"Perspectives on the Use of Technology for Self-Expression and Its Relationship to Emotion"

We are conducting a study to investigate the emotional effects of self-expression. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires, perform a task to make a useless artifact out of something useful with provided materials and participate in a semi-structured interview about their experience. Snacks will be provided. If you are willing to participate, the study will take approximately 1 hour to complete. 

Your responses will be kept completely confidential and anonymous. Should you choose to provide an email address, we will send you your questionnaire results: personal growth score (PGIS- II) and positive affect negative affect schedule (PANAS) score.

For additional information or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Golnaz Moharrer at golnazm1@umbc.edu (267-586-3415), Krystal Zhang at z56@umbc.edu (541-908-8821), or our faculty advisor Andrea Kleinsmith at andreak@umbc.edu.

If you’re interested in participating, please start by filling out the participation interest link:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8qgl65iODeNEPFfR18v5nKrAar6wZti3t6vHCT_tkjxoteA/viewform?usp=sf_link 

Approved | Protocol #1377 | Expires 3/5/25.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Instructional Technology is pleased to announce the pilot of Qwickly Attendance Plus in Blackboard Ultra courses. Featuring mobile check-in and advanced reporting, Qwickly Attendance provides faculty with tools to identify student absences and send email notifications automatically. The Qwickly Attendance Plus pilot will take place November 4, 2024 through May 25, 2025. 

Qwickly Attendance was launched at UMBC in 2016, providing an easy tool to take attendance and synchronize points to the Blackboard gradebook. One popular feature of Qwickly allows faculty to set up attendance self check-ins -- in the upgraded version, a rapidly rotating QR code appears on the screen instead of a PIN, reducing the possibility of false attendance. Students can use the Qwickly Attendance mobile app to check in from their smart phone or check their attendance records on the go.

Another exciting new feature in Qwickly Attednance Plus will convert student activity in Blackboard to attendance records. When we consider attendance in an online course, login is often the first metric considered. However, proposed federal regulations for attendance in distance education suggest tracking student activity including LMS activity such as discussion posting and test taking. Qwickly Attendance Plus will automatically derive attendance status for students based on their engagement with specified course activities during a designated period and mark attendance accordingly. 

Additional features of Qwickly Attendance Plus include:

• Check-Out: Add an option for students to check-out at the end of a class meeting.
• Forgive Absences: Specify how many absences are excluded from grade calculations.
• Schedule Sessions: Create attendance sessions in advance for the entire semester.
• Hyflex Support: Create context for attendance location (in-person vs. remote).
• Location Confirmation: Specific locations create approved zones for attendance tracking.
• Concurrent Check-in for Groups: Take attendance for any or all groups in a single session.
• Updated Reporting: Review and identify attendance trends. 

We invite faculty to explore the new features during the pilot. Upon conclusion of the pilot, Qwickly is expected to revert to the normal attendance application. Faculty feedback will help inform future adoption of the upgraded features.

• Visit Qwickly Attendance FAQs for additional resources. 
• For technical support, please submit a ticket to Instructional Technology.

• Check our extensive FAQ collection 
• What's new in Ultra? | Known Issues 
• Open a ticket via RT
• Follow the Instructional Technology & DoIT myUMBC groups
• Request a consult with instructional technology staff
• PIVOT | Academic Continuity | Keep On Teaching | Student Technology Resources

Today is Election Day! If you haven't voted yet, polls are open now until 8pm tonight. Maryland has same-day voter registration, so even if you aren't already registered, you may be able to cast a ballot today! Find your polling place on the state's Voting Location Lookup site here. 

Last Chance for Advising!

Remember that you cannot register for your Spring 2025 classes until you get clearance from your advisor, and you can't get clearance from your advisor until you have an advising appointment with them. 

Have you signed up for an advising appointment with Dr. Vaporis or Dr. Kim? They've emailed an advising sign-up sheet a few times. This week is the last opportunity to meet with them during special extended office hours. If you haven't received the sign-up sheet, or are unsure how to complete it, please contact us as soon as possible. 

Registration for Spring 2025 is happening now, and we anticipate that many classes will fill up quickly. Don't miss your chance to sign up for the courses you need and want - get advised today! 

New Spring 2025 Course Offering: ASIA 330/ART 355 - The Dao of Intermedia

Prof. Chan is offering her popular "Dao of Intermedia" class again this spring. The course, crosslisted as ASIA 330 and ART 355, explores the connection between art and the everyday through lectures, and readings of Asian philosophy. The course consists of discussions about the philosophy and how traditional and contemporary artists/craftspeople have related the philosophy to their work. Students learn traditional arts/crafts such as brush-painting, papermaking, paper/textile decorative arts as well as creating art that is both physical material and performative. Seats are extremely limited - sign up today! 

Winter Session Registration Continues

Are you interested in taking a class during the Winter 2025 session this coming January, but aren't sure which one is the best option? Consider an asynchronous class that will count towards your Asian Studies requirements!  

ASIA 300 - Modern East Asia 
HIST 381 - From Samurai to Salariman: Japanese History Through Film and Literature

Unlike the Spring and Fall semesters, you do not need advising clearance to register for Winter Session classes. For more information about Winter Session, visit their website. 

Don't Forget: Guest Lecture with Dr. Anita Mannur on Monday, Nov 11!

We hope to see many of you in the Library Gallery on Monday afternoon, Nov. 11, for Dr. Mannur's lecture "From Pandan Donuts to Masala Chai Ice Cream." Dr. Mannur will explore the ways that a new generation of chefs is bringing the cuisine of Asia to a global audience - and we'll have refreshments for the lecture attendees, as well! 

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

• Ongoing: Winter 2025 Registration
• Ongoing: Spring 2025 Advising & Registration
• Tomorrow (November 6): Last Day to Withdraw from Individual Courses with a "W" 
• Monday, Nov 11: Guest Lecture, Dr. Anita Mannur (see above)
• Thursday, Nov 28: Thanksgiving (UMBC closed)
  
• Friday, Nov 29: American Indian Heritage Day (UMBC closed)

Job Description

Chesapeake Shakespeare Company (CSC) bartender is a part-time, hourly position with tips and works for the Audience Services Manager. CSC has two bars that are in operation simultaneously before and during events and performances. Bartenders are public representatives for the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company and as such must provide the best in customer service to our patrons. Bartenders for CSC are punctual, courteous, organized and must work well under pressure with a smile.

Primary Responsibilities