• Affect, Emotion, and Power - This faculty working group aims to explore interrelationships among affect, emotion, and power, broadly defined. While this field has developed in discrete pockets of inquiry in different (inter)disciplinary sites, we are interested in bringing together critical engagements across a range of sites including cultural and media studies, history, sociology, anthropology, geography, gender and women’s studies, and sexuality studies.
  • Leaders: Vrushali Patil (Gender, Women’s, + Sexuality Studies) and Jason Loviglio (Media and Communication Studies)

• Seeing Things: Matter, New Materialism, and Visual Culture - This group aims to explore our entanglements with the material world in the aftermath of catastrophes, technological obsolescence, raging military conflict, economic precarity, and invisible destabilizing forces that have tangible and lingering effects.

  • Leaders: Trang Ta (Global Studies) and Karin Oen-Lee (Visuals Arts)

• Textile Studies: We are a group of writers and makers who wish to further our historical and creative research about textiles and their role in contemporary art and society. We invite our UMBC colleagues from any discipline to join us in a series of open discussions, research talks and events that explore textiles, their history, production, significance and creative use.

  • Leaders: Leaders: Beth Saunders (Library) and Sarah Sharp (Visual Arts)

If you are interested in joining these or our other working groups, please contact the group leaders. Faculty, staff, and graduate students are welcome to participate.

Meet Kyle Clelan, a double alumnus who earned his B.S. in financial economics in 2008 and his M.A. in economic policy analysis in 2009. Today, he serves as a private investments manager with The Johnson Group, building on a successful career with stints at the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and T. Rowe Price. Kyle is also a Retriever Loyal donor, having given back to UMBC for the past eight years. Take it away, Kyle!

Q: What brought you to UMBC?

A: I was primarily drawn to UMBC because of its academically-centered reputation coming out of high school. I wanted to go to school, study, and work hard so that I could get to my career as soon as possible. Then I found myself surrounded by similarly-minded people and started making some lifelong friendships—many of whom were in my wedding. Meeting so many great people with a vast array of life experiences and backgrounds enhanced my time at UMBC immensely and helped me to slow down and enjoy the journey.

Q: What did you love about the economics programs at UMBC?

A: The economic policy analysis program in particular introduced me to econometric and data science concepts and how they can apply to investment management and policy decision-making. I have used foundational knowledge I learned in that coursework over and over throughout my career. From how to build a model using Stata or SAS, for example, to learning how to organize data and look for anomalies that can help inform better risk management, the courses taught me how to think better analytically and holistically.

Q: Who in the community inspired you or supported you?

A: Doug Lamdin in the Department of Economics was my M.A. advisor, and I also did work with him during my time as an undergraduate. He helped me connect the dots between academia and practice by pushing me to do research with real-world market data. He also introduced me to several professional mentors and helped me find my initial internship at T. Rowe Price, where I spent the first 12 years of my professional career. That experience has been instrumental to where I am today.

Without Dr. Lamdin’s guidance and support, I likely would have never found that pivotal opportunity. And the knowledge I acquired and various investment and technical courses continue to come in handy in roles I have had and have now.

Q: What’s one thing you’d want someone to know about the support you find at UMBC?

A: I came to UMBC expecting a healthy balance of academic rigor and the opportunity to develop lasting relationships and connections. I was not disappointed. UMBC offers a myriad of opportunities to perform meaningful research. Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day, also known as URCAD, is one example that was very rewarding for me to publish my first paper. There are real pipelines that I personally benefitted from to get my career going, which showed me opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible without UMBC. It’s all about being proactive and seeking them out because the resources are there.

Q: Tell us about your current job. What do you like most about it?

A: For the past five years, I was a risk analyst within the Risk Surveillance Branch at the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). I enjoyed performing broad derivatives market oversight work where we published reports on a regular basis to help better inform the public and help markets better manage systemic risks.

For the last year, I have relocated to being nearer to family in South Carolina and am working as a private investments manager for a family office and set of operating companies. In this role, I am applying the investment and risk management knowledge acquired from UMBC and my career, and I am enjoying being part of investment and capital allocation decisions that directly affect investment outcomes that benefit the company and also the local community.

Q: What drives you to support UMBC?

A: Without financial support from aid and scholarships, I likely would not have been able to attend college at all. So, giving back in whatever way I can now is important to me and my family because it could be just the little bit extra that makes all of the difference for someone to make something really special happen.

* * * * *

UMBC’s greatest strength is its people. When people meet Retrievers and hear about the passion they bring, the relationships they create, the ways they support each other, and the commitment they have to inclusive excellence, they truly get a sense of our community. That’s what “Meet a Retriever” is all about.

Learn more about how UMBC can help you achieve your goals.

Welcome Incoming COEIT Students!

COEIT Advising will be hosting the second and final online town hall for incoming students today from noon to one. You can sign up and join online here!

You can see a list of Summer COEIT Connection events on the COIET Advising Website. 

We hope to connect with you this summer and look forwad to seeing you on campus in the Fall!

THIS FALL, don't miss out on a great opportunity to promote your program at the annual Transform Mid-Atlantic Service-Learning & Civic Engagement Conference (SLCE).  This event has deep roots in UMBC. In the 1990s, The Shriver Center received a Learn & Serve America Grant and created a consortium of institutions of higher education in the Greater Baltimore Region. One of the activities that brought campuses together was a regional conference that built community through a social justice lens. I replicated the model, hosting "Solutions Through Service" in Spring 2008, planned and implemented by the Shriver Living Learning Community.  The University of Baltimore hosted the following year, creating the first intercampus Planning Committee, rotating throughout the region.  

As a former SLCE Chair (2008 and 2013), I'm serving on the Planning Committee with the return to American University (2014).  We expect a full conference (up to 200 participants) that includes students, community members, staff, non-profits, consultants, and faculty. This year's proposal submission was the most competitive I've ever seen. People are eager to be in community with others, to make meaning and discover purpose. The website will soon be updated to reflect the robust program, which includes a keynote, poster session, workshops, panels, and roundtable discussion. I anticipate that registration will fill fast! 

It is not too late to promote your respective program, business, association, network, etc.  Attendees are expected from MD, DE, PA, VA, DC, and beyond. 

Fundraising sponsorship opportunities: 

1. Member Campus Sponsorship: Champion ($1,000), Partner ($500), or Supporting ($200) — each level includes free registrations for faculty, staff, and students. UMBC is a Transform Mid-Atlantic (TMA) Member Campus. Sponsor here → https://transformmidatlantic.networkforgood.com/projects/299572-2026-member-campus-slce-conference-sponsorship-opportunity
2. Business Sponsorship: Premier ($5,000, 1 available), Champion ($2,500, 1 available), Collaborator ($1,000, 2 available), or Contributor ($500) — includes free registrations, exhibitor space, and recognition across TMA materials. Commitments due September 26. Sponsor here → https://transformmidatlantic.networkforgood.com/projects/299968-2026-business-slce-conference-sponsorship
3. Vendor & Nonprofit Tabling: $150 for nonprofits, $300 for businesses — includes two complimentary registrations. This proved to be a successful addition to the October 2025 SLCE Conference at Coppin State University. Due September 26. Reserve a table → https://transformmidatlantic.networkforgood.com/projects/300025-2026-exhibitor-slce-conference-opportunities

Any questions? Contact Nicki Fiocco, TMA Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships at fiocco@transformmidatlantic.org.

Welcome to graduate school at UMBC. You were admitted because you have the intellect, drive, and passion to make a meaningful mark on your field. But let’s be honest—nobody hands you a manual for how graduate school actually works.

Beyond your coursework and research lies the "hidden curriculum": the unspoken expectations, nuanced faculty feedback, advisor dynamics, and implicit rules that often feel like a secret code.

Decoding Graduate School is a professional development series designed by the Office of Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Development (GSPD) to make those unwritten rules explicit. We provide the frameworks, strategic tools, and practical scripts you need to navigate your program with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Who Is This Series For?

This series is built specifically for all UMBC graduate students, regardless of where you are on your academic journey or which college you call home.

Whether you are pursuing a Master's, Master of Professional Studies, or Doctor of Philosophy, and whether your department belongs to COEIT, CNMS, or CAHSS, the skills covered here are universal to your success.

We recognize that a graduate degree is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Every session explicitly addresses the distinct goals and timelines of different degree tracks and academic contexts.

Ready to Decode Your Graduate Experience?

Grad school shouldn't feel like a guessing game. Join us for our upcoming sessions and take ownership of your graduate experience.

All sessions are on Thursdays from 3:30-5:00 PM in UC 115.

Session 1 - 9/10 - Decoding the Grad School roadmap: Your First Year Survival Guide

Session 2 - 9/24 - Decoding Your Network: Building Community and Finding Support

Session 3 - 10/08 - Decoding the Culture: The Unwritten Rules of Academia

Session 4 - 10/22 - Decoding the Discourse: When Faculty Say X, They Really Mean Y

Session 5 - 11/12 - Decoding Your Research Niche: From Broad Ideas to Focused Questions

Hello, My name is Rose. I am a senior psychology major. I have a room available in a 2 bed, 1 bath apartment about an 8 min drive from campus and a half mile from the shuttle. Rent is $479 plus electric. I also have a cat, so any perspective tenants would need to be okay with living with a cat. For more information, please contact me at rtambwe1@umbc.edu. 

Dear UMBC Community,

As we move towards the end of summer and begin preparation for the coming academic year, we write today with several important and timely updates on recent federal actions and our work to respond to them. 

Recent ICE Detentions at U.S. Airports

The New York Times reported that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is detaining certain foreign nationals at U.S. airports. This activity has occurred during domestic travel and has impacted individuals whose Form I-94 admission periods had expired, even if they had pending applications to extend, change, or adjust their status. Notably, a researcher from Johns Hopkins University and an instructor from the University of Maryland, Baltimore were recently detained while boarding flights. 

The team in the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) recently shared a communication with potentially affected international employees, providing information and recommended actions. We are closely monitoring these developments and will share updates as more information becomes available. David Di Maria, UMBC’s vice provost for global engagement, and the CGE team are leading our efforts.

Final Rule Ending Duration of Status and Imposing Academic Mobility Restrictions

In July, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that, effective September 15, F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their dependents will no longer be admitted for an indefinite period. Instead, they will receive a specific "Admit Until Date" (AUD) on their Form I-94, limiting their stay to their program end date—up to a maximum of four years—plus a 30-day grace period. This new “Admit Until Date” (AUD) will appear on the Form I-94 Arrival and Departure Card.

Those requiring additional time for academic objectives must file formal extension applications with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a process previously managed by university officials. They also must receive approval from USCIS for any extension beyond the AUD. This application will require a formal recommendation by an advisor in the Center for Global Engagement and timely filing of a petition for extension of stay on Form I-539 with USCIS. 

F-1 and J-1 students may continue their studies as long as their extension of stay (EOS) application is pending, but only certain types of employment authorization will receive an automatic extension. Students and exchange visitors provided an AUD should familiarize themselves with current USCIS Form I-539 processing times and filing fees, and plan to file EOS applications early to avoid interruptions. 

We recently shared an abbreviated version of this detailed communication about the policy change with campus. The detailed communication outlines transitional provisions to prevent status violations and actions our CGE team is taking to support our international community, including scheduling information sessions and updating digital resources.

Additional Changes to Travel, Immigration and Visa Policies

CDC Travel Restrictions

In an effort to reduce the risk of Ebola importation into the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to extend restrictions on entry for individuals, including U.S. citizens, who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) within 21 days of their flight to the U.S. All individuals, including U.S. citizens, who were present in Uganda or South Sudan within 21 days of their flight must enter the U.S. through designated airports for enhanced screening. Travelers should also be aware that several other countries have imposed similar entry restrictions on individuals who recently traveled to the DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda.

Potential OPT Fee

We are aware of a July 30 report from the Wall Street Journal indicating that the federal government is considering imposing a $100,000 fee on applications for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a program that allows F-1 international students to receive temporary employment authorization in the student’s area of study. As of today, there has not been a formal announcement regarding this potential fee and it is uncertain whether such a change in policy will actually occur. 

B-1/B-2 Visa Bond Program is Now Permanent

The U.S. Department of State published a final rule on August 3 making permanent the B-1/B-2 visa bond program that it piloted in August 2025. Under the new rule, the required bond amounts increased between $5,000 and $15,000 depending upon the country. Currently, the visa bond program impacts 50 countries. While this visa bond program does not directly impact international students and scholars, it does apply to prospective students wishing to visit campus prior to obtaining a student visa and it impacts the ability of students’ family and friends to visit them in the U.S.

USCIS Authorized to Deny Filings Without First Issuing a Request for Evidence

On August 5, USCIS issued a policy alert informing the public that its adjudicators are now authorized to deny immigration benefit applications or petitions without first issuing a request for evidence. Prior to this change, adjudicators generally gave filers a 12-week period to provide any missing documents or address other concerns that might result in a denial of their request.  

Visa Processing Delays

We are aware that admitted international students are experiencing visa processing delays and may be unable to arrive until after the first day of classes. We ask our campus community to be understanding of these late arrivals given the difficult challenges these students are facing in order to join UMBC.  

Research Impacts

On May 29, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed the Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance to revise the federal grants framework. This represents the most significant update to the Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards in decades, impacting over $60 billion in federal research and social assistance programs. These changes could revise the grant review and award process, increase administrative burdens, shift costs, and expand institutional liability — potentially slowing the pace of scientific discovery.

As of July 13, the final day of the comment period, the proposed rule (which was originally proposed to become effective October 1) had received 497,000 comments. Karl V. Steiner, UMBC’s vice president of research and creative achievement and chief research officer, submitted comments on behalf of UMBC. 

We shared a communication about the proposed rule and other important news in June, and we will update the campus community as we receive news regarding the status of the proposed rule. At this time, the OMB is reviewing comments, and the Senate has proposed delaying the rule’s implementation until December 11.

Finally, we recognize the distress caused by the unpredictable nature of federal rulemaking and are committed to keeping you informed as the situation evolves. Thank you for your partnership and dedication to our campus community.

For the latest updates on our response, please visit our information and resources site.

Sincerely,

The UMBC Federal Orders and Actions Core Team

Valerie Sheares Ashby, President
Manfred H. M. van Dulmen, Provost and Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs
Tanyka M. Barber, Vice President, Institutional Equity and Chief Diversity Officer
Kacey Hammel, Chief of Staff to the President
Renique T. Kersh, Vice President, Student Affairs
Paul A. Meggett, Vice President and General Counsel
D. Paul Monteiro, Vice President, Government Relations and Community Affairs
Karl V. Steiner, Vice President, Research and Creative Achievement
Lisa K. Van Riper, Vice President, University Communications and Marketing
David L. Di Maria, Vice Provost, Global Engagement
Yvette Mozie-Ross '88, Senior Advisor to the President for Strategic Priorities and Initiatives
Ana Oskoz, Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs

Thanks to everyone who joined us for this year's Summer Undergraduate Research Fest! 

Link to view the images are up on the main page of SURF.UMBC.EDU

Want to launch a venture, understand start-up financing, or how to fund social ventures? 

If you are thinking about starting a business, joining a high-growth startup, or being an intrapreneur or social preneur, ENTR 330: Entrepreneurial Finance will give you the real-world money skills to succeed. Here are 5 quick reasons to add it to your schedule:

• Learn to Manage Real Cash Flow: Discover how early-stage businesses actually manage money and keep the doors open before turning a profit.  Learn about how to create a funding plan that's sustainable.

• Counts as an Entrepreneurship Minor Upper-Level Elective! 

• Understand how investor's think.

• Develop a pitch deck ready for investors.

• Boost Your Resume for Any Career: These financial skills aren't just for founders—they are essential if you want to work in your own venture, startup operations, or corporate innovation.

Ready to gain a competitive edge? Talk to your academic advisor about adding Entrepreneurial Finance to your course load this semester!

If you haven't taken the prereqs (ENTR 200 or 201), email Kevin Fulmer for permission to take the class.  kevinf@umbc.edu.

Don't miss this class--it's only offered in the Fall Semester!

Class will be held on Wednesdays from 4:30-7 pm.

Instructor: Jonathan Sachs, Director of Workforce Development, Baltimore County

The original post from CNMS Advising, as well as the link to join the webinar, may be found on the CNMS Advising myUMBC Group.

Are you taking CHEM101/102 this fall? This week we will be talking to Learning Assistants for introductory Chemistry courses! While these folks may only be working as an academic support person for one of these courses, they've also taken courses in Biology, Physics, and Math, so they have some of the absolute best advice for you! 

Not sure what a 'discussion' is? Looking for the best tips on success in the courses? Wondering how a professor creates test questions or the best study strategies to be fully prepared? They'll answer all these and more!! Join us tomorrow, August 11, at 2PM in WebEx (just click the link). We can't wait to see you!