On Monday, February 2, we will host Dinner with Friends, an engaging, facilitated conversation that will connect you with other members of the UMBC community. 

Our conversations will be focused on two interrelated questions:

1. "How do you live your values in community?"

2. "How do you live a life that sustains you?"

We will explore challenges with thriving, share resources to support thriving, and generate ideas about how we, as a UMBC community, can improve thriving on campus.

This program, as a part of Winter Welcome Retrievers, will take place on February 2, 2026 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the University Center, UC 312. A catered dinner will be provided.

This program is a collaboration between the Center for Democracy and Civic Life and Student Belonging.

Please RSVP by January 28, 2026! To learn more and RSVP, please view the original post here

Join The Mosaic: Center for Cultural Diversity & The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being as we read and highlight Black and Africana stories through children's literature. This event is in celebration of Black History Month! 

Monday, February 2, 2026

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Commons Mainstreet

(in front of the Bookstore)

Story time with Matt will begin at 12 p.m.! 

Interested in connecting with The Mosaic or The Gathering Space? Check out our myUMBC pages for future events and opportunities. 

This summer, UMBC is offering "Global Health and Aging in Japan", a 2-week long study-abroad course led by Dr. Yamashita. 

This program would fulfill one of the following course options: 

• SOCY 497: Selected Topics in Sociology

• SOCY 698: Advanced Selected Topics in Sociology

• GERO 798: Special Topics in Gerontology

For those of you looking for funding opportunities, we recommend looking into some of the many scholarships that UMBC has to offer:

UMBC Study Abroad Scholarships

One in particular that we'd recommend:

• UMBC College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) Dean's Scholarship for Education Abroad 

The deadline for application is February 16th! Please see the following link for more details on the program and the application process:  

Global Health and Aging in Japan study abroad program information

Contact Professor Birger for information about PBHL elective eligibility.

Welcome back Retrievers! The snow may be keeping us away from campus for a few days but CNMS Advising is nonetheless excited and eager to help you tackle the spring semester! Whether you are starting your first semester here or aiming to cross the stage this May there are many important things to keep in mind in order to make this semester your most successful to date! Check them out below: 

CAMPUS CLOSURE NOTICE:

Advisors will be available virtually on days when UMBC is closed and/or delayed. That being said, please understand that conditions may impact power or internet availability for advisors and therefore our access to virtual meetings, email, and student records. Walk-in advising support will only be available if the University is open. Please continue to monitor UMBC communications for any changes to campus and advisor availability. 

1.) The CNMS Advising Office will be holding walk-in office hours for advising support Mo-Fri 10AM-12PM & 1PM-4PM in UC 205. If you are a new/incoming student please feel free to drop by at any time. Returning students should follow up with their assigned advisor (see here). Advisors can assist with schedule adjustments, registration troubleshooting, and general questions. Walk-in advising support is on a first come, first served basis and may result in a lengthy wait time during busy hours. Scheduled in person and virtual appointments can be arranged via email (CNMSAdvising@umbc.edu). These specific walk-in hours will only be in effect during the schedule adjustment period (see below). Please be sure to bring along a laptop if you intend to make changes to your schedule. 

2.) The last day of schedule adjustment (i.e. last day to add/drop/swap your classes) is Friday, February 6th.  Make sure that you are happy with your classes, that you are FULLY registered for a minimum of 12 credits (if you need to be a full-time student), and that you have established a balanced plan for the semester. Feel free to check in with your assigned advisor if you have any questions/concerns. First semester students can follow up with CNMSAdvising@umbc.edu for support.

3.) Take some time to update your record! Check your myUMBC account to determine/confirm your declared major(s). If your record does not accurately reflect your plans you can submit an updated Declaration of Major Form HERE. When completing the form, be sure to declare/ADD your new major intentions as well as remove/DELETE any unwanted programs.

Keep an eye out for next month's CNMS Advising Newsletter which highlights important dates, upcoming workshops, campus support staff, and helpful tips to help you SPRING back into healthy academic habits from day one!

CNMS Advising is running weekly STEM-specific events in The Learning Collaboratory (UC 115) ranging from workshops to study groups. We will update the list of events every month HERE. ** Bookmark this page to stay in the loop!**

Want to stay in touch with us throughout the semester? Follow us on Instagram @cnmsadvising. We will post event updates as well as STEM college success tips/tricks on a regular basis. 

Attention all UMBC student employees!  

What could be better than having an on-campus job?

Having an on-campus job and getting a notation on your transcript that tells employers you made the effort to enhance your professional development!

Interested in gaining a competitive edge in the job market? Sign up for PRAC 102- Building Skills for Career Success this Spring semester. Don’t worry, it’s not a formal class! With the minimal commitment of attending a few workshops and career events, you will be better prepared for the world of work and have the proof on your college transcript to show your employer.

DEADLINE TO REQUEST ENROLLMENT: Friday, February 27, 2026

Make your campus experience count! Enroll TODAY! Enrollment is limited to the first 40 student employees. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!  

Open to all levels and majors. You must be a UMBC student employee working at least eight hours per week on campus. 

How to Register Online

1. Log in to Handshake, then navigate to Career Center > Experiences.

2. Click “Submit an Experience” and select “Career Center – On-Campus Student Employment (PRAC 102- Building Skills for Career Success)” as the Experience Type. Fill in the required fields and submit.

3. Your registration will be reviewed within two business days. The Career Center will enroll you directly upon review along with sending you additional details.

QUESTIONS, please get in touch with Stephanie Taylor Okoukoni (staylor18@umbc.edu) 

This summer, UMBC is offering "Global Health and Aging in Japan", a 2-week long study-abroad course led by Dr. Yamashita. 

This program would fulfill one of the following course options: 

• SOCY 497: Selected Topics in Sociology
• SOCY 698: Advanced Selected Topics in Sociology

• GERO 798: Special Topics in Gerontology
  
  

For those of you looking for funding opportunities, we recommend looking into some of the many scholarships that UMBC has to offer: UMBC Study Abroad Scholarships

One in particular that we'd recommend:

• UMBC College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) Dean's Scholarship for Education Abroad 
  
  

The deadline for application is February 16th! Please see the following link for more details on the program and the application process:  

Global Health and Aging in Japan study abroad program information