Retrievers of all ages (dogs included) know what it means when the sweltering summer heat and humidity begin to be replaced with the cool, crisp air of autumn. When the pumpkin spice lattes flow from the University Center and hoodies become the marquee clothing item on campus. Homecoming season is upon us.

“The energy of Homecoming and Family Weekend is what most excites me,” says Renique Kersh, vice president for student affairs. “Having an opportunity to see alumni come back and reconnect with this place that they loved so much and seeing the smiles on the faces of our parents, families, and current students is incredibly meaningful.”

Hyped for Homecoming

This year’s Homecoming promises a mix of cherished traditions and exciting new events, offering something for every member of the UMBC community. The festivities kick off on Sunday, October 5, with the student org kickball tournament and one of the university’s longest-standing Homecoming traditions, the Homecoming bonfire, which has been illuminating Erickson field since 2004. The next day, students can pick up their Homecoming 2025 shirts at Homecoming Hype from 12 – 1 p.m. in The Commons. 

The Homecoming excitement continues to build on Thursday, October 9, with two events that celebrate the heart of the UMBC experience: academic excellence and Retriever pride. Get ready to be inspired as we celebrate the passion and accomplishments of UMBC alumni, faculty, and staff in the areas of research and creative achievement at this year’s GRIT-X Talks and Reception. After the formal program, you’re invited to a special reception and showcase. Mix and mingle, learn something new, and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres. 

“I am especially excited about opportunities to explore the intersection between the thought-provoking work of some of our faculty and the exciting impact of our alumni speakers,” says Karl Steiner, vice president for research and creative achievement. “I can’t wait to welcome them to present their work on stage.”

Following GRIT-X, head over to the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena for Retriever Madness, an old favorite making its Homecoming return to help kick off the 2025 – 2026 basketball season. Enjoy live entertainment, games and prizes, autograph sessions and meet-and-greets with student athletes, tasty snacks and beverages, and so much more. Wear your best black and gold as we celebrate what it means to be part of Retriever Nation.

“I love that our student-athletes get to play a part in the buzz and excitement of the week as we bring students, alumni, and families together in celebration of our university,” says Tiffany D. Tucker, director of athletics, physical education, and recreation. “Homecoming is a tremendous opportunity to pull the UMBC community together.”

Bring your pup!

Homecoming weekend has something for everyone, including your furry, four-legged friends (looking at you, Puppy Parade). On Friday night, October 10, students are invited to preview the carnival before the rest of the community joins the fun on Saturday, October 11. But, Homecoming is so much more than carnival rides and games. The day is packed with events from the Retriever 5K and Family Fun Run at 8:30 a.m., all the way to the men’s soccer game vs. New Hampshire at 7 p.m. 

There are plenty of Homecoming favorites returning, like the Greek Alumni and Friends Day Party, First Lego League Build, and Taste of Maryland Crab Feast. And there are a few new events sure to capture the hearts of Retrievers, like the re-imagined community breakfast.

Start your Homecoming Saturday off right with a warm and welcoming breakfast at True Grit’s, UMBC’s beloved dining hall. Also new this year, you can challenge a real chess champ outside the alumni and friends tent. Step right up and take on Gowtham Karaka, M.P.S. ’24, one of the UMBC Summer Enrichment Academy chess instructors, as he plays up to six games with six different players…at the same time! There are prizes if you win, but no shame if you lose! It’s all in the name of smart fun.

“This year, I’m excited to participate in the 5K run,” says Kersh, “and to join our families at the new wine and cheese reception!”

Homecoming 2025 comes to an end on Sunday, October 12, with the women’s soccer senior day game vs. Bryant, which includes a t-shirt giveaway for the first 300 fans. It’s the perfect way to cap off a whirlwind week of Homecoming excitement.

“I love all the Retriever energy and excitement that comes with Homecoming,” says Nate Dissmeyer ’07, information systems, president of the UMBC Alumni Association Board of Directors. “There are so many amazing events and activities.”

View the full lineup of Homecoming 2025 events at homecoming.umbc.edu.

Calling all transfer students! 

This week is all about celebrating YOU! Transfer Student Week 2025 is packed with fun, connection, and opportunities to make your Retriever journey unforgettable.

From a special Thank You Dinner to Speed Friending, Golf Cart Karaoke, and more, there's something for everyone. It's your chance to meet fellow transfers, connect with alumni, and celebrate all the amazing things you bring to UMBC.

Come to one event, or better yet, join us all week long! Every event is another way to build your community, share your story, and make the most of your UMBC experience.

Take a look at the flyer for the full schedule — and let's make Transfer Student Week a celebration to remember!

All of these event are 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.

Dear CAHSS faculty member,

We invite you to submit a proposal to be nominated for the 2026 Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program competition, sponsored by Carnegie Corporation of New York. Details are below.

• The purpose of the Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program is to support high-caliber scholarship in the social sciences and humanities. The 2026 program expects to provide fellowships of $200,000 to 30 exceptional scholars, journalists, and public intellectuals. The funding is for a period of either one or two years, with the anticipated result being a book or major study.

• The 2026 call for applications is on the theme of political polarization in the United States. The Corporation anticipates that the work of the Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program will explore the many ways political polarization in the United States manifests itself in society and suggest ways that it may be mitigated. Studies of polarization in other countries will be welcomed providing they offer lessons that can be applied to the United States. Projects based in disciplines across the humanities and social sciences are welcomed.

• UMBC may nominate two scholars for the competition: one tenured and one senior untenured (i.e. teaching professors and professors of the practice). Candidates must have a Ph.D. or hold a terminal degree in their field. Untenured candidates will need to become PI Eligible through the exception process, which requires a letter from the Dean or ADR explaining that the faculty has undertaken significant research during their appointment at UMBC.

• Andrew Carnegie Fellowships are open only to citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

• Previous UMBC nominees who applied for the theme of political polarization are not eligible to apply again.

Please keep in mind that Carnegie seeks projects that will be written to communicate with a broad audience. You may find it useful to browse the projects that were awarded last year and read through a study of their focus and potential impact since the theme (political polarization in the U.S.) is unchanged.

The Carnegie jury will evaluate nominations by the following criteria:

• Originality and promise of the idea
• Quality of the proposal
• Promise to offer means to reduce harmful polarization or to enhance social cohesion
• Record of the nominee
• Plans to communicate findings to a broad audience

If you are interested in being considered for the internal competition, please EMAIL the following application materials to:

Carnegi.bs0ulrhjc4r5p385@u.box.com by 5 pm EDT on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

We urge you to contact CARAT Associate Director Rachel Brubaker (rbruba1@umbc.edu) or CARAT Director Marc Ruppel (mruppel@umbc.edu) as soon as possible to discuss your proposal.

Your application materials must include:

1)  A 3-5 page, double-spaced prospectus describing the project, including a projected work plan and approximate time frame. Fellowships will be for either 12 or 24 months and must begin on the first of the month between July and September of 2026, and no later than September 1, 2026.

Note: The Carnegie program allows flexibility in how you manage your time commitment. You may opt for a regular fellowship leave or decide to teach part-time during the semester while working full-time on your project during the summer. 

2) Curriculum vitae

3) Estimate of budgetary requirement for a one- or two-year project. Funds may support:

• Salary and fringe benefits
• Project-related travel (research, conferences)
• Research assistants (hourly or stipend)
• Other project needs (i.e., data collection, surveys, transcription, project supplies and a consultant or contractual service)

The Dean's Office will convene a panel to review the applications and select one or two scholars to recommend to the President as UMBC's nominee(s) by October 22nd. The nominee(s) will work with CARAT to complete the application process and to forward all materials to the President's Office by October 30th. A letter of nomination from President Sheares Ashby is required for the application. Applications must be submitted to the Carnegie Corporation of New York by November 07, 2025 (5:00 P.M. EST).

For additional questions, please contact Associate Dean Alan Yeakley (ayeakley@umbc.edu), Marc Ruppel, Director of CARAT (mruppel@umbc.edu), or Rachel Brubaker, Associate Director of CARAT (rbruba1@umbc.edu).

This October, 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!

Office of Accessibility and Disability Services

Accessibility Tour: Wayfinding, Skywalks, and Resources

Join the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services for a guided tour of UMBC's "Campus on a Hill" on October 3rd, 8th and 29th. Accessibility is everyone's responsibility, and this is a great opportunity to learn about campus accessibility features, challenges, and how you can be an effective Accessibility Ally! Registration and additional information about the tours can be found here: [October 3rd] [October 8th] [October 29th]

October 13 | 4:30 pm – 7 pm | University Center:  310 Disability Awareness Month Film Screening: Quad Life 

Join the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services for an exclusive screening of Quad Life, the inspiring story of a young Black father who becomes a quadriplegic and pursues his passion as an artist and sound designer. Popcorn will be provided, and there will be a live Q&A with the main actor after the screening.

October 15 | 12 pm | Hybrid, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building 101 Campus Accessibility: Facilities Management & ADS Project Discussion

Facilities Management and the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services are hosting a session to review current and planned construction projects that enhance accessibility and improve UMBC's physical environment. Attendees will learn about elevator replacements, accessible design in renovations, and other initiatives, with opportunities to provide input. The event especially values insights from people with disabilities, which may inform projects and UMBC's participation in the AccessMD Program. Registration is required for attendance.

October 21 | 12 pm | Online FMLA & Job Accommodations (Non-Supervisors) 

This session for non-supervisors at UMBC reviews FMLA leave and disability accommodation processes, focusing on supporting employees with their own health conditions. Attendees will strengthen their ability to foster a disability-inclusive workplace and gain a deeper understanding of these processes.

October 27 | 11 am | Online FMLA & Job Accommodations (Supervisors) 

This session for supervisors at UMBC reviews FMLA leave and disability accommodation processes, with a focus on handling accommodation requests and extended leave. Attendees will enhance their ability to foster a disability-inclusive workplace and gain a deeper understanding of these processes.

Office of Equity and Civil Rights

Mandatory Annual Title IX Student Training

UMBC is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the campus community and is committed to maintaining a campus environment that is free from sex discrimination, including both sexual and gender-based harassment and violence. To help meet these goals, UMBC requires all students to complete an online educational program on topics including consent, bystander intervention, sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, stalking, and related topics. All students are required to complete this training at the start of each academic year. The online training can be accessed at UMBC's Vector Solutions login page. For questions, please see the Student Training FAQ page or email ecrtraining@umbc.edu.

October 7 | 3 pm - 4:30 pm | The Commons: Lower Flat Tuesdays
Relationships Unfiltered: The Good, the Bad, and the Toxic

Join UMBC students, faculty, and staff for an open conversation about boundaries, expectations, and communication in relationships. The event will begin with a "Red or Green Flag" activity, followed by a Q&A session where questions about trust, feedback, and respecting boundaries will be discussed by the panelists. 

Community and Culture

October 28 | 1 pm - 3 pm | Online

Fostering Fairness: Bias Awareness Training for Search Committees

This session explores how unconscious biases can affect every stage of recruitment and selection, from evaluating qualifications to determining "fit" and potential. Using real-world examples and research, participants will examine how bias may appear differently in staff versus faculty searches and influence candidate pools, interviews, and final decisions. Through guided exercises and discussion, attendees will learn strategies to identify, interrupt, and reduce bias, promoting fairness and equity in hiring.

Culture Conversations Fall 25

Critical Religious Pluralism: Confronting Hate, Building Belonging

Join us this October for a three-part hybrid series that explores how a values-driven approach can deepen understanding and support for religious diversity. Through interactive sessions, you'll explore the intersections of faith and culture and gain practical skills to foster communities where all beliefs are respected and valued. Register for the sessions here.

Cultural Heritage Month Celebrations

October is LGBTQ+ and Disability History Month. Stay tuned for our 'Read, Watch, Listen, Participate' posts.

Center for Social Justice and Dialogue

October 15 | 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Virtual

Building Bridges Across Differences: A Dialogue for Everyday Series

Join the Center for Social Justice and Dialogue for the second session of this series, " Understanding Identity in Community". Participants will explore how their visible and invisible identities shape experiences, relationships, and belonging at UMBC. 

Women's, Gender, and Equity Center (WGEC) 

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

October 9 | 4 pm - 5 pm | Virtual

Returning Adult Learners Meeting

Join the Returning Adult Learners Scholars & Affiliates Program to connect, learn, and grow with fellow undergraduate students aged 25 and older returning to college. This meeting will cover Brave Spaces, work-life balance, and ways to feel more supported on campus.

October 22 | 4 pm - 6 pm | The Commons: 329

Start by Believing : Supporting Disclosures of Sexual Violence

This workshop is for faculty and staff who may be the first point of contact for survivors. Participants will learn about the Start by Believing campaign, build confidence in responding to disclosures of sexual assault, harassment, or domestic violence, and help foster a survivor-centered, trauma-informed campus community.

Note: All programs, events, and opportunities are open to full participation by all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and University nondiscrimination policies.

Have questions, ideas, or concerns about graduate student life at UMBC? Want to learn more about upcoming initiatives or share your feedback directly with GSA leadership?

Join the GSA President during weekly office hours! This is your opportunity to:

• Ask questions about GSA policies, events, and funding.

• Share your experiences and suggestions.

• Connect with leadership in an open, welcoming space.

Your voice matters—stop by, even if it's just to say hello!

Commons 308
Every Wednesday, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Hello Retrievers!

SCCS has an almost brand-new Pro Plus 36 Sit/Stand Riser Desk with Dual Screen Mount available for pickup! Manuals and hardware are included. Workspace accommodates a single laptop to dual monitor setup.

PUSH BUTTON ELECTRIC HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT: Effortlessly transition between sitting and standing with the push of a button. Experience smooth, quiet, and precise height adjustments that cater to your comfort and productivity needs.

If you're interested, please plan to pick it up as soon as possible. Note: The riser is very heavy, you'll need assistance to lift it and something sturdy to transport it.