Each plant, whether a small wild buttercup or a massive oak tree, starts out as seed—packed with potential to grow well beyond its original size. By this logic, The Garden’s new Little Seed Library—co-sponsored by Retriever Essentials and the Office of Sustainability and installed by Facilities Management—is seeded with infinite potential. 

Based on the now-familiar concept of Little Free Libraries that spread access to the love of reading, the Little Seed Library, down the sidewalk from UMBC Police, is set up for people to donate seeds (perhaps harvested from the adjacent garden) and those who want to put their green thumb to the test can take what they need to get started.

The idea stemmed from conversations Michael Berardi, assistant director of Retriever Essentials, was having with folks on campus about tangible ways to grow interest in the community garden while wanting to grow awareness of where our food actually comes from. “We want to help campus engage with our food in a more deep and meaningful way,” says Berardi ’19, M.P.S. ’25, who was also a co-founder of the campus-adjacent coffee shop, OCA Mocha. 

Andrew Eisenhardt ’21 was one of the people talking to Berardi. He remembers: “We were hiking in the woods of Patapsco State Park brainstorming some ideas for Retriever Essentials. I had recently seen a YouTube video where a community put up seed libraries and people could go to get new seeds and donate their excess. I figured it could be cool to have something like that at UMBC.” Eisenhardt, who already graduated with a double major in geography and environmental systems and media and communication studies and is currently pursuing another bachelor’s in computer engineering, started working in The Garden during his first time at UMBC when he needed a break from doing homework and wanted to see what opportunities were on-campus to get outside and work with nature. “The Little Seed Library serves as a great starting point for community members to participate in and learn about this work,” he says. “Just get a seed, throw it in some soil and see what happens! Worst case scenario, your seed never germinates. Either way you’ll learn something about plants and you might even make some friends along the way who are trying to grow a better future.”

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Jessica Graziano, who has been tending a plot in The Garden for several years, only foresees fruitful outcomes for the Little Seed Library. Eventually, in addition to seeds and instructions for planting, Graziano would like to see folks donate gardening tools and horticultural resources. Graziano, the current president of The Garden club, says her favorite thing to grow is perennials. “My current favorite is False Indigo, which I’ve had growing in my plot at The Garden for about two and a half years,” she shares. Recently recognized with a UMBC Community Impact award at SGA’s 2025 – 2026 CelebratingOrgs event, The Garden is lush with promise. 

Nicole Wolf, UMBC’s sustainability coordinator, says that the Office of Sustainability has some nutrient rich ideas coming up in connection with the other organizations that help support The Garden. But in the meantime, “access to free seeds and gardening space removes the barrier of not knowing where to start, or even having to leave campus if they choose to use the community plots,” says Wolf. “We will continue to foster this culture by hosting regular ‘seed save collection’ events on our campus to keep the library stocked while teaching attendees about native plants and how to harvest ethically as we go.” 

If you are a Division of Student Affairs professional or student staff member that does any type of assessment work, you are expected to review the DoSA Student and Professional Staff Employees Assessment Training Guide. This is a brand new onboarding resource that will be updated annually. 

As you go through the guide, please let Mary Ellen Wade, Director of Assessment and Planning, know if anything is unclear. There is a short, two question evaluation at the end to provide feedback. Page 12 of the guide has details on two CITI Trainings staff must complete (if you have not already done so within the past three years). 

Professional staff conducting assessment this year are expected to review this guide and complete the CITI Trainings by September 30, 2026. New members to the division conducting assessment will be expected to complete this on a rolling basis. Thanks for your understanding, reach out to Mary Ellen if you have any questions.

The Office of the Provost values broad participation. Diverse perspectives from faculty and staff across divisions, disciplines, roles, and levels of experience are sought for key committees and working groups connected to upcoming institutional initiatives and priorities.

Please take a moment to fill out the interest form as we create a repository of faculty and staff that the Office of the Provost may contact as opportunities for service arise throughout the academic year. Outreach will occur on an as-needed basis and may include opportunities connected to the university’s next Strategic Plan and emerging Provost Priorities.

Diverse viewpoints and collaborative engagement are essential to advancing institutional priorities and strengthening our campus community.

Potential areas of engagement may include, but are not limited to:

• Student Success

• Teaching and Learning

• Research and Creative Achievement

• Strengthening Maryland

• Organizational Vitality

While this form will remain open and can be completed on a rolling basis, please consider submitting your interest by Friday, July 3, 2026 for opportunities in the upcoming academic year. Members of the Office of the Provost will reach out directly as relevant opportunities become available.

Thank you for your interest in contributing to the university community through service and collaboration.

🚴 Cycle is taking a short break, but we've got your lunchtime workout covered!

On June 24 and July 1, swap the bike for a quick, energizing Core & Cardio session with Alea 💪🔥

📍 RAC 144
🕛 12:00–12:30 p.m.

Name: Krishna Mihir Tatavarthi 

Pronouns: He/Him

Semester of Internship: Spring 2026

Major: Computer science 

Current Class Level: Master's Student

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

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

Location of the Organization (City, State): Pheonix, Arizona

Title of position: Full Stack Engineer Intern 

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:

As a Full Stack Engineer Intern at VelocitiPM, I work on VelocitiPM, a product management SaaS. My responsibilities include building and shipping features across the frontend (React/TypeScript) and backend (Supabase edge functions, Python), writing and testing APIs, managing local dev environments with Docker, and collaborating with senior engineers through code reviews and ticket-based workflows.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I found the position through LinkedIn and submitted my application in January 2026. After a technical interview focused on full stack development, I received and accepted an offer to join VelocitiPM as a Full Stack Engineer Intern.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

LinkedIn or other social media

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?

I've enjoyed working on a real product that's actively used shipping features end-to-end across the full stack has been genuinely rewarding. The team trusts interns with meaningful work, and getting feedback directly from a senior engineer has accelerated my growth a lot.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

I've built and shipped features that directly improve the user experience on VelocitiPM, including automating parts of the product strategy workflow using AI. My contributions have gone into production, which means real users benefit from the work I do.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

Get comfortable being uncomfortable you won't know everything on day one, and that's fine. Focus on understanding the codebase before writing code, ask questions early, and treat every ticket as a chance to learn the full system, not just fix one thing.

The MS in Artificial Intelligence program prepares students to lead in a field reshaping education, computing, energy, data analysis, information systems, and nearly every sector of the modern economy. Designed for students seeking to go beyond a general computing degree, the program offers a focused, rigorous pathway into AI research, development, and deployment, equipping graduates to drive innovation across industry, government, and academia. Apply by August 1 for the Fall 2026 program. Get more information here.

Here are the links to what you all have been waiting for, recapping the memorable graduate student appreciation week! 

Note: Please log in with your myumbc account if you are unable to access the links.

• GSAW Pictures
• GSAW - Breaking the Mold 
• GSAW - Candle Making
• GSAW - Cultural Day 
• GSAW - Grad Prom & Awards 
• GSAW - GEARS Research Symposium 

Pixilated Photo Booth:

• GSAW - Grad Prom Pixilated Photo Booth Photos 4-10-26
• GSAW - Ebony Sneaker Ball 4-11-26 Pixilated Photo Booth Photos

Dear Retrievers and Valued Riders,

This is a reminder that UMBC Transit will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026, in observance of Juneteenth. Regular shuttle service will resume on Saturday, June 20, 2026. 

Alternative Transit Options1.

 Baltimore Link

• LocalLink 32 - UMBC - Patapsco Station 
• LocalLink 76 - City Hall to South Baltimore Park & Ride
• LocalLink 37 - Old Court Metro to UMBC
• CityLink PURPLE - City Hall - Paradise/Catonsville - with access To Walmart at Baltimore National Pike2.
  

RideShare

• Zipcar
•  Lyft
•  Uber Ride

If you need more help, please do not hesitate to reach us at transit@umbc.edu or 410.455.2454 during regular operating hours.

Hello everyone!

Retriever Essentials will be closed tomorrow, 6/19, in observance of Juneteenth.

We hope to see you Monday!

Two rooms available in a townhouse at Gloria Ave., Halethorpe, 21227.

Move-in date: July 1st 

One room is medium size and the other large size. Rooms are unfurnished. Shared bathroom with 2 more people.

Rent for each room: $750/mo + utilities + wifi.

Utilities + wifi around $80/mo. 

Security deposit: $750

Lease: 1 year contract

In total, there will be 5 people living in the house. A couple in the basement and 3 women on the 2nd floor.

The living room, dining room, and kitchen are shared. Wash and dryer in the basement. Street parking.

The Paradise umbc shuttle line and the city link 76 are around the corner. Supermarket at a walking distance. 

If interested, please email me at calmeida@umbc.edu.