Inclusive excellence has long been a cultural touchstone at UMBC. Before now, we haven't had a definition or any other shared language to describe what we mean. This is your chance to inform our definition. Leaders in the Division of Institutional Equity have drafted a framework for inclusive excellence, and we want your input!
The framework aims to articulate our community's shared commitments in a way that can communicate our values, guide action, inspire new collaboration, and support the development and implementation of UMBC's next strategic plan.
Join The Centers for Social Justice Dialogue and Democracy and Civic Life for UMBC Talks, which are 90-minute, co-facilitated dialogues designed to support your engagement with the framework. Each UMBC Talk will be the same, so please sign up for the one that best suits your schedule. We hope to see you there. Come and leave your mark on this important moment in UMBC's history.
Spring Semester Open Forums
Friday, April 10, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m., UC 312 -Foregrounding faculty and staff experiences but open to everyone, with opportunities for all participants to be in conversation with people with similar UMBC affiliations.
Wednesday, April 15, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., UC 312 - Open to everyone. Conversations will be held in mixed groups.
Friday, April 24, 10:00 a.m. - noon, UC 312 -Foregrounding graduate student experiences but open to everyone, with opportunities for all participants to be in conversation with people with similar UMBC affiliations.
Friday, April 24, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., UC 312 -Foregrounding undergraduate student experiences but open to everyone, with opportunities for all participants to be in conversation with people with similar UMBC affiliations.
Tuesday, April 28, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., Virtual - Open to everyone. Conversations will be held in mixed groups.
Stay tuned for potential additional dates! Download the attached flyer to post or share.
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UMBC Talks is a collaborative initiative that aims to enhance the sense of community, vibrancy, and well-being at UMBC through guided community conversations that reestablish our commitment to inclusive excellence and foster a sense of pride for what it truly
means to be a UMBC Retriever. Using this framework offers a dialogic process for gathering community input on shared values.
If you have any questions about this feedback process, please feel free to reach out to Drs. Ciara Christian and David Hoffman at culture@umbc.edu.
These events are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.
Lunch and Learn for Faculty Part 1: Library Video Services and the Library Innovation Lab, March 27, 12-1. This event will cover:
Lunch and Learn for Faculty Part 2: Lecture Capture and Media Management, the New Media Studio, and Research Computing, April 3, 12-1. This event will cover:
Today, she works as an Associate Biologist in the Cryobiology Department at ATCC, one of the world's leading biological resource centers, contributing to groundbreaking research in preserving biological materials. Her journey—from navigating uncertainty and personal challenges to thriving in biotechnology— demonstrates the power of mentorship, perseverance, and hands-on experience.
Merryll first became interested in biotechnology during high school as the field began gaining global attention. Curious about the possibilities within the industry, she started exploring educational pathways that could lead to a career in biotech.
She began her studies in the biotechnology program at Montgomery College, where she discovered a passion for laboratory work and learning new scientific techniques.
"I loved the lab work and the hands-on learning," she recalls. "But when it came time to transfer, I wasn't sure where I should go next."
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she attended an online class where Dr. Wayman, then director of the Translational Life Science Technology (TLST) program, introduced students to the program at UMBC–Shady Grove. The presentation immediately caught Merryll's attention.
"As she talked about the program, internships, and career pathways, I realized this was exactly what I wanted to do," she says.
The campus's proximity to her home—just 25 minutes away—also made the decision easier, allowing her to stay close to family while continuing her education.
Merryll's transfer came during one of the most challenging periods of her life. Around that time, she was coping with the loss of her father while supporting her family.
Attending the UMBC program at Shady Grove allowed her to remain close to home while focusing on her education.
"Being able to stay near my family helped me stay grounded," she says. "Everything just aligned perfectly."
Looking back, Merryll believes the program came into her life at exactly the right moment.
Beyond technical laboratory training, the TLST program helped Merryll build confidence and professional skills that would prove critical for her career.
Early in college, she struggled with self-doubt about whether she could succeed in the biotechnology field.
"I didn't think I would make it to where I am today," she says. "I thought I might struggle to find a job after graduating."
Through the program, she gained opportunities to grow professionally, including:
The small program environment helped students build strong relationships with both peers and professors.
"It helped me step outside my comfort zone and connect with people," Merryll explains. "That made a big difference in building confidence."
One of the most important moments in Merryll's academic journey came when she applied for the ATCC SPARK Internship Program.
At first, she hesitated.
"I didn't think I would get it," she says. "There were so many talented students in the program."
Encouraged by her advisor, Dr. Friar, she decided to apply anyway.
That decision changed everything.
Merryll was selected as one of five interns in the program, and later became one of only two interns hired by the company. She has now been with ATCC for more than two and a half years.
The experience reinforced an important lesson: sometimes the biggest opportunities come from simply taking a chance.
Today, Merryll works as an Associate Biologist in the Cryobiology Department at ATCC, with an office in Gaithersburg, Maryland, just minutes from the Shady Grove campus.
Her internship transitioned seamlessly into a full-time role.
"The workplace was incredibly welcoming," she says. "Even when I started as an intern, I never felt like a stranger."
The hands-on laboratory training and real-world experience she gained through the TLST program prepared her well for the professional environment.
"What you learn in class and what you do in the lab prepares you for what you'll actually do in the industry," she explains. "You're not starting from scratch."
One of the biggest advantages of the program is its location in Maryland's biotechnology corridor.
Students benefit from being close to numerous biotech companies, research organizations, and government agencies. This proximity creates opportunities for networking, internships, and industry exposure.
Guest speakers from organizations such as the FDA and NIH frequently share insights with students about career paths within biotechnology.
"Meeting professionals already working in the field helps you understand the different opportunities available," Merryll says.
For Merryll, earning her bachelor's degree represented a personal milestone after years of uncertainty and major life transitions.
She had previously left the United States to study abroad before deciding to restart her education and pursue a new direction in biotechnology.
"There was a point when I wasn't sure I would even finish my associate degree," she says.
But persistence, along with strong support from family, friends, and mentors, helped her keep going.
When she finally received her diploma, it was a moment she will never forget.
"I couldn't believe I actually did it."
Just one week after graduating, she began her full-time job at ATCC.
Today, Merryll continues to grow professionally while pursuing a Master of Professional Studies in Biotechnology.
Her graduate studies are expanding her understanding of the broader biotechnology ecosystem beyond laboratory work.
"There's so much happening outside the lab," she says. "Learning about the bigger picture in biotech has been really exciting."
If she could go back and choose again, Merryll says she would absolutely choose the TLST program.
"It gives you the experience and confidence you need to succeed," she says.
Her advice to students considering the program is simple:
"Don't underestimate yourself. If you put yourself out there and try, you might be surprised by what you can accomplish."
On Thursday, March 19th and Friday, March 20th, the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (ECR) will be closed for in-person visits.
Staff will be available virtually throughout this time. If you have any questions or concerns during this time, please email ecr@umbc.edu.
To submit a report regarding sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment, hate, or bias, please file an online report here.
]]>As part of UMBC's ongoing commitment to fostering equitable and inclusive learning and working environments, we are pleased to share our growing training opportunities designed to deepen our community's understanding of religious discrimination and equip faculty and staff with effective strategies to address it. These offerings include two virtual courses and follow-up surveys available through Vector Solutions and in-person sessions facilitated by partners in the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Pluralism.
Faculty, staff, supervisors, and campus partners are encouraged to participate. For enrollment support, submit a request form here or email culture@umbc.edu.
Virtual Trainings via Vector Solutions
1. Recognizing and Responding to Antisemitism
This course provides an overview of antisemitism, its historical development, contemporary manifestations, and effective strategies for addressing bias in academic settings.
Participants will:
Build a foundational understanding of antisemitism and how it has adapted over time.
Learn to identify common expressions of antisemitism in academic and community contexts.
Explore practical approaches for responding to harmful behaviors, comments, or incidents.
2. Recognizing and Responding to Islamophobia
This course introduces the historical context and contemporary experiences of Muslims and Arabs, who are often treated as a single monolithic group. Participants will examine the interpersonal, institutional, and online forms of harm individuals may experience, and develop strategies to counter bias and discrimination in campus settings.
Participants will:
Understand the historical and social factors shaping Islamophobia.
Identify common behaviors, comments, and structures that perpetuate harm.
Learn practical tools for addressing and reducing harmful actions or assumptions.
In-Person Training: FaithZone Training – Exploring Faith & Spirituality in Higher Education
Available Facilitators: Matt Hoffman, Director for the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Pluralism; Joseph Vann-Jones, Coordinator for the Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being.
FaithZone Training (FZT) is a general workshop and a tailored in-person training session designed to equip participants with the knowledge, language, and practical tools needed to better understand and engage with religious and spiritual diversity in higher education. Drawing from theory, lived experience, and real-world scenarios, the training explores how faith, spirituality, and worldview identities shape identity, values, and daily experiences in academic, professional, and social environments.
Grounded in a model similar to Safe Zone training, FaithZone integrates education and storytelling to encourage participants to dive into their own experiences with religion and spirituality. Additionally, FZT invites participants to recognize how assumptions, misunderstandings, and lack of awareness about religion and spirituality can influence interactions, classroom and workplace dynamics, policies, and institutional culture. The session emphasizes curiosity, respectful engagement across differences, and the importance of inclusive practices that support a diverse campus community.
During this session, participants will:
Learn and define terms connected to the study of religion and spirituality
Learn about the diversity of religious and spiritual traditions on campus as well as national trends within higher education.
Explore the role that religion and spirituality play in individual identity and lived experience by engaging in personal reflection and storytelling.
Reflect on personal assumptions, biases, and knowledge gaps related to religion and belief.
Examine common challenges and misunderstandings related to religious expression in academic and workplace settings.
Engage in interactive activities and dialogue to practice respectful communication across belief differences.
Discuss strategies for fostering inclusive environments that honor religious and spiritual diversity.
Example learning outcomes: By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
Demonstrate increased knowledge, religious literacy, and awareness of diverse belief systems and how they intersect with identity, culture, and institutional life on college campuses.
Interrogate their own personal experiences with religion and spirituality, including biases assumptions, misunderstandings, and knowledge gaps
Learn More & Get Involved
For questions about UMBC's Policy on Faith-Based and Religious Accommodations, please contact ECR at ecr@umbc.edu.
We encourage all campus partners to take advantage of these opportunities to strengthen our shared culture of equity and belonging.
For questions about registering, scheduling, or determining the best session for your role, please visit culture.umbc.edu or contact the Community & Culture team at culture@umbc.edu.
All sessions are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.
On Thursday, March 19th and Friday, March 20th, the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (ECR) will be closed for in-person visits.
Staff will be available virtually throughout this time. If you have any questions or concerns during this time, please email ecr@umbc.edu.
To submit a report regarding sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment, hate, or bias, please file an online report here.
]]>Hi everyone,
Beginning the week after Spring Break (March 24), The Mosaic Center will be closed on Tuesdays from 12-2 PM to accommodate the CSJD Dialogue Cohort.
We encourage you to plan your visits accordingly. The center will reopen at 2 PM and remain open during regular hours afterward.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you at The Mosaic Center!