Hi everyone!

Hope the semester is treating you well, if not, Jesus will ❤️

Our last prayer meeting will be on May 11th from 2:30–3:30 PM in COMM 327. Come bring your prayer requests, whether it’s finishing the semester strong, salvation for family and friends, or healing for yourself or others.

We’ll also be praying for current global conflicts and Christian persecution around the world.

Don’t pray alone, come join us and bring a friend!

Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

From

-IV Team

The University System of Maryland's (USM) Wilson H. Elkins Professorship (traditional) and the Elkins Professsorship for Academic Transformation are open to UMBC faculty at the rank of Associate Professor and Professor for Academic Year 2026-2027.

Review the attached program information and the USM Wilson H. Elkins Professorship information page, which includes links to both opportunities, at https://www.usmd.edu/usm/academicaffairs/elkins.html.

Elkins Professors will exhibit, at a minimum, all the following qualifications:

• A solid record of achievement in a recognized academic or professional discipline
• Evidence of significant achievement outside traditional disciplines but linked in scholarly and professional ways to the work of the USM
• Demonstrated ability and continuing desire to lead and inspire undergraduate and graduate students in a range of learning situations
• Demonstrated ability and intent to participate in programs and activities outside the USM

Both opportunities require an institutional nomination from a Dean or Provost supporting the faculty member’s candidacy, necessitating an Internal Competition at the College level (detailed information with timeline is attached).

Qualified CAHSS faculty may prepare and submit a pre-proposal, following the attached Internal Competition instructions, to the CAHSS Dean's Office (via Box link) by April 20, 2026. Following a review of the pre-proposals, the advancers (one per professorship) will be notified to prepare complete proposals by April 24, 2026. The College-level nominated proposals will be submitted to the Provost's Office by May 10, 2026 for review and final selection, and then forwarded to the Office of the President. The UMBC nominated proposals must be routed for approval by the Office of Sponsored Programs (in Kuali) prior to submission to USM. The deadline for nomination submissions is May 22, 2026.  

Questions: Contact CARAT - Marc Ruppel, Director (mruppel@umbc.edu) or Rachel Brubaker, Associate Director (rbruba1@umbc.edu).

From the Faculty Development Center:

Dear Colleagues,

No matter how long you’ve taught, there is always something you can learn from your colleagues. And if you generally prepare and teach your classes in isolation, you may wish you had more opportunities to have the kinds of conversations that would enrich your teaching practice, help you improve student engagement, and deepen your sense of belonging to a community of scholars. Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs) at UMBC fill this niche: An FLC is a cross-disciplinary group of 6-12 faculty who meet regularly throughout an academic year in a casual atmosphere - in person or virtually - to investigate a teaching-related topic of mutual interest. 
The Faculty Development Center is currently seeking proposals for new FLC topics. Funding may be available to support new FLCs in 2026-27. Any UMBC faculty or staff member with an interest in participating as a co-learner--not an expert--in investigating a particular need, issue, or opportunity related to teaching and learning may propose a topic for a year-long FLC. In order to entice other UMBC faculty/staff to join the FLC, topic proposals should describe in 1-2 paragraphs the importance of the topic and should suggest a few sub-topics the FLC might take up. Proposing a topic does not obligate you to facilitate the FLC. Approved topics will be announced as soon as possible. 
The deadline for topic proposals is Friday, April 24th, 2026. Please submit your proposal using this Google form.

Some current and recent FLCs have devoted their attention to topics such as:

• Fostering Resilience: Pedagogies and Strategies to Address Student Stress and Mental Health 
• Designing Humanizing Assignments in the Age of AI 
• Exploring the Design and Delivery of High Impact Experiences (HIEs) 
• Exploring Practical Metacognitive Approaches to Help Students Succeed 
• Developing Students’ AI Literacy Within and Across Disciplines
• Using AI to Enhance and Expedite Teaching
• Who Are Our Students? Exploring Student Identities and Why They Matter
• Serious Fun: Exploring the Role of Play and Humor in the Classroom
• Teaching in the Era of AI: A Multidisciplinary Conversation
• Thinking Critically about Critical Thinking
• Contemplative Pedagogies
• Flexible, Alternative, or “Un”grading Strategies 
• Teaching Creativity Across Disciplines
• Fostering pedagogies that engage and support transfer students
• Writing questions to foster deep learning and engagement

For further information about Faculty Learning Communities at UMBC, please consult the FLC page on the Faculty Development Center's website. If you would like to discuss your idea in more detail, please contact us at fdc@umbc.edu.  

Best,

Kerrie

Carly Shearer ‘26, an evaluation intern in the Center for Democracy and Civic Life, has been honored on the National Student Voting Honor Roll as a leader in nonpartisan campus civic engagement. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) recognized 168 students across the country for their contributions to creating a more civically engaged culture within their campus communities. From civic learning to voter participation, these students lead by example and empower their peers to become lifelong participants in democracy. 

Shearer is in her second year as an intern with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life. She explores the impact of the Center’s initiatives across campus and beyond. In addition to her service as an intern, Shearer participated in the Center’s STRiVE leadership for public purpose program and a Change Makers Dinner in the 2023-2024 academic year, was a site coordinator for STRiVE in 2025, and a STRiVE 2026 coach. She is a Center for Women in Technology Scholar majoring in computer science and minoring in gender, women’s, and sexuality studies.

Shearer said, “I'm grateful to everyone who nominated me for the award which reflects the shared commitment of our community to this work. Being part of the Center for Democracy and Civic Life has shown me that civic life is everywhere, and that students from any background have more power than they think. Our work helps students connect to civic life, no matter their major, and feel confident using their voices to make change.”

“Carly is one of the most extraordinary students I have had the pleasure of working with,” said Tess McRae ‘22, the Center’s assistant director for connective learning. “She is always willing to take on a challenge, and makes every project she works on better for her perceptiveness and intellect. The work she has done to support civic engagement on campus, including in her role with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life, has been consistently thoughtful, innovative, and sensitive to the diversity of experiences among the student body. I am thrilled that ALL IN has recognized her excellent contributions.”

Jen Domagal-Goldman, executive director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, shared, “From hosting registration drives to initiating conversations with classmates in the hallway, our 2026 Student Voting Honor Roll is filled with students who exemplify what it means to be a leader in civic engagement. As college students face increasing barriers to voting while on campus, these students are making nonpartisan voter participation a lifelong habit for themselves, their peers and their campuses. We are thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments and excited to see their continued impact as we approach this year’s midterm elections.”

ALL IN supports more than 1,000 campuses and 10 million students nationally to make nonpartisan civic engagement an ongoing part of campus life. Members of the 2026 Student Voting Honor Roll were nominated by campus leaders for their dedication and excellence in voter education, registration and turnout in 2025. 

ABOUT the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge 

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student civic engagement. Through an intentionally designed program that provides structure, support, and recognition, ALL IN works to improve civic learning, voter participation, and ongoing engagement in our democracy at more than 1,000 campuses nationwide. ALL IN believes higher education should play a role in developing an active and informed citizenry by educating students, motivating them to engage in American democracy, and instilling the value of lifelong participation. ALL IN is an initiative of Civic Nation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. 

ABOUT Civic Nation:

Civic Nation is an impact hub for ideas, leaders, and initiatives that strengthen civic culture, power, and participation. Rooted in purpose and powered by people, Civic Nation brings together individuals, grassroots organizers, industry leaders, brands, and influencers to take on the biggest issues of our time. Civic Nation is home to five national initiatives: ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, Change Collective, It’s On Us, We The Action, and When We All Vote. 

Hi everyone! Now that we're in the last stretch of the semester, it's time for elections for next years Ancient Studies Council!

We will be holding elections for the President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary positions within the club for the 2026-2027 year. Anyone interested in one of these positions is more than welcome to join the election. To run for a position, please fill out the Council Elections google form provided below before Wednesday, April 22nd. Once we close the applications, we will post the candidates and their campaign speeches, and open voting. Anyone can vote for any person interested in the positions, whether it be for themselves or for another person. 

ANCS Council Election google form: https://forms.gle/WHVJXV3EUdjdcJ9h7

We hope that you will join us in this process. If you have any questions please contact our president at e176@umbc.edu.

Thank you!

Graduate Student Appreciation Week is coming to a close, and this is your moment to take it all in. The late nights, the stress, the wins, the growth — it all led here.

Get a ticket to Grad Prom & Awards and come celebrate yourself and the people who made this journey what it was. Whether that’s your friends, classmates, or the ones who kept you going behind the scenes — this night is for all of you. 🎓

No pressure, no expectations — just good music, good food, and a space to actually enjoy the moment together.

🗓️ Friday, April 10
⏰ 5–8 PM
📍 UC Ballroom

You made it this far. Take the night to celebrate that

Please click this link to complete the interest form for USG SWSA officers 2026-2027: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZjQ0xO7uj2gula40b1KlTAhSAB-QWDRfrEVKwcsu2rB4l2w/viewform?usp=dialog

Hello people!

Please save the date for Wednesday, April 29th from 5pm - 7:30pm for the Pride Awards!!! This event is in partnership with The Pride Center where we will be distributing the Pride Awards to the queer folx on campus who have shown up and shown out for the community. We will be celebrating them but also the larger body of queer community we have here at UMBC. More details to come very soon, tell your friends!

Wednesday, 4/29

5pm - 7:30pm

Commons Skylight

Best,

Gavin and Lorae

Join us in conversation with author of A Room in Bombay: A Memoir, Manil Suri, and English/MCS Alumnus, Aditya Desai. The event will be held on Thursday, April 16th, starting at 4:30PM in the Library Gallery!

Food will be provided.

About the Author: Manil Suri is the author of the forthcoming memoir, A Room in Bombay, three internationally acclaimed novels, The Death of Vishnu, The Age of Shiva and The City of Devi, and a book on popular mathematics, The Big Bang of Numbers.

He has served as a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times and is a distinguished university professor of mathematics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He is a passionate promoter of both mathematics and the humanities, and has motivated audiences worldwide to embrace both, rather than just one or the other.

Aditya Desai, who will be in discussion with Manil Suri during the event, is a writer, editor, teacher, and activist living in Baltimore, Maryland. He also works with several arts & racial justice organizations in Baltimore including the CityLit Project, Baltimore Youth Arts, and the Asian Pasifika Arts Collective.

More about the book: Indian American author Manil Suri grew up in a large crumbling apartment in Bombay (now Mumbai) which his parents, who were Hindu, shared with three Muslim families. Their single room, at times a refuge from the religious and territorial tensions pervading the apartment, was also a prison that held them captive―his parents stuck in an unhappy marriage, the author unable to explore the dawning realization he might be gay. At age 20, Suri managed to break free and come to the US, where he finally found the freedom to embrace his sexuality and find a life partner. But the room, which still held his parents hostage, kept wrenching him back to Bombay.

By now real estate prices had risen so much that neighbors had begun conspiring to take over the room, causing Suri’s parents to dig in even more. Eventually it was only his mother, Prem, left, who had staked all her happiness on her son but was unable to escape the room’s hold on her. When a rash of mysterious incidents seemed to beset the room, Suri realized how little time he had left to convince Prem that a happier life might await beyond the four walls that both enthralled and imprisoned her.

This remarkable, gripping memoir explores how an abode can shape destiny, while delving into the difficult question of how much to prioritize our parents’ happiness over our own. Inspired by over 2,700 letters the author wrote home over three decades, it is ultimately a testament to the abiding, unbreakable bond tying a son to his mother.

This event has been organized by Asian Studies with support from the Global Asias Initiative.

This event is 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.

See the original post here.

🚨 LAST CALL — IT’S TONIGHT 🚨

Take a break from the midweek grind and pull up to Bingo Night 🎉

We’re not talking about small prizes either… we’re giving away BIG wins like:
☕ Espresso machine
📺 TV
🎮 PS5… yes, a PS5 WHATTTT

If you’re not there, you’re honestly missing out.

🗓️ Tonight
⏰ 5–8 PM
📍 UC Ballroom

Grab your ticket, bring your friends, and come win something worth showing off. Don’t overthink it — just show up.