UMBC and Loyola University Maryland’s Sellinger School of Business and Management are establishing Kiva U microfinance programs, made possible by grants from OneMain Financial, that will offer loans to local and global communities in need.

The $25,000 grants will make UMBC and Loyola’s Sellinger School the first two formally designated Kiva U chapters in Maryland. Kiva U seeks to engage students and educators in a global effort to expand financial inclusion, foster community, and have a tangible positive impact on issues that matter to them.

UMBC is quickly building a national reputation as a hub for scholars committed to making a difference as socially engaged community leaders and global citizens. Under the auspices of BreakingGround, UMBC’s civic engagement initiative, and UMBC’s Shriver Center, students will work with faculty and staff to develop a management team that will create marketing strategies and engage campus partners to support local, national and international communities. Planning began this summer, with the goal of awarding the first round of up to 10 loans in spring 2015.

David Hoffman, assistant director of student life for civic agency, says, “The Kiva project matches the spirit of BreakingGround, as well as the mission of UMBC, perfectly. It will put our students in a position to take real responsibility for nurturing entrepreneurial efforts that can help transform lives and communities.”

Click here to read more.

Tom Lagana, Music, was interviewed for a feature article in the Capital Gazette on his forthcoming third album, Volume 1. “It’s called Volume 1 because it’s the first record I’m playing all nylon string,” the guitarist told the Capital Gazette.

Also featured on the recording is electric bass play Tom Baldwin, an affiliate artist in the Department of Music.

Click here to read the full story, published on Monday, August 25.

National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Stipends support individuals pursuing advanced research that is of value to humanities scholars, general audiences, or both. Recipients usually produce articles, monographs, books, digital materials, archaeological site reports, translations, editions, or other scholarly resources. Successful applicants receive an outright award of $6,000 to support two consecutive months of full-time research during summer 2015.  UMBC may submit up to two nominations for this award.  The CAHSS Dean’s Office, the Office of the Vice President for Research, and the Dresher Center for the Humanities will work as appropriate with the two nominees selected as they prepare their applications to the NEH.

Instructions to Faculty

Review the guidelines  here   and submit the following materials to Scott Casper, Dean of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences by Monday, September 8, 2014.

• A project narrative, not to exceed three-single-spaced pages, as described in the guidelines.  As the guidelines stipulate, the narrative must include an explanation of the part or stage of the project supported by the Summer Stipend and a work plan;
• The names, positions, and affiliations of two or more potential recommenders, with, ideally, no more than one being from UMBC and with at least one being a scholar with expertise in the field of the proposed project.

In addition to the quality of the application, criteria for selection will include the likelihood that the award will have a significant impact on the faculty member’s program of scholarship and that the work proposed for the fellowship period can be completed. Secondary considerations will be whether the individual has other available sources of support for the proposed work (e.g., support from UMBC or another sponsor) and whether the individual is concurrently being nominated for or applying for other awards.

Due to an unforeseen logistical issue, Blackboard has moved this event to October 20. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to seeing you in October.

Blackboard is going on tour and coming to the Baltimore area for a free teaching & learning day! This event is an official stop on the national Bb on Tour. 

Hosted by Towson University, this event will take place on Wednesday, October 20. [original date: September 17]

The agenda highlights include: 

• Dynamic Presentations: given by your fellow peers in the Maryland and DC area on their best practices.
• Breakout Sessions: robust multi-track breakout sessions for Higher Education, and Learn & Collaborate users.
• Ask the Expert Stations: sit down, one-on-one, with Blackboard technical experts and get your questions answered.
• Feedback Sharing: help shape the future of Blackboard products by sharing your feedback in person and tell Blackboard about your needs and concerns.
• Partner Interaction Zone: from content providers, media and technology companies to system integrators and more, Blackboard is bringing a select group of partners on tour. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet with them.
• Expanded Higher Education Faculty Track: hear about new ideas and learn best practices to increase efficiency, improve student engagement and further enhance your skills on creating engaging content to meet course objectives.

Register for free today! We look forward to seeing you!