We are proud to announce thatmembers of the DoIT Instructional Technology team: Josh Abrams, Ben Amudzi, Peter Ariev, Susan Biro, Ada Crutchfield, Mariann Hawken, Collin Sullivan, and Tom Penniston have been awarded the April 2025 DoIT Gritty Awardfor their critical support of the Blackboard migration from Original or Classic to Ultra. This project significantly impacted faculty and students. The team did a great job and has earned a reputation for helping all faculty through the efficient and effective use of technology in teaching and learning. They are well-respected on campus, regionally, and nationally. They represent what's best about UMBC's can-do grit and grace. In addition to the April Gritty Award, the team is a nominee for a 2025 Catalyst Award in theLeading Changecategory.

The Gritty Award is in recognition of outstanding work within the Division. Full-time DoIT employees, DoIT student employees, and teams are eligible to be nominated for going above and beyond! Anyone in DoIT can nominate someone for the Gritty by completing this short Gritty Nomination Form. 

Image: The Instructional Team sitting on the steps on UMBC’s beautiful campus. Next to the group picture is the image of the DoIT Gritty Award dog trophy. The trophy states, “The Gritty Award, for outstanding contributions to the Division of Information Technology at UMBC”.

Outstanding Contributions

The entire Instructional Technology team provided extensive training and support to the campus community throughout the Ultra migration. However, we want to acknowledge and thank each of you for your extraordinary contributions to the success of this project!

Josh Abrams, Instructional Design Specialist, led the team’s Blackboard management, including critical systems, core third-party integrations, and digital accessibility, ensuring users were provided with high-touch service and detailed documentation.

Dr. Ben Amudzi, Instructional Technology Specialist, provided users with professional service in support of Ultra tools and third-party systems such as Microsoft Teams, CourseArc, Collaborate, and others.

Dr. Peter Ariev, Instructional Design Specialist, provided key support for VoiceThread and Panopto as well as course development and migration feedback to faculty as they transferred content to Ultra.

Dr. Susan Biro, Manager of Online Learning, planned and delivered faculty training about course migration pathways, leveraging Quality Matters Standards, and promoted digital accessibility with tools such as Ally to create or remediate content and presentations.

Ada Crutchfield, Instructional Design Specialist, developed digital accessibility resources and provided personalized support to faculty for Ultra migration and related third-party tools, including Google Meet and CourseArc.

Dr. Mariann Hawken, Director, coordinated the Ultra migration’s communication and engaged Anthology and Ultra developers to relay and prioritize UMBC faculty technical and pedagogical needs.

Dr. Tom Penniston, Coordinator of Learning Analytics, provided extensive data analysis on course archetypes, learner engagement, and training to better inform the team on current practices or next steps.

DoIT also thanks Collin Sullivan (Program Director, Digital Credential Innovation, DPS) for his contributions and support during his tenure as an Instructional Technology Specialist with the team.

The Blackboard Ultra Migration

The Blackboard Ultra migration was one of UMBC’s most significant instructional technology transformations, requiring a seamless transition for thousands of students and faculty. The project successfully balanced pedagogical, technical, and institutional needs while prioritizing the faculty and student experience.

Rather than mandate an abrupt change, Instructional Technology designed a phased, faculty-centered approach that empowered faculty to adopt Ultra on their own timeline while receiving comprehensive training and support. Despite significant challenges -- including initial faculty skepticism about Ultra’s readiness and migration disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic -- their methodical approach resulted in a 99.5% adoption by the end of 2024. The pace was intentionally slow, allowing faculty the time and space to fully explore and become familiar with the new Blackboard. Learn more about how UMBC reached 99.6% Ultra adoption for Fall 2024 term

Celebrating Success Beyond UMBC: A Catalyst Award Nominee!

In addition to recognizing their work at UMBC, the Instructional Technology Team is officially a nominee for a 2025 Catalyst Award in the Leading Changecategory. Learn more about the Catalyst Awards here.

For all of your exceptional efforts and commitment to excellence, we are proud to present you all with the April DoIT Gritty Award. Congratulations! 

Thank you, Ada, Ben, Collin, Josh, Peter, Mariann, Susan, and Tom, for your dedication to academic success!

The DoIT Community & The DoIT Gritty Committee

Erica D’Eramo

Ally Hepp

Carlos McKinney

David Toothe

Dondre Hatef

Kashka Donaldson

Mariann Hawken (recused herself from voting) 

Nick Beech

Tony Finneran

Roy Prouty

Follow Joshua's story as he shares how connections made at DoIT have shaped his career aspirations. Discover the impact of friendships and networking in his journey towards becoming a cybersecurity expert.

Image: Josh carrying a laptop in the AV workspace with tech supplies in the background. 

At the heart of any dynamic academic environment lies a myriad of opportunities for growth, both personal and professional. Joshua Cheeks, a senior computer science major at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), is a testament to this fact. His journey through academia, coupled with his role at the Division of Information Technology (DoIT), exemplifies how university experiences can profoundly shape one's career trajectory and personal development.

Joining the AV Department

Joshua Cheeks’s time at UMBC has been complemented by his work at the AV department under DoIT. For close to two years, he has immersed himself in the daily operations that keep the department running smoothly. This position has not only allowed him to apply his computer science knowledge in practical settings but has also rendered every day an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Building Meaningful Connections

One of the most impactful aspects of Joshua's journey has been the relationships he has built during his time at DoIT. He emphasizes the importance of these connections, stating that the friends and networks he has established with both his co-workers and superiors have had a significant positive impact on his life. These relationships have not only made his work environment more enjoyable but also extended beyond professional boundaries, fostering personal growth and development.

Team Bonding Moments

In recounting his experiences, Joshua highlights a fond memory: his team watching a movie in PAHB 132 after completing a project. Such moments of camaraderie underscore the importance of teamwork and the bonds formed in the collaborative efforts required in the AV department.

Advice for New Employees

Joshua has valuable advice for newcomers to the DoIT student workforce. He encourages them to engage actively with their colleagues and supervisors. Making connections, he notes, is crucial as these relationships can be beneficial in the future. The friendly and approachable environment at DoIT, according to him, is conducive to fostering these exchanges.

Pursuing Higher Education

Looking ahead, Joshua aspires to further his education by pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity. This advanced study will equip him with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape.

Career Goals

Joshua’s ultimate career goal is to become a Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst in the cybersecurity field. This role involves monitoring and analyzing an organization's security systems to detect and mitigate threats. It is a critical position within the cybersecurity domain, requiring a keen eye for detail, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of cyber threats and defense mechanisms.

The Impact of UMBC and DoIT

1. Personal and Professional Growth: Joshua attributes much of his personal and professional growth to his time at UMBC and his involvement with DoIT. The university environment has challenged him to become a better person and a more diligent worker, pushing him to strive for excellence in all his endeavors.

1. Networking Opportunities: The connections he has formed with a diverse group of individuals, from fellow students to faculty and staff at DoIT, have broadened his perspective and provided him with a supportive network that he can rely on as he advances in his career.

1. Skill Development:His responsibilities at the AV department have allowed Joshua to develop a range of skills that are directly applicable to his future career goals. From technical proficiencies in managing audio-visual equipment to soft skills like effective communication and teamwork, Joshua has gained a holistic set of competencies that will serve him well in his future roles.

Joshua Cheeks’s journey at UMBC and the Division of Information Technology is a prime example of how university experiences can play a pivotal role in shaping one's career and personal development. His story illustrates the value of seizing opportunities, building meaningful relationships, and continually striving for growth. As Joshua looks to the future, with aspirations of becoming a SOC analyst and obtaining a master's degree in cybersecurity, it is evident that the foundations laid during his time at UMBC and DoIT will continue to support and guide him.

Next on his journey, Josh will be graduating in May 2025 from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, with a BS in Computer Science. Congratulations Joshua!

Watch his complete video here!

In early February, the myUMBC team launched my UMBC Answers, an AI-driven search bar to improve experiences for students, faculty, and staff while ensuring security and privacy. Now, all campus members have been enrolled in this new feature! It helps provide fast, accurate answers to common student questions. The common questions focus on the student experience, but future updates will incorporate resources for faculty and staff. There is an option to opt out if users prefer. 

Interactive Feedback Loop:A sophisticated mechanism allows users to contribute qualitative assessments of answer accuracy. University technology architect Collier Jones emphasizes a critical advisory: "While our AI system provides remarkable support, it is not infallible. Students must exercise due diligence by independently verifying critical information."

Privacy and Security: The system has been meticulously designed with privacy protocols, ensuring the protection of sensitive student information throughout every interaction.

What can it do?

The platform empowers students by providing rapid, secure access to essential personal information, including:

• Academic performance records

• Financial billing statements

• Retriever Card balance details

Additional Resources

• Privacy Information: https://privacy.umbc.edu/myumbc-data/

• System Overview: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/doit/posts/147188

The AI-powered answers system exemplifies UMBC's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance student support and institutional efficiency.

The following images show some examples of questions that MyUMBC’s Answers:

Image: A search bar with the question “What’s the last day of classes?” and underneath the question shows a toggle bar with myUMBC Answers “ON” and a disclaimer “Answers aren’t always accurate, double-check anything important.” The answer to the question is displayed as “May 13, 2025 is the last day of classes for the Spring 2025 semester.” Users can click to indicate if the answer provided was helpful. 

Join Sydney Kumordzie as he shares his heartwarming experience working in AV Services, forming friendships, and gaining valuable skills that shaped his future. Discover the importance of mentorship and building connections in the workplace.

Image: Sydney working on a laptop in an office workspace. 

Discovering the Hidden Gems of an IT Student's Journey

Building a career in the realm of IT is often seen as a journey filled with late-night code marathons, unnerving debug sessions, and an overall competitive atmosphere. But what if we turned this perspective around and looked at it through the lens of a fulfilling, community-driven adventure? Sydney Kumordzie's narrative provides a refreshing take on what it feels like to grow and thrive in the IT industry, especially through the supportive environment in the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) and his invaluable experiences at AV Services.

A Family-like Work Environment

One of the foremost aspects Sydney highlights about his journey is the family-like atmosphere he encountered. Working in AV Services made him feel like part of a big family—co-workers felt more like friends, and every day brought opportunities to collaborate and create memories together. This relational warmth isn't something one typically expects from a career in IT, which is often thought to be a solitary and intensely focused field. However, Sydney’s experience shatters that stereotype.

The Importance of Mentorship

Mentorship played a pivotal role in Sydney’s developmental journey. He emphasizes how his mentors provided invaluable guidance, which helped him navigate the often-complex landscape of computer science and IT services. This guidance wasn't merely about technical skills but also about fostering the right mindset and setting career goals.

Gaining Diverse Experiences

Sydney didn’t confine himself to a single niche within the IT domain. His time working in different roles within AV Services was crucial for gaining a broad understanding of the field. He worked in PowerShell scripting and student administration in addition to AV Services, allowing him to develop a well-rounded skill set.

Versatility in Roles

Starting in student administration and managing accounts provided Sydney with essential back-end skills. This experience taught him the importance of proper data management and security, as he had to handle sensitive information and ensure its security.

Switching to AV Services introduced Sydney to the "person-to-person" aspect of IT. Here, the focus was not just on the technicality but also on user interaction and troubleshooting in real-time scenarios. It helped him develop strong communication skills and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.

Building Personal Connections

According to Sydney, making friends and building connections are crucial elements often overlooked in a professional setting. He advises his peers to go beyond merely fulfilling job responsibilities.

Breaking the Routine

Sydney shares a cherished memory that epitomizes the joy of breaking routine to build camaraderie. After finishing work early in Lecture Hall 1, he and his colleagues decided to put on some music and have an impromptu rap session. This moment wasn’t just about taking a break; it was about enjoying shared experiences and building a supportive environment where everyone felt comfortable and valued.

Tips for Future IT Professionals

Sydney’s story isn’t just a walk down memory lane; it’s a treasure trove of insights for future IT professionals. he offers practical advice for anyone looking to follow a similar path: