Our final meeting of the semester is here and we're going out with a bang! 🎉

Join us Wednesday May 6 at 7:00 PM in Physics 401 for a movie night ! We'll have plenty of pizza —  bring a friend .

It's been an amazing semester and we can't wait to celebrate with everyone. See you there! 🪐

Hello everyone!

Retriever Essentials will have an early closing at 4:45pm on 5/15/2026. 

We apologize for any incoinveinces, and please plan your trip accordingly.

Two exceptional CNMS faculty members from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have received 2025 – 2026 University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents Faculty Awards. These prestigious awards recognize distinguished performance that consistently exceeds ordinary expectations.

Tara Carpenter, teaching professor, has been awarded the Board of Regents Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. This honor highlights faculty who demonstrate outstanding pedagogy, promote measurable gains in student learning, and innovate to support broad student success.

(Tara Carpenter, courtesy of Carpenter)

Carpenter teaches UMBC’s largest introductory chemistry courses, reaching more than 1,000 students per year—mostly first-year students and non-majors—in sections exceeding 250 students. Beyond delivering rigorous content, she focuses on teaching students how to learn, helping them build a growth mindset—the idea that abilities can be developed, rather than being innate—and succeed in college and beyond.

Over time, Carpenter’s efforts have significantly lowered drop-fail-withdraw (DFW) rates in General Chemistry I and II and strengthened students’ preparation for later courses such as Organic Chemistry. Carpenter consistently receives glowing student evaluations, and her work has influenced department- and campus-wide practices for over 15 years. She regularly shares her methods and results with national audiences of teaching professionals through scholarly publications and conference presentations.

“This award is deeply meaningful to me, because it reflects years of work focused on implementing evidence-based teaching practices at scale,” Carpenter says. “I firmly believe that every student can succeed in chemistry, which is why I integrate principles from the learning sciences into my teaching. Seeing students adopt a growth mindset and master concepts they once thought were out of reach is, and always will be, my driving passion.”

Professor Michael F. Summers has received the Board of Regents Faculty Award for Excellence in Mentoring. This award recognizes sustained excellence in mentoring that fosters student development, retention, and post-baccalaureate success, with a strong emphasis on inclusive excellence.

(Michael Summers, courtesy of Summers)

A longtime leader in UMBC’s Meyerhoff Scholars and G-RISE programs, Summers helped build nationally recognized models for increasing underrepresented minority (URM) success in STEM. Under his direction, Meyerhoff Graduate Fellows achieved a 90 percent retention rate—far above national averages of 55 – 64 percent for all Ph.D. students in STEM—and has produced 229 URM Ph.D. graduates since 2001.

In his own laboratory, 313 undergraduates and 74 graduate students/postdocs have received mentorship, either from Summers directly or from more advanced students he coached, creating a rich and resilient community of mentorship in his group. Many alumni from Summers’ laboratory have become faculty at institutions such as Harvard and Oxford, leaders in industry, and champions of the Meyerhoff philosophy elsewhere. His approach creates a strong sense of belonging, enabling students—often the first in their families to attend college—to conduct and publish high-impact research in top journals and reach their career goals.

“Mentoring is at the center of all we do in our lab,” Summers shares. “I often wake up in the morning excited and motivated by our latest lab experiments, but I go to bed at night thinking about the students—their own dreams, where they are now and where they are going. And my former mentees are so inspiring! It is my work with students that has brought me the greatest sense of satisfaction.”

Please join CNMS in congratulating Tara Carpenter and Michael Summers on these well-deserved honors. Their dedication to student success and inclusive excellence reflects the very best of UMBC.

Our summer writing group is back! The Dresher Center will host weekly writing sessions for all faculty, staff, and graduate students who are interested in participating.

Wednesdays from May 27 to August 12, 10am to 12pm

Register for the writing group now!

The application is LIVE for the 2026-2027 Exempt Staff Mentoring Program with a deadline of Friday, May 8th. The new cohort of the program will kick off in July 2026 and run through June 2027. New exempt staff members (typically at UMBC for less than 3 years) are encouraged to apply to be mentees, and all exempt staff members (typically at UMBC for 3 years or longer) are encouraged to apply to be mentors!

Apply here! - ESS Mentoring Program Application

Contact Jess Wyatt (jwy@umbc.edu) or Steve Harris (stevenh1@umbc.edu) directly with questions.

Calling all current graduate students! Looking to level up your data storytelling skills this summer? The Division of Student Affairs is hiring a Graduate Student Intern – Data Visualization & Reporting Analyst for summer 2026! In this paid, highly flexible hybrid role ($21.39/hr, 10–12 hours/week), you’ll design interactive dashboards, translate complex datasets into meaningful insights, and have an opportunity to collaborate with student affairs leaders on data analysis projects. This internship is open to all current UMBC graduate students that have prior Tableau experience. Recent graduates cannot be considered for this role. This internship will provide a great opportunity to build portfolio-worthy solutions. Application review begins May 20.

How to Apply:
All interested candidates must apply on Handshake, visit our job posting here.

Candidates should submit two documents: a resume and a cover letter that includes a statement of interest and an outline of your relevant experience and skills. Your cover letter should also include a link to a Tableau dashboard project you have personally developed. As a reminder, the UMBC Career Center website has some helpful materials about crafting a cover letter.

Questions? Reach out to Dr. Mary Ellen Wade, Director of Assessment and Planning at mewade@umbc.edu 

Most finals must be booked in SDS by May 9th

For students with SDS testing accommodations at the UMBC main campus, please use our Accommodate software (https://sds.umbc.edu/accommodated-testing/) to schedule your in-person final exams. During finals (May 14th, 15th, 18th, 19th, and 20th), SDS will be open for testing between 8:30 am and 6:00 pm each testing day.  Remember that most finals must be booked in SDS by May 9th but no later than May 13th (the last day of classes). You should schedule all of your finals NOW. If we run out of seats, we can advocate for additional rooms for Finals if we know the demand in advance. Please?

For students registered with SDS who take classes at Shady Grove (USG), please follow the directions on the USG testing website at https://shadygrove.umd.edu/student-affairs/leadership-communication/dss-current-students. In general, USG test request forms must be submitted at least seven days before the exam date.  The finals schedule for UMBC-USG course is included in the Regular Final Exams schedule linked below.

Important Notes:

• Online finals: If your course is online, then your final exam is likely to be online. Your instructor will set extended time in the testing platform, and you do not need to schedule it in SDS unless your instructor requires that it be proctored or you need accommodations that can't be used online.
• Common Finals vs Regular Finals: Check the Common Finals schedule first - if your course is not listed then check the Regular Finals schedule.  Both schedules are linked below. Also, check your syllabus for each class to determine if your class will have a final.
• Most finals are 2 hours long, so your extended time will be longer than usual. You must check that your finals do not overlap or exceed testing center hours when you apply your extended time.
• Scheduling Conflicts?: If your final exams will overlap in time or if you have more than two finals on one day, please communicate this information directly to your instructors with your plan for how you would like to schedule your test time with accommodation(s). If there are any difficulties in scheduling alternate test arrangements, don't hesitate to contact SDS for assistance.
• Also, please remember that your instructor must email SDS at disability@umbc.edu to notify us of their agreement to your test time when it differs from your class's scheduled test day/time.
• Please double-check your final exam times with your instructors.
• You cannot schedule exams in SDS (or DSS at Shady Grove) unless you submitted a Semester Request for Spring 2026 in Accommodate and had your Letter of Accommodations sent to your instructors.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with our office via email (disability@umbc.edu), phone (410-455-2459), or drop by (Math/Psych 212) if you have any questions or if we can assist you in scheduling your finals on the Main Campus.

~~Student Disability Services

Resources:

Scheduling a test at UMBC main campus SDS instructions: https://sds.umbc.edu/scheduling-exams-in-accommodate/

UMBC Finals Schedules

• Common Finals - Check this first:
  https://registrar.umbc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2026/04/Common-Final-Exam-Schedule-Spring-2026.pdf
• Regular Finals (includes the schedule for USG classes on page 2):
  https://registrar.umbc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2026/01/Spring-2026-Regular-Exam-Schedule.pdf

Our LAST GBM of the semester is coming up. Join us this Thursday from 3-4:30 in Commons 329. We will be having our elections for the officer board so make sure to be there. Other than that, it will be a normal GBM, so come and destress before the end of the semester with some crafts and company.

We do still need someone to run for treasurer, so if you are thinking of running but are unsure, maybe this message from our current treasurer will encourage you: "Being treasurer is not hard or as scary as it seems, and I will still be a club officer so I will be here to answer questions and help you whenever you would need it."

Anyone can also run for the Social Media or Meetings and Events officer roles up until our election on Thursday, so be an even more active part in keeping this club alive and seize the power for yourself: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWi0Y5CJJCNzt53T03k9rzU0Je0PKggKyLHTZxYxMs-u8XYQ/viewform?usp=dialog

Can't wait to see you tomorrow!

The State Wellness Program aims to motivate, inspire, and educate employees through monthly wellness webinars (live and on-demand), healthy challenges, guided meditations, wellness coaching, and much more. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to pause, reflect, and prioritize what helps you feel balanced and supported. This month’s curated selections invite you to clear the mental clutter and make space for yourself.

All three Medical Plan Providers offer Mental Health Apps at no cost!

• Explore CareFirst Unwinding HERE
• Explore United Healthcare Calm HERE
• Explore Kaiser Permanente's Calm and Headspace HERE

Get Ready to Travel Coast to Coast!

Hit the road on a virtual U.S. adventure to explore iconic destinations, earn points, collect road signs, and log physical activity and vacation-worthy wellness wins. Along the way, discover why each stop belongs on your must-see list while you build well-being habits that last long after your epic shore-to-shore adventure is over! Watch the Coast to Coast Challenge Welcome Video

Register for the Coast to Coast Challenge 

Mindful Mondays: The Forgiveness Series

Monday, May 11, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Forgiveness of Others

Forgiving others is choosing to free yourself from emotional strain rather than remaining in a constant "fight-or-flight" state. Forgiving others is a secret to happiness and contentment.
Register for 5/11 Forgiveness of Others 

Monday, May 18, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Forgiveness of Self

Forgiving yourself releases you from the heavy burden of guilt, shame, and self-blame, resulting in improved mental health and lowered anxiety. By turning mistakes into lessons, you'll foster resilience and self-trust.
Register for 5/18 Forgiveness of Self 

Tasty Tuesdays with Chef Sandra

Tuesday, May 12, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Gazpacho

Cool, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, gazpacho is the ultimate warm-weather soup. Ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, peppers, garlic, and olive oil combine into a silky Spanish dish that proves making soup doesn't always need a stove!

Register for 5/12 Gazpacho

Tuesday, May 19, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Chocolate Truffles and Black Garlic

Decadent chocolate truffles get a bold twist with black garlic, an ingredient known for its molasses-like sweetness and umami depth. These contrasting flavors create a dessert that's sophisticated, surprising, and just a little daring. This is chocolate with a conversation starter baked right in!

Register for 5/19 Chocolate Truffles and Black Garlic

Healthy U Wednesdays 

Wednesday, May 13, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Natural Ways to Reduce Anxiety

Anxiety is part of the stress response, which makes you aware of danger. But when stress is persistent, so is the anxiety you may experience. Learn more about how natural remedies like aromatherapy, meditation, being in nature, and other practices can reduce anxiety.

Register for 5/13 Natural Ways to Reduce Anxiety 

Wednesday, May 20, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Stronger Minds, Healthier Lives

This uplifting mental health presentation explores what it means to care for your mental well‑being, how to reduce stigma, and everyday habits that support balance, resilience, and overall health.

Register for 5/20 Stronger Minds, Healthier Lives 

Wednesday, May 27, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: The Power of Resilience

Resilience is the capacity to bounce back from challenges and view them as opportunities for growth. It's a skill built through daily habits of gratitude, avoiding negative self-talk, and other practices. Learn how to develop and strengthen your power of resilience.

Register for 5/27 The Power of Resilience

Thrive Thursdays

Thursday, May 7, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Chair Pilates

Experience the Power of Pilates! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this class welcomes all fitness levels. It is like a core workout meets a mini retreat just for you!Register for 5/7 Chair Pilates  

Thursday, May 14, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Finding More Margin in Your Day

Learn tips to lessen time stress, create healthier boundaries, and build more self-care and downtime into your day.

Register for 5/14 Finding More Margin in Your Day 

Thursday, May 21, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Chair Yoga

Experience restorative chair yoga right at your workspace as you stretch and lengthen your spine, increase blood flow, and release muscle tension.

Register for 5/21 Chair Yoga 

Thursday, May 28, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Better Sleep for Better Health

Quality sleep connects to brain health, heart health and longevity, and yet nearly half of adults say they don't get enough. Learn how to get your best sleep in this important session.

Register for 5/28 Better Sleep for Better Health

Friday Guided Meditations

Friday, May 8, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Letting Go of Obsessive Thoughts About the Past

Obsessive thoughts about the past can be distressing. This guided meditation will provide relief and release.

Register for 5/8 Letting Go of Obsessive Thoughts About the Past

Friday, May 15, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Letting Go of Resentment

Letting go of resentments that you have been holding onto will free up emotional space and allow more room for love. It is a gift that you give to yourself.

Register for 5/15 Letting Go of Resentment

Friday, May 22, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Bring in the Positive

Positive thinking reduces stress, anxiety, and depression by shifting focus away from negative thoughts.

Access this pre-recorded guided meditation anytime, as many times, as you like! 

Friday, May 29, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Letting Go and Moving Forward

Letting go isn't about forgetting; it’s about making space to move forward. In this calming guided meditation, you’ll gently release what no longer serves you and reconnect with a sense of clarity, ease, and possibility.

Register for 5/29 Letting Go and Moving Forward

Tips for a Healthier You

Friday, May 8, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Breathing for Better Health

Practice simple breathing techniques like wave-breathing and diaphragmatic-breathing to help calm your mind and reduce stress. 

Register for 5/8 Breathing for Better Health

Friday, May 15, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing

Mental health and emotional wellbeing are essential to overall health. Learn common mental health myths, signs that someone may need support, and where to find help. 

Register for 4/10 Stretch for Health

Friday, May 22, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Coping with Grief and Loss

Grief and loss can deeply impact mental health. Explore the stages of the grief cycle and discover ways to support yourself and loved ones during loss.

Register for 5/22 Coping with Grief and Loss

Friday, May 29, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Understanding Social Isolation and Mental Health

Social connection plays a vital role in your physical and mental wellbeing. Explore how social isolation affects mental health, review the signs and symptoms of loneliness, and learn practical ways to build connections to reduce social isolation.

Register for 5/29 Understanding Social Isolation and Mental Health

From Monday, 5/4 through Thursday, 5/14 the Employee Benefits Division (EBD) of the MD Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will be hosting a Wellness Fair where each of the State benefit plan vendors will share carrier specific information about their $0-cost wellness resources. Most vendors will offer 2 sessions each day, giving employees the flexibility to join as many sessions as they want. 

And, that’s not all - for every session employees attend, they will be entered into a raffle to win prizes. The more sessions you join, the greater your chances of winning! 

So don't miss this fantastic opportunity to learn about valuable wellness resources, win prizes, and have fun at the same time - view the 2026 Virtual Spring Wellness Fair Schedule and click on the meeting of your choice at the listed date / time!