During Winter 2026, we held a Microcredential Mapping bootcamp for faculty and the Designing Learning & Microcredentials Beyond the Classroom series for staff. We received strong interest in both of these experiences, but heard that the commitment to a synchronous, face-to-face experience did not accommodate everyone's schedules. We're happy to share that "From Authentic Learning to Competency Recognition: Designing Microcredentials at UMBC," an asynchronous online course, is now open for enrollment on Blackboard.

Whether you are a faculty or staff member, if you've been circling the idea of a microcredential for your program, workshop, or course but weren't sure where to start, this is the on-ramp. The course is asynchronous and self-paced; you move through eight modules on your own schedule, with built-in reflection and drafting at each stage. There's no assigned meeting time and no deadline pressure. Most people can spend a few weeks working through it, largely because you're building your actual proposal alongside the content, which is the point.

The arc is simple: start with a learning experience you already run, figure out whether it's ready to create a microcredential, and end with a submission-ready package. By the end, you'll have a Short Form and potentially a draft Long Form proposal ready to bring to the Digital Credential Innovation (DCI) office, which then carries you through badge development and Microcredential Review Board (MRB) submission.

What you'll walk away able to do:

• Explain how UMBC's microcredential system works, start to finish

• Evaluate whether a learning experience is actually ready for a microcredential

• Write learning outcomes and design assessments that hold up under review

• Apply UMBC's Microcredential Taxonomy to land on the right credential level

• Submit a proposal that meets the MRB rubric on the first pass

The course has its own microcredential ecosystem, which is a nice bonus: seven Knowledge microcredentials (one per module), an Engagement microcredential for full participation, a Meta microcredential that issues automatically once you've earned the rest, and a Proficiency microcredential for those who carry their proposal all the way through MRB approval and real-world issuance. All of it lives on our badge-issuing platform, so it's shareable on LinkedIn or in promotion and tenure materials, just like any other microcredential.

Ready to get started? Enroll in the Blackboard course shell here ↗ 

You can also review the full syllabus here before you dive in.

Questions in the meantime? Check us out on the web, review our FAQs, or submit a ticket to contact the DCI team directly.

Name: Laiba Matloob

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Summer 2026

Major: Financial Economics

Current Class Level: Senior

This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship


Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): CohnReznick


Location of the Organization (City, State): Baltimore, Maryland

Title of position: Assurance Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
This summer, I am serving as an Audit Intern in the Assurance practice at CohnReznick in the Baltimore office. During my internship, I work closely with the Affordable Housing team and assist with audit and assurance engagements for clients in the real estate and affordable housing industry. My day-to-day responsibilities include preparing and organizing audit workpapers, reviewing financial documents, performing testing procedures, and supporting the audit team with client requests and engagement documentation.

The internship has also provided extensive exposure to professional accounting and audit software, including CCH Axcess, CaseWare, Power Bi, and other industry tools used for audit documentation, trial balances, and engagement management. In addition to technical experience, I collaborate with associates, seniors, managers, and partners on client engagements, attend professional development sessions, and gain exposure to the overall audit process from planning through completion. This experience is strengthening my analytical, communication, and teamwork skills while giving me valuable insight into the accounting and assurance profession.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I first learned about the Audit Internship opportunity at CohnReznick during the Fall 2026 semester and submitted my application shortly afterward. A few weeks later, I was contacted to schedule an interview for the position. The interview process included speaking with both a manager and a partner from the firm, where we discussed my academic background, interests in accounting and assurance, and career goals. The interview experience was very positive and gave me the opportunity to learn more about the firm’s culture and the work performed within the Assurance practice. After the interview process, I later received an offer to join CohnReznick as an Audit Intern for the Summer 2026 internship program.


What resources did you use to find your current experience?
UMBC Career Center

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
What I have enjoyed most about my position at CohnReznick is the people and the overall culture of the organization. One of the most positive aspects of the firm is how easy it is to communicate with associates, seniors, managers, and even partners. Everyone understands that interns are there to learn, and team members are always willing to answer questions, share their experiences, and provide guidance throughout the internship. I have appreciated how supportive and approachable the environment has been, which has made it easier to build professional relationships and grow my confidence in the workplace. Another aspect I value is the diversity within the firm, as it creates an inclusive environment where individuals from different backgrounds and experiences can collaborate and learn from one another.



How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I believe I have made an impact through my willingness to contribute new perspectives and ideas while supporting my team on client engagements. As a student who is familiar with evolving technology and modern tools, I have been able to bring a fresh perspective and adapt quickly to new systems and processes. I also strive to be dependable, collaborative, and eager to learn, which helps me contribute positively to the team environment.





What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
My advice to another student seeking an internship or similar experience would be to stay confident in your skills and not be afraid to share your experiences and ideas. Even as an intern, your perspective and contributions matter. I would also say not to be too hard on yourself, because internships are meant to be learning experiences. No one expects interns to know everything right away. It is important to accept mistakes, learn from them, and continue improving throughout the experience.

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I am actively searching for a gently used mobile bulletin board or a loose bulletin board (detached that can rest on an easel) and a gently used mobile dry erase board on wheels (or detached that can rest on an easel) to help elevate passive programming within the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery circulation department. The contribution of these boards will help increase engagement with student patrons and serve as a positive distraction used for engaging program material! If you have a standard size bulletin board and/or dry erase board that you are willing to donated, please reach out to me via email at jstsulm1@umbc.edu. Your contributions are greatly appreciated!

We are pleased to inform you that the Peoplesoft Campus Solutions upgrade is now complete. The system is fully available for both transactions and the retrieval of student information.

Please remember to clear your browser cache before logging in. You may experience slightly slower performance as the system rebuilds cached data.

Thank you for your patience and understanding regarding this important system upgrade.

Hello! Was asked by landlord to pass this information along! 

There's two bedrooms available, a large/master sized room with a half bath and closet and one small room with a cabinet.  Rent for large room is about $900, small is about $550. Utilities (water, electric, wifi etc) is about $75 dollars, All of these rates would be per month. 

The house itself has a kitchen, laundry machines, living and dining spaces. There are tenants in the medium room and the basement, these spaces are private to said tenants. There are elderly neighbors at both sides, so please no smoking on premises and limit loud activities whenever possible. One of the ladies next door has a very polite cat, which she's willing to show when asked! Very friendly neighbors overall. 

Also there is only parallel parking at this location, no designated spaces. 

If interested, text 787 685 4962 to be connected with the landlord and start the process of renting. 

Thanks, have a great day! 

UC Berkeley hosts an Agentic AI Summit on August 1-2, where top AI researchers, founders, and policymakers examine the rapid growth, infrastructure, and real-world deployment of AI systems. It's free for online viewing. It will cover advancements across foundation models, robotics, software development, and AI for scientific discovery, and discuss the development of responsible, trustworthy agentic technologies. Get more information and register for free online viewing here.

Hello Colleagues,

I'm in search of 2 - 4 office side chairs, with no arms.  If your department is looking to find a new home for your chairs, please contact me.

Thank you!

Michele Kimery, UMBC Police Department

kimery@umbc.edu

UPDATE:  BOTH ROOMS ARE RENTED

FEMALE ROOMMATE WANTED – Near UMBC

Available on or after August 9th

Private furnished bedroom in a beautifully renovated home less than 1.5 miles from UMBC on the Purple Shuttle route. Perfect for UMBC or UMB students.

Includes: Utilities, Wi-Fi, streaming TV, laundry, fully equipped kitchen, linens, shared bathroom (with one roommate), shared refrigerator, and ample parking.

Quiet home shared with two female UMBC students/professionals and the homeowner couple.

Female only • Non-smoker • No drugs • No pets (except approved service/support animals)

Call/Text: 410-999-4668
Email:whittleemail@gmail.com

Section: 216
Row: 6
Seats: 17 & 18 (together)

Paid $500 for both tickets. Unfortunately, I can't attend anymore, so I'm selling them.

Tickets can be transferred through the official ticketing app. Message me if you're interested.

Join us for an evening of great food, exciting games, fun activities, and an opportunity to connect with fellow Nigerian graduate students.

Come one, come all—and don’t forget to bring a friend! Let’s make this a memorable gathering filled with laughter, networking, and community spirit.

📅 Date: July 24, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: 3633 Edmondson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21229

We can’t wait to see you there!

#NGSASummerMixer26 #FoodGamesFun #NGSACommunity