Fall Opening Meeting Recording Starting the fall semester together

Dear UMBC Community, 

Thank you to all who attended last week’s Fall Opening Meeting, whether in person or virtually. It was a terrific gathering of staff, faculty, students—and even some UMBC family members. What an inspiring way to start the semester!

If you were unable to attend, I invite you to watch the recording of the event. We shared updates on several important topics, including great news about the incoming class, the latest on the impacts of federal actions and orders on UMBC, a budget update, and our work ahead on the strategic plan. We also got a sneak peek of the newly renovated portion of Sherman Hall, and previewed UMBC Arts+, the arts initiative launching this fall—including a performance by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in Linehan Concert Hall on September 17.

As we came together to reflect on how much progress we have made since last year’s Fall Opening Meeting and looked to what is ahead for this academic year, it was particularly meaningful to meet and hear remarks from three students who are beginning their UMBC journeys this fall: First-year students Lexi Malenfant and Andrew Whipple, and Archana Thakkar, a transfer student joining the Honors College from the Community College of Baltimore County. Hearing directly from students—learning about their passions and why they chose UMBC—is the best reminder of why we are here and how important our work is. My thanks to Lexi, Andrew, and Archana for sharing their stories with us, and welcome to UMBC.

I am energized and so proud to be a part of this extraordinary institution. Thank you for all you do for UMBC. Let’s get this semester started!

Sincerely,

President Valerie Sheares Ashby


]]> Dear UMBC Community,  Thank you to all who attended last week’s Fall Opening Meeting, whether in person or virtually. It was a terrific gathering of staff, faculty, students—and even some UMBC... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/151717/guest@my.umbc.edu/3b506f50484f4f4c9f80b0d0fc2a83f7/api/pixel president Announcements - Campus https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/original.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/large.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/medium.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/small.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxsmall.png?1691177756 Announcements - Campus 5 0 false Mon, 25 Aug 2025 14:01:24 -0400 Summer Update on Our Response to Federal Actions and Orders
Dear UMBC Community, 

While campus may seem quiet over the summer, the news from beyond campus has been anything but. I write today with an update on the impacts of federal actions and orders on UMBC and our work to respond to and address these effects. 

As has been the case with previous updates, this message is not exhaustive in reporting on every piece of work being done by our core team and others involved in our response; it is meant to share important information in a few areas that we know are of concern to many at UMBC. 

Budget Reconciliation 

The sweeping legislation called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” that was signed into law on July 4 reshapes federal tax policy and spending on a broad scale. Its impacts on higher education will be wide-ranging, both directly and indirectly. 

Several of its measures related to higher education (those concerning student financial aid, in particular) do not become effective until July 2026, and so the full impacts of the law will not be realized for some time. What we know generally is this: 
  • Direct impacts include narrowed Pell Grant eligibility and more limited access to student and parent loans, including the elimination of GradPLUS loans for new borrowers, as well as additional fees for international students, faculty, staff, and visiting scholars 
  • Significant cuts to Medicaid and SNAP will affect some members of our community directly, and the financial impact of those cuts on the state of Maryland will have secondary effects on publicly funded institutions such as UMBC 

In addition to working to support our students and families who may be facing greater challenges to affordability and access, our aim is to mitigate institutional impacts so that we may continue to advance access to education and support student success. 

Meanwhile, the appropriations process for Fiscal Year 2026 is not yet complete. Congress is considering various spending bills, as well as President Trump’s proposed budget, all of which, to varying degrees, would dramatically reduce funding for education, research, and more. 

Research Impacts 

As many are aware, various executive orders and related decisions and actions by federal agencies over the past several months, including early research grant terminations, have already significantly reduced research funding, affecting higher education institutions across the country and limiting their ability to carry out vital research. Some of those actions continue to be challenged in court and/or considered in Congress. 

As we have reported previously, UMBC has received about 30 terminations of grants and contracts that had already been awarded to UMBC researchers, with a net loss of about $22 million. This amounts to an annual impact of about $8 million to $10 million, or about 8 percent of our current annual federal research portfolio, for each of the next couple of years. A piece of good news: Over the past month, in response to federal lawsuits filed earlier by the State of Maryland and a number of other states, we have seen a handful of previously terminated NIH and NSF awards reinstated. We are still determining the details of these reinstatements, but we are pleased to be able to continue or resume the work that these grants support. 

UMBC is in close contact with University System of Maryland institutions and with leaders in national higher education organizations as we begin to model and better understand the potential impact of a proposal to shift from the long-established negotiated indirect cost model on federal contracts and grants to a new, direct-charge model for most grant-related activities. In July, a coalition of organizations, including the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, issued a recommendation for a new model to replace the current cost structure used by the federal government. These discussions, which came in response to a decision to cap federal reimbursements at 15 percent, are ongoing. 

Of particular concern and focus for UMBC is Goddard Space Flight Center, where almost 300 UMBC research faculty and staff work under cooperative agreements with NASA. Goddard is the epicenter of a partnership with NASA that UMBC has cultivated over the past three decades and that has resulted in UMBC’s ranking in the top 10 in the nation for annual NASA expenditures. NASA Goddard Director Makenzie Lystrup recently announced her intent to leave the agency effective August 1, and several hundred NASA employees have accepted early retirement and resignation offers. The president’s budget proposal, if enacted, would cut NASA funding by 24 percent—disproportionally affecting NASA’s science budgets—and its workforce by a third; the impact of cuts of this scale on Goddard could be devastating. 

We are monitoring this changing situation closely and actively advocating for the important work we do at Goddard and elsewhere—I met personally with members of our Congressional delegation in June, for instance. We also are meeting directly with our teams at Goddard and providing direct support for those employees, including information about health insurance options and monthly career development workshops that we began hosting in July. 

There remains a great deal of uncertainty regarding federal support of research. No matter the outcome, UMBC will adapt and evolve while staying true to our identity and the public good we provide. We will remain a research institution that advances knowledge and trains scholars across the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and the arts, and that leads in critical areas of innovation and workforce needs for our state, our nation, and our world. 

Our International Community 

We remain concerned about the impact of federal actions on the international students, staff, and faculty who are a vital part of the UMBC community and the global education that we provide. While we know their desire to study at our institution remains strong, delays in visa processing, the travel ban affecting many countries, as well as the political climate more broadly, present significant challenges for current and prospective international students. Based on what we are seeing so far regarding increased visa processing times and decreased visa issuance rates, we expect to see a significant decline in our international graduate student enrollment this fall. 

We recently surveyed newly admitted international students regarding the status of their visas. Several students have visa appointments confirmed in August but will likely be unable to arrive until after the first day of classes. We ask our campus community to be understanding of these late arrivals given the difficult challenges these students are facing in order to join UMBC. 

The team in the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) has worked tirelessly through the summer to provide valuable support to our international community, including newly enrolled students. Please continue to reach out to them for additional support as needed, and visit our information and resources site frequently for the latest updates on our work in response to federal actions and orders. Among other things, it includes information on international travel, updates regarding visa interview waiver eligibility, resources for international students, and guidance related to the potential for federal immigration enforcement action on campus. 

Inclusive Excellence

Finally, I want to address the concern that many have expressed about the Trump administration’s actions and orders related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)—and the impacts of those at many higher education institutions. Among the latest developments was a memo released in late July by the Department of Justice that provided “guidance for recipients of federal funding regarding unlawful discrimination.” Some news outlets reported that this memo declared DEI illegal. 

That memo, like the Dear Colleague letter from the Department of Education (ED) that preceded it in February, followed executive orders issued by the White House targeting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts. Neither the ED letter nor the recent DOJ memo change existing law. Existing laws protect against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin—and so do UMBC’s policies, including our nondiscrimination policy. 

Inclusive excellence is not just one of our values. It is core to our identity and to our definition of educational and research excellence. We will not relent in our pursuit of inclusive excellence, nor will we overreact or anticipatorily over-comply. We will, at all times, continue to hold UMBC to the highest standards in adhering to university policies and applicable state and federal laws. The multistate guidance on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility employment initiatives issued earlier this year by Maryland State Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and 15 other state attorneys general, remains a helpful resource and guide for us all. 

On behalf of our core team that has met regularly throughout the summer, thank you for your ongoing dedication and support for UMBC and all who comprise this extraordinary community. I am looking forward to the start of the semester and to the opportunity to continue our work together. 

Sincerely, 

President Valerie Sheares Ashby 

]]> Dear UMBC Community,  While campus may seem quiet over the summer, the news from beyond campus has been anything but. I write today with an update on the impacts of federal actions and orders... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/151380/guest@my.umbc.edu/450f11519039bcf82c8fdd52a13501a0/api/pixel federal-orders president Announcements - Campus https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/original.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/large.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/medium.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/small.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxsmall.png?1691177756 Announcements - Campus 14 0 false Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:18:47 -0400 Leadership Announcement A new vice president for Communications and Marketing
Dear UMBC Community,

It is my great pleasure to share the news that Lisa K. Van Riper has been appointed as UMBC’s vice president for communications and marketing. She comes to UMBC from Goucher College in Baltimore, where she serves currently as vice president for marketing and communications. She will begin in the role at UMBC on July 21.

Lisa K. Van Riper

Lisa has more than 25 years of experience in communications and marketing in higher education, consumer packaged goods and services corporations, and public service agencies. At Goucher, she leads a team of professionals who collaborate across campus to support the college’s goals for recruitment, fundraising, reputation-building, and more through an integrated, digital-first approach to storytelling and marketing. She successfully led a major branding initiative for the college and has overseen a broad effort to enhance and modernize the college’s digital marketing strategy and develop a cohesive, unifying brand identity.

As a member of the president’s cabinet at Goucher, Lisa has also attended thoughtfully to internal communications for the college, serving as lead for crisis and issues management communications and for presidential and cabinet communications generally.

Prior to her role at Goucher, Lisa served as vice president for marketing, communications, and information technology at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, and as vice president for communications and public relations at Common App. Her higher education leadership experience includes several years as assistant vice president for university communications at the University of Richmond, and her professional experience outside of higher education includes communications leadership roles with CarMax, Inc., and Alexandria Renew Enterprises, an independent, special-purpose government unit in Virginia that manages wastewater for the city of Alexandria and surrounding areas.

Lisa earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, and is currently enrolled in Goucher’s Master of Fine Arts program in Nonfiction. She is an active member of Leadership Baltimore County.

In addition to being an expert marketer and talented communications professional, Lisa is a strong manager and leader who has successfully built and developed teams and fostered effective collaborations with campus partners. I am particularly excited about her skills in these areas and her deep interest in supporting the leadership and staff in University Communications and Marketing (UCM). Lisa’s expertise and experience will contribute enormously to our shared work to advance UMBC’s strategic priorities and our mission as a dynamic, inclusive public research university.

My thanks to all who participated in this important search and to the UCM team for its steadfast dedication to their work and to UMBC. I want to offer my sincere thanks, as well, to Tim Cobb, who has provided valuable support as interim vice president of the division since January. Congratulations and welcome, Lisa!

Sincerely,

President Valerie Sheares Ashby

]]> Dear UMBC Community, It is my great pleasure to share the news that Lisa K. Van Riper has been appointed as UMBC’s vice president for communications and marketing. She comes to UMBC from... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150866/guest@my.umbc.edu/545b1e6a17158827408e24aed97e0c68/api/pixel president Announcements - Campus https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/original.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/large.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/medium.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/small.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxsmall.png?1691177756 Announcements - Campus 6 0 false Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:00:01 -0400 Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:00:02 -0400 Updates on Sherman Hall Renovation Project Accessible sidewalk routes will change for phase two
Dear UMBC Community,

We have reached an exciting time for the Sherman Hall Renovation Project, so I am writing to share updates about progress related to Phase 1 and information about upcoming logistical changes related to work on Phase 2. You may find this map helpful in better understanding the details below.

Phase 1 and 2 Moving Plans

The first phase of renovations—constituting the “A Wing” of the building, closest to the ITE Building, and the area connecting the two wings—is nearing completion. We hope to move occupants into the newly renovated spaces this September. Moves will begin this summer as we work toward vacating for Phase 2 “B Wing” by early October. We will be communicating with these groups directly to share further information about timelines.

Sidewalk Access

In anticipation of this, we have already begun working on the exterior of Phase 2. To perform the work replacing the facade on this side, it will be necessary to close the sidewalk between the Sherman and Sondheim buildings from October 2025 to January 2027. This is the sidewalk referred to as "Academic Row" or "196" (its average elevation above sea level). Blocking this pathway will keep pedestrians safe from the construction activities during Phase 2 renovations. The contractor will also be protecting the tall oak trees (considered "legacy trees" because of their longevity with our campus community). We will be asking pedestrians to go around the side of Sondheim closest to the RAC, and an accessible route will be set up through Sondheim starting in the fall. More details about routes will be provided closer to the beginning of the fall semester.

Over the summer while the campus population is low, the contractor will begin installing fencing and gates between Sherman and Sondheim that will eventually close this sidewalk. We expect this work to start in mid-July and be completed prior to the beginning of the fall semester. Temporary partial closures may be expected around the work areas to install the fence posts. Please use caution in the area during these sporadic events. Once the fencing and gates are installed, the gates will remain open, and access will continue for the duration of this summer.

In the fall, as faculty and staff are transferred into the newly renovated portions of Sherman Hall and out of Sherman's B Wing, access to Academic Row will be closed. At the same time, the contractor will also be removing the barricades and opening pedestrian paths on the Phase 1 side closest to ITE and the Engineering Building. The stairs behind the Administration Building that lead to ITE will remain closed during Phase 2 to keep pedestrians safely away from construction vehicles.

Supporting Progress

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 thus far.

More information will be presented in August regarding the planned closure of Academic Row, including logistics plans for alternate routes for pedestrians and vehicles during construction. For the latest information, please go to the Facilities Management website. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me (jzahor@umbc.edu) or project manager Stacy Brian (sbrian@umbc.edu).

Sincerely,

John Zahor
Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management

]]> Dear UMBC Community, We have reached an exciting time for the Sherman Hall Renovation Project, so I am writing to share updates about progress related to Phase 1 and information about upcoming... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150842/guest@my.umbc.edu/9e7fe6eac264bbf5d652c43bdf88f0ec/api/pixel Announcements - Campus https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/original.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/large.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/medium.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/small.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxsmall.png?1691177756 Announcements - Campus 4 0 false Fri, 27 Jun 2025 14:27:59 -0400 Thu, 09 Oct 2025 15:38:17 -0400 Leadership Announcement David M. Fields named UMBC Police Chief
Dear UMBC Community,

I am delighted to share the news that David M. Fields, who has been serving since late January as acting chief of police at UMBC, has been named to the permanent role. He assumes the leadership of the department following the retirement this spring of former chief Bruce Perry.

David M. Fields

Prior to joining the UMBC community, Chief Fields spent 17 years as a sworn police officer at the University of Maryland, College Park. In 2014, he became the lead firearms instructor in the Training Division Fire Academy, which began a longtime role for Chief Fields in the training of officers and community members in emergency response. At College Park, he created and led the first Tactical Response Unit for the department, and he served as assistant training director of the Training Division before being promoted to captain and then patrol commander of the university’s police department.

In addition to his service as an officer, Chief Fields has spent more than a decade as an adjunct instructor with the Prince George’s County Municipal Academy providing firearms training and qualification to retired law enforcement officers under the Law Enforcement Safety Act, as well as instruction in patrol tactics for veteran and entry-level officers. Since 2016, he has served also as an adjunct instructor with Intelligence Consulting Partners, a firm that provides threat assessment, interactive training, and policy solutions for private and public agencies and organizations across the United States.

Chief Fields studied criminal justice at Bowie State University and University of Maryland University College (now University of Maryland Global Campus). He has provided us with exemplary leadership from the moment he joined UMBC. His expertise, integrity, and commitment to ensuring the safety of every member of the community are evident in everything he does, as is his dedication to the support and development of the sworn officers and staff members who comprise the department.

I am delighted that he has agreed to take on the permanent role of police chief for UMBC. I am grateful, as well, that Lieutenant Ed McDermott, who joined the department with Chief Fields in an acting capacity in January, will now assume a permanent role in the department. Having served previously as executive officer to the chief of the University of Maryland Police Department, Lt. McDermott will serve as chief of staff to Chief Fields at UMBC.

Ed McDermott

I know that many members of our community have had the opportunity to meet and/or work closely with Chief Fields and Lt. McDermott over the last few months and that those who have will share my enthusiasm about this terrific news. Welcome—once more—to Chief Fields and Lt. McDermott!

Sincerely,

President Valerie Sheares Ashby

]]> Dear UMBC Community, I am delighted to share the news that David M. Fields, who has been serving since late January as acting chief of police at UMBC, has been named to the permanent role. He... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150776/guest@my.umbc.edu/d8fa156bc9d043ee975dbc8aa6729679/api/pixel president Announcements - Campus https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/original.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/large.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/medium.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/small.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxsmall.png?1691177756 Announcements - Campus 6 0 false Wed, 25 Jun 2025 10:28:25 -0400 Wed, 25 Jun 2025 10:29:05 -0400 Visa Interview Appointments Update
Dear Campus Community,

I am writing with an important update regarding the U.S. Department of State’s temporary visa interview pause for students and scholars in the F, J, and M categories that has been in place since May 27, 2025.

The information contained in this communication is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter.

On June 18, 2025, the Department of State announced that interview appointments for F student, M student, and J exchange visitor visas will reopen for scheduling “soon” and that expanded guidance on the screening and vetting of visa applicants will be implemented. Politico reported that the guidance to U.S. Embassies and Consulates directed consular officers to implement these vetting procedures within five business days.

The State Department’s announcement outlines the updated guidance regarding expanded screening and vetting for visa applicants. Under the new guidance, visa applicants will be asked to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to “public.”

The “comprehensive and thorough vetting” will include review of applicants to ensure their eligibility for the visa type sought and that applicants “do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests.” Politico reported that consular officials have been instructed to flag applicants for additional review whose social media includes indications of political activism, hostility towards the U.S., support of foreign terrorist groups, and antisemitic harassment.

Guidance:
  • Individuals in F or J status should read the announcement to review the updated policy.
  • Individuals in F or J status should contact the Center for Global Engagement for additional guidance prior to planning international travel.
  • Individuals in F or J status who are abroad, need to renew their visa, and do NOT have an appointment scheduled should regularly check the website of their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, as new appointments may be added at any time.
  • Individuals with a previously scheduled visa interview appointment should attend their appointment as scheduled.
  • Some international students renewing their visa may qualify for a visa interview waiver. They should check with their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to see if they meet the requirements.

UMBC’s Center for Global Engagement is committed to providing comprehensive support to all international students. If you have further questions about this immigration policy, or any other questions, please reach out to our team by visiting our contact page.

Additional information and resources related to immigration and other federal policy updates are available on UMBC’s Federal Orders and Actions Page.

Sincerely,

David L. Di Maria
Vice Provost for Global Engagement

]]> Dear Campus Community, I am writing with an important update regarding the U.S. Department of State’s temporary visa interview pause for students and scholars in the F, J, and M categories... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150794/guest@my.umbc.edu/00b9504979b7fa8021a33c81aca3a365/api/pixel federal-orders Announcements - Campus https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/original.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/large.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/medium.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/small.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxsmall.png?1691177756 Announcements - Campus 2 0 false Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:30:13 -0400 Information Regarding Recent Federal Travel Ban
Dear Campus Community,

I am writing to update you on recent travel restrictions that affect certain members of our campus community.

The information contained in this communication is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. If you have specific legal questions about your own immigration status, please seek assistance from a private immigration attorney.

On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation establishing “full” suspension of entry to the United States for nationals of 12 countries and a “partial” suspension of entry to the United States for nationals of seven additional countries effective June 9, 2025.

During the spring 2025 semester, 54 UMBC students were citizens of one of the designated countries. An additional 32 students who were admitted and already confirmed their intent to enroll at UMBC for the fall 2025 semester may no longer be able to join our campus community due to the new travel restrictions.

Countries subject to the “full” suspension include: 
  • Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

A “full” suspension constitutes a restriction on entry into the United States and applies to most immigrant and nonimmigrant visa holders with limited exceptions for:
  1. Certain diplomatic and official visas;
  2. Certain immediate relative immigrant visas (spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens);
  3. Adoptions by U.S. citizens;
  4. Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran;
  5. Dual nationals applying with a passport nationality not subject to a suspension;
  6. Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for U.S. government employees;
  7. Afghan SIVs;
  8. Participants in certain major sporting events; and
  9. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs).

Countries subject to a “partial” suspension include:
  • Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela

A partial restriction mostly applies to the issuance of immigrant visas and B-1, B-2, F, M and J nonimmigrant visas with limited exceptions for:
  1. Certain immediate relative immigrant visas (spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens);
  2. Adoptions by U.S. citizens;
  3. Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran;
  4. Dual nationals applying with a passport nationality not subject to a suspension;
  5. Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for U.S. government employees;
  6. Participants in certain major sporting events; and
  7. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs).

Applicability:

According to a June 7, 2025, news posting made by the U.S. Department of State,

This Presidential Proclamation only applies to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date AND do not hold a valid visa on the effective date (June 9, 2025). Foreign nationals, even those outside the United States, who hold valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to the Proclamation. No visas issued before June 9, 2025, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation.

Visa applicants who are subject to this Presidential Proclamation may still submit visa applications and schedule interviews, but they may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States.

Support:

International students and scholars from the designated countries should consult with the Center for Global Engagement before making arrangements to travel outside of the United States.

The Center for Global Engagement will continue to monitor White House and U.S. Department of State communications for any updates on this proclamation.

We encourage you to refer to the guidance below and contact the Office of International Students and Scholars if you have any questions, concerns, or if you simply want to talk with an advisor. We are here to support you.

Please check your email regularly and refer to our website for announcements regarding future updates to immigration and visa policies. Additionally, we recommend reaching out to a private immigration attorney if you have specific legal concerns.

Guidance:

Additional information and resources related to immigration and other federal policy updates are available on UMBC’s Federal Orders and Actions Page.

Sincerely,

David L. Di Maria
Vice Provost for Global Engagement


]]> Dear Campus Community, I am writing to update you on recent travel restrictions that affect certain members of our campus community. The information contained in this communication is... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150664/guest@my.umbc.edu/51905aec147ca5dc55b9c4cf7f263043/api/pixel federal-orders Announcements - Campus https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/original.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/large.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/medium.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/small.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxsmall.png?1691177756 Announcements - Campus 3 0 false Fri, 13 Jun 2025 14:13:04 -0400 Recent Updates to Immigration and Visa Policies
Dear Campus Community,

I am writing to update you regarding recent changes to federal immigration and visa policies.

Please remember that each individual’s circumstances are different, and this communication is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. If you have specific questions and hold F, H, or J immigration status, please contact the Center for Global Engagement. If you have specific questions and hold another immigration status, please consult with a private immigration attorney.

1.  State Department pause on new student and exchange visitor visa interviews

On May 27, 2025, Politico reported that the U.S. Department of State directed U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to immediately pause adding additional student and exchange visitor visa (F, J, and M categories) interview appointments.

It is not known how long this pause will last. However, a State Department press briefing transcript quoted the department’s spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, as saying the interruption would be “rather quick” and not a matter of weeks or months. The spokesperson also recommended that visa applicants continue to regularly check online for open appointment slots.

Guidance:
  • Individuals who already have a visa appointment date confirmed should proceed with their scheduled interview.
  • Individuals who do not yet have a visa appointment date confirmed should continue to check online for available appointment slots at their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If an appointment slot is available, then it should be booked immediately.
  • If it seems a student or scholar will be unable to secure an appointment in time to begin their program at UMBC, then they or their hosting department should contact the Center for Global Engagement.

2. Enhanced screening and vetting of visa applicants’ social media activities

Related to the pause on new student and exchange visitor visa interviews, the State Department is expanding social media screening and vetting.

Guidance:
  • All visa applicants should be prepared for additional questions and delays related to the enhanced screening and vetting of social media accounts.
  • Individuals issued a visa must understand that additional searches of social media and electronic devices may occur upon arriving at a U.S. port of entry.
  • Review the Campus Message on International Travel for additional information on new, enhanced vetting procedures, including social media screening and searches of electronic devices.

3. Secretary Rubio announces plan to revoke visas of certain Chinese students

On May 28, 2025, Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced: “the U.S. State Department will work with the Department of Homeland Security to aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields. We will also revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong.”

At this time, it is still not clear when or how these visa revocations will occur. Moreover, Secretary Rubio did not specify which fields are deemed critical.

During the spring 2025 semester, a total of 53 Chinese students enrolled at UMBC. Chinese students and scholars are valued members of our campus community and contribute to our academic endeavors and the cultural vitality of our campus.
 
The Center for Global Engagement will continue to monitor State Department communications for any updates on this initiative. Additionally, we will continue to review SEVIS records for unusual terminations that may relate to visa revocations and notify impacted students immediately.

Guidance:
  • Chinese students and scholars should consult with the Center for Global Engagement before planning travel outside of the United States.
  • Any student or scholar who receives a notice from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Department of State announcing revocation of their visa or SEVIS record should immediately notify the Center for Global Engagement.
  • Individuals concerned about how visa revocations may impact their ability to study in the United States are encouraged to review a recent resource published by the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, which explains the significance of visa revocations and SEVIS terminations. As they note, “visa revocation does not automatically terminate a student’s nonimmigrant status if the student is already present in the United States at the time of revocation. It also does not constitute an order of removal or a requirement to immediately depart.” However, once a student’s visa has been revoked, the student will no longer be able to reenter the United States on the revoked visa.

4. New institutional reporting requirements mandated for exchange visitor program

Institutions approved to sponsor a J-1 exchange visitor program have always been required to report certain incidents involving J-1/J-2 exchange visitors to the Department of State. Such incidents include those that “have or could endanger the health, safety, or welfare of an exchange visitor or otherwise could be expected to bring the Department of State, the Exchange Visitor Program, or the sponsor's exchange visitor program into notoriety or disrepute.”

Examples include serious illness, natural disasters, lost immigration documents, etc. When the Center for Global Engagement becomes aware of a “reportable incident,” we must report it within one business day.

The Department of State recently added three additional categories of incidents that must be reported:

  • Proscribed Antisemitic Actions: (e.g., physical actions directed towards Jewish individuals and/or their property, community institutions, or religious facilities that violates the law or university rules)
  • Serious Violations of University Conduct Rules: (e.g., participation in a building occupation, participation in an unauthorized encampment, disrupting classes, intimidation, harassment, assault)
  • Terrorist Activity, Endorsing or Espousing Terrorism: (e.g., engaging in terrorist activity, membership in a terrorist organization, endorsing or espousing terrorist activity)
These incident reporting requirements only apply to the J Exchange Visitor Program. UMBC exchange visitors are students and scholars whose forms DS-2019 are issued by the university. These expanded categories and reporting requirements do not apply to UMBC international community members in other immigration statuses, such as F-1 and H-1B.

5. USCIS requests biometrics for certain international employees

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently began issuing Requests for Evidence (RFE) for certain employment-based immigration petitions, including H-1B specialty worker visas for international faculty and staff, when the agency has “adverse information” regarding the beneficiary. These RFEs do not disclose the details of such information, but require the beneficiary to submit biometric data.

Guidance:
  • International employees should be aware that certain social media activity and legal records, including minor traffic violations, may be considered “adverse information” and result in a request for biometric information. Individuals who fail to respond to an RFE by the stated deadline risk having their petition denied by USCIS.

6. Scams targeting international students

Recently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a public service announcement warning that scammers are contacting international students claiming there is a problem with their immigration status and demanding a fee to resolve the issue. The announcement provides several tips included in the guidance below.

Guidance:
  • Beware of unsolicited communication from someone purporting to be from the government, especially by phone. Verify you are speaking with a government official by hanging up and contacting the office through a third-party obtained number (e.g., web search for legitimate contact information), then asking for the agent or department with whom you were speaking.
  • Verify that the website visited is a secure or encrypted site, as government websites are.
  • Repeating top-level domains in a URL is a common scam to make a website appear legitimate (e.g. "gov.org" in a URL is a spoof of the .gov top-level domain).
  • Do not provide information on the phone until you verify the identity of the caller.
  • If you believe you are the target of a government impersonation scam targeting international students, gather all relevant documentation and contact diplomatic security at your home country's embassy, the FBI, or Bureau of Diplomatic Security at the Department of State.
  • Do not give anyone a two-factor authentication code used to log-in to an account or device.
  • Do not download files to your phone or computer unless you have verified the source.
Additional information and resources related to immigration and other federal policy updates are available on UMBC’s Federal Orders and Actions Page.

Sincerely,

David L. Di Maria
Vice Provost for Global Engagement

]]> Dear Campus Community, I am writing to update you regarding recent changes to federal immigration and visa policies. Please remember that each individual’s circumstances are different, and... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150536/guest@my.umbc.edu/f5decdd14a81d8eecf07988f715fd424/api/pixel federal-orders Announcements - Campus https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/original.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/large.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/medium.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/small.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxsmall.png?1691177756 Announcements - Campus 14 0 false Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:57:49 -0400 Wed, 11 Jun 2025 08:29:56 -0400 Budget Planning and Projections Information about our FY26 budget
Dear UMBC Community, 
 
We write today to provide an update on our budget planning for fiscal year 2026 (FY26) and to share with you a sense of the near-term financial picture for UMBC in light of reductions in state funding and further anticipated reductions in federally supported research and programs. 
 
We reported previously that the recently approved state budget for FY26 includes a 7 percent reduction in UMBC’s operating budget allocation. The University System of Maryland subsequently directed its institutions to prepare budget projections incorporating that cut plus an additional 3 percent for FY26 and an additional 5 percent for FY27. 
 
The projections are in response to increased fiscal pressure, given state and federal funding cuts, anticipated cuts in indirect cost recovery on federal research grants, and a variety of uncertainties related to federal actions that could impact the state’s economy and affect revenues across our institutions. Federal impacts vary by institution, and so, too, will our responses. 
 
For UMBC, the projections result in a bottom-line need to reduce our budget by $14.8 million for FY26. This is a sizable reduction, but we are confident at this time that we can achieve it through thoughtful, strategic reductions in spending across the university and without enacting salary reductions, furloughs, or layoffs. As we develop our final budget for FY26, we will also be looking ahead to FY27, for which we are projecting an additional cut of $10.5 million. 
 
How will we close the $14.8 million gap for FY26? We expect the reductions to affect the entirety of the university, but we do not believe that across-the-board reductions will be the most effective or strategic approach, particularly amid such dynamic conditions. We are thinking carefully about how best to target these reductions, prioritizing our people, our mission, and our values as we do. 
 
The budget office, which shared preliminary budget files with academic and administrative units in April, will soon share updated numbers with all units and support them in developing their detailed budgets over the coming weeks. Unit-level decisions will need to include such actions as reductions in operating expenses and discretionary budgets and considerations of vacant positions. 
 
We extend our gratitude to you in advance for your commitment to this important work. This is a difficult moment for higher education, and UMBC is not immune to the challenges or uncertainty. Yet we are unwavering in our belief in UMBC and its ability to navigate through this moment successfully. 
 
As I shared in the recent conversation about strategic planning and UMBC’s future, we stand at the beginning of UMBC 3.0, building on the university’s history and its remarkable evolution since its founding in 1966. The current moment may cause us to pivot, to adjust timelines, and to adapt, but we will remain true to UMBC 1.0 and 2.0 and true to our values and our vision for 3.0. As I asked that day, can you imagine a UMBC that is not focused on student success? Can you imagine a UMBC that is not rooted in inclusive excellence? We cannot. We will not. We will move forward, with our shared commitment and dedication to who UMBC is and to everything it can be. 
 
Sincerely,
 
President Valerie Sheares Ashby
 
Daniel Petree, Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance

]]> Dear UMBC Community,    We write today to provide an update on our budget planning for fiscal year 2026 (FY26) and to share with you a sense of the near-term financial picture for UMBC in light... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150441/guest@my.umbc.edu/d5e38b1afe46d67ac8f678462ac914cb/api/pixel president Announcements - Campus https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/original.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/large.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/medium.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/small.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxsmall.png?1691177756 Announcements - Campus 4 0 false Wed, 28 May 2025 14:04:29 -0400 2025 Student Honors and Award Booklet Available Online

As we celebrate the end of the academic year, the 2025 Student Honors and Awards Booklet (SHAB) is now posted online. SHAB is published annually in celebration of Student Recognition Week and highlights:

View SHAB here.

We encourage faculty and staff to find the students they work with and mentor and celebrate the awards and honors these Retrievers have earned!

Congratulate these students on social media with #UMBCproud!

]]> As we celebrate the end of the academic year, the 2025 Student Honors and Awards Booklet (SHAB) is now posted online. SHAB is published annually in celebration of Student Recognition Week and... https://provost.umbc.edu/student-honors-and-awards/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150293/guest@my.umbc.edu/367452893c8790bd8924ff97ddb4bd8e/api/pixel Announcements - Campus https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/original.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/large.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/medium.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/small.png?1691177756 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxsmall.png?1691177756 Announcements - Campus 1 0 false Mon, 19 May 2025 15:57:39 -0400