The UMBC Connection | Commencement, Campus Updates, and Milestones

Dear UMBC Faculty and Staff,

This week, UMBC celebrates the Class of 2026 and the close of another academic year shaped by the work, care, creativity, and dedication of our campus community.

As we celebrate students crossing the Commencement stage, the university is also looking ahead through continued strategic planning efforts, research and innovation, community engagement, and the many ways faculty and staff continue to shape UMBC’s future.

In this edition of The UMBC Connection, you’ll find Commencement information, university milestones, campus updates, and opportunities to stay connected across the UMBC community.

Thank you to everyone who shared feedback following our first edition. We appreciate your input as this continues to evolve and grow alongside the campus community.

Opportunities & Events

Opportunities to attend, participate in, or engage with across the UMBC community.

• Watch UMBC’s Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies live (May 20–21)
  The UMBC community is invited to join virtually for this year’s Commencement ceremonies through the official livestreams. Recordings will also be available following the events.

• Learn more about UMBC’s Alternative Work Arrangements program (May 27 & 29)
  Faculty and staff are invited to attend upcoming sessions on UMBC’s Alternative Work Arrangements (AWA) program, including guidance on eligibility, approval processes, best practices, and supporting flexibility across teams. 

• Retrievers Read 2026
  Retrievers Read, presented by the UMBC Hilltop Society, is a summer reading challenge designed to help faculty, staff, students, and alumni explore new genres, engage with the UMBC community, and make reading fun.

Campus Updates

Important updates, planning efforts, operational information, and community news affecting UMBC.

• Strategic planning process moves into final drafting phase
  UMBC’s strategic planning steering committee shared a final academic year update outlining progress toward the university’s next strategic plan, with a full launch anticipated in fall 2026 alongside UMBC’s 60th anniversary celebration. 

• University shares FY27 budget planning and salary guidance updates
  Faculty and staff are encouraged to review recent communications from President Valerie Sheares Ashby and Human Resources & Strategic Talent Management regarding FY27 budget planning efforts, the 1.5 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA), and salary guidance effective July 1.

• High school graduation ceremonies expected to impact campus traffic and parking
  Beginning May 28 and continuing through early June, Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena will host multiple high school graduation ceremonies that are expected to increase traffic and parking activity on campus, particularly before and after ceremony start times. 

University Milestones

Major achievements, recognitions, funding, and institutional accomplishments across UMBC.

• Celebrating the Class of 2026
  As UMBC celebrates Commencement, explore stories from graduating students and learn more about the experiences, achievements, and impact of the Class of 2026.

• UMBC launches Center for Precision Aquaculture
  UMBC researchers are leading a new federally funded initiative focused on sustainable fish farming, advancing innovation in aquaculture and environmental resilience. 

• UMBC Baseball clinches No. 2 seed and tournament bye
  After being picked to finish last in the preseason conference poll, UMBC Baseball secured the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the America East Tournament.

• Former UMBC soccer standouts face off as MLS starters
  Former Retrievers Jon Bell and Taylor Calheira became the first pair of UMBC alumni to start against each other in a Major League Soccer match, highlighting the program’s continued success developing professional talent.

More from across UMBC

Additional updates, resources, and community opportunities from across the university.

• UMBC opens a new chapter with inaugural BookFest — new campus event celebrating books, reading, and literary community at UMBC

• Make your plan to vote in the 2026 Maryland primary — information on voter registration deadlines, mail-in ballot drop boxes on campus, election judge opportunities, and additional civic engagement resources

Help Shape The UMBC Connection

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