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:
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Make your own kind of music
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Just breathe
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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
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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.