Dear UMBC Community,

I write today to share an update on our work in response to UMBC’s 2024 agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to improve and expand upon our work to prevent and respond to reports of sexual misconduct and sex discrimination under Title IX. The agreement followed a lengthy investigation by the DOJ that found systemic failures in the university’s Title IX compliance between 2015 and 2020.

The agreement is in effect through the 2028 – 29 academic year and commits us to taking many steps to strengthen our Title IX office and its work, provide specific support for student-athletes and the Athletics Department, expand training for all members of the community, and provide financial relief to certain individuals, as determined and directed by the DOJ.

The update provided here shares a detailed report of progress since the spring 2025 update. As you’ll see, we have taken significant steps toward fulfilling our commitment to the DOJ and to the UMBC community, including filling critical positions within the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (ECR), continuing to refine and improve processes and policies related to Title IX, and strengthening collaborations among ECR and campus partners.

The DOJ conducted a first-year monitoring site visit in April, and UMBC submitted its third monitoring report to the DOJ this summer.

My continued thanks to the UMBC community for its dedication to this important work and to President Valerie Sheares Ashby, Chief of Staff to the President Kacey Hammel, and Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation Tiffany Tucker, who, along with me, share the responsibility for coordinating the university’s work in compliance with the agreement.

Sincerely,