Hello UMBC Undergraduates!

NOTE: If you already participated in one of the previous 4 week programs, you ARE eligible to join this (new, expanded) 10 week program!

The Department of Sociology, Anthropology, & Public Health (SAPH) has an ongoing program that may be of interest to you. The program is entitled "Youth Well-Being" and is funded by the prestigious Stevens Initiative, which is an international collaboration funded by the US Department of State, the Bezos Family Foundation, and the governments of Morocco and the UAE. The effort is named after the U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens who "devoted his life to building connections through open and respectful dialogue and person-to-person diplomacy... He served the majority of his Foreign Service career in the Middle East and North Africa, a region he grew to love, and eventually served as U.S. Ambassador to Libya." In other words, the goal of the Stevens Initiative is to build friendship, learning, and exchange between countries. The program is completely FREE and includes a mixture of asynchronous and synchronous (Wednesdays from 10:05–11:35am USA EDT on Sept. 2, Sept. 9, Sept. 16, Sept. 30, Oct. 14, and Oct. 28). See details, timeline, and sign up link below!

Youth Well-Being: Stevens Initiative Virtual Exchange Program 
Join undergraduate students from Khalifa University, UMBC, and Miami University (of Ohio) for an engaging 10-week virtual exchange (mixture of asynchronous and synchronous content, see schedule below) exploring youth well-being from a global perspective. Running September 2 – October 28, 2026, the program dives into American and UAE lifestyles, the dimensions of well-being, and the role of families, communities, and economies in shaping healthier futures. Through interactive modules, live discussions, and collaborative projects, students will connect across cultures, sharpen their critical thinking, and gain practical insights into improving well-being worldwide. Participants who complete the program will earn a certificate of completion and join the Stevens Initiative Alumni Network, expanding their global academic and professional connections. Apply by August 27, 2026 to be part of this unique international learning experience! 

ENROLL HERE BY AUGUST 27TH: https://forms.gle/VQYtyxv9pyjbdUm77

QUESTIONS? Contact Dr. Yamashita: yamataka@umbc.edu

The UMBC Ancient Studies Department will conduct its annual study tour in Rome and southern Italy March 12-21, 2027. For current UMBC students, the cost of $4,250 covers all air and land transportation; twin-share accommodations for eight nights in three- or four-star hotels; eight buffet breakfasts, two dinners, and two lunches; travel insurance; entrance to all archaeological sites and museums on the itinerary; all gratuities. Single rooms are available at an additional cost of $565. The price for non-students is $4,475; the cost of a single room is $599. Ancient Studies majors and minors, UMBC students, faculty, staff, alumni, and their friends and family are all invited to join us. 

Current students should download and fill out this registration form for the trip; non-students should use this form. Please email all completed forms to Ms. Lydia DeRidder by Oct.16, 2026. A deposit of $750 is due at this time. All Ancient Studies majors and minors are eligible for trip subsidies; please download and fill out this application and return it to Dr. David Rosenbloom by Oct. 15, 2026.

The tour begins with four days and nights in Rome and visits to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Hadrian’s Villa, the Pantheon, and several other important sites and museums. We then travel by coach to Castellammare di Stabia on the famed Amalfi Coast, stopping on the way at Tiberius’ Odyssey-themed coastal villa at Sperlonga and at Paestum to view the remarkably intact temples of Hera, Athena, and (possibly) Poseidon. From Castellammare di Stabia, we visit two settlements buried and preserved by the ash of Mt. Vesuvius, the city of Pompeii and coastal resort at Herculaneum. On our return to Rome, we tour the extraordinary National Archaeological Museum of Naples and the Greek settlement and home of the Sibyl, Cumae. A UMBC coach will take the group to Dulles International Airport at the start of the trip and back to UMBC upon return. A full itinerary of the tour is available on the department website.

Reposted from CWIT Affiliates. This project was funded in part by the BreakingGround grant program. For more information and to apply, visit the BreakingGround website.

Want to make a real impact on campus culture, gain valuable leadership skills, and earn Retriever Dollars?

The College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT) is recruiting Peer Dialogue Leads for our Fall 2026 Student Climate focus groups!

In this role, you’ll partner with a staff/faculty member during 1 to 3 focus groups this semester to help break the ice, encourage open dialogue, and ensure your fellow engineering and computing peers feel safe and heard. At the end of the semester, you’ll also help review the findings to directly influence recommendations made to COEIT leadership.

What’s in it for you?

• Earn While You Lead: $25 in Retriever Dollars added to your campus card per focus group session you support and reflect upon.

• Low Pressure, High Impact Time Commitment: You’ll participate in 1 lunch training + 1 to 3 focus groups over the semester + 1 end-of-semester data review for a total of approximately 5-8 hours over the semester).

• Build Resume Skills: Gain hands-on experience in inclusive leadership, active listening, and problem-solving—skills top engineering and tech employers look for.

Full position details are attached or available via this link.

How to Apply:

Fill out this quick, 5-minute application form: https://forms.gle/SHiv5PaFMGj5BhdS6 

(Note: You must be signed into your UMBC account).

Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply by Monday, August 31st for best consideration!

Questions? Reach out to Jess Myers at jessm@umbc.edu.

Repost from the Center for Social Justice Dialouge; original post here.

This fall, the Center for Social Justice Dialogue is hosting Interact, a series designed to help participants hone the skills to successfully engage in dialogue across difference. If you are a first year undergraduate student interested in upscaling your dialogue, register now!

WHAT IS INTERACT?

Interact is a four-week program for undergraduate students focused on creating an introduction to the dialogue skills required to engage in difficult conversations, dialogue across difference, and intercultural dialogue.

The goal of Interact at UMBC is to develop foundational skills connected to competencies for dialogic community building including critical self-reflection, generous listening, cultural storytelling, and loving accountability. As a result of participation in Interact, participants will have the skills to engage in dialogue within any type of situation and any topic of conversation.

Participants meet weekly in small groups for 90-minute sessions that are co-facilitated by 2-3 facilitators. Each small group consists of 10-15 participants. During these sessions, participants learn and practice the necessary skills to become inclusive leaders and engaged community members.

Participants who attend at least three of the four sessions will be entered into a raffle to win prizes. 

To register, click this link!

This series 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.

CARAT (Creative Achievement and Research Administration Team) assists CAHSS faculty with research development and pre- and post-award services. CARAT offers a range of support to faculty seeking extramural funding, including drop-in sessions, individual consultations, workshops, and co-sponsored sessions. Check out their website and myUMBC group for upcoming activities.

To request a consultation, use this form. To begin a proposal with an identified funder, use this form. You must be logged-in to myUMBC to complete these CARAT forms.

Note that the lead time for fellowship proposal development is 2-3 business weeks, and at minimum 4 business weeks for grant proposal development. CARAT reserves the right to decline proposal requests that do not include adequate lead time.

UMBC and CAHSS Resources for Research & Creative Achievement

• The CAHSS Office of the Dean has several internal funding programs, including the CAHSS Dean’s Research Fund and CAHSS Research Fellows Program, and maintains a list of annual opportunities and awards.

• The Dresher Center for the Humanities provides internal funding opportunities, including research development and completion funds and residential and summer fellowships for projects in the humanities. The monthly Dresher Center Digest spotlights these opportunities.

• The Center for Social Science Scholarship (CS3) provides information on research funding, including internal and external grants and other opportunities for social science research. The monthly CS3 newsletter features these opportunities.

• The Center for Innovation, Research, and Creativity in the Arts (CIRCA) website provides research resources on internal research support, including fellowships, programming and pedagogy grants, and contingency funds, and a list of external funding opportunities in the arts. The weekly CIRCA Digest is also a resource for funding information in the arts.

• The Public Health Research Center (PHRC) offers internal grants as well as proposal development services.

• The Division of Research and Creative Achievement has funding opportunities for UMBC faculty, including limited-submission and internal funding opportunities, such as START, SURFF, and SURE. Visit the Faculty Resources page for general and current information.

Faculty seeking to develop extramural grants and fellowships should submit a CARAT Consultation Request form for research development support, or a CARAT Proposal Development Request form for help in preparing and routing an application for a known opportunity.

Contact CARAT Director Dr. Marc Ruppel with questions about CARAT’s pre-award services. Consult with your department chair or program director before beginning any funding application!

External grant and fellowship applications must be routed for university approval in either UMBC's Kuali system or through the CAHSS internal routing form before submission. Plan additional time for routing.

• PI Eligibility: UMBC uses Kuali, a cloud-based research administration tool, for proposals and awards. UMBC faculty, who are identified as a Principal Investigator (PI), Co-Investigator, or Key Person on proposals and awards, must obtain and then maintain PI eligibility in order to develop external funding proposals and receive awards at UMBC. This includes all faculty on the tenure track. Teaching Professors may also become PI Eligible through an exception process. Becoming PI Eligible involves completing the following trainings in CITI: Principal Investigator Research Administration Training and Education (PIRATE), and the Research Security Combined Module, as well submitting a PI Eligibility request form via DocuSign (after trainings are completed). PI applicants must also obtain PeopleSoft Finance and PAW Access. NOTE: Both CITI trainings are required to apply for any external funding, including from non-federal sponsors. NOTE: Faculty will need to re-take and renew their PIRATE certification three years from the date of completion.

  • Reach out to CARAT for assistance on PI Eligibility.

  • Reference for checking your training record.

• External Fellowships: Refer to the UMBC Faculty Handbook for information on fellowship leaves, as well as the CAHSS Salary Supplement Guidelines for Externally Funded Fellowship Leave. Fellowship applications must be routed in advance of submission.

Date: Friday Sept. 11

Time: 11:30-1:30 pm

Where: Commons Terrace (All)

What: West african griot and dance performances

Performers bios:

Amadou Kouyate

         150th generation of hereditary griots . He has studied in Mali, Senegal, Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire with master musicians of the Djali tradition. His repertoire ranges from traditional 13th century songs to contemporary original compositions incorporating blues and jazz using a 21-string kora as well as djembe and koutiro drums. Amadou has received the Maryland State Arts Council Governor’s Citation among other regional honors. Amadou has been an adjunct lecturer in African Music and Enthnomusicology at the University of Maryland and Artist-In -Residence at both the Strathmore Music Center and Montgomery College as well as a teaching artist at Wolftrap Organization for the Performing Arts.  He has lectured and performed throughout the U.S. and internationally with various ensembles including performances at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, the Smithsonian, and in England and Brazil. 

Mama Cheryl Hinton

  Mama Cheryl is an artist, griot, African dancer, and Fabric sculptress She is a member of the National Association of Black Storytellers, National Blacks in Wax and Tribe 55+. Mama Cheryl has facilitated workshops, college courses and African dance for both children and adults. She has decades of experience in storytelling, African dance and constructing costumes and props for dance and theater. She is a proud graduate of two HBCUs, Delaware State and Coppin State University and is a retired higher education diversity director.

Keur Khaleyi

         Keur Khaleyi ("house of children" in Wolof) African Dance Company, founded in 2009, provides African dance training to all ages and skill levels, serving over 80 youth weekly. Founder and artistic director Jihan Von Hendricks began studying ballet, jazz and tap at 4 years old. With her siblings Jihan studied with Sankofa Dance Theater then went on to study with numerous master dancers, including over 10 years with Babacar N’Diaye, a former lead dancer of the National Ballet of Senegal.  Ms. Von Hendricks has taught at Morgan State University, Goucher College, Baltimore City and County public schools, Maryland Academy of Dance and numerous other organizations. In 2025, Ms. Von Hendricks was honored with the Champion of Courage award. 

Greetings all,

The Office of the Provost is missing two packages: one from Amazon and the other from The Chronicle Bookstore (Tracking numbers: 9261290234849539890995 (The Chronicle via DHL) and 9241990400242133163827 (Amazon via UPS). 

If you have accidentally received two books please let me know! My email is obrann@umbc.edu and my direct line is 443-612-8901. If you need details regarding book title please reach out!

Thank you! 

Warmly,

Oli 

A message from our colleagues in the Center for Social Justice Dialogue. Original post here.

This fall, the Center for Social Justice Dialogue is hosting Interact, a series designed to help participants hone the skills to successfully engage in dialogue across difference. If you are a first year undergraduate student interested in upscaling your dialogue, register now!

WHAT IS INTERACT?

Interact is a four-week program for undergraduate students focused on creating an introduction to the dialogue skills required to engage in difficult conversations, dialogue across difference, and intercultural dialogue.

The goal of Interact at UMBC is to develop foundational skills connected to competencies for dialogic community building including critical self-reflection, generous listening, cultural storytelling, and loving accountability. As a result of participation in Interact, participants will have the skills to engage in dialogue within any type of situation and any topic of conversation.

Participants meet weekly in small groups for 90-minute sessions that are co-facilitated by 2-3 facilitators. Each small group consists of 10-15 participants. During these sessions, participants learn and practice the necessary skills to become inclusive leaders and engaged community members.

Participants who attend at least three of the four sessions will be entered into a raffle to win prizes. 

To register, click this link!

Hello everyone! 

We hope to see you there!

The Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising has openings available for Winter Orientation Advisors! Advisors meet with incoming students VIRTUALLY during the month of January in one-on-one sessions to plan out and register for classes. No previous experience is required, and we will provide all training necessary! Upon hire, YOU will be given the opportunity to select which days you are available to advise.

What is the compensation? As Orientation Advising occurs during regular business hours, we can't offer additional compensation outside of the pay you are already receiving as a full-time staff member.

So, you're expecting me to work for free? BY NO MEANS! This is not a "service opportunity" to squeeze more work out of you for the same pay -- we encourage you, instead, to work with your supervisor to be released from other duties during the scheduled session hours. And, we will still try to make it worth your while in other ways: this is a unique, free, and credentialed professional development opportunity. Advisors are trained in an intensive full-day virtual session, and then gain real-world experience working with students. Advisors who complete the training, a short assessment, and two days of advising are eligible to receive the Orientation Advisor microcredential, which highlights the customer service, analytical, and communication skills required for the role. 

I definitely don't have time for this! The time commitment would be as little as one full day of training on January 4, and then -- spread out over the course of January at YOUR convenience -- as few as 2-3 days of advising from 11:15am - 4:30pm.

But what would my department get out of it? Your participation can be very strategic for your department indeed! Orientation Advising touches students' lives at the very start of their careers at UMBC. It's the earliest possible opportunity to direct and guide their paths here, and to introduce them to the services offered by our many student-facing departments. For academic departments, moreover, working with students at this stage can lead to smoother degree progress and fewer issues down the road. I would be pleased to be part of any discussion to highlight how your participation can benefit your department, and to discuss any releases from other responsibilities during that small investment of time.

Can I learn more without committing? YES! We are offering informational sessions for anyone interested or who even just might be interested in finding out about this exciting opportunity to expand their skillsets, make meaningful connections, serve their departments, and themselves!

• Tuesday, September 1 at 5:30pm (https://umbc.webex.com/meet/korossy1)
• Monday, September 7 at 12:00pm (https://umbc.webex.com/meet/korossy1)

For additional details, see the application HERE, which is due by September 15, or contact Laszlo Korossy at korossy1@umbc.edu.