The Maryland Primary Election is June 23, 2026, and if you're not registered to vote, you have until midnight tonight to register online or by mail. While general elections get most of the attention, primary elections are often where key decisions are made. In many Maryland races, primaries effectively decide who will hold office, making these elections an important opportunity to shape who represents our communities. This year's primary includes races for federal, state, and county offices. Funding for higher education, housing policy, transporation, health care access, public safety, climate policy, and how our tax dollars are spent in Maryland are all influenced by who wins these races. Voting is one of the most direct ways we can have a say in the policies and priorities that shape our community, both on campus and beyond.

You can register using: 

• Maryland's Voter Registration System. It only takes five minutes. 
• Maryland Voter Registration Form. You must download and mail this form today. 

Maryland has a closed primary, which means you must be registered with a political party to vote in that party's primary. If you're currently unaffiliated, the deadline to change your party affiliation is also today. You can always change it back after the election. If you'd rather stay unaffiliated, you can still vote in some local races and on ballot measures. Learn more and register on the Maryland State Board of Elections website. 

Missed the Deadline? You Still Have Options. 

Same-day registration is available during: 

• Early Voting, June 11–18, 2026 from 7 AM–8 PM. Find an early voting location. 
• On Election Day, June 23, 2026 from 7 AM–8 PM. Find your polling location.  

You must bring proof of your Maryland address to register. Examples include: 

• MVA-issued license, permit, ID card
• Change of address card
• Your paycheck
• Bank statement
• Utility bill
• Official student housing documentation showing your Maryland address
• Any other government document with your name and Maryland address

Can I Register?

You can register in Maryland if you are:

• A U.S. citizen
• A Maryland resident
• At least 16 years old

You must be 18 to vote in the general election. If you're 17 now but will turn 18 before the General Election on November 3, 2026, you can still vote in the primary.

Already Registered?

Take a minute to check that your registration information is up to date, especially if you've moved, changed your name, or switched addresses since the last election. You can check your registration status using Maryland's Voter Search Portal.

Voting at UMBC?

UMBC does not have a polling location. However, if you are voting in the Maryland Primary Election via mail-in ballot, you can drop your ballot in the drop box located on the 1st floor of the Commons. The box is secure. The Board of Elections retrieves ballots from this box at the end of each day. If your ballot belongs to another Maryland county, it will be forwarded to the correct election office. Please note this drop box is for Maryland voters only.

Out-of-State Student? 

Registering in Maryland allows you to vote on issues and offices that affect where you live during the school year, while remaining registered in your home state allows you to vote on issues and offices that affect your permanent home community. Both options are valid. However, you can only vote in one election. Find your home state's voter registration. 

How to Get Involved Beyond Voting? 

Are you interested in supporting the election process? The Baltimore County Board of Elections is still recruiting election judges to work at polling stations during the 2026 primary election. These are paid positions. To qualify as an election judge, you must be 16 years old or older, a registered voter in the State of Maryland, and able to speak, read, and write English.

Not Eligible to Vote? 

There are still many ways to make an impact.

• Staying informed
• Talking about the issues you care about
• Sharing information with your family and friends
• Organizing in your communities
• Creating art, writing, and media 
• Helping others directly
• Encouraging others to vote  

You can visit the Center for Democracy and Civic Life’s website for more opportunities to learn, engage, and participate in building democracy. You can also contact us at civiclife@umbc.edu or Trentqual Rhone, Coordinator for Political Engagement, at trhone1@umbc.edu, for more information about registration, deadlines, or if you have other questions about participating in the 2026 election.

These financial webinars are open to all Faculty and Staff, regardless of your retirement plan or vendor.

Register for TIAA’s live webinars to get financial information, news and tips from their experts. 

Reserve your spot by clicking the registration links below. These webinars are a part of your retirement plan benefits.

Wednesday, June 10, 12am to 1pm: Set your retirement date: Understand your factors to get you to your goal

For anyone starting to think seriously about when to retire, this webinar takes you through steps to deciding when the time is right, including estimating retirement expenses, closing any income gap and understanding key milestones that can impact your retirement finances. 

They will discuss how employees can:

• Create their vision
• Understand what’s ahead
• Estimate expenses and income
• Make their plan

Register for the 6/10 webinar

Thursday, June 25, 11am to 12pm: Identity theft: Safeguarding your finances

Identity theft is a danger for each and every one of us—almost on a daily basis. Whether it’s an email or text that sounds enticing, a suspicious phone call or a social media post with an urgent request from a supposed “friend,” someone may be trying to steal your identity for financial gain.

In this webinar, TIAA will provide insights on:

• Understanding the threats
• Knowing how it can happen
• Securing your information
• Looking out for others
• Acting quickly if you’re a victim

Register for the 6/25 webinar

Questions? Reach out to hrbenefits@umbc.edu

Marc Seigar, Ph.D., has been appointed the next dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), effective August 3, 2026. Seigar joins UMBC from the University of Toledo where he serves as the dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

Seigar brings a strong background in academic leadership to his new role at UMBC. Prior to his leadership at the University of Toledo, he served as a rotating program director in the Division of Astronomical Sciences at the National Science Foundation and as an associate dean in the Swenson College of Science and Engineering and head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Minnesota Duluth. His administrative work has focused on developing programs that attract new students, grow research, and promote engagement and academic success through student-centered systems. 

Seigar earned his Ph.D. in astrophysics from the Liverpool Astrophysics Research Institute and his bachelor of science in physics from Imperial College London. He began his career as an assistant professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

An accomplished scholar, Seigar has published more than 100 articles on galaxy structure and dynamics, supermassive black holes, and dark matter distribution in galaxies. His articles are widely cited. Seigar is the author of two books. His work has been supported by federal funding agencies including NASA and NSF, as well as private foundations.

Seigar is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and an associate of the Royal College of Science. He is also a member of the American Astronomical Society and the Sigma Xi honors society. He has served in editorial roles for journals in his field and currently serves on the editorial board of the Effective Practices for Physics Programs project, a project that is led by the American Physical Society and the American Association of Physics Teachers.

Seigar succeeds William LaCourse, Ph.D., as dean of CNMS. LaCourse, who will return to the faculty following a research leave, served as CNMS dean for 15 years.

Dear colleagues,

I am excited to announce the appointment of Marc Seigar as the next dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences. Marc comes to us from the University of Toledo where he currently serves as the dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He will join UMBC on August 3, 2026.

Marc is a proven leader and scholar that will build on the strong foundation laid by Bill LaCourse during his 15-year tenure as dean of CNMS. Bill will be returning to the faculty following a research leave. I want to personally thank Bill who has been a valuable member of the academic leadership team. I also want to thank Jeanne van Briesen and the search committee who put in countless hours throughout the process. Thank you for your time and dedication.

Marc brings a strong background in academic leadership to his new role. Prior to his leadership at the University of Toledo, he served as a rotating program director in the Division of Astronomical Sciences at the National Science Foundation and as an associate dean in the Swenson College of Science and Engineering and head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Minnesota Duluth. His administrative work has focused on developing programs that attract new students, grow research, and promote engagement and academic success through student-centered systems. 

Marc earned his Ph.D. in astrophysics from the Liverpool Astrophysics Research Institute and his bachelor of science in physics from Imperial College London. He began his career as an assistant professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

An accomplished scholar, Marc has published more than 100 articles on galaxy structure and dynamics, supermassive black holes, and dark matter distribution in galaxies. His articles are widely cited. Marc is the author of two books. His work has been supported by federal funding agencies including NASA and NSF, as well as private foundations.

Marc is a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and an associate of the Royal College of Science. He is also a member of the American Astronomical Society and the Sigma Xi honors society. He has served in editorial roles for journals in his field and currently serves on the editorial board of the Effective Practices for Physics Programs project, a project that is led by the American Physical Society and the American Association of Physics Teachers.

Please join me in welcoming Marc to the UMBC family. 

Sincerely,

Manfred H.M. van Dulmen
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

The Center for Democracy and Civic Life and the Division of Institutional Equity are seeking feedback on  UMBC’s Draft Framework for Inclusive Excellence.

Over the past semester, members of the UMBC community have participated in UMBC Talks forums to share experiences, perspectives, and ideas that can help shape the university’s approach to inclusive excellence.

If you were unable to attend one of these sessions, you are encouraged to review the draft framework and provide your input.

Your feedback can help inform how UMBC advances equity, belonging, access, and community engagement across campus.

📄 Review the Draft Framework for Inclusive Excellence
📝 Submit Feedback via the Online Form
📅 Feedback Deadline: Friday, June 5

Graduate students are encouraged to participate and share their perspectives to help ensure that the experiences and needs of graduate learners are reflected in future planning and implementation efforts.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this important campus conversation. Your voice matters.

Warm Regards,
Aminah

Yesterday, the Online Learning Consortium published its June 2026 issue of the Online Learning Journal, featuring a special focus on Higher Education in an AI-Transformed World. The issue includes a collaborative and reflective UMBC case study examining how artificial intelligence can be used to personalize, scale, and encourage student practice and reflection.

In the article, "Asked & Answered: Using AI to Nudge Student Metacognition and Responsibility for Learning," four UMBC faculty and three DoIT Instructional Technology staff analyze four courses that vary widely in discipline, size, and technology. Despite their differences, each course shares a common pedagogical goal: cultivating students' willingness and ability to assess what they truly know, understand and can do through formative practice.

The UMBC co-authors include:

• John Fritz, Associate Vice President for Instructional Technology (DoIT)
• Josh Abrams, Instructional Technology Design Specialist (DoIT)
• Sarah Bass, Associate Teaching Professor, Chemistry & Biochemistry
• Suzanne Braunschweig, Teaching Professor, Geography and Environmental Systems
• Tara Carpenter, Teaching Professor, Chemistry & Biochemistry
• Nancy McAllister, Assistant Teaching Professor, Interdisciplinary Science Program
• Tom Penniston, Coordinator of Learning Analytics (DoIT)

The publication highlights how different environments can and do leverage AI to create a virtual "Holodeck" for reflective practice — providing a personalized ecosystem where students can actively close the gap between what they think they know and what they actually understand. 

Featured use cases in the study include:

• CHEM 101 & 102: UMBC’s largest courses (serving over 800 students annually) use AI to provide a "24/7 prof" and formative environment rooted in "spaced practice" to counter traditional exam cramming.

• SCI 100: A lab science course for non-STEM majors (serving 600 students annually) explores using AI to streamline and curate student-crowdsourced study guides.

• UNIV 102: A smaller course supporting students on academic probation uses AI to inform a team-based, extra-credit practice environment for weekly quizzes, assisting at-risk students in building effective study groups.

Ultimately, the article explores how institutions can use emerging AI tools not as passive lecture supplements, but as interactive spaces that nudge students' self-regulated learning through reflective practice.

To learn more about the findings and specific course frameworks, read the full, open-access article in the Online Learning Journal.

~ John Fritz

The Exempt Staff Senate (ESS) Mentoring Program is in NEED of more mentors for the FY27 cycle.  If you are were on the fence about signing up before the initial deadline expired here is your second chance to apply!  Also, if you know of an exempt employee who would make a good mentor, please share this information with them.

All exempt staff members (typically at UMBC for 3 years or longer) are encouraged to apply to be mentors! Contact Jess Wyatt (jwy@umbc.edu) or Steve Harris (stevenh1@umbc.edu) directly with questions.

Apply here! - ESS Mentoring Program Application

Traffic around the arena will be very heavy beginning at 7:30am on 6/3/2026 and throughout the day to accommodate three high school graduations. Graduation start times are 9am, 1:30pm and 6pm. Faculty, staff, and students are strongly encouraged to avoid entering campus from I-195, as parking on the east side of campus will be difficult to access. Please plan to park in any available legal permit space across campus. Parking Services will be enforcing parking regulations for safety concerns only. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to manage increased traffic and event activity

John Fritz and six UMBC colleagues are authors on a new paper in the Online Learning Journal’s special issue on Higher Education in an AI-Transformed World. Their paper, "Asked & Answered: Using AI to Nudge Student Metacognition and Responsibility for Learning," examines how UMBC is exploring the use of AI to personalize, scale, and nudge students toward becoming more self-regulated learners. Specifically, four UMBC courses, varying in discipline, size, and use of technology, collectively share a common pedagogical goal of cultivating students’ willingness and ability to learn how to learn through AI-assisted formative practice.  

Read their paper here

June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about migraine and headache disorders while recognizing the millions of individuals whose daily lives are impacted by these often invisible conditions. According to the American Migraine Foundation, migraine affects more than one billion people worldwide and is one of the leading causes of disability, yet it remains widely misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and undertreated.

Observed throughout the month of June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month highlights the physical, emotional, and social challenges experienced by people living with migraine and other headache disorders. This year's theme, "I AM (IN)VISIBLE," emphasizes that while migraine symptoms may not always be visible to others, the experiences and needs of those living with the condition deserve recognition, understanding, and support.

You can take action by:
• Learning about migraine and headache disorders and sharing accurate information with others
• Supporting advocacy, research, and education efforts focused on improving migraine care
• Encouraging open conversations that reduce stigma and increase understanding
• Listening to and amplifying the voices of individuals living with migraine and chronic headache conditions

Key facts to know include: migraine is a neurological disease, symptoms can extend far beyond head pain, early diagnosis and treatment can improve quality of life, and mental health, workplace support, and access to healthcare all play important roles in migraine management.

Together, we can raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, support those affected by migraine and headache disorders, and advocate for better care, research, and understanding.

June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia while encouraging individuals to take proactive steps to support lifelong brain health. According to the Alzheimer's Association, millions of people worldwide are living with Alzheimer's disease, making it one of the leading causes of disability and dependence among older adults.

Observed throughout the month of June, Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month highlights the importance of brain health education, early detection, ongoing research, and support for individuals and families affected by dementia. While researchers continue working toward better treatments and a cure, studies show that adopting healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and support overall brain wellness.

You can take action by:
• Learning about Alzheimer's disease and sharing accurate information with others
• Supporting organizations dedicated to Alzheimer's research, care, and advocacy
• Encouraging conversations about brain health and the importance of early detection
• Wearing purple throughout June to raise awareness and show support for those affected by dementia

Key brain health habits to know include: staying physically active, getting quality sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, challenging your mind through lifelong learning, staying socially connected, and managing chronic health conditions.

Together, we can raise awareness, support groundbreaking research, promote healthy brain habits, and work toward a future without Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

#AlzheimersAndBrainAwarenessMonth #ENDALZ #BrainHealth #AlzheimersAwareness #DementiaAwareness #HealthyAging #HealthAwareness #UMBC

June is National Cancer Survivor Month

June is National Cancer Survivor Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the strength, resilience, and achievements of cancer survivors while raising awareness about the ongoing challenges many individuals face during and after treatment. Thanks to advancements in cancer research, prevention, early detection, and treatment, there are now more than 18.6 million cancer survivors living in the United States.

Observed throughout the month of June, National Cancer Survivor Month recognizes everyone living with, through, and beyond cancer. While survivorship is a cause for celebration, many survivors continue to experience physical, emotional, financial, and social challenges long after treatment ends. This month highlights the importance of continued research, support services, advocacy, and equitable access to quality healthcare to improve outcomes and quality of life for all cancer survivors.

You can take action by:
• Learning about cancer survivorship and sharing educational resources with others
• Supporting organizations that fund cancer research and patient support programs
• Listening to and amplifying the stories of cancer survivors and their families
• Advocating for policies that improve access to cancer care, treatment, and survivorship resources

Key facts to know include: advances in research have significantly improved survival rates, early detection can improve treatment outcomes, survivorship extends beyond treatment, and ongoing medical, emotional, and community support can play an important role in long-term well-being.

Together, we can celebrate survivors, honor their journeys, support lifesaving research, and work toward a future where everyone affected by cancer has the resources and support they need to thrive.

June is National PTSD Awareness Month, and June 27 is National PTSD Awareness Day 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect anyone, but for many veterans, it is a lasting reminder of their service. This month, we honor their experiences and promote awareness, understanding, and support.

At UMBC, the Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program offers dedicated support to student veterans. A partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, VITAL connects student veterans with VA mental health professionals and essential resources to help them thrive academically and personally.

VITAL can assist with:

• Enrollment in VA healthcare
  
  
• Navigating VA and non-VA resources
  
  
• Academic accommodations
  
  
• Advocacy for student veterans
  
  
• Clinical services for challenges such as stress, sleep problems, attention issues, anxiety, depression, and PTSD

In addition, UMBC’s Retriever Integrated Health (RIH) is here to support all students' mental health needs, offering a range of counseling, wellness, and psychiatric services in a safe and inclusive environment.

Support is here. You are not alone.

To learn more or connect with VITAL, visit  veterans.umbc.edu

Resources – Veteran and Military Affiliated Services – UMBC

ADA’S 36th Anniversary 

ADA turns 36 this year, and here are some facts you should know.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed in 1990, was a landmark moment in U.S. civil rights history. It made it illegal to deny someone a job, education, or housing just because of a disability. But the ADA didn’t just happen. It was demanded. Activists crawled up the steps of the U.S. Capitol during the Capitol Crawl to fight for equal rights.

Today, the ADA protects people with both visible and invisible disabilities, like PTSD, ADHD, and diabetes. It also covers far more than physical spaces. Think websites, apps, voice recognition, closed captioning, and screen readers. In fact, in 2022 alone, over 3,000 web accessibility lawsuits were filed under the ADA.

From the U.S. to countries like the U.K., Canada, and Australia, the ADA’s influence is global.
And yes, even Siri owes a thank you to the ADA.

Equal access isn’t extra. It’s essential.

June is Pride Month

June marks National LGBTQ+ Pride Month and offers the nation the opportunity to reflect on the incredible contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. Our nation is at its best when it welcomes, represents and includes people of all backgrounds. This includes people with disabilities and the intersections shared with the LGBTQ+ community. According to a study published in 2012, fully 36 percent of women in the LGBTQ+ community and 30 percent of men in the community also self-identify as people with disabilities. Learn more about the intersection via RespectAbility here, especially with Leah Ilana's essay on the need for safe refuge.  More  Disabled LBGTQ+ Profiles, in their own voices, are profiled here.
We celebrate with you! You matter! UMBC Resources include:

• UMBC Queer and Trans People of Color (QPOC) oSTEM Group for LGBTQ+ Students working in STEM fields
• Spectra UMBC for LGBTQ+ Mathematicians
• LGBTQ+ FSA - Faculty and Staff group
• The Pride Center is centrally located on the first floor of the UC (and an entrance with better accessibility is in the works
• LGBTQIA+ Resource Page via the Office of Equity and Civil Rights

For question about disability or accessibility at UMBC, undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities connect with Student Disability Services online (link) or via disability@umbc.edu.