CAHSS Faculty Members are invited to submit a proposal to be nominated for the 2026 Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program competition, sponsored by Carnegie Corporation of New York. Details are below.

• The purpose of the Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program is to support high-caliber scholarship in the social sciences and humanities. The 2026 program expects to provide fellowships of $200,000 to 30 exceptional scholars, journalists, and public intellectuals. The funding is for a period of either one or two years, with the anticipated result being a book or major study.

• The 2026 call for applications is on the theme of political polarization in the United States. The Corporation anticipates that the work of the Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program will explore the many ways political polarization in the United States manifests itself in society and suggest ways that it may be mitigated. Studies of polarization in other countries will be welcomed providing they offer lessons that can be applied to the United States. Projects based in disciplines across the humanities and social sciences are welcomed.

• UMBC may nominate two scholars for the competition: one tenured and one senior untenured (i.e. teaching professors and professors of the practice). Candidates must have a Ph.D. or hold a terminal degree in their field. Untenured candidates will need to become PI Eligible through the exception process, which requires a letter from the Dean or ADR explaining that the faculty has undertaken significant research during their appointment at UMBC.

• Andrew Carnegie Fellowships are open only to citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

• Previous UMBC nominees who applied for the theme of political polarization are not eligible to apply again.

Please keep in mind that Carnegie seeks projects that will be written to communicate with a broad audience. You may find it useful to browse the projects that were awarded last year and read through a study of their focus and potential impact since the theme (political polarization in the U.S.) is unchanged.

The Carnegie jury will evaluate nominations by the following criteria:

• Originality and promise of the idea
• Quality of the proposal
• Promise to offer means to reduce harmful polarization or to enhance social cohesion
• Record of the nominee
• Plans to communicate findings to a broad audience

If you are interested in being considered for the internal competition, please EMAIL the following application materials to:

Carnegi.bs0ulrhjc4r5p385@u.box.com by 5 pm EDT on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

We urge you to contact CARAT Associate Director Rachel Brubaker (rbruba1@umbc.edu) or CARAT Director Marc Ruppel (mruppel@umbc.edu) as soon as possible to discuss your proposal.

Your application materials must include:

1)  A 3-5 page, double-spaced prospectus describing the project, including a projected work plan and approximate time frame. Fellowships will be for either 12 or 24 months and must begin on the first of the month between July and September of 2026, and no later than September 1, 2026.

Note: The Carnegie program allows flexibility in how you manage your time commitment. You may opt for a regular fellowship leave or decide to teach part-time during the semester while working full-time on your project during the summer. 

2) Curriculum vitae

3) Estimate of budgetary requirement for a one- or two-year project. Funds may support:

• Salary and fringe benefits
• Project-related travel (research, conferences)
• Research assistants (hourly or stipend)
• Other project needs (i.e., data collection, surveys, transcription, project supplies and a consultant or contractual service)

The Dean's Office will convene a panel to review the applications and select one or two scholars to recommend to the President as UMBC's nominee(s) by October 22nd. The nominee(s) will work with CARAT to complete the application process and to forward all materials to the President's Office by October 30th. A letter of nomination from President Sheares Ashby is required for the application. Applications must be submitted to the Carnegie Corporation of New York by November 07, 2025 (5:00 P.M. EST).

For additional questions, please contact Associate Dean Alan Yeakley (ayeakley@umbc.edu), Marc Ruppel, Director of CARAT (mruppel@umbc.edu), or Rachel Brubaker, Associate Director of CARAT (rbruba1@umbc.edu).

Retrievers of all ages (dogs included) know what it means when the sweltering summer heat and humidity begin to be replaced with the cool, crisp air of autumn. When the pumpkin spice lattes flow from the University Center and hoodies become the marquee clothing item on campus. Homecoming season is upon us.

“The energy of Homecoming and Family Weekend is what most excites me,” says Renique Kersh, vice president for student affairs. “Having an opportunity to see alumni come back and reconnect with this place that they loved so much and seeing the smiles on the faces of our parents, families, and current students is incredibly meaningful.”

Hyped for Homecoming

This year’s Homecoming promises a mix of cherished traditions and exciting new events, offering something for every member of the UMBC community. The festivities kick off on Sunday, October 5, with the student org kickball tournament and one of the university’s longest-standing Homecoming traditions, the Homecoming bonfire, which has been illuminating Erickson field since 2004. The next day, students can pick up their Homecoming 2025 shirts at Homecoming Hype from 12 – 1 p.m. in The Commons. 

The Homecoming excitement continues to build on Thursday, October 9, with two events that celebrate the heart of the UMBC experience: academic excellence and Retriever pride. Get ready to be inspired as we celebrate the passion and accomplishments of UMBC alumni, faculty, and staff in the areas of research and creative achievement at this year’s GRIT-X Talks and Reception. After the formal program, you’re invited to a special reception and showcase. Mix and mingle, learn something new, and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres. 

“I am especially excited about opportunities to explore the intersection between the thought-provoking work of some of our faculty and the exciting impact of our alumni speakers,” says Karl Steiner, vice president for research and creative achievement. “I can’t wait to welcome them to present their work on stage.”

Following GRIT-X, head over to the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena for Retriever Madness, an old favorite making its Homecoming return to help kick off the 2025 – 2026 basketball season. Enjoy live entertainment, games and prizes, autograph sessions and meet-and-greets with student athletes, tasty snacks and beverages, and so much more. Wear your best black and gold as we celebrate what it means to be part of Retriever Nation.

“I love that our student-athletes get to play a part in the buzz and excitement of the week as we bring students, alumni, and families together in celebration of our university,” says Tiffany D. Tucker, director of athletics, physical education, and recreation. “Homecoming is a tremendous opportunity to pull the UMBC community together.”

Bring your pup!

Homecoming weekend has something for everyone, including your furry, four-legged friends (looking at you, Puppy Parade). On Friday night, October 10, students are invited to preview the carnival before the rest of the community joins the fun on Saturday, October 11. But, Homecoming is so much more than carnival rides and games. The day is packed with events from the Retriever 5K and Family Fun Run at 8:30 a.m., all the way to the men’s soccer game vs. New Hampshire at 7 p.m. 

There are plenty of Homecoming favorites returning, like the Greek Alumni and Friends Day Party, First Lego League Build, and Taste of Maryland Crab Feast. And there are a few new events sure to capture the hearts of Retrievers, like the re-imagined community breakfast.

Start your Homecoming Saturday off right with a warm and welcoming breakfast at True Grit’s, UMBC’s beloved dining hall. Also new this year, you can challenge a real chess champ outside the alumni and friends tent. Step right up and take on Gowtham Karaka, M.P.S. ’24, one of the UMBC Summer Enrichment Academy chess instructors, as he plays up to six games with six different players…at the same time! There are prizes if you win, but no shame if you lose! It’s all in the name of smart fun.

“This year, I’m excited to participate in the 5K run,” says Kersh, “and to join our families at the new wine and cheese reception!”

Homecoming 2025 comes to an end on Sunday, October 12, with the women’s soccer senior day game vs. Bryant, which includes a t-shirt giveaway for the first 300 fans. It’s the perfect way to cap off a whirlwind week of Homecoming excitement.

“I love all the Retriever energy and excitement that comes with Homecoming,” says Nate Dissmeyer ’07, information systems, president of the UMBC Alumni Association Board of Directors. “There are so many amazing events and activities.”

View the full lineup of Homecoming 2025 events at homecoming.umbc.edu.

Calling all transfer students! 

This week is all about celebrating YOU! Transfer Student Week 2025 is packed with fun, connection, and opportunities to make your Retriever journey unforgettable.

From a special Thank You Dinner to Speed Friending, Golf Cart Karaoke, and more, there's something for everyone. It's your chance to meet fellow transfers, connect with alumni, and celebrate all the amazing things you bring to UMBC.

Come to one event, or better yet, join us all week long! Every event is another way to build your community, share your story, and make the most of your UMBC experience.

Take a look at the flyer for the full schedule — and let's make Transfer Student Week a celebration to remember!

All of these event 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.

Dear CAHSS faculty member,

We invite you to submit a proposal to be nominated for the 2026 Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program competition, sponsored by Carnegie Corporation of New York. Details are below.

• The purpose of the Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program is to support high-caliber scholarship in the social sciences and humanities. The 2026 program expects to provide fellowships of $200,000 to 30 exceptional scholars, journalists, and public intellectuals. The funding is for a period of either one or two years, with the anticipated result being a book or major study.

• The 2026 call for applications is on the theme of political polarization in the United States. The Corporation anticipates that the work of the Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program will explore the many ways political polarization in the United States manifests itself in society and suggest ways that it may be mitigated. Studies of polarization in other countries will be welcomed providing they offer lessons that can be applied to the United States. Projects based in disciplines across the humanities and social sciences are welcomed.

• UMBC may nominate two scholars for the competition: one tenured and one senior untenured (i.e. teaching professors and professors of the practice). Candidates must have a Ph.D. or hold a terminal degree in their field. Untenured candidates will need to become PI Eligible through the exception process, which requires a letter from the Dean or ADR explaining that the faculty has undertaken significant research during their appointment at UMBC.

• Andrew Carnegie Fellowships are open only to citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

• Previous UMBC nominees who applied for the theme of political polarization are not eligible to apply again.

Please keep in mind that Carnegie seeks projects that will be written to communicate with a broad audience. You may find it useful to browse the projects that were awarded last year and read through a study of their focus and potential impact since the theme (political polarization in the U.S.) is unchanged.

The Carnegie jury will evaluate nominations by the following criteria:

• Originality and promise of the idea
• Quality of the proposal
• Promise to offer means to reduce harmful polarization or to enhance social cohesion
• Record of the nominee
• Plans to communicate findings to a broad audience

If you are interested in being considered for the internal competition, please EMAIL the following application materials to:

Carnegi.bs0ulrhjc4r5p385@u.box.com by 5 pm EDT on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

We urge you to contact CARAT Associate Director Rachel Brubaker (rbruba1@umbc.edu) or CARAT Director Marc Ruppel (mruppel@umbc.edu) as soon as possible to discuss your proposal.

Your application materials must include:

1)  A 3-5 page, double-spaced prospectus describing the project, including a projected work plan and approximate time frame. Fellowships will be for either 12 or 24 months and must begin on the first of the month between July and September of 2026, and no later than September 1, 2026.

Note: The Carnegie program allows flexibility in how you manage your time commitment. You may opt for a regular fellowship leave or decide to teach part-time during the semester while working full-time on your project during the summer. 

2) Curriculum vitae

3) Estimate of budgetary requirement for a one- or two-year project. Funds may support:

• Salary and fringe benefits
• Project-related travel (research, conferences)
• Research assistants (hourly or stipend)
• Other project needs (i.e., data collection, surveys, transcription, project supplies and a consultant or contractual service)

The Dean's Office will convene a panel to review the applications and select one or two scholars to recommend to the President as UMBC's nominee(s) by October 22nd. The nominee(s) will work with CARAT to complete the application process and to forward all materials to the President's Office by October 30th. A letter of nomination from President Sheares Ashby is required for the application. Applications must be submitted to the Carnegie Corporation of New York by November 07, 2025 (5:00 P.M. EST).

For additional questions, please contact Associate Dean Alan Yeakley (ayeakley@umbc.edu), Marc Ruppel, Director of CARAT (mruppel@umbc.edu), or Rachel Brubaker, Associate Director of CARAT (rbruba1@umbc.edu).