All,

It's hard to believe, but finals begin in less than two weeks. I know students will become scarce and before you disappear for the summer, I need to know who I will need to remove from access to the building and who has keys that I need to have signed back in. Please send an email to Dennis Cuddy at Cuddy@umbc.edu to arrange turning in your keys if any. 

I also need to inventory the seating arrangements in the research wing. I'm attaching a floorplan so we are all on the same page for occupancy. Please respond to me directly  with where you are sitting (ie, third floor, station 4). This info will allow me to have current, correct information for a potential new Dean in CNMS.

Thank you all for your attention

Private room available in a 2BHK townhouse for a male at Westland Gardens for a 3-month move-in.

Fully furnished 2BHK townhouse: 

What you get:

• Spacious living room with sofa + TV
• Fully equipped kitchen (Oven, Microwave, Fridge, Dishwasher)
• In-unit Washer & Dryer
• Central heating & cooling
• Just a 1-minute walk to the UMBC bus stop
• Only 10 minutes walk to campus. 
• Rent is just 600$ only

DM for more information: +1-202-937-5716 or email me at IO95979@umbc.edu

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AWARDS APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO WEDNESDAY, MAY 6TH

• January 2, 2026: Applications open for 2026-27 URA Scholars
• April 22, 2026: URCAD 30
• May 6, 2026: URA application deadline
• May 31, 2026: Final reports due for 2025-26 URA Scholars
• June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027: URA research period for new Scholars

URAs provide up to $1,500 to undergraduate students to support their research, scholarship, or creative work with a UMBC faculty mentor on an original project. UMBC students of all years and disciplines are invited to apply, as long as they remain enrolled at UMBC long enough to complete the proposed work.

Applications require a research proposal and mentor statement of support.

UR.umbc.edu/ura

This May, the Division of Institutional Equity has a full lineup of events and opportunities for the UMBC community. All events and opportunities across the division are open to full participation by all community members. 

Here’s how you can get involved!

May 4 | 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm | The Commons: 2B23

Media Bytes: Dialogue and Meaning in Bollywood Lyrics

Join the Center for Social Justice Dialogue for an interactive session exploring the cultural depth, emotion, and storytelling within Bollywood music. Participants will engage with selected songs to examine how Hindi and Urdu lyrics convey meaning beyond translation. Through guided dialogue, participants will reflect on how language, context, and personal experience shape interpretation. This event creates space for connection, learning, and shared perspectives, and is open to all individuals.

May 7 | 3 pm - 4:30 pm | The Commons: 2B23

SistaCare

Join the Center for Social Justice Dialogue for SistaCare - a community care and dialogue group that provides a supportive space to explore the experiences of Black/Africana women and femmes on campus while fostering connection, reflection, and care. These sessions invite participants to learn, share, and build community, and are open to all individuals.

May 6 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Commons: 318

Tools to Navigate Campus Conflict

The 80/20 Principle: Toward a Restorative UMBC: Restorative practices are most effective when most of the focus—about 80%—is placed on proactively building relationships, trust, and community, rather than only responding after harm occurs. This approach emphasizes slowing down, strengthening connections, and intentionally creating a foundation of care so that when challenges do arise, the community is already grounded in trust and mutual understanding.

May 11 | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm | The Commons 004 

“Stories we Carry”:  AAPI Storytelling Circle 

Join the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center for Stories We Carry, an AAPI Storytelling Circle where participants gather in community to share and reflect on experiences through guided conversation in a supportive space.

May 12 | 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm | The Commons: 004

RAL End of Semester Celebration

Join the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center to celebrate the dedication, resilience, and achievements of Returning Adult Learners at this end-of-semester gathering. This event offers a space to relax, connect, and reflect on the journey alongside peers and community members. The event is open to all individuals.

May 13 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm | Virtual

UMBC Talks: Inclusive Excellence

Join the Center for Social Justice Dialogue and the Center for Democracy and Civic Life for the last session of the UMBC Talks series—co-facilitated dialogues designed to shape UMBC’s shared definition of inclusive excellence. This culminating session invites students, faculty, and staff to engage with a draft framework, share perspectives, and help shape the university’s future vision and strategic direction. 

Cultural Heritage Month Celebrations

May is Jewish American Heritage Month, and Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi American Heritage Month. Stay tuned for our ‘Read, Watch, Listen, Participate’ posts.

Discussion Group Meetings

Join the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center this month for weekly discussion group meetings! Connect, share, and grow through spaces such as Grad Connect, We Believe You, Rebuilding Manhood, Spectrum, Women of Color Collective, Women and Gender Minorities in STEM, Returning Adult Learners, Athletics Group, Between Femmes, and Head Space. Visit https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/womenscenter/events?mode=upcoming&page=1 for more information and schedules for each group.

Employee Annual Title IX Training Requirement

Pursuant to UMBC's Interim Policy on Sex Discrimination, Sex-Based Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct, all faculty (including adjunct faculty), staff (regular and contingent), and student-employees (including teaching assistants and graduate assistants) are required to complete Title IX training each year. Employees who have not yet completed the training requirement should review the instructions and complete the three asynchronous modules outlined as soon as possible. New employees should complete training within 60 days of hire. The training will cover topics such as an overview of the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (ECR), what constitutes prohibited conduct under university policy, responding to a disclosure, procedures for reporting and resolving reports of prohibited conduct, trauma-informed care, confidentiality, and other applicable policies and procedures. Additional information regarding the training may be found in ECR's training FAQs. If you still have questions, please contact ECR at ECRtraining@umbc.edu.

VOTE FOR YOUR NEXT EBOARD

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScs_AtGH8VOrarGItsVuWdag_bXeoU74tlkiQjpnR6e16Dm7w/viewform?usp=dialog

All,

Facilities will be conducting some work at each entrance of the ILSB over the early summer  to address mechanical access panels in the ceiling. The plan currently will involve closing access to the  east entrance, facing Physics, for two weeks +/-  and then replicating similar work in the west side / quad facing entrance. 

There is nothing you need to do at the monent other than be aware of the plans. I'll add additional information as the plans evolve. 

All,

Facilities will be conducting some work at each entrance of the ILSB over the early summer  to address mechanical access panels in the ceiling. The plan currently will involve closing access to the  east entrance facing Physics for two weeks +/-  and then replicating similar work in the west side / quad facing entrance. 

There is nothing you need to do at the monent other than be aware of the plans.

As the calendar flips to May and we approach the end of the academic year, the energy on campus is beginning to ratchet up. It is easy to let our own well-being slip. However, if your caffeine-to-blood ratio is currently nearing a critical tipping point, this is your gentle reminder: Self-care is not a luxury; it is a professional imperative.

Refilling the Tank

We often view self-care as a reward for finishing the work, but research suggests it is actually the fuel that allows the work to happen. Burnout isn't just a result of hard work; it is often a result of a lack of intentional recovery. To operate effectively, we must first ensure we are functioning from a place of sustainable health rather than depletion.

Evidence-based Best Practices

To help you cross the finish line with your sanity intact, consider integrating these habits into your daily routine:

• Set small boundaries: Protect your focus hours. Even a 20-minute block without email can significantly reduce the cognitive load of task-switching and decision fatigue.

• Practice “soft fascination”: Attention Restoration Theory suggests that even brief periods of looking at nature such as a walk through the campus or simply looking out a window can restore your ability to focus after hours of screen time.

• Embrace self-compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a struggling student. Acknowledging that this is a difficult, high-pressure season can actually lower cortisol levels and improve your emotional regulation.

• Accept the power of no: During this season, it is okay to decline non-essential meetings or postpone new projects until the summer. Protecting your bandwidth is a form of respect for the commitments you already have.

A Final Word

Every day, I see the commitment you bring to this wonderful community, and I am grateful for all you have contributed this year. As we wrap up the academic year, I encourage you to take time for yourself. I hope the summer offers not just a chance to recover, but time to truly rest and enjoy.

___________________________________

NEWS & NOTES

New Academic Affairs Shared Inbox and Request Form

On Wednesday, Vice Provost Anupam announced the launch of a new shared inbox and centralized request system for the Office of the Provost-Academic Affairs to better serve the campus. 

The initiative is designed to streamline communication and ensure that your inquiries and requests are directed to the appropriate functions with Academic Affairs as efficiently as possible, and tracked internally for timely completion and response.

Learn more about the new shared inbox and centralized request system. 

Updates on Impact of Executive Orders and Federal Actions on Promotion and Tenure Reviews

Since the beginning of 2025, faculty members across the university may have experienced disruption to their research, teaching, and service activities due to White House executive orders and federal actions. In light of these ongoing impacts, we are continuing modification of protocols surrounding promotion and tenure reviews for the AY 2026 – 2027 cycle.

Learn more about the continued modification of promotion and tenure reviews.

Order Your Regalia For Commencement

If you intend to participate in commencement and need to order regalia, the final day to do so is Saturday, May 2. Click here for more information.

Faculty and Staff: Send Me Your Highlights

As we near the end of the semester, I want to encourage faculty and staff members to send me your highlights and accomplishments from the academic year. Our goal is to call out outstanding work and programs that positively impact UMBC and the community. . If you or your team has done something cool, innovative, exciting, or just downright effective, let me know. Pictures of team members and activities are highly encouraged. The deadline to be included is Wednesday, May 6, so do not delay. Please email highlights and images to Aaron Burnett.

CNMS Dean Search Candidate Open Forums

Tuesday, May 12, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

Thursday, May 14, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

Monday, May 18, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

Location to be announced.

We invite you to join us at an open forum with each of the three finalists for the dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Science. During the forums, the candidates will share their academic journey, present a vision for the college, and participate in an open Q&A session with attendees. Forums will be moderated by the search committee chair. For additional information on the position, please visit the Provost Leadership Search listing.

Your participation is vital to the selection process, and we encourage you to join us for these important events. 

Provide Open Access (free access) to Your Works in ScholarWorks@UMBC

Providing open access (free access) to your publications makes them available to more people and increases citations. You can provide open access to your works in ScholarWorks@UMBC without paying article processing charges.

The Albin O. Kuhn Library will add works to ScholarWorks@UMBC for you. Simply send a link to your Google Scholar page or your publications website, your CV, or a list of your works to Claire Johnson. The library staff can also add unpublished works such as presentation slides if you send them.

If you've previously sent a list of publications, or a link to a list of publications, you don't need to do anything. Each year, the library staff automatically adds your new works, contacting you if anything is needed. 

____________________________________

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 

Generative AI Workshops

Join colleagues for two practical sessions that examine where generative AI can support teaching, course design, and student learning—and where faculty judgment remains essential. The final sessions are:

Generative AI in Teaching II: Applied Skills and Use Cases

Part II of Introduction to Generative AI in Teaching Series

Monday, May 4, 12 - 1 p.m., Virtual 

Building on Gen AI & Teaching I, this interactive session highlights applied skills and practical use cases. Faculty will practice effective prompting, explore discipline-specific scenarios, and consider assignment design strategies. Examples will touch on advanced features (custom GPTs/GEMs, Canvas Mode, Deep Research Mode, agent mode) related to teaching.

Part II of an Introduction to Generative AI in Teaching Series. The FDC is co-sponsoring a series of three workshops facilitated by John Schumacher, Professor of Sociology, Anthropology and Public Health and a USM Generative AI Pedagogy Fellow for 2025-26. Whether you have already begun exploring AI for your teaching and for student learning, are an AI-skeptic, or are somewhere in between, joining Dr. Schumacher and your UMBC colleagues for these hands-on workshops will help you to deepen your understanding of how AI works, some of the ethical concerns of AI-usage, and when and how to use which Gen AI tools. This workshop is a repeat of one that was initially offered twice in Fall 2025.

Register for part II of Introduction to Generative AI in Teaching Series.

Using Generative AI to Support Your Course Design: A Faculty Workshop

Use AI iteratively to align course objectives & activities.

Monday, June 1, 9 - 10:30 a.m., Virtual

This session practically demonstrates how generative AI can support course design when embedded within a backwards‑design workflow. Rather than isolated prompting, faculty will learn to use AI iteratively to align objectives, assessments, and course activities. Participants will gain repeatable, model‑agnostic workflows for using Gen AI to augment design while preserving faculty voice and pedagogical intent. 

The FDC is co-sponsoring this workshop, facilitated by John Schumacher, Professor of Sociology, Anthropology and Public Health and a USM Generative AI Pedagogy Fellow for 2025-26. This workshop is a condensed version of The AI-Assisted Educator: A Course Design Sprint that was initially offered in January 2026.

Register for part III of Introduction to Generative AI in Teaching Series.

Global Asias Symposium and Celebration

Monday, May 4

This daylong event will showcase and celebrate the work of the Global Asias Initiative, a three-year initiative funded by the Mellon Foundation that has created a forum for engaging in conversations in the fields of Asian American Studies, Asian diaspora studies, and Asian Studies. The initiative has created connections across disciplines, departments, institutions, organizations, and communities here on campus and beyond. With our grant from Mellon Foundation coming to a close this year, we are showcasing the many achievements of the initiative.

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Welcome & Belonging and Community Luncheon: Conversations on Asian experiences at UMBC

1:00 – 2:15 p.m. – Keynote Address with Dr. Anna Guevarra

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Global Asias in Dialogue

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. – Global Asias Student Showcase & Reception

Learn more and register for the Global Asias Symposium and Celebration.

Computational Social Science Series: ML Models for Causal Inference Analysis + HPC

Please join us for the last workshop of the semester in the Computational Social Science Series. 

Led by:

• Dr. Eric Stokan, CS3 Director and Associate Professor of Political Science, UMBC 

• Roy Prouty, Assistant Director for Research Computing, DoIT; UMBC Ph.D. Candidate, Computer Science, CSEE

• Sai Vikas Amaraneni, iHARP Research Assistant and UMBC Ph.D. Student

Register for the ML Models for Causal Inference Analysis + HPC workshop.

Presidential Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

University Center Ballroom

3-5 p.m. Awards Ceremony and Reception

Please join us in celebrating this year’s Presidential Faculty and Staff awardees, University System of Maryland awardees, and additional distinguished university honorees. 

Learn more and register for the Presidential Faculty Awards Ceremony. 

___________________________________

Help Make this Newsletter Better

The goal each week of this message is to deepen our connection to UMBC, whether that is learning about an upcoming event, a divisional accomplishment, an innovative program, or an  update from the Office of the Provost. If you know of a program or event that should be highlighted, please share it here.

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to share an important update to the University System of Maryland’s (USM) leave programs that will expand support for employees during significant life events.

Beginning July 1, 2026, USM will implement a new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. This benefit provides eligible employees with fully paid, job-protected leave for qualifying family, medical, and certain military-related reasons.

PFML is a USM-administered benefit and is separate from the State’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program. USM employees will continue to receive leave benefits directly through USM.

What This Means for You

PFML allows you to take time away from work while continuing to receive your regular pay and maintaining your benefits and job protection.

In most cases, employees may take:

• Up to 12 weeks of paid leave in a 12-month period

• Up to 24 weeks in limited circumstances

PFML covers:

• Bonding with a new child (birth, adoption, or placement)

• Your own serious health condition

• Caring for a family member with a serious health condition

• Certain military-related situations

What’s Changing

Paid Parental Leave

• USM’s current parental leave policies will be replaced by PFML.

• Leave for bonding with a new child will now be provided through the PFML program.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

• USM will move from a “look-back” method to a “look-forward” method for tracking FMLA leave.

• Going forward, your 12-month FMLA period will begin on the date you first use FMLA leave.

• All eligible employees will receive a new 12-week FMLA entitlement starting July 1, 2026, regardless of prior usage

These updates are designed to better align federal FMLA with Maryland’s PFML making it easier to coordinate your leave benefits. 

What You Should Do Next

No immediate action is required.

If you are planning to take qualifying leave on or after July 1, 2026:

• Please review the linked PFML Employee FAQs.

• Contact Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management-Talent Engagement and Labor Relations team with any questions or for guidance on your specific situation by emailing Michale Tallon at mtallon@umbc.edu.

• Employee and supervisor information sessions will be announced in the coming weeks, with sessions taking place in May and June. 

UMBC is committed to supporting our employees during important moments in their lives. We believe this new program provides meaningful flexibility and support for you and your families.

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Lynne Adams
Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Meet the new Board!

Thank you all for voting and hope you'll be able to show support for the many events and meetings we have in store for next semester!

Here are your officers:

President: Gabriela J 

VP: Steven K

Treasurer: Fareedah O 

EC (NEW!) : Angie V 

CPM : Nadia FG

Our VP will be sharing an Overview of F2 and how they run things before we.... Stream the F2 Qualifying! Starting at 2:30pm 

Come hang out and watch with us!

Your CPM, NFG