Dear UMBC Faculty and Staff,
With summer in full swing, this edition of The UMBC Connection brings together a few updates, opportunities, and highlights from across UMBC.
You’ll find information on new federal policies, employee resources, research and athletics accomplishments, and opportunities to connect with the UMBC community this summer.
Opportunities & Events
Opportunities to attend, participate in, or engage with across the UMBC community.
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Your Story Belongs Here (June 30)
Join UMBC's award-winning Your Story Belongs Here storytelling showcase, featuring students sharing personal stories about finding community and belonging on campus. Presented through a collaboration between the Center for Social Justice Dialogue and the Department of Theatre, the performance will also be recorded for Welcome Week 2026. -
When AI Joins the Course Design Team (July 8)
Explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping instructional design and faculty collaboration in course development through this Online Learning Consortium webinar. -
Summer Group Fitness Classes
UMBC Recreation is offering weekly group fitness classes throughout the summer. Classes are open to all fitness levels and take place Monday through Thursday through August 6.
Campus Updates
Important updates, planning efforts, operational information, and community news affecting UMBC.
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Important Federal Updates for the UMBC Community
UMBC's Federal Orders and Actions Core Team recently shared updates regarding proposed federal grant regulations, immigration-related developments, and other federal actions that may affect research, international students, faculty, staff, and university operations. -
Alternate Work Arrangements Portal Launches in PeopleSoft
The next phase of My WorkView is now available through the new Alternate Work Arrangements (AWA) Portal. Eligible employees can formally request, update, and route telework or remote work schedules entirely online through PeopleSoft.
University Milestones
Major achievements, recognitions, funding, and institutional accomplishments across UMBC.
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Professor Roberto Yus Receives Prestigious NSF CAREER Award
Computer science professor Roberto Yus has received an NSF CAREER Award, the National Science Foundation's premier award supporting early-career faculty researchers. The award will support research advancing a "sensorless" Internet of Things through new approaches to sensor data management. -
UMBC Receives NSF Grant to Advance AI Competency
UMBC faculty Rebecca Williams and Edward Dillon have received a four-year National Science Foundation grant to build partnerships, resources, and recommendations that help faculty and students develop AI-related competencies and prepare for an evolving workforce. -
Retriever Student-Athletes Earn All-America Honors at NCAA Championships
Graduate student Ava Roberts earned Second Team All-America honors with an 11th-place finish in the discus throw, while senior Iosif Papa earned Honorable Mention All-America recognition for the second consecutive year at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
More from Across UMBC
Additional updates, resources, and community opportunities from across the university.
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Beyond Compliance: How MLLI is Redefining Inclusive Pedagogy
Learn how faculty in Modern Languages, Linguistics, and Intercultural Communication are embedding accessibility and inclusive teaching practices into language learning experiences for all students. -
P.A.W. Circle Mug of the Month
The P.A.W. Circle, UMBC's faculty and staff giving community, has announced its 2026 – 27 Mug of the Month event schedule. Members are invited to connect with colleagues while supporting scholarships, academic programs, student support initiatives, and other areas across the university. -
UMBC Bookstore Annual Summer Sale
The UMBC Bookstore’s online summer sale runs through June 30. Online orders placed after June 25 will be processed beginning July 2 while the store completes annual inventory.
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