bold vision for the future of UMBC. Because you are so integral to our success, I am pleased to announce the launch of the P.A.W. Circle!

P.A.W. stands for Philanthropy At Work, and it is a community of faculty and staff donors who make the decision to go a step further in supporting our students. When you make a financial contribution to any area on campus, your philanthropic investment has a profound impact. It directly provides scholarships and academic resources, supports student life, fuels groundbreaking research, and strengthens our entire university community. Our P.A.W. Circle community members make a huge difference, and we invite you to join us!

How to Join the P.A.W. Circle


If you have already made a gift during fiscal year 2025 or 2026 (since July 1), you are already a P.A.W. Circle member! For those who'd like to join, it's easy through one (or more) of these three giving options: 

Special Events and Community


As a token of our gratitude, members of the P.A.W. Circle will be invited to join us for two special “Mug of the Month” events each semester. Members will receive a P.A.W. mug to keep, and you can bring it to these events to fill with a delicious treat. Even if you make a donation the same day, you can bring your email receipt and get your mug at the door.

We also created a special myUMBC group for our P.A.W. Circle community. New members will be added to the group with updates happening regularly, giving you another way to stay connected. If you have any questions, please contact Tessa Newton, associate director of leadership annual giving, at tnewton@umbc.edu.

Thank you for all you do for UMBC. Your passion is what makes our mission possible, and your generosity is essential to our future.

With Retriever pride,

Patrick Roche
Vice President, Institutional Advancement

Laila Shishineh
Assistant Vice Provost and Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Academic Affairs
P.A.W. Circle Co-Chair

Orianne Smith
Professor, English
P.A.W. Circle Co-Chair

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Happy Friday and welcome to the second installment of the Provost Newsletter (permanent name TBD). 

Thank you to everyone who submitted potential names for the newsletter. If you have a suggestion, send it to Aaron Burnett. Don't delay in submitting your ideas as next week we'll  vote on the top three choices.

A brief recap for those who missed last week's newsletter: each week I will highlight accomplishments to be celebrated, events to attend, and examples of the great work being done by you, our faculty and staff at UMBC. If you have a person, program, or event that should be highlighted, please submit it here.

And with that, on to the show …


16 Years And Counting: UMBC Named a 'Great College to Work For'

For the 16th consecutive year UMBC has been named a "Great College to Work For" by ModernThink. More impressively, it marks the 14th consecutive year UMBC has been named to the Honor Roll as a top 10 four-year institution based on the number of categories in which the university received top marks (nine categories!). 

I find this honor particularly compelling because it is based on responses from you, our faculty and staff, concerning your personal experiences as employees at UMBC. For more than a decade-and-a-half you have built a community that supports and values inclusive excellence and I am proud to be a part of that. Way to go Retrievers!

Provost Manfred van Dulmen and others participate in the 2024 Puppy Parade on the UMBC campus.

Homecoming Kicks Off

As the days grow shorter and the evening air becomes crisp, all signs point to one of my favorite events of the year: Homecoming. Pull out your black and gold gear, turn up your school spirit to 11, and join me as we kick off Homecoming 2025. 

From choir performances to bonfires to a puppy parade, there are events for everyone. The puppy parade is one of my favorites and my dogs Winston and Emmie participated last year. Learn how you can get in the homecoming spirit here. 


Don't Miss GRIT-X Oct. 9

What happens when you ask UMBC's alumni, faculty, and graduate students about their passion for UMBC's impact in areas of research and creative achievement? You get GRIT-X, the uniquely UMBC take on the TED Talk. The ninth installment features nine speakers from across a wide spectrum of topics. Sign up now for this can't-miss event and catch up on the previous year's talks. 


DATE CHANGE: Join Me for Coffee on Thursday, Oct. 9, 10-11 AM

Mark your calendars as I'll be hosting Coffee with the Provost next Thursday from 10-11 a.m. in ITE-456. No RSVP required and all are welcome. Stop by, grab a cup, and say hello!

 

New Faculty Spotlights

Each week we feature the newest members of our community.

Liana Harron, Assistant Professor of Piano, Music Department

Area of Research/Interest: Piano Performance

Fun Fact about Liana: Dr. Liana Pailodze Harron, blending her Georgian heritage with an American spirit, captivates audiences with daring performances that breathe life into contemporary classical music. Praised by Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Tim Page of The Wall Street Journal as 'smashingly effective,' her latest album with Vesna Duo mesmerized audiences, showcasing her passionate interpretations. Her artistry has graced esteemed venues across the United States and Europe, including iconic stages like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the New World Center, and the United Nations.


Neha Singh, Assistant Teaching Professor, Information Systems

Areas of Research/Interest: Applied Data Science, Artificial Intelligence Literacy and Education, Responsible and ethical computing

Fun Fact about Neha: I never had pets and still do not have any.


Are you a new faculty member? Please take two minutes to fill out the form and submit your bio if you have not already done so. 

 

Help Make this Newsletter Better

Do you have a great idea? Are you organizing an event everyone should know about? Let us know here. 


Thank you for all you do for UMBC each and every day. You are what makes this community great. 

Until next week, 

Manfred van Dulmen

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Dear Retrievers,

Homecoming 2025 is right around the corner, and we can’t wait to celebrate with this amazing community. Our faculty and staff truly make UMBC the special place that it is (we were once again named a “Great College to Work For”), and Homecoming is as much for you as it is for our students and alumni. We know your schedules are packed, but we hope you will join us for some of the amazing events we have planned.

Don’t miss the Staff and Faculty Social on Wednesday, October 8, from 4 – 6 p.m. in the Sherman Atrium. This is the perfect chance to take a moment to relax, enjoy some delicious appetizers, socialize with colleagues from across campus, and explore the newly renovated Sherman Hall A-wing. Registration is open now on myUMBC.

Next up is the highly anticipated GRIT-X Talks and Reception on Thursday, October 9, from 4 – 6 p.m. in the Fine Arts Recital Hall. Come listen as some of UMBC’s most brilliant faculty and alumni share their innovative ideas and stories in a series of dynamic, short-form talks. Get ready to be inspired! Afterward, stick around for the reception to connect with the speakers and continue the conversation. Visit research.umbc.edu/grit-x to view this year’s incredible lineup of speakers and register for the event.

Following GRIT-X, you can head over to the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena for Retriever Madness from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., an old favorite making its Homecoming return to help kick off the 2025 – 2026 basketball season. Enjoy live entertainment, games and prizes, autograph sessions and meet-and-greets with student athletes, tasty snacks and beverages, and so much more. Wear your best black and gold as we celebrate what it means to be part of Retriever Nation.

Then, Homecoming weekend is jam-packed with events for the whole family, from the Retriever 5K and Family Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. all the way to the men’s soccer game vs. New Hampshire at 7 p.m. There are plenty of Homecoming favorites returning, like the First Lego League Build and the Taste of Maryland Crab Feast. And there are a few new events sure to capture the hearts of Retrievers, like the re-imagined community breakfast in True Grit’s. Then, Homecoming 2025 comes to an end on Sunday, October 12, with the women’s soccer senior day game vs. Bryant.

Visit the Homecoming website to view the full schedule and register for these and other great events. We look forward to seeing you there!

Go Retrievers!

Homecoming Steering Committee

Stanyell Bruce
Director of Alumni Engagement

Candace Doane
Acting Senior Director of Campus Life Student Engagement

Jen Dress
Special Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs

Bobby Lubaszewski ’10, M.P.S. ’23
Director of Alumni and Development Communications and Marketing

Kelly Peloquin
Associate Athletic Director of Facilities and Event Management

Simon Reilly
Acting Director of Event and Conference Services

Laura Schraven
Director of Student Affairs Communications and Marketing

Jess Wyatt
Associate Director of Alumni Engagement

]]> Dear Retrievers, Homecoming 2025 is right around the corner, and we can’t wait to celebrate with this amazing community. Our faculty and staff truly make UMBC the special place that it is (we... http://homecoming.umbc.edu https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/153165/guest@my.umbc.edu/c16bbbdea167219a80aa325d56b45ca7/api/pixel Announcements - Faculty and Staff https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements-faculty-staff https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/xsmall.png?1691516770 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/original.png?1691516770 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/xxlarge.png?1691516770 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/xlarge.png?1691516770 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/large.png?1691516770 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/medium.png?1691516770 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/small.png?1691516770 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/xsmall.png?1691516770 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/xxsmall.png?1691516770 Announcements - Faculty and Staff 3 0 false Thu, 02 Oct 2025 12:37:12 -0400 New Date: Coffee with the Provost Join Provost van Dulmen for a warm beverage Oct. 9, 10-11 am

Have you ever wondered what a provost does? Do you have a question about the state of higher education or the Eredivisie (Dutch football's top division)?

Drop in and join us for a warm beverage and a snack and meet Provost Manfred van Dulmen. 

This is a great opportunity to connect, share ideas, ask questions, or simply enjoy some conversation over coffee and light refreshments.

October 9
10-11 a.m.
Information Technology / Engineering 456

No RSVP required and all are welcome. 

Stop by, grab a cup, and say hello! ]]> Have you ever wondered what a provost does? Do you have a question about the state of higher education or the Eredivisie (Dutch football's top division)? Drop in and join us for a warm beverage... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/153083/guest@my.umbc.edu/8b72e3f4ffdfe6e8f0275d47ba2b2934/api/pixel provost Office of the Provost https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/provost https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/xsmall.png?1599681729 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/original.png?1599681729 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/xxlarge.png?1599681729 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/xlarge.png?1599681729 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/large.png?1599681729 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/medium.png?1599681729 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/small.png?1599681729 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/xsmall.png?1599681729 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/xxsmall.png?1599681729 Office of the Provost 1 0 false Wed, 01 Oct 2025 10:39:16 -0400 Provost Newsletter: Sept. 26, 2025 Catch up on what's happening this week at UMBC

Happy Friday and welcome to the inaugural edition of the Provost Newsletter. We're still workshopping names, so if you have a good idea send it to Aaron Burnett for consideration. 

Each Friday throughout the academic year I'll be highlighting the great work being done by you, our faculty and staff members, sharing important information for you to be aware of, and providing a look ahead at events and opportunities.

The newsletter is a work in progress and will evolve over time through your feedback and direction. If there is something you want to see or hear about, let me know. My goal is to provide a forum that is informative and additive to your experience as a Retriever.

So, without further ado …

'Must-see' Exhibit at AOK Gallery

I want to give a big welcome to UMBC's first vice provost and dean of the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery, Sophia Blessitt-Sotilleo. Sophia joined us this summer and has hit the ground running.   

The AOK Gallery's fall exhibition, Picturing Mobility: Black Leisure and Tourism during the Jim Crow Era, curated by Dr. Elizabeth Patton, is on view until Dec. 19. The curatorial talk and reception on Sept. 19 drew 74 attendees and the exhibition was declared "must-see" in BmoreArt.

I just did see the exhibit last night and highly recommend you check it out.

 

UMBC Named a Leading Public University

The latest U.S. News & World Report ratings dropped this week and UMBC is on the rise. We climbed 17 places in the ranking of national universities and 11 places on the list of top public schools. While rankings can never capture the full scope of UMBC, it is great to see outside organizations recognize the world class organization I see every day.  


Join Me for Coffee on Thursday, Oct. 2, 10-11 AM

Mark your calendars as I'll be hosting Coffee with the Provost next Thursday from 10-11 a.m. in ITE-456. No RSVP required and all are welcome. Stop by, grab a cup, and say hello!

 

New Faculty Spotlights

Each week we will feature the newest members of our community. Up first:

Mark E. Woodcock, Assistant Teaching Professor, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering

Area of Research: Formal Methods

Interesting Fact: Mark is an expert in non-inscriptional Carthaginian Literature


Chulwoo "Charles" Park, Assistant Professor, Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health

Areas of Research: Immigrant and minority health, global health, psychosocial epidemiology, and infectious disease epidemiology

Interesting Fact about Charles: I run a full marathon every year!

Are you a new faculty member? Please take two minutes to fill out the form and submit your bio if you have not already done so. 

 

Help Make this Newsletter Better

Do you have a great idea? Are you organizing an event everyone should know about? Send an email to Aaron Burnett, director of provost communication, aaronb4@umbc.edu.


Until next week, 
Manfred van Dulmen

]]> Happy Friday and welcome to the inaugural edition of the Provost Newsletter. We're still workshopping names, so if you have a good idea send it to Aaron Burnett for consideration.  Each Friday... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/152951/guest@my.umbc.edu/5d10b12cfd217a4d8e092929e6478bcd/api/pixel aok library provost Office of the Provost https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/provost https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/xsmall.png?1599681729 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/original.png?1599681729 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/xxlarge.png?1599681729 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/xlarge.png?1599681729 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/large.png?1599681729 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/medium.png?1599681729 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/small.png?1599681729 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/xsmall.png?1599681729 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/xxsmall.png?1599681729 Office of the Provost 5 0 false Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:06:24 -0400 You're Invited: Coffee with the Provost Join Provost van Dulmen for a warm beverage Oct. 9, 10-11 am

UPDATED DATE: OCT. 9, 10-11 AM


Have you ever wondered what a provost does? Do you have a question about the state of higher education or the Eredivisie (Dutch football's top division)?

Drop in and join us for a warm beverage and a snack and meet Provost Manfred van Dulmen. 

This is a great opportunity to connect, share ideas, ask questions, or simply enjoy some conversation over coffee and light refreshments.

October 9
10-11 a.m.
Information Technology / Engineering 456

No RSVP required and all are welcome. 

Stop by, grab a cup, and say hello!

]]> UPDATED DATE: OCT. 9, 10-11 AM Have you ever wondered what a provost does? Do you have a question about the state of higher education or the Eredivisie (Dutch football's top division)?... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/152917/guest@my.umbc.edu/3e0ac142d904d44089cafe618d4f0479/api/pixel provost Office of the Provost https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/provost https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/xsmall.png?1599681729 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/original.png?1599681729 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/xxlarge.png?1599681729 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/xlarge.png?1599681729 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/large.png?1599681729 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/medium.png?1599681729 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/small.png?1599681729 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/xsmall.png?1599681729 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/886/4968a8407e09c1b756bd6d43cd2a2e88/xxsmall.png?1599681729 Office of the Provost 1 0 false Thu, 25 Sep 2025 15:14:15 -0400 Wed, 01 Oct 2025 10:35:32 -0400 Entry Ban on H-1B Employees
Dear Campus Community, 

We are writing with an important update regarding President Trump’s proclamation on September 19, 2025, Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers. 

The information contained in our update is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. 

Context 

The H-1B visa program was created in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush to allow U.S. employers to hire highly skilled workers from outside of the United States to fulfill workforce needs in specialty occupations. UMBC employs nearly 90 research scientists, faculty, and staff through the H-1B visa program and the contributions of these highly skilled individuals contribute to the cutting-edge research and world-class education that we are able to provide. 

On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation, Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers, that requires employers to make payment of a $100,000 government fee per each individual H-1B employee seeking to enter the United States, unless an exception is granted. This proclamation became effective on September 21, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EST and will last for 12 months, unless extended. 

Key Provisions 

Scope: The proclamation applies prospectively to new petitions of H-1B employees who are outside of the United States while the proclamation is in effect unless covered by an approved exception. The proclamation does not apply to any individual who is the beneficiary of petitions filed prior to the effective date of the proclamation, is the beneficiary of currently approved petitions, or is in possession of a validly issued H-1B non-immigrant visa. 
  • The White House released an FAQ document making the following clarifications: 
  1. the proclamation does not apply to any previously issued H-1B visas, or any petitions submitted prior to 12:01 a.m. EST on September 21, 2025; 
  2. the proclamation does not change any payments of fees required to be submitted in connection with any H-1B renewals; 
  3. the fee is a one-time fee on submission of a new H-1B petition; and 
  4. the proclamation does not prevent any holder of a current H-1B visa from traveling in and out of the United States. 

Travel: According to The White House FAQ and agency memoranda, the proclamation does not impact the ability of current H-1B visa holders from traveling to or from the United States. The entry restriction only applies to new H-1B petitions for individuals who are outside of the United States.

Petition Processing: USCIS will restrict decisions on new H-1B petitions lacking evidence that the $100,000 payment was made in advance of filing the petition when the beneficiary is outside of the United States for as long as the proclamation is in effect, unless an exception is granted. 

Visas: U.S. embassies and consulates will not approve issuance of H-1B visas without evidence that the $100,000 payment was made by the filing employer. It is also implied that individuals with approved H-1B petitions who have an employment start date beginning prior to October 1, 2026, will be restricted from obtaining B (business/tourism) visas.

Exceptions: The Secretary of Homeland Security is authorized to grant exceptions to this proclamation for specific individuals, all workers for specific employers and all workers in specific industries. At the time of writing this message, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has not issued guidance on approved exceptions other than those previously mentioned.

Wages: The Secretary of Labor will initiate rulemaking to revise and raise wage levels for H-1B employees. 

Guidance
 
Travel: H-1B employees planning to travel abroad are advised to consult with the Center for Global Engagement and carry a copy of the CBP memorandum on their person when passing through a U.S. port of entry. 

Staffing: Supervisors should be prepared for the possibility that new hires who are currently outside of the United States will be unable to obtain an H-1B visa or enter the United States unless they qualify for an exception from the proclamation or can provide documentation verifying that the $100,000 fee was paid. Please contact Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management with any questions or concerns as it relates to hiring new employees. 

Resources

UMBC’s Employee Assistance Program provides employees with access to free confidential counseling and connections to attorneys who can help with a variety of issues, including immigration concerns.

The Office of International Students and Scholars is available to consult on immigration-related travel issues for individuals holding F-1, H-1B, and J-1 immigration status.

UMBC’s Center for Global Engagement (CGE) will continue to monitor this situation very closely and remains a resource for H-1B employees. Please reach out to CGE if you have questions or plan to travel outside of the United States while the proclamation is in effect.

Some members of our UMBC community may understandably have questions or concerns. Please reach out to either of us for assistance.

Sincerely,

David L. Di Maria
Vice Provost for Global Engagement

Lynne Adams
Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

]]> Dear Campus Community,  We are writing with an important update regarding President Trump’s proclamation on September 19, 2025, Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.  The... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/152799/guest@my.umbc.edu/d20cf756e31ec5fc32e735f87aac3f11/api/pixel federal-orders Announcements - Faculty and Staff https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements-faculty-staff https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/xsmall.png?1691516770 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/original.png?1691516770 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/xxlarge.png?1691516770 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/xlarge.png?1691516770 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/large.png?1691516770 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/medium.png?1691516770 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/small.png?1691516770 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/xsmall.png?1691516770 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/xxsmall.png?1691516770 Announcements - Faculty and Staff 4 0 false Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:03:34 -0400 Supporting Religious Holidays and Observances
Dear UMBC Community,

As we strive to build a community rooted in inclusive excellence, it is important to note the various ways in which religious observance, holidays, and spiritual practice may impact the experiences and specific accommodation needs of members of the UMBC community. 

The Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Pluralism, along with campus partners in the divisions of Student Affairs and Institutional Equity, are dedicated to sharing information and expanded resources related to daily and weekly religious observances, as well as special celebrations, holidays, and rituals, that help us all better support our campus community members in this vital aspect of belonging. Today, we would like to share some updates and resources we hope you will find helpful throughout your work: 

  • UMBC’s Faith-Based and Religious Accommodations Policy – We want to highlight UMBC’s Interim Policy on Faith-Based and Religious Accommodations, and specifically note the form created by the Office of Equity and Civil Rights that campus community members should use to request these accommodations. Please take special note of whom the completed form should be submitted to, since it varies based on the type and nature of the accommodation requested. Faculty members should work in consultation with the Office of Equity and Civil Rights, as needed, to determine if an accommodation should be granted. 

  • Weekly and Daily Observances – In addition to major religious and spiritual holidays, celebrations, and observances, campus community members often engage in daily and weekly practices that can significantly shape how they navigate campus. Daily practices (including individual and communal prayers, specific food accommodations, etc.) and weekly practices (including Shabbat or Jummah observance) serve as important touch points for students, staff, and faculty at UMBC. Please know that such observances often contain work restrictions, fasting, and other practices. 

    Many of these observances take place on campus in The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being in the Center for Well-Being, or with one of UMBC’s 29 undergraduate and graduate religious and belief student organizations. Additionally, many community members and religious and belief organizations are supported by members of the UMBC Religious Council (click on the Spiritual Resources tab), who are available to meet and provide religious and spiritual guidance.

  • Upcoming Religious Holidays for the Fall 2025 Semester – By following this link, you will find a list of some religious holy days that may impact calendars during the fall 2025 academic semester. The holidays included are those that may have a significant impact on observant community members and could present a conflict with academic and work requirements. Please note that not all holidays will apply to all members of a particular religious or spiritual community.

    Please keep this list in mind as you schedule programs, field trips, events, exams, or major projects, knowing that some members of our community may be fasting, limiting their work, or observing a holiday in other ways. Some religious observances may also require additional time for preparation or travel before and after the actual holy day(s).

Thank you in advance for making UMBC a campus that continues to celebrate and support religious and spiritual diversity. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. 

Best wishes,

Matt Hoffman, MDiv, STM
Director, Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Pluralism

Joseph Vann-Jones, MDiv 
Coordinator, The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being

Jasmine A. Lee, MSW, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President, Division of Institutional Equity

]]> Dear UMBC Community, As we strive to build a community rooted in inclusive excellence, it is important to note the various ways in which religious observance, holidays, and spiritual practice... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/152677/guest@my.umbc.edu/9339522d636506b34890866bf3e9043e/api/pixel Announcements - Faculty and Staff https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements-faculty-staff https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/xsmall.png?1691516770 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/original.png?1691516770 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/xxlarge.png?1691516770 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/xlarge.png?1691516770 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/large.png?1691516770 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/medium.png?1691516770 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/small.png?1691516770 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/xsmall.png?1691516770 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/085/0f7e4cc2ada40c840ed40083f42374c3/xxsmall.png?1691516770 Announcements - Faculty and Staff 3 0 false Fri, 19 Sep 2025 10:30:23 -0400