Budget Templates:

Thinking of preparing or revising your budget and budget justification documents for your grant proposal or award? Below is a list of helpful links to the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) at UMBC Budget Templates and Resources, which may be used for proposals and for post-award modifications:

a)     Budget Justification/Narrative (Sample):  https://umbc.box.com/s/b3iuquzr8g98ju6mq6c1eqcxg242h2d5

b)     Fellowship Budget Justification Template: https://umbc.app.box.com/embed/s/lv7a4rafzm8k1wcb970kl0y378hr6npd?sortColumn=date&view=list%22%20width=%22500%22%20height=%22400%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen%20webkitallowfullscreen%20msallowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E

c)     Revised Budget Template: https://umbc.app.box.com/embed/s/w0u5figiq08gkrl27svtjis6sr0yofei?sortColumn=date&view=list%22%20width=%22500%22%20height=%22400%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen%20webkitallowfullscreen%20msallowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E

Additional proposal forms, other forms & templates, Subrecipient Forms and Closeout Forms can be found on the Division of Research & Creative Achievement - ORCA Forms Page at https://research.umbc.edu/forms-for-grants-contracts/.

Other Resources:

These resources will provide up-to-date budget information including UMBC’s Indirect Costs (F&A) Rate, Fringe Rates, Leave Payout Rate, Tuition Rates and OSP Guidance on Costs for Data Storage and Access.

a)     UMBC’s F&A Rate Agreement: https://umbc.app.box.com/embed/s/hluuuv4m61hhr592a0unaij4h9dahzq6?sortColumn=date&view=list%22%20width=%22500%22%20height=%22400%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen%20webkitallowfullscreen%20msallowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E

b)     Guidelines for Fringe & Inflation Rates: https://umbc.app.box.com/embed/s/nkyfmatzsxa3983dauq6b4070u5uvu07?sortColumn=date&view=list%22%20width=%22500%22%20height=%22400%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen%20webkitallowfullscreen%20msallowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E

c)     Leave Payout Rate Guidance: https://financialservices.umbc.edu/cost-accounting-analysis/leave-payout-rate-guidance/

d)     Tuition Rates: https://sbs.umbc.edu/tuition-info/

e)     OSP Guidance: Costs for Data Storage and Access: https://umbc.app.box.com/file/2025072714669?s=fqgbdztk1167efc87tvaigg4kamhyuvt

Additional Information can be also found on our Proposal Information Page at https://research.umbc.edu/proposal-information/.

What are Allowable Costs?

The Office of Contract & Grant Accounting (OCGA) at UMBC provides helpful information regarding allowable costs. Detailed information about these costs can be found at the OCGA Allowable Cost webpage at: https://cga.umbc.edu/allowable-costs/. Here is a quick summary of this page:

Allowable costs are costs that are permitted under the terms and conditions of a sponsored agreement. The Uniform Guidance (UG) - 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles lists the following four general Tests for Allowability:

1.      Costs must be reasonable.

2.      Costs must be allocable.

3.      Costs must be given consistent treatment, and

4.      Costs must conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in the UG or in the sponsored agreement.

Per Uniform Guidance, examples of normally allowable costs related to a project include:

·       Salaries of technical staff

·       Laboratory supplies

·       Long-distance telephone charges

·       Printing and duplicating reports for the project

·       Animal and animal care costs

·       Travel in support of the project, and

·       Research equipment repair and maintenance costs.

If you have any questions, please also feel free to reach out to our OSP team at ospa@umbc.edu.

From Jill Wardell, Director, HRSTM Talent Learning & Organizational Development 

Dear HRSTM Partners,

I'm thrilled to share that we will be accepting applications for the next ASPIRE Leadership Academy cohort! ASPIRE  is designed to cultivate our future leaders by equipping individuals in non-supervisory roles with essential professional competencies and interpersonal skills needed to effectively lead.

ASPIRE is open to all non-supervisory employees that have completed their probationary period. We are specifically looking for employees who demonstrate:

• High potential for leadership - Individuals who show initiative, a willingness to learn, and an eagerness to take on new challenges.)

• A commitment to growth -  Those who are actively seeking opportunities to develop their skills and advance their careers as faculty and staff

• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills -  Employees who excel in group settings and contribute positively to collective goals.

Program Details and Time Commitment

ASPIRE is a semester-long, cohort-based experience delivered through a mix of engaging in-person instruction and team coaching. It's an intensive program, and a participant's commitment is key to a rich experience. Important information on the time commitment required:

• Class hours: Five 3 hours session, every 3 weeks, September through December

• Estimated hours outside of class: Up to 2 in between sessions, for individual and group project work. The program will include a group capstone project that will be case-study based - additional details can be found in the overview.

• Attendance at all sessions is required. Missing more than one session will result in the inability to graduate from the current ASPIRE Leadership Academy. Participants can complete missing sessions in future ASPIRE cohorts and graduate upon completion.

Please share this opportunity with your constituent groups and encourage interested employees to apply.The program overview provides additional information and specific dates. 

For additional information and questions, please email: hrtraining@umbc.edu

Thank you for your commitment to developing our talent!

All,

Three empty gas cylinders without tops were moved to the cage recently. Neither the warehouse nor the supplier will take tanks back without the tops. These cylinders accrue rental charges weekly, so please bring down the tops for your tanks or have grants charged while they hang around. 

Please spread the word as student in the labs during the summer may not be familiar with these procedures and consequences. 

Thank you!!

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) has opened a second round of nominations to fill vacant Senator positions for the upcoming 2026–2027 academic year. This is an opportunity to advocate for your peers, participate in university-wide committees, and strengthen the graduate student voice at UMBC.

Open Positions

• Student Affairs Senator

• CAHSS Senator (College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences)

• CNMS Senator (College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences)

Role Responsibilities: GSA Senators represent graduate student concerns, communicate GSA updates, participate in Senate meetings, and contribute to university committees and graduate student initiatives.

How to Nominate: You may nominate yourself or another eligible graduate student. All nominees will be contacted to confirm their interest and eligibility before the election.

• Nomination Deadline: Friday, August 7, 2026

• Submit a Nomination: GSA Nomination Form

Hi, everyone!

My name is Jennifer, and I am a new graduate from UMBC. I am looking for a clean and respectful female roommate. My budget is $1000 max including utilities. I would like to stay in the area of Arbutus, but I am also interested in surrounding areas including Catonsville, Columbia, Hanover, Windsor Mill, etc. 

A few things about me: I am friendly, outgoing, and respectful of shared spaces. I have a cat, but he loves people. I would love to be friends with whoever I live with, however I equally enjoy my alone time and will always provide plenty of space. If all of this sounds fine to you, please reach out! I need to move by August 25th, so pleasee do not contact unless you are serious about moving. Thanks guys :)

email: jonuoha1@umbc.edu

A furnished bedroom is available for a female student in Arbutus starting in August.

Great location:

• Just a 2-minute walk to the Arbutus shuttle stop
• Only a 15-minute walk to campus

Features:

• $500 per month (utilities included)
• Parking available
• In-house laundry included
• Shared bathroom
• Shared kitchen and living area

If interested, please contact:
Cindy – (443) 851-0475

Meet Keisha Hale, M.A.’20, applied sociology. Keisha is an educator, researcher, and author. In 2025, she published We Weather the Storm: A Poetry Memoir of Survival and Healing, inspired by her experiences surviving Hurricane Katrina and navigating foster care. Her work centers on resilience, education, and giving voice to stories that are often overlooked. Whether she’s teaching fourth grade math, analyzing data, or writing poetry, Keisha is passionate about using storytelling and research to create understanding, inspire change, and help others feel seen. Take it away, Keisha!

Q: What initially brought you to UMBC?

A: I came to UMBC because I wanted to better understand the social systems that shape people’s lives and to gain the skills to create meaningful change. After experiencing Hurricane Katrina, navigating foster care, and witnessing firsthand how policies and institutions can impact individuals and families, I knew I wanted to study society in a way that combined research with real world application. UMBC’s applied sociology program stood out because it emphasized using data, research, and critical thinking to address complex social issues. 

Q: Can you tell us what you loved most about the applied sociology program?

A: What I loved most about UMBC’s applied sociology program was its emphasis on using research to solve real world problems. The program challenged me to think critically, analyze data, and understand the social systems that shape people’s lives. It encouraged me to move beyond theory and consider how research can inform policy, improve communities, and create meaningful change. 

Q: Can you talk about your experience as a first generation student?

A: As a first generation graduate student, there were moments when I questioned whether I truly belonged. Like many students, I experienced imposter syndrome and wondered if I was capable enough to succeed. What I learned at UMBC is that belonging is not determined by where you come from, but by your willingness to learn, grow, and persevere.

I would encourage other first generation students to not let self doubt convince them they are less deserving of the opportunities they’ve earned. Ask questions, seek out mentors, build relationships, and take advantage of the support systems UMBC has to offer. There are people here who genuinely want to see you succeed.

Looking back, I realize that believing in myself was just as important as earning good grades. UMBC gave me the confidence to trust my abilities, find my voice, and pursue opportunities that have shaped my career as a researcher, educator, and author. I hope other students give themselves permission to do the same. 

Q: Were you a part of any clubs or organizations at UMBC?

A: During my time at UMBC, I was an active member of Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Sociology Honor Society, and the Sociology Graduate Student Association. Both organizations gave me opportunities to connect with classmates who shared my passion for research, social justice, and community engagement.

What I appreciated most was the opportunity to learn from one another beyond the classroom. Through these organizations, I built friendships, expanded my professional network, and engaged in meaningful conversations about research, policy, and the role sociology plays in addressing real world challenges. Those experiences strengthened my sense of belonging at UMBC and reinforced my commitment to using research and education to make a positive impact in my community. 

Q: Where did you find support while at UMBC?

A: One of the things I valued most about my time at UMBC was the sense of community I found there. While there was not just one person who inspired me, the relationships I built as a graduate assistant had a lasting impact. Working alongside fellow graduate students, faculty, and staff allowed me to develop meaningful connections with people who became mentors, collaborators, and an important part of my support system.

One of those relationships was with my fellow graduate student, Samantha Fries ’18, M.A. ’25. We supported one another throughout our time at UMBC, encouraging each other academically and personally. That friendship has continued long after graduation, and I was honored to stand beside her as a member of her wedding party. 

Building a trusted, supportive community, whether through biological family or the family we create through friends, mentors, and colleagues, has always been essential to my success. UMBC reinforced that belief by surrounding me with people who invested in my growth both personally and professionally. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my goals, and those relationships continue to influence the way I approach my work as an educator, researcher, and author. 

Q: Since you’ve been a part of the UMBC community, how have you found support for your dreams? 

A: UMBC helped turn my aspirations into opportunities by surrounding me with people who believed in my potential and invested in my growth. As a graduate assistant, I gained hands-on experience while building meaningful relationships with faculty, staff, and fellow graduate students who encouraged me to challenge myself and pursue new opportunities.

The knowledge and practical experience I gained through the applied sociology program prepared me for a career in research, beginning with my role at Westat, where I supported large scale federally funded studies. Just as importantly, the confidence and encouragement I received at UMBC inspired me to continue growing beyond research. Today, I am an educator, researcher, and author, and I carry the lessons, mentorship, and sense of community I found at UMBC into everything I do.

What has made the biggest difference is knowing that UMBC did not just prepare me academically. It gave me a network of people who continue to encourage, support, and celebrate one another long after graduation. That lasting community is one of the greatest gifts UMBC has given me. 

Q: What is a piece of advice you would give a current UMBC student?

A: You never have to navigate your journey alone. UMBC is a place where people genuinely invest in one another’s success. Whether it is faculty who challenge and encourage you, classmates who become lifelong friends, or mentors who help you see your potential, there is a strong sense that everyone wants to see you succeed.

* * * * *

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.

Hello everyone!

Retriever Essentials opening will be delayed until 1:15pm

We apologize for any inconviences, and please plan your trip accordingly.

Not only is Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July each year  the earlier 504 disability civil rights movements of the 1970s which is chronicled in the documentary, Crip Camp -   The Capitol Crawl in March of 1990 created momentum for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act later that year. This July marks the 36th anniversary of the ADA, and many cities across the country celebrate disability pride with parades and festivals.  Let's work together to support access and inclusion so more people can say it loud, "I'm disabled and I'm proud!" 
The Disability Pride flag strives to be inclusive of all disabilities, the colors/stripes represent:

• Red: physical disabilities.
• Gold: neurodiversity.
• White: invisible disabilities and undiagnosed conditions.
• Blue: emotional and psychiatric disabilities.
• Green: sensory disabilities, including deafness, blindness, and other sensory disabilities.
• Faded Black Background: mourning and rage for victims of ableist violence and abuse.

Celebrate the Anniversary of the ADA on July 26 (a Sunday) on Monday July 27 by stopping by UMBC's Office of Disability Accesss and Resources in Math/Psychology Building, rooms 212-222, or going on one of theAccessibility Walk and Roll UMBC Tours at 9:00or 11:00.
Learn more about the lived experience of people with disabilities:

• Stream, view or host a screening of The Ride Ahead film to appreciate the perspective of emerging adults with disabilities as they consider their future and call upon trailblazers for their perspectives.
• Explore access to large events with NARIC's A View From the Accessible Seats article.- there are tips and resources for hosting meals and events for people of all abilities as well.
• Accompany Andrew Leland's journey from sightedness to navigating blindness with How To Be Blind - for a deeper dive,  his recent memoir is The Country of the Blind, A Memoir at the End of Sight.
• Learn of Lolo Spencer's journey from advocate to actor.
• Engage with Naheen Ahmed's CBC First Person article: My Disability Makes My Body Feel Unpredictable: Art Helps Me Lean Into the Chaos 
• Navigating Personal Living Space with Heather Hogan on Making Accessibility a Part of My Home
• Navigating the existing healthcare system as exemplified with a chronically ill college student fighting against United Heathcare's denial of coverage.

Other ways to incorporate disability awareness, pride, and belonging: 

• Participate in the ADA National Network's 36th Anniversary Awareness Campaigns 
• Learn about Spoon Theory as well as UMBC's Sunflower Program about people with hidden disabilities.
• Attend Baltimore's Fourth Disability Pride Art Fest on July 18 (Sat) 10-2 at 400 Cathedral Street (EPFL Central Branch)
• Read from the Library Journal's Disability Pride Reading List 
• Take in Michaela Otera's 2023 Disabled Beauty Series.
• Watch a movie that includes actors with disabilities. Crip Camp is a classic documentary (Crip Camp Netflix link, Crip Camp YouTube link, which highlights the advocacy efforts of Judy Heumann the Mother of the Disability Movement and James LeBrecht, among others).
• Visit the Society of Disabled Oracles - a creation of the late Alice Wong, Aimi Hamraie and Jen White Johnson. If they sound familiar, Aimi Hamraie has presented here on Critical Access Studies via the Dresher Center, and Jen White Johnson has conducted two HTLab on Zines as Tools for Action.
• Faculty and staff can learn more about Accessible Course Design with these free upcoming webinars

Get familiar with local resources and technical assistance - here is a sampling of what is available at UMBC: 

• UMBC Critical Disability Studies courses as a minor area of study
• UMBC Disability Access and Resources(DAR) check out other events here
• For Academic Accommodations DAR's Student Disability Services is a wealth of information
• Report a UMBC Campus Accessibility Concern via this online form and be an accessibility ally - this is after being a good campus citizen by bringing it to the attention of the responsible department, such as reporting a Facilities Management repair to 410-455-2550.
• Learn more about UMBC's Disability Studies First Year Seminar and American Sign Language courses.  
• Become involved with student organizations such as Sign of Life (ASL), UMBC NAMI (Mental Health), Delta Alpha Pi (Honor Society), DAU, Best Buddies, and more - look for them during Involvement Fest!

We look forward to celebrating with you all month long.  We ALSO celebrate Disability Pride every day, and especially in October, when more people are on campus.

If you've bumped into the word "microcredential" on campus this year, in a course, an advising conversation, a hallway conversation, a Shriver Center flyer, you've probably noticed it means something a little different depending on who's saying it.

A student thinks about it as something to put on a resume. A faculty member thinks about it as an extension of the learning outcomes they already write. An advisor wonders if it's one more thing to track. An employer wonders if it's actually worth anything. And folks working in policy see it as part of a much bigger national conversation about how skills are recognized outside a transcript.

All of those framings are correct. But none of them are complete on their own.

So instead of writing one generic explainer and hoping it landed for everyone, the Digital Credential Innovation (DCI) team built five audience-specific briefs — each one answering the questions that particular audience actually asks, in the language they actually use.

Starting next week, we'll be featuring one brief a week here on myUMBC:

• Faculty — Your Teaching Already Does This. Let's Make It Count.

• Students — Your Skills, Verified.

• Academic Advisors — Microcredentials and Your Advising Conversations

• Employers — What Your Next Great Hire Can Actually Prove

• Government Relations & Policy Audiences — Digital Credentials and Maryland's Workforce Future

Why now? UMBC was selected for the inaugural cohort of the national LER (Learning and Employment Records) Accelerator, one of only 25 institutions nationwide, and Maryland had more institutions represented than any other state. Congress held a bipartisan hearing on LERs this past December, and federal legislation introduced this spring aims to build state-level infrastructure for verified credentials. In other words, the work UMBC has been building since 2015 is increasingly relevant to a much bigger conversation, and it felt like the right moment to ensure every part of our community understands where they fit into it.

Each post in this series will pull out something worth knowing from that audience's brief, not just a summary, but the parts we think are genuinely interesting or useful, with a link to the full brief if you want to go deeper.

First up next week: faculty, and the case that you're probably already doing the work microcredentials recognize; you just haven't had a way to document it yet.

Questions in the meantime? Submit a support ticket or reach out to the DCI team directly.