The first week of classes marks the start of a new semester filled with opportunities for learning, growth, and success. As students settle into their courses, the Office of Disability Access and Resources encourages students with approved accommodations to plan ahead and take the necessary steps to ensure their accommodations are ready for the semester.

Taking action early helps create a smoother semester and allows students, faculty, and DAAR staff to work together collaboratively to support an accessible and inclusive learning environment. Students should remember to:

• Submit semester accommodation requests through the DAAR student portal (Accommodate) to have their letters sent out
• Review your approved accommodations and request a meeting with staff if your support needs have changed
• Schedule accommodated testing with DAAR in advance
• Stay informed about important deadlines, timelines, and accommodation requirements

For detailed instructions, resources, and support, visit our website. Planning and staying connected with DAAR helps students start the semester prepared and make the most of their academic experience.

Wishing all UMBC Retrievers a successful and accessible semester!

#UMBC #UMBCRetrievers #FirstWeekOfClasses #NewSemester #UMBCStudents #Accessibility #DisabilityResources #StudentSuccess #UMBCDAAR

Do you play an instrument or sing? Join a student ensemble!

Make music! Make friends! Receive course credit! UMBC provides a wide range of performance experiences, open to audition by students in any academic area. Ensembles offered include Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Camerata Choir, Jubilee Singers, Gamelan Ensemble, and more.

See full list of available ensembles here. Contact ensemble directors to learn more and schedule an audition time.

Welcome back! Curl PWR is so excited for another semester of growth, good vibes, and great hair days ✨ Wishing you all a smooth and successful semester and a Happy First Day of Classes!!!

Dear New and Returning Erickson School Students,

My name is Nancy Kusmaul, and I serve as the Interim Dean for the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC. This is my 13th year at UMBC and my first with the Erickson School. I am looking forward to getting to know each of you this year.

I wanted to welcome those of you who are new to UMBC and welcome back to all of our returning students! Erickson's faculty and staff are excited about the new academic year. Please join us for a welcome-back open house and pizza party on Tuesday, September 1, from 12–2 p.m. at the Erickson School, 5523 Research Park Drive, Suite 230. RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekp6B8ZaR8OVBEb-Et9zS0ySBJM1g_klFJ6LL6fS-_dJ-aCg/viewform?usp=header Come, meet our faculty, and share what you are most excited about this academic year. We are looking forward to seeing you all!

We wanted to share a few resources for students who may need support. Check out these links for more information. Faculty and advisors are always available if you have questions about your classes and degree plans.

The Erickson School offers several scholarships. Watch Scholarship Retriever for deadlines and dates. While these options may help you pay for your education, we recognize that these options do not offer immediate support.

If you need more immediate financial support, please contact the Financial Aid Office or apply for the Stay Black and Gold Emergency Fund or the Sprint to the End award for students in their last semester. There are food, supplies, and other resources for students at UMBC's Retriever Essentials.

For a detailed list of academic resources and student support, see: Student Resources – Academic Success Center.

Have a wonderful semester!

Sincerely,
Dr. Kusmaul

Nancy Kusmaul, PhD, MSW
Interim Dean, Erickson School of Aging Studies
Associate Dean and Chair, Baccalaureate Social Work Program

Explore the legal side of creative work with Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (MDVLA)!

This event is presented by UMBC’s Center for Innovation, Research, and Creativity in the Arts (CIRCA).

Date: Wednesday, September 30

Time: 12 – 1pm (lunch at 11:45 am)

Location: Performing Arts and Humanities Building, Room 216

RSVP by September 24 for lunch

• Join Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (MDVLA) for a discussion on common legal issues that an artist might face when doing creative work.
• The discussion will include an introduction to contracts, intellectual property, and business entity basics.
• The goal is to empower artists to better understand legal issues related to their creative work and assess when the right time is to talk to an attorney for additional support.
• This information is relevant to any type of creative entrepreneur or small arts organization interested in protecting themselves and their art.
• This is a great opportunity for students interested in arts law, intellectual property, entertainment law, business law, or working with artists and creative organizations.
• Founded in 1985, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (MDVLA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Maryland artists’ and organizations’ legal rights through pro bono legal services and education.

Christia Ravenell is the Director of Legal Services at MDVLA. In this role, she provides legal assistance to MDVLA clients, develops legal resource guides and professional development workshops, supports volunteer attorneys, and participates in advocacy and stakeholder initiatives on behalf of MDVLA and its constituency. A Baltimore native, Ravenell holds degrees from Howard University, New York University, and Georgetown Law. When she’s not at an Art Law Clinic, you can find her in dance class or digging through crates at your local record store.

As a reminder, Procurement has upcoming virtual training sessions. If you are attending a training session and have not completed the training survey please see the bottom of the MyUMBC event post or click here for the survey please complete by end of Business Tuesday 8.25.2026.

Procurement 101: September 1st 9am-noon: for new employees to introduce them to UMBC Procurement Policies and Procedures.

Procurement Refresher Training: September 8th 9am-11am Reccomended for employees that would like a high-level refresh on Procurement Policies and Procedures.

Paw Training 1: September 15th 9am-noon OR  Paw Training 2: September 17th 9am-noon
Highly recommended for all UMBC Employees that utilize the Paw System. These will be duplicate trainings. You do not need to sign up for both trainings. 

Procurement Q&A: This Q&A session is for Faculty and Staff that have questions for the Procurement team.

Are you a new student here at UMBC looking to get involved?

Look no further and join the First Year Ambassador Program, presented by UMBC SGA. The First Year Ambassador Program is dedicated to first year undergraduate students and transfers who want to develop leadership skills as they learn the foundations of student governance.

The application  is open from August 31st to September 14th. Head right to this link: https://forms.gle/A6mtr2wG4HJde6Eb6

For Questions or Concerns, please contact Averi Grayson via email: averig1@umbc.edu

Welcome new and returning Retrievers! CNMS Advising is excited to have everyone back on campus and we are eager to help you tackle the fall semester!

Some important reminders/updates are as follows: 

1.) The CNMS Advising Office will be holding walk-in office hours for the entirety of the schedule adjustment period (through 9/14) Mo-Fri 10AM-12PM & 1PM-4PM in UC 205. If you are a new/incoming student please feel free to drop by at any time. Returning students should follow up with their assigned advisor (see here). Advisors can assist with schedule adjustments, registration troubleshooting, and general questions. Walk-in advising support is on a first come, first served basis and may result in a lengthy wait time during busy hours. Scheduled appointments can be arranged via email (CNMSAdvising@umbc.edu). 

2.) The last day of schedule adjustment (i.e. last day to add/drop/swap your classes) is Friday, September 4th.  Make sure that you are happy with your classes, that you are FULLY registered for a minimum of 12 credits (if you need to be a full-time student), and that you have established a balanced plan for the semester. Feel free to check in with your assigned advisor if you have any questions/concerns. First semester students can follow up with CNMSAdvising@umbc.edu for support.

3.) Take some time to update your record! Check your myUMBC account to determine/confirm your declared major(s). If your record does not accurately reflect your plans you can submit an updated Declaration of Major Form HERE. When completing the form, be sure to declare/ADD your new major intentions as well as remove/DELETE any unwanted programs.

Keep an eye out for this every month’s CNMS Advising Newsletter which highlights important dates, upcoming workshops, study hall hours, study group socials, practice exam sessions, campus support staff, and helpful tips to help you FALL into healthy academic habits from day one!

CNMS Advising is running weekly STEM-specific events every week in The Learning Collaboratory (TLC) -- UC 115 ranging from workshops to study groups. We will update the list of events every month HERE. Bookmark this page to stay in the loop!

Want to stay in touch with us throughout the semester? Follow us on Instagram @cnmsadvising. We will post event updates as well as STEM college success tips/tricks on a regular basis.

Coming up  -- The Learning Collaboratory (TLC) Kickoff Reception THIS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26th from 12-4PM. Snacks, prizes, crafts, games, a photobooth, and more! 

Hello everyone! We hope your Fall Semester is starting off strong!

For those who are unaware, over the summer we've upgraded our system to PantrySoft! This is a seamless process for not only our staff, but you as well!

Before you visit our pantry today, if you haven't already, please sign up for PantrySoft using the QR code shown on the flyer. If you have any questions, please email us at retrieveressentials@umbc.edu

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!