Leadership Announcement
Celebrating Yaakov “Jake” Weissmann ’06
Dear UMBC Community,
Many of you likely have heard by now the news that our very own Yaakov “Jake” Weissmann ’06 has been named to a top position in Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s cabinet. The
governor announced recently that he was tapping Jake to be the next secretary of the Maryland Department of Budget and Management (DBM), effective October 22.
The news is unequivocally good for the state, and to have a UMBC alumnus in a top leadership role in Maryland is a point of pride for our university. In announcing the appointment, Gov. Moore noted Jake’s deep experience as a public servant and called him “one of the most effective policy minds in our state.”
I agree, and I know that Jake’s incredible knowledge of the state budget and all things state government, as well as his long-held commitment to serving the public, make him an outstanding choice for this role. At UMBC, we have been fortunate that for the past two years, Jake served the public through his work leading our Office of Government Relations and Community Affairs, first as associate vice president and, since August 2024, as vice president.
It has been an enormous gift to work with Jake and to benefit from his counsel as we have built and strengthened relationships with elected officials and government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. He has positioned us not only to be well-known among our public officials, but also to be well-supported; he believes deeply in UMBC’s distinctive value and conveys that value to others in ways that resonate meaningfully and build lasting connections.
That work has been especially important this year, as we have navigated many actions and changes at the federal level, as well as reductions in state funding. Jake has been a tireless advocate for UMBC’s community, for its research, and for its values.
Jake returned to UMBC in 2023 after serving as an assistant chief administrative officer in Montgomery County. Before that, he spent 14 years with the Maryland General Assembly, 12 of those in the Office of the Senate President. Among other roles, he served as chief of staff to two Senate presidents. Jake majored in social work and psychology at UMBC, and it was here that he became passionate about a life in public service and community engagement. He went on to earn a master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and a law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law. In 2023, Gov. Moore appointed Jake to the Maryland State Board of Elections.
We will work to fill the role of vice president for government relations and community affairs expeditiously, ideally before the next Maryland legislative session begins in January. For now, I want to celebrate Jake and offer my sincere thanks to him for his outstanding service and myriad contributions to UMBC. Please join me in congratulating Jake on this exciting and wonderful next step in his career in public service!
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby
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Dear UMBC Community, Many of you likely have heard by now the news that our very own Yaakov “Jake” Weissmann ’06 has been named to a top position in Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s cabinet. The...
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Tue, 21 Oct 2025 10:26:38 -0400
Happy Monday!
UMBC on a big Maryland stage
Caption: President Sheares Ashby shares her perspectives on the state of research at this year’s Impact Maryland event. (L-R): UMCP President Darryll J. Pines, UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, Johns Hopkins President Ronald J. Daniels, Sheares Ashby, and moderator, Baltimore Banner Interim Editor Brian McGrory.
Dear UMBC Community,
Last week, I had the honor of joining some of my fellow Maryland college and university presidents for a discussion about the state of research—and its future—given the numerous changes and actions we have seen at the federal level this year. The conversation was part of
Impact Maryland 2025, a daylong conference hosted by
The Baltimore Banner, and it was, appropriately, a discussion with those of us who lead the four R1 institutions in the state (those with the highest level of research and doctorate production): UMBC; University of Maryland, Baltimore; University of Maryland, College Park; and Johns Hopkins University.
It was a thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion of the current challenges and what might be on the other side of them. We all agreed that sustaining higher education’s research role will require a broadening of partnerships and of funding sources, as well as increased accountability and a better understanding of the public benefit our institutions provide. UMBC being a part of that conversation reflects our position as a leading research engine in Maryland, critical to innovation, economic vitality, workforce development, and well-being.
What I also want you to know is that even among that stellar group, UMBC stood out. The moderator knew us as a model of inclusive excellence, and he asked (only) me specifically how we think about that work in the current environment. It was an easy answer for me, as you know: We do not know any other way. It is not excellence unless it is inclusive. As we navigate this moment and pursue a shared vision for the future, inclusive excellence is the defining value that guides everything we do.
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby
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Caption: President Sheares Ashby shares her perspectives on the state of research at this year’s Impact Maryland event. (L-R): UMCP President Darryll J. Pines, UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell,...
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Mon, 20 Oct 2025 10:39:46 -0400
UMBC Employee Annual Title IX Training Requirement
Dear UMBC Community,
As such, employees must either complete the outlined series of asynchronous modules or attend a live “Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities Under Title IX” training session by March 1, 2026.
The training will cover topics such as an overview of the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (ECR), what constitutes prohibited conduct under university policy, responding to a disclosure, procedures for reporting and resolving reports of prohibited conduct, trauma-informed care, confidentiality, and other applicable policies and procedures.
Thank you,
Reilly Metzger
ECR Training and Prevention Manager
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Dear UMBC Community, Pursuant to UMBC’s Interim Policy on Sex Discrimination, Sex-Based Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct, all faculty (including adjunct faculty), staff (regular and...
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Tue, 14 Oct 2025 10:47:11 -0400
Happy Monday!
Homecoming and Family Weekend
L-R: Audience members enjoy research talks at GRIT-X; Employees mingle at the annual Homecoming Faculty and Staff Social.Dear UMBC Community,
My sincere thanks to all who took part in this year's Homecoming and Family Weekend—and all of the Homecoming-related festivities, which kicked off on October 5. It was a fabulous series of events that involved the efforts of a great many individuals in celebrating the best of UMBC.
The Office of Institutional Advancement, Division of Student Affairs, and Division of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation played huge roles, and I know that faculty and staff across the institution contributed their time and energy to the success of the weekend. I appreciate all who joined in the celebration, too—students, staff, faculty, alumni, parents, families, and friends.
It was a whirlwind, naturally, from GRIT-X to a donor appreciation lunch, a gathering with members of our first four graduating classes (the Founding Four), the puppy parade, and many athletic events…far too many to name here. For me, what was truly special was hearing from so many alumni about the transformational impact that UMBC had on their lives and the trajectories of their families. I heard time and again how grateful they were for the education they received here and for the people at UMBC who inspired them and helped them on their journeys.
It was a great reminder—for all of you, too, I hope—that the work we do matters not only in the years that students are here; it makes a difference for entire lifetimes.
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby
Dear UMBC Community,
I write today to share important updates about the renovation of Sherman Hall, including changes to walkways happening at the start of next week. As of Monday, October 13, 2025, the contractor will close the access gates to Academic Row, and Phase 2 renovation work will begin.
Phase 1 Complete!
The first phase of renovations—constituting the West Wing (formerly known as the “A Wing”) of the building, closest to the ITE Building, and the area connecting the two wings—is now complete and fully occupied.
The sidewalks on the ITE side of Sherman Hall have been fully reopened, and the
newly-renovated portion of Sherman Hall is accessible from the ITE side of the building and from the upper University Center plaza (second floor), which adjoins the new main lobby to Sherman Hall. The main lobby of Sherman Hall is where the open-air breezeway was between the UC and Sherman courtyard.
Phase 2 Walkway Updates
All occupants in the East Wing (formerly known as the “B Wing”) of Sherman Hall have now been relocated to temporary spaces in order to begin Phase 2 of construction. This means we will now close Academic Row between the Sherman and Sondheim buildings. This sidewalk will be closed from October 13, 2025, until January 2027. Diverting pedestrians from this pathway will keep them safe from the construction activities during Phase 2 renovations. We are asking pedestrians to go around the side of Sondheim closest to the RAC; an accessible route has also been created through Sondheim Hall. The contractor will also be protecting the tall oak trees (considered "legacy trees" because of their longevity with our campus community) along the closed route.
During the closure, emergency vehicles will be allowed through the fenced construction work zone if needed. Delivery vehicles should be notified to use alternate routes including Commons Drive (behind ILSB to The Quad), 220 (the upper sidewalk between ITE and “New” Sherman) or Hilltop Road around the drop-off circle to the area between the Fine Arts and Meyerhoff Chemistry buildings.
As with Phase 1, the contractor will be removing the entire brick facade from the building, which will be loud and disruptive. We will do what we can to forecast the level of disruption and try to contain the most noisy work early in the morning; the next three weeks will be unusually noisy until about 3 p.m. The noise will be generated from work on the south side facing the Admin Building and on the north side facing the UC Plaza. These activities are critical to the schedule and need to occur. Facilities Management will continue to monitor and provide updates. Please check the lefthand side of the front page of the
Facilities Management website for continuing information on this project, and please work with your manager to identify the appropriate options for your work schedule (telework, flexible schedule etc.).
Thank you all for your patience and cooperation thus far. In particular, we would like to thank the occupants of Sherman Hall. You have supported the project and each other in many ways including sharing space and other resources. Your support has helped make the project successful.
Sincerely,
John Zahor
Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management
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Dear UMBC Community, I write today to share important updates about the renovation of Sherman Hall, including changes to walkways happening at the start of next week. As of Monday, October 13,...
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Thu, 09 Oct 2025 15:35:56 -0400
To Be Rescheduled: You’re Invited: UMBC Campus Climate Study Data Presentation
Come in-person or online
Please note that this event is being rescheduled and we will send new information when it is available.
* * * * *
Dear UMBC Community,
UMBC remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where every voice is heard and valued. The campus climate shapes the lives of us all, and understanding our community's diverse experiences is crucial to ensure we are upholding our core value of inclusive excellence.
Last spring, our community took part in a Community, Engagement, and Belonging survey, led by the Division of Institutional Equity and its vice president, Tanyka Barber. We hope you will join us and the Rankin Climate team to hear results from the survey—an important step in ensuring our university continues to be a place where all individuals feel supported and able to thrive. The presentation will highlight what we are doing well and where challenges remain, helping us better understand the perceptions of our learning, living, and working environments related to sense of community, engagement, and empowerment across faculty, staff, and student bodies.
Join in-person: The 7th floor of the library (space is limited), 12 – 1 p.m.
Join online: Livestream available for the full campus community—Registration is required.
This is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and ensure your voice is part of our collective effort toward a more inclusive UMBC.
Best wishes,
Jasmine A. Lee
Associate Vice President, Division of Institutional Equity
Orianne Smith
Professor, English
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Please note that this event is being rescheduled and we will send new information when it is available. * * * * * Dear UMBC Community, UMBC remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an...
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Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:46:06 -0400
Happy Monday!
UMBC is again a Great College to Work For
Dear UMBC Community,
We recently received the happy news that UMBC has once again—for the 16th year in a row!—been named to
ModernThink’s list of Great Colleges to Work For. In this annual survey of faculty and staff and analysis of institutional demographics, policies, and practices,
UMBC again stood out among the nearly 200 colleges and universities that participated, one of a handful to be recognized in nine out of 10 categories.
This recognition matters, and not (just) because of what it shows the outside world about UMBC—that this is a workplace where job satisfaction, pride, and faculty and staff well-being are strong, and that we are a community that values shared governance, inclusion, and belonging. Fundamentally, it matters because it is a powerful reminder for ourselves—heard in the voices of our own staff and faculty—of how truly distinctive UMBC is, and what a difference that makes.
I am deeply grateful to be a part of this dedicated, caring community that strives to get better every day in service of our students and our mission.
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby
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Dear UMBC Community, We recently received the happy news that UMBC has once again—for the 16th year in a row!—been named to ModernThink’s list of Great Colleges to Work For. In this annual...
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Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:37:14 -0400
Government Shutdown Questions and Answers
Dear UMBC Campus Community,
As your vice president for communications and marketing, occasionally you will hear from me related to external news and how it may impact our community, as well as communications, marketing, and branding information.
Today, I write to share questions and answers, as well as resources if you need assistance, regarding the U.S. government shutdown that began at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1. Several agencies and parts of the U.S. government have begun shutting down because Congress did not pass a stopgap funding measure by the deadline of midnight on Tuesday, September 30.
Will the federal shutdown impact federal student financial aid?
No, because aid funds are disbursed at the beginning of the semester. Most aid programs are approved by Congress a year in advance, so a shutdown will not impact them.
FAFSA processing, Pell Grant and loan disbursements, loan servicing, and critical operations will continue. Title I and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grant funding is available as usual. States, schools, and other grantees will be able to access funds from recent awards.
The Office of Federal Student Aid is retaining employees as needed to conduct rulemaking and actions as required by law.
Students will need to continue making loan payments on their outstanding student debt. However, borrowers looking for specific assistance from the U.S Department of Education will not receive it during the government shutdown.
If you have questions about UMBC financial aid, please call 410-455-2387 or
use this form to be connected with a UMBC financial aid representative.
What does the shutdown mean for immigration services for students, faculty, and staff?
Fee-funded operations of federal agencies providing immigration services generally continue during a shutdown. However, operations funded through appropriations are generally suspended.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue to process applications and petitions. However, processing times may be delayed particularly if an adjudication is dependent on functions performed by other agencies affected by the shutdown, or if USCIS resources are reprioritized. The E-Verify program will not be operational during the shutdown.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection will continue to operate at U.S. ports of entry.
The U.S. Department of Labor has suspended immigration functions, including the processing of labor condition applications (LCAs), prevailing wage requests, permanent labor certification (PERM), and temporary labor certification applications.
The U.S. Department of State will continue to provide consular processing during the shutdown. This includes issuance of U.S. passports and visas as well as providing assistance to U.S. citizens abroad. Certain domestic consular operations are suspended.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will continue operations during the shutdown.
What is the impact on federally funded research projects?
The shutdown will have little to no impact on the continuance of federally funded research activities. Our institution’s research projects will proceed as usual, unless otherwise notified by the UMBC Division of Research and Creative Achievement (ORCA).
As for our NASA research activities, the researchers at Goddard have already received detailed information from their respective leadership about continuing to follow the standard procedures they have used during previous federal government shutdowns.
What about new grants, research proposals, or questions regarding the status of a federally funded research proposal?
A shutdown means that federal agencies cannot issue any new grants, contracts, amendments, continued funding increments, supplements, or no-cost time extensions requiring explicit prior federal awarding agency approval.
If you are planning to submit a research proposal, you will need to submit by the original deadline (unless you hear otherwise). It is important to note that the proposal review process will be delayed during the shutdown. This is because during the shutdown, most federal agency staff will not be working. Therefore, any inquiries about pending research applications, deadlines, or approvals may not receive an answer until the staff are back to work. Federal websites and other systems may also be unavailable or limited, resulting in little to no support for resolving problems or answering questions.
If you have planned meetings, travel, or conferences with federal agencies, please check for postponements or changes beforehand.
Should you have any questions regarding federally funded research or a federally funded research proposal, please
contact your applicable office in the Division of Research and Creative Achievement (ORCA).
What is the impact on veterans and active duty service members’ education benefits and services?
GI Bill benefits for student veterans currently enrolled and certified should not be affected by a short-term government shutdown. However, any student veteran working to obtain GI Bill benefits during or shortly after a shutdown may experience delays.
Also, any questions or requests for assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may go unanswered due to some employees being furloughed.
During the shutdown, VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits. Please note that the GI Bill hotline will be closed, regional benefits offices will be closed, and the VA will not provide veteran career counseling or transition assistance activities until the shutdown is over. The VA has posted contingency planning information and resources
on its website.
As for federal tuition assistance (TA) for servicemembers, Tuition Assistance Requests (TARS) with an October 1 start date forward will be impacted until a budget or continuing resolution is approved. Soldiers whose TA requests are canceled due to the government shutdown will receive a message in ArmyIgnitED or My Education Portal.
For assistance from UMBC with VA or servicemember benefits, please call the Registrar’s office at 410-455-2500 or submit an inquiry to our certifying officials
here.
What UMBC human resources services are available to faculty and staff in need of support during this time?
How will the shutdown impact any UMBC students with federal internships?
UMBC students with federal internships should contact their immediate supervisor to determine how their work may be affected by the shutdown, and reach out to the UMBC
Career Center to review any potential impacts of changes to their federal internship.
What will happen to faculty and staff working for federal agencies through the intragovernmental personnel act (IPA)?
Any faculty or staff with appointments at federal agencies through the IPA should reach out to their federal point of contact for additional guidance.
* * * * *
Thank you.
Warmest regards,
Lisa K. Van Riper
Vice President for University Communications and Marketing
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Dear UMBC Campus Community, As your vice president for communications and marketing, occasionally you will hear from me related to external news and how it may impact our community, as well as...
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Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:57:21 -0400
LaCourse to Step Down as Dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences
Dear Community,
It is with mixed emotions that I write to share that William (Bill) LaCourse will be leaving his post as dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS) when his current contract expires at the end of the 2025 – 26 academic year. At that time, Bill plans to take a one-year sabbatical before returning full time as a faculty member in the fall of 2027. An interim dean will be appointed later this academic year to serve for the 2026 – 27 academic year.
Bill is a steady, forward-looking leader who has shaped the lives of countless CNMS students through his commitment to cultivating every student’s potential, starting by meeting them where they are. He speaks often of his own academic experience as a first-generation student who started his journey with an associate’s degree from a technical college before earning a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Northeastern University. Through his example, he has inspired countless others to pursue dreams they may have otherwise thought impossible.
Bill joined UMBC in 1992 and steadily advanced in both his field and the classroom. He stepped into the role of interim dean of CNMS in 2011 and was named permanent dean in 2012. In his 15 years in this role, Bill has overseen $57.8 million in grants awarded to the college and a nearly 10-fold increase in the diversity of tenured and tenure-track faculty in CNMS.
Many of those grants supported transformational training programs in support of student success, including the 10-year, NIH-funded
STEM BUILD program and NSF-funded
Improving Undergraduate Science Education (IUSE) initiative. Bill also spearheaded the new
Translational Life Sciences Technology (TLST) bachelor’s degree offered at The Universities at Shady Grove, strengthening UMBC’s STEM presence in the heart of the Capital BioHealth Region. All of these and other efforts have also contributed to enriching the college’s relationships with regional community colleges.
As dean, Bill has excelled at generating, funding, and guiding implementation of ideas that have improved outcomes for thousands of students and provided resources so faculty can thrive; the above are but a few examples.
Bill has also been published 128 times, including 26 chapters, authored the book Pulsed Electrochemical Detection in High Performance Liquid Chromatography, and holds two patents. His research interests include basic and applied research on hydrodynamic electroanalytical techniques in liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis, adsorption phenomena at noble metal electrodes, and advanced sample preparation techniques (e.g., microdialysis and pressurized-fluid extraction).
While it will be a change for many of us to see Bill in a role outside of the dean’s office, I am grateful that UMBC students will continue to benefit from his enthusiasm and expertise in the classroom and laboratory. Please join me in thanking Bill for his selfless dedication, visionary leadership, and steadfast commitment to UMBC and inclusive excellence.
Sincerely,
Manfred H. M. van Dulmen
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
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Dear Community, It is with mixed emotions that I write to share that William (Bill) LaCourse will be leaving his post as dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS) when...
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Wed, 01 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400
UMBC’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
Review UMBC’s policies related to campus security
Dear UMBC Community,
Each fall, the UMBC Police Department publishes the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. I encourage you to take a few moments to review this important material.
This report contains crime and fire statistics that were reported to the UMBC Police Department and/or Campus Security Authorities for the most recent three years. Please note that this report tracks incidents based on location—specifically those reported to have occurred on campus, in non-campus university buildings, in property owned or controlled by the university, or on public property immediately adjacent to the campus.
The report also includes information regarding UMBC policies and practices related to campus security and crime reporting. We encourage all members of our community to report security incidents; the report describes how and to whom crimes should be reported.
In addition, the report contains information on campus resources and educational programs, personal safety tips, emergency response and evacuation, and policies regarding student discipline.
The UMBC Police Department appreciates that all members of our community—students, faculty, and staff—are essential partners in making UMBC a safe place to learn, live, and work. The UMBC community's active interest in campus safety is one of our best crime prevention assets.
Copies of the report are also available at the UMBC Police Department or by emailing
clery@umbc.edu.
Respectfully,
David M. Fields
Chief of Police
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Dear UMBC Community, Each fall, the UMBC Police Department publishes the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. I encourage you to take a few moments to review this important material. In...
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Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:35:30 -0400
