FDC staff are available to consult about general strategies for adapting elements of your course to an online environment in a way that meets course learning outcomes. Please email fdc@umbc.edu to set up a consultation. For help with Blackboard and other online teaching tools, see the Division of Instructional Technology's Academic Continuity and Available tools & resources page or submit an RT through myUMBC Help.

We are, as per University protocols, preparing to move online. We are currently testing a range of technologies and will be contacting students via email in all INDS classes with detailed information before the end of Spring Break.

For advising and other meetings, please wait for an INDS staff member to reach out to you via email.

If you have any other questions, please reach out to us!

To keep updated with this evolving situation, visit UMBC COVID-19 Status Webpage.

Our office has received several information requests about using virtual/online formats to take the place of previously planned (and IRB approved) in-person interviews conducted outside of campus. Use of such formats may be useful to PIs to conduct human subjects use research during the COVID-19 event.

Dear ANCS Majors and Minors,

Thank you and have a safe break,

The Department of Ancient Studies   

Following UMBC guidance on canceling campus events until at least April 6th, we will be postponing the 2020 Public Policy Camp originally scheduled for April 3rd until a later date. As the situation with COVID-19 and the state's response to it is rapidly changing, we do not yet have a date set for the rescheduled event. 

We will keep everyone posted on any decisions made regarding rescheduling.

For the most updated information on UMBC's policies and actions around COVID19, please visit https://covid19.umbc.edu/. 

Following guidance from the University System of Maryland in the rapidly developing public health response to COVID-19, UMBC is canceling classes this Thursday and Friday (March 12 – 13, 2020) to provide students, staff, and faculty time to prepare for transition to fully online instruction when classes resume after Spring Break. We expect online instruction to continue for at least two weeks. The university will remain open for other essential purposes, and academic and administrative offices are preparing for remote delivery of student services and other essential operations.

Students should plan to not return to campus for the two weeks following spring break, as they take courses online rather than in person. Staff should plan to return to work on Thursday, March 19. Campus events will be canceled through April 6. Following guidance from the Governor, all university-related out-of-state travel is currently suspended.

We know that our community members will have many questions following this message. The campus Crisis Management Executive Team, chaired by Vice Presidents Lynne Schaefer and Nancy Young, will communicate more information in the days ahead for staff, faculty, and students. This information will include guidance for students who will need to continue to access on-campus housing, further instructions for online teaching for faculty, and telework options for staff.

If you have urgent questions at this time, please contact covid19@umbc.edu.

Dear ANCS Majors and Minors,

The period during which classes will be held online, Mar. 24-April 3, coincides with the advising period for Fall 2020. Face-to-face advising sessions will not take place during this period. 

As a consequence, advising  this semester will take place by email. If you would like to arrange a teleconference advising session on Webex, that’s possible too.

The process will begin with you. When you have determined what classes you would like to take in the Fall 2020 semester (classes will be available online Mar. 21), email Dr. Rosenbloom (drose@umbc.edu) listing these classes. You should also note any specific concerns you would like address about your academic program, if you have any.  Dr. Rosenbloom will examine your record to determine whether these courses further your major and degree requirements, return to you a report on where you stand.  If everything checks out, he will approve you for Fall 2020 registration. 

If you are not sure what courses you would like to take in the Fall 2020, still email Dr. Rosenbloom, but give a him some idea of what courses you would like to take. You and he will then work out a class schedule in the same way as noted above.

As you know, classes are cancelled on Thursday and Friday (March 12 & 13), and we'll be moving classes online for at least two weeks following Spring Break.

All campus events are cancelled until April 6.

Advising and clearance for Fall 2020 registration (which is scheduled to begin April 6) will continue electronically.  I will send out instructions for formats and sign-ups as soon as I settle on a platform.  First pick will go to those who have already signed up for an in-person advising slot, and then I'll make the whole schedule available to everyone.

If you have questions or concerns about anything related to your academic program, future plans, or how this transition will work, please do not hesitate to contact me.  

Take care, and I look forward to meeting you for advising either online or via telephone as needed after Break.

Sincerely,

Dr. Oyen