Hey Retrievers!
UMBC Linux Users Group's mirror (mirror.lug.umbc.edu) will be undergoing scheduled hardware and infrastructure upgrades. During this downtime, we intend to expand our storage array to better support both existing and new repositories along with upgrading our networking infrastructure to be more resilient against failures.
Start time: 2026-07-24, 17:00 EST
End time: 2026-07-24, 21:00 EST (estimated)
During this window, all HTTP/HTTPS and RSYNC services will be unavailable, and all upstream sync jobs will be paused.
We will send a follow-up confirmation post once the upgrade is completed and services are fully restored.
Thank you for your patience!
Kind regards,
Danielle Esposito
Vice President & System Administrator, UMBC Linux Users Group
Selling my mini fridge because I’m moving and won’t need it anymore. It’s used but in excellent condition,very clean, barely used, and works perfectly.
This fridge is great for:
It features a separate freezer compartment, so you can keep frozen foods in addition to your refrigerated items. It’s also surprisingly spacious, making it a great option for someone living alone or anyone who wants a little extra fridge space.
Price: $80 or best offer (OBO). I’m willing to negotiate for a reasonable offer.
PSA: stickers on the fridge will be removed
If you’re interested or have any questions, feel free to reach out!
Phone: (973) 703-8459
Email: dnartey1@umbc.edu
Selling my queen-size bed frame and mattress because I’m moving on campus and won’t need them anymore. Both are used but in good, clean condition and have been well taken care of.
Price: $300 or best offer (OBO). I’m willing to negotiate for a reasonable offer.
If you’re interested or have any questions, feel free to reach out!
Phone: (973) 703-8459
Email: dnartey1@umbc.edu
Dear UMBC Community,
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently issued a final rule that changes how long certain international students, exchange visitors, and their dependents may remain in the United States.
Please note that there is a strong possibility that litigation or congressional review could pause, delay, or limit the implementation of the policy described in this message. DHS has also acknowledged that implementation of certain components of the new rule could be delayed for up to two years if implementation “is infeasible for any reason.” We will continue to keep the campus community informed as new information emerges.
Please remember that each individual’s circumstances are different, and this communication is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. If you have specific questions and hold F, H, or J immigration status, please contact the Center for Global Engagement (CGE). If you have specific questions and hold another immigration status, please consult with a private immigration attorney.
New DHS Rule Limits Stay for International Students and Exchange Visitors
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule titled “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media.”
This rule, which goes into effect on September 15, 2026, officially ends a decades-old framework known as “duration of status” (D/S) under which international students and exchange visitors were allowed to remain lawfully in the United States for an open-ended period, provided they maintained full-time enrollment and made normal progress toward their academic goals. Under the new rule, international students and scholars will be provided with a firm, fixed date by which they must complete their educational objectives or request approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for an extension of stay (EOS).
This change will require certain international students and scholars who need additional time to complete their academic objectives to file extension-of-stay applications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Prior to this shift, such extensions could be processed by university officials.
Important Transitional Rules for Current F-1 Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors
The rule includes special transitional provisions for F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors who are physically present in the United States when the new rule takes effect on September 15. The admission period of such individuals will remain valid through the program end date listed on their current Form I-20 or DS-2019, or for a maximum of four years from the effective date of the rule (September 15, 2030), whichever comes first. However, individuals who travel outside of the United States after September 15, 2026, will receive a strict, fixed “Admit Until Date” capped at a maximum of four years upon reentering through a U.S. port of entry.
Additional Considerations and Implications for Our UMBC Community
While this new rule represents a major overhaul of the immigration regulations governing the authorized stay of international students and scholars in the U.S., the advising team in CGE remains committed to supporting all impacted members of our campus community.
Over the next few weeks, our advising team will participate in in-depth training related to the new regulations. We will also organize information sessions for campus community members and work with campus partners to update online resources and workflows to align with the new requirements. We ask all impacted international students, exchange visitors, and academic advisors to note the following:
How We Are Responding: CGE is actively tracking developments related to this new rule, including potential litigation and DHS implementation delays. We are also working to update our administrative systems, train our compliance staff, and develop informational resources for campus partners. Impacted international students and exchange visitors will be invited to information sessions, and we are planning outreach to academic advisors, program directors, and other campus stakeholders.
Familiarize Yourself with the New Rule: A much more detailed version of this communication describing technical components of the new rule was sent directly to F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors. That message is also posted on CGE’s Immigration Policy Updates page. We strongly recommend that all F-1 international students, J-1 exchange visitors, academic advisors, and program directors review this message.
Assess Program Trajectory Now: Because normal academic setbacks, such as needing to retake a failed course, may no longer justify an immigration extension, proactive academic advising is more critical than ever. Faculty and academic departments must work closely with international students to ensure they stay on track toward graduation. Similarly, students and exchange visitors who already know that they will require an extension request to complete their academic objectives are strongly advised to consult with an advisor in the Center for Global Engagement before the new rule takes effect.
We appreciate your patience as we work through the changes imposed by the new rule.
Contact
If you have any questions related to the updates shared in this message, please contact CGE’s Office of International Students & Scholars. Additional information and resources related to immigration and other federal policy updates will be made available on our dedicated institutional updates page.
Sincerely,
David L. Di Maria
Vice Provost for Global Engagement
Dear Faculty and Staff,
This edition of The UMBC Connection brings together opportunities to participate in upcoming campus events, important updates affecting the university community, and a milestone advancing graduate student support.
You’ll also find key dates and deadlines for the weeks ahead. Beginning August 5, The UMBC Connection will return to its twice-monthly schedule, with editions published on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
Opportunities to attend, participate in, or engage with across the UMBC community.
Key Dates for the Weeks Ahead
As UMBC prepares for the start of the academic year, faculty and staff are encouraged to keep the following dates in mind:
July 28: Academic regalia order deadline to avoid expedited shipping fees
August 18: Fall Opening Meeting, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the Retriever Activities Center
August 20: Returning student move-in begins
August 21: New student move-in
August 23: Convocation, 3–4 p.m. in the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena
August 24: First day of fall classes
Help Welcome UMBC’s Newest Retrievers
Faculty and staff are invited to attend Convocation on Sunday, August 23. Additional faculty and staff are especially needed to serve as event staff and help welcome incoming students and their families to campus. Faculty are also encouraged to participate in the Convocation procession. Faculty planning to process should order academic regalia by July 28 to avoid expedited shipping fees. Following the ceremony, faculty and staff are invited to join students for a campus cookout and soccer game.
ASPIRE Leadership Development Program: Now Accepting Applications
Coordinated by the HR & Strategic Talent Management team, ASPIRE is a semester-long program designed to help eligible non-supervisory employees develop the professional competencies and interpersonal skills needed to lead effectively in the future. The cohort-based experience combines engaging in-person instruction with team coaching. Applications are due August 7.
Important updates, planning efforts, operational information, and community news affecting UMBC.
2026–27 Academic Calendar Introduces Fall Recess
The fall semester will begin on Monday, August 24, and the new Fall Recess will take place October 12–13. No classes will be held during Fall Recess, though the university will remain open. The updated calendar also shifts both Winter Commencement ceremonies to Friday, December 18, following the conclusion of final exams. The Undergraduate ceremony will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the Graduate ceremony at 3 p.m. Faculty and staff are encouraged to account for these changes when planning courses, programs, events, staffing, and other activities for the academic year.
Major Immigration Regulation Changes Affecting International Students and Exchange Visitors
UMBC is preparing guidance regarding a new federal rule that changes the framework governing how long certain international students, exchange visitors, and their dependents may remain in the United States. The Center for Global Engagement is monitoring potential litigation and implementation developments and will provide resources, training, information sessions, and outreach for impacted community members, academic advisors, program directors, and campus partners.
Major achievements, recognitions, funding, and institutional accomplishments across UMBC.
UMBC Receives $1.04 Million Gift to Expand Graduate Student Support in Computing
Pam Offutt ’82, computer science, and Jay Offutt ’82, computer science, have established the Pam and Jay Offutt Graduate Student Endowment. The gift will expand the Center for Women in Technology model at the graduate level and help CWIT Scholars pursue advanced degrees at UMBC. The first cohort of Offutt Scholars will be named in fall 2026.
Additional updates, resources, and community opportunities from across the university.
Looking Ahead to the 2026–27 Athletics Season
UMBC Athletics is preparing for the coming year, with season ticket packages and individual game tickets now available for men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball. Men’s lacrosse and softball will also enter the new year under new leadership, withJames Purpura named men’s lacrosse head coach andChris Stelma selected to lead the softball program.
As this effort continues to take shape, your feedback will help guide how we strengthen internal communications across the university.We welcome your input and invite you to share your feedback on The UMBC Connection.
If you would prefer, you are also welcome to reach out directly to Jessica McGroarty, Director of Internal Communications, at jmcgro@umbc.edu.
University Communications and Marketing
]]>These financial webinars are open to all Faculty and Staff, regardless of your retirement plan or vendor.
Register for TIAA’s live webinars to get financial information, news and tips from their experts.
Reserve your spot by clicking the registration links below. These webinars are a part of your retirement plan benefits.
Thursday, August 6, 12pm to 1pm: Live long and prosper: Your guide to understanding longevity
Longevity is a gift. But as life-prolonging medical advancements proliferate, how can you
improve not just the length of your life, but also the extent of your health and wealth?
During this webinar, TIAA will discuss:
Tuesday, August 18, 11am to 12pm: Take control of your financial life: 5 steps to save money and manage debt
Learn how to manage money, uncover how to set goals, balance your budget and use debt
wisely. With the know-how you need and a little determination, you can put yourself on the
path to greater lifelong financial security. In this webinar, TIAA will look at how to:
Questions? Reach out to hrbenefits@umbc.edu
]]>The UMBC Career Center is excited to offer virtual training sessions specifically for UMBC faculty and staff responsible for posting on-campus student jobs in Handshake.
These trainings are designed to walk hiring managers and departmental staff through:
How to create an employer account in Handshake
How to post and manage on-campus student jobs in Handshake
Common troubleshooting questions
Whether you're new to Handshake or looking for a refresher, these sessions will help streamline your student hiring process and ensure your opportunities are visible to students.
Training Dates:
Wednesday, August 19 at 10am
Sign up for training today! Calendar invites will be sent out after you register.
Before the training, check out our resources for posting on-campus jobs.
For questions or special requests, please contact Annie Byrd, Assistant Director in the Career Center at anniebyrd@umbc.edu.
]]>Hello, I'm looking for a few more square tags for my key box/safe. I would rather not buy 150 from Amazon!
Please contact me at cfu2@umbc.edu if you have some to give away. Thanks
]]>Graduate Student Association (GSA) is excited to introduce a new Marketing Request Form designed to make it easier for graduate students, committees, departments, and campus partners to promote events, programs, and announcements across the UMBC community.
Whether you're hosting an event, sharing an opportunity, or looking to increase visibility for your initiative, GSA can help amplify your message through multiple communication channels.
Through the Marketing Request Form, you can:
To help ensure timely promotion, please keep the following timelines in mind:
Submitting complete information as early as possible helps us process your request efficiently and maximize visibility for your event or announcement.
Please make sure key details—especially event locations, room reservations, and scheduling information—are finalized before submitting your request. Changes after promotional materials have been created may require rework and could delay publication.
Do I need to email GSA after submitting the form?
No. Once you submit the form, no follow-up email is required. A member of the GSA Communications team will reach out if additional information is needed.
Are turnaround times guaranteed?
We strive to meet the timelines listed above whenever possible. Please note that university holidays, campus closures, and official UMBC closures are not included in these estimates.
When should I submit a repost request?
For same-day event promotion, please submit repost requests at least one day before your event.
Can GSA attend and cover my event?
Yes. If you would like event coverage, photos, stories, or social media support, please include this request in the "Anything else you would like us to know? / Custom Requests" section of the form.
Use the GSA Marketing Request Form to get started and help us share your news with the UMBC graduate community.
Questions? Contact gsacommunications@umbc.edu.
]]>Dear UMBC Community,
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently issued a final rule that changes how long certain international students, exchange visitors, and their dependents may remain in the United States.
Please note that there is a strong possibility that litigation or congressional review could pause, delay, or limit the implementation of the policy described in this message. DHS has also acknowledged that implementation of certain components of the new rule could be delayed for up to two years if implementation “is infeasible for any reason.” We will continue to keep the campus community informed as new information emerges.
Please remember that each individual’s circumstances are different, and this communication is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. If you have specific questions and hold F, H, or J immigration status, please contact the Center for Global Engagement (CGE). If you have specific questions and hold another immigration status, please consult with a private immigration attorney.
New DHS Rule Limits Stay for International Students and Exchange Visitors
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule titled “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media.”
This rule, which goes into effect on September 15, 2026, officially ends a decades-old framework known as “duration of status” (D/S) under which international students and exchange visitors were allowed to remain lawfully in the United States for an open-ended period, provided they maintained full-time enrollment and made normal progress toward their academic goals. Under the new rule, international students and scholars will be provided with a firm, fixed date by which they must complete their educational objectives or request approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for an extension of stay (EOS).
This change will require certain international students and scholars who need additional time to complete their academic objectives to file extension-of-stay applications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Prior to this shift, such extensions could be processed by university officials.
Important Transitional Rules for Current F-1 Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors
The rule includes special transitional provisions for F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors who are physically present in the United States when the new rule takes effect on September 15. The admission period of such individuals will remain valid through the program end date listed on their current Form I-20 or DS-2019, or for a maximum of four years from the effective date of the rule (September 15, 2030), whichever comes first. However, individuals who travel outside of the United States after September 15, 2026, will receive a strict, fixed "Admit Until Date" capped at a maximum of four years upon reentering through a U.S. port of entry.
Additional Considerations and Implications for Our UMBC Community
While this new rule represents a major overhaul of the immigration regulations governing the authorized stay of international students and scholars in the U.S., the advising team in CGE remains committed to supporting all impacted members of our campus community.
Over the next few weeks, our advising team will participate in in-depth training related to the new regulations. We will also organize information sessions for campus community members and work with campus partners to update online resources and workflows to align with the new requirements. We ask all impacted international students, exchange visitors, and academic advisors to note the following:
How We Are Responding: CGE is actively tracking developments related to this new rule, including potential litigation and DHS implementation delays. We are also working to update our administrative systems, train our compliance staff, and develop informational resources for campus partners. Impacted international students and exchange visitors will be invited to information sessions, and we are planning outreach to academic advisors, program directors, and other campus stakeholders.
Familiarize Yourself with the New Rule: A much more detailed version of this communication describing technical components of the new rule was sent directly to F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors. That message is also posted on CGE’s Immigration Policy Updates page. We strongly recommend that all F-1 international students, J-1 exchange visitors, academic advisors, and program directors review this message.
Assess Program Trajectory Now: Because normal academic setbacks, such as needing to retake a failed course, may no longer justify an immigration extension, proactive academic advising is more critical than ever. Faculty and academic departments must work closely with international students to ensure they stay on track toward graduation. Similarly, students and exchange visitors who already know that they will require an extension request to complete their academic objectives are strongly advised to consult with an advisor in the Center for Global Engagement before the new rule takes effect.
We appreciate your patience as we work through the changes imposed by the new rule.
Contact
If you have any questions related to the updates shared in this message, please contact CGE's Office of International Students & Scholars. Additional information and resources related to immigration and other federal policy updates will be made available on our dedicated institutional updates page.
Sincerely,
David L. Di Maria
Vice Provost for Global Engagement