Faculty are invited to meet one-on-one with SDS staff members Tori Jakpa and Michael Canale for hands-on support to help move your Ally score from red to green. Sessions are practical, supportive, and designed to leave you feeling accomplished.

We're also happy to answer questions about:

• Accommodations

• Working with students with disabilities

• General digital accessibility concerns

Webex Details: 

• Dates: January 6–27
• Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (daily)

Please use this link to schedule a session.

This December, the Division of Institutional Equity has a full lineup of events and opportunities for the UMBC community. All events and opportunities across the division are open to full participation by all community members. Here's how you can get involved!

Office of Accessibility and Disability Services
Accessibility Tour: Wayfinding, Skywalks, and Resources
December 8 | 12 pm - 1 pm | In-person

Join the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services for a guided tour of UMBC's "Campus on a Hill" on December 8th. Accessibility is everyone's responsibility, and this is a great opportunity to learn about campus accessibility features, challenges, and how you can be an effective Accessibility Ally! 

Link: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/events/147666

Office of Equity and Civil Rights
Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities Under Title IX 
December 5 | 12 pm - 12:50 pm | Virtual

This virtual training session 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. 

Link: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/equityandinclusion/events/147959

Note: 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. Instructions for completing the asynchronous training modules can be found here. 

Mandatory Annual Title IX Student Training

UMBC is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the campus community and is committed to maintaining a campus environment that is free from sex discrimination, including both sexual and gender-based harassment and violence. To help meet these goals, UMBC requires all students to complete an online educational program on topics including consent, bystander intervention, sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, stalking, and related topics. All students are required to complete this training at the start of each academic year. The online training can be accessed at UMBC's Vector Solutions login page. For questions, please see the Student Training FAQ page or email ecrtraining@umbc.edu.

Community and Culture Unit
December 9 | 11:30 am - 1 pm | Virtual
Inclusive Excellence in Action 

Join us for the culminating session of this fall's Inclusive Excellence in Action series– "Applying Student-focused Microaffirmation Tools and Practices to Foster Belonging and Inclusion". This session will introduce participants to the powerful practice of microaffirmations, small but meaningful acts of recognition, active listening, and positive feedback, that consciously counter microaggressions and reinforce student belonging. Link:https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/doie/events/147644

Center for Social Justice and Dialogue
Become a Social Justice Dialogue Facilitation Fellow

CSJD is hiring for the spring 2026 semester; the position is open to undergraduates and graduates.  Find more information about the position here: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/csjd/posts/154817

Women's, Gender, and Equity Center (WGEC) 
Self-Care Day!
December 10 | 10 am - 4 pm | The Commons: 329

Visit the WGEC to relax and de-stress before finals. Drop by to design a self-care goodie bag, color a bookmark, decorate a mini self-care notebook, or sip some hot tea.  Link for more information: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/womenscenter/events/148434

Discussion Group Meetings

Note: All programs, events, and opportunities are open to full participation by all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and University nondiscrimination policies.

"Looking behind, I am filled with gratitude. 
Looking forward, I am filled with vision. 
Looking upwards, I am filled with strength. 
Looking within, I discover peace." - Quero Apache prayer

The DOIE staff are embracing a season of gratitude. We invite you to read the heartfelt expressions below from staff about what they value and join us in recognizing the many ways our campus community fosters belonging, connection, and inclusive excellence. Have a restful break!

________

"I am thankful to be a part of such a strong group of like-minded humans who have all been welcoming and kind. I am thankful to learn from each of you in different ways that inspire me to further educate myself and those around me, also inspiring me to be better each day."
Sunny Warden
she/her
Testing Manager

"health, friends, family (especially my nieces), meaningful work, fun hobbies, travel, a cozy home, my supportive partner"
Wendy Low
she/her
Coordinator, Center for Social Justice Dialogue

"the amazing people in my life"
Selena Benitez- Cuffee
she/her
Deputy Title IX Coordinator

"I am so thankful to work with amazing students, co-workers, and division leaders who care about and are invested in making the world a better and more loving, and just place."
Zoe Brown
she/her
Assistant Director of the WGEC 

"I am thankful for the opportunity to serve in the division of institutional equity, my supportive supervisors, and the learning opportunities this role provides"
Deborah Dada
she/her
Graduate Assistant, Community & Culture

"My supportive team members!"
Reilly Metzger
she/her
ECR Training and Prevention Manager

"I'm thankful for all of the intelligent, compassionate and hard-working individuals that joined the team in the last year!"
Caleb Adrian Ruck
he/him
Graduate Assistant, CSJD

"I am thankful for my colleagues and our incredible partners in the campus community who understand and support our mission of equal access to learning!"
Cassie Kilroy Thompson
she/her
Assistant Director, SDS

"I'm very thankful for the learning opportunities presented in my practicum placement and the engaging events we are able to host for students, faculty, and staff. I really enjoy how much student engagement is a priority and the intentionality around creating events."

Chloe Kastner
she/her
MSW Intern

"I'm thankful for a staff who shows up with heart, integrity, and commitment every day. Their passion for supporting students, faculty, and staff, and advancing equity, makes our work meaningful and reminds me why I love what we do."
Lauren Allen
She/Her/Hers 
Senior Director of the Women's, Gender, & Equity Center 

"This semester, the C&C team hired several new professional, graduate, and undergraduate staff. I have so much gratitude for the skills, experiences, passion, and joy they bring to our work."
Jasmine Lee
she/her
Associate Vice President for Community & Culture/Co-Director, Center for Social Justice Dialogue

Dear UMBC Community,

As we continue to rely on digital platforms for teaching, learning, and administrative functions, digital accessibility has been a core component of that commitment. UMBC has been dedicated to making our information technology and digital content accessible so that everyone has the opportunity to make use of the university's knowledge, ideas, and resources.

We are updating and expanding our digital accessibility initiatives to meet new federal requirements. On April 24, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) finalized a new rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), defining clear technical standards for digital accessibility to follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level A (minimum) and Level AA (enhanced) for images, sound, video, documents, and text. As content for courses, research, and the public is constantly created, this will be an ongoing effort requiring everyone to do their part for the benefit of others.

To support this ongoing effort, UMBC has launched the Digital Accessibility Steering Committee (DASC) led by vice presidents Tanyka Barber and Jack Suess. This group is charged with developing, tracking, and evolving our compliance efforts by focusing our resources on the efforts that can achieve the greatest impact.

The DASC has started meeting and will begin reaching out to campus departments and constituencies to communicate and seek feedback on our plans and efforts that are underway. This work affirms our university's deep and ongoing commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community for all our members. Together, we can use this effort to create a more accessible digital environment that truly works for all members of our community.

Additional digital accessibility information and resources are available on both the UMBC Digital Accessibility website and the USM Digital Accessibility website.

Sincerely,

Manfred H. M. van Dulmen
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Tanyka M. Barber
Vice President for Institutional Equity and Chief Diversity Officer

Jack Suess
Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

To view the original post click this link: 
https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements/posts/154649

UMBC is one of just 10 universities nationwide to be invited to join the 2025-26 Advanced Campus Pluralism cohort, a collaboration between Interfaith America and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). UMBC has received $25K to create a strategic plan to develop practices that lead to deeper engagement across differences, and integrate practices into the university's work in inclusive excellence. It will include partnerships between the Divisions of Student Affairs and Institutional Equity, as well as the Provost's Office and Academic Affairs, with input from campus leadership and stakeholders.

"We are thrilled to be joining this cohort of public universities committed to engaging civic pluralism on their campuses," said Matt Hoffman, director of the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Pluralism in the Division of Student Affairs. "This grant will serve as a moment to intentionally pause and chart a course for how civic pluralism and the work of supporting religious and spiritual diversity can be a core part of UMBC's larger value of inclusive excellence. Through strategic partnerships, our planning team will be seeking out innovative ways to lift up the work already being done and seek outcomes that will impact our entire campus community."

Civic pluralism focuses on mutual dignity, shared responsibility, and principled engagement across lines of difference and emphasizes deep relational commitments to equity, belonging, and democratic coexistence. In the past few years, UMBC has expanded and invested in the shifting and growing needs of its campus religious and spiritual communities, building on an institutional commitment to inclusive excellence. The university is committed to creating spaces and resources for students with closely held religious and spiritual identities to find belonging on campus. 

UMBC's strategic plan will inform and guide how the university community will relate, learn, and build community across the diverse institution. Building a robust strategic plan for advancing pluralism on campus allows UMBC to continue to be responsive to the changing demographic needs of students, staff, and faculty as well as UMBC's historic commitment to "welcome and [inspire] inquisitive minds of all backgrounds." 

Dr. Jasmine Lee, associate vice president for community and culture and co-director of the Center for Social Justice Dialogue in UMBC's Division of Institutional Equity, said, "The beauty of this grant opportunity is that we get to receive funding to support work that is already happening on our campus. At UMBC, we are not new to civic pluralism - we call it inclusive excellence. The funding and principles driving the work of advancing civic pluralism through AACSU and Interfaith America are directly aligned with our vision of inclusive excellence at UMBC and will help us continue to bolster the meaningful work taking place."

UMBC will also use the grant funds to develop plans under three commitment areas: Capacity Building, Co-curricular Engagement, and Curricular Experiences. Staff who will be leading aspects of this work include Hoffman and Dr. Lee, with Dr. Renique Kersh, vice president for student affairs, as the executive sponsor.

Capacity Building will focus on updating a definition for inclusive excellence and how it incorporates and overlaps with civic pluralism; expanding the role of the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Pluralism and creating a partnership with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life, as well as building out the existing collaborations with the Center for Social Justice Dialogue and the institutionalization of restorative practices. Additionally, capacity building will focus on amplifying opportunities for faculty, staff, and students alike to develop and practice competencies and skills for dialoguing across difference, resolving conflict, and building bridges to collaborative solutions. 

Curriculum and Scholarships will focus on inventorying existing pluralism work on campus; creating a micro-credentialing and/or certificate program in civic pluralism; and developing opportunities for students, staff, and faculty to engage in transformative experiences and collaborations through existing or new programming.

Co-Curricular Engagement will focus on ongoing pluralism programming and student fellows, providing leadership opportunities, and reinforcing UMBC's commitment to pluralism beyond the classroom.

The grant will also fund The Dialogue Symposium: Bringing Colleges and Communities Together at UMBC on January 29, 2026. The symposium aims to highlight and strengthen dialogue practices that make campuses more connected, inclusive, and resilient. Grounded in the work of the Difficult Dialogues National Resource Center, this year's theme, "Dialogue as a Campus and Community Approach," explores how institutions and organizations can embed dialogic practices across curricular, co-curricular, and administrative spaces.

The Division of Institutional Equity joins the Indigenous Peoples Union and our many campus community members in recognizing and honoring Native American Heritage Month.

National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November to honor the traditions, languages, and stories of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island communities, ensuring their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation. This month, the Division of Institutional Equity invites you to engage through our "Read, Watch, Listen, Participate" list to celebrate, connect, and explore on and off campus.

To request accommodation(s) or to inquire about event accessibility, please get in touch with each program office directly. All sessions are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy..

Events
November 15 | 2pm - 6pm | Timonium Fairgrounds
Indigenous Peoples Union Retreat 

Join IPU at the Baltimore American Indian Center's 49th Powwow to engage in sacred intertribal celebrations of life, heritage, and community. More information about the event, registration and transportation can be found here.

Explore

Engage in a virtual tour to learn about American Indian Historic Spaces and Places in East Baltimore, a project by Dr. Ashley Minner, a former UMBC professor.

Read

• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot
• Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith
• Lost Kingdom: Hawaii's Last Queen, the Sugar Kings and America's First Imperial Adventure by Julia Flynn Siler
• We Are Water Protectors by  Carole Lindstrom

Watch

• Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner.
• Rez Ball
• Te Ata
• The Grizzlies
• Rutherford Falls (comedy series) 

Listen

• All My Relations podcast
• Native Pride playlist 
• Toasted Sister Podcast
• Indigenous Music Spotlight playlist 

This November, the Division of Institutional Equity has a full lineup of events and opportunities for the UMBC community. All events and opportunities across the division are open to full participation by all community members. Here's how you can get involved!

Office of Accessibility and Disability Services

Accessibility Tour: Wayfinding, Skywalks, and Resources

Join the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services for a guided tour of UMBC's "Campus on a Hill" on November 10th & 19th. Accessibility is everyone's responsibility, and this is a great opportunity to learn about campus accessibility features, challenges, and how you can be an effective Accessibility Ally! Registration and additional information about the tours can be found here: [November 10 & November 19]

Office of Equity and Civil Rights

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities Under Title IX

This virtual training session 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. Registration and additional information can be found here [ November 10 & November 21]

Mandatory Annual Title IX Student Training

UMBC is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the campus community and is committed to maintaining a campus environment that is free from sex discrimination, including both sexual and gender-based harassment and violence. To help meet these goals, UMBC requires all students to complete an online educational program on topics including consent, bystander intervention, sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, stalking, and related topics. All students are required to complete this training at the start of each academic year. The online training can be accessed at UMBC's Vector Solutions login page. For questions, please see the Student Training FAQ page or email ecrtraining@umbc.edu.

Community and Culture Unit

November 4 | 11:30 am - 1 pm | Virtual
Inclusive Excellence in Action 

Join us for the first session of this fall's Inclusive Excellence in Action series " Using Microaffirmations to Foster Psychological Safety for Faculty and Staff ". Participants will reflect on our shared responsibility to uplift one another, especially when safety falters, and leave equipped with a practical, values-grounded toolkit of microaffirmations to nurture respect, belonging, and inclusive excellence across campus. 

Cultural Heritage Month Celebrations

November is Native American History Month. Stay tuned for our 'Read, Watch, Listen, Participate' post.

Center for Social Justice and Dialogue

November 11 | 5:30 pm - 7 pm | The Commons : 327
Stitching Your Story 

Join the Center for Social Justice Dialogue for a fun and reflective evening of storytelling, dialogue and community. Attendees will learn about the importance of storytelling and how stories cand be told through stitching. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

November 19 | 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Virtual
Building Bridges Across Differences: A Dialogue for Everyday Series

Join the Center for Social Justice and Dialogue for the final session of this series, "Imagining Justice & Belonging Together". Participants will explore actionable ways to foster a culture of care, connection, and collective responsibility. 

Women's, Gender, and Equity Center (WGEC) 

Quilt Square Making for Trans Day of Remembrance
November | During open hours

Leading up to Transgender Day of Remembrance, the WGEC invites community members to make a quilt square to honor those who have lost their lives to transphobia. 

Discussion Group Meetings

Note: All programs, events, and opportunities are open to full participation by all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and University nondiscrimination policies.

Join us for Inclusive Excellence in Action, a semesterly series highlighting key inclusion, belonging, access practices and behavior at UMBC. Each session will offer practical insights into the work in these areas, share valuable resources, and equip participants with actionable skills and behaviors to foster inclusivity in their personal and professional lives. This engaging series will inspire and empower our community to implement inclusive excellence daily.

November 4, 2025, 11:30 am - 1 pm (Virtual)
Using Microaffirmations to Foster Psychological Safety for Faculty and Staff 
Speaker: Bina Patel Ph.D 

Grounded in UMBC's vision of redefining excellence through an inclusive, collaborative culture, this Inclusive Excellence in Action session invites us to harness the small, intentional gestures—microaffirmations—that strengthen psychological safety and everyday belonging. Whether it's affirming someone's name or pronouns, giving thoughtful recognition, or inviting quieter voices into the conversation, these actions disrupt exclusion, foster dialogue, and reinforce trust. Together, participants will reflect on our shared responsibility to uplift one another, especially when safety falters, and leave equipped with a practical, values-grounded toolkit of microaffirmations to nurture respect, belonging, and inclusive excellence across campus. Register here: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/doie/events/147642

December 9, 2025, 11: 30 am - 1 pm (Virtual)
Applying Student-focused Microaffirmation Tools and Practices to Foster Belonging and Inclusion.

Speaker:  Floyd Cheung, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion; Professor of English Language & Literature and American Studies.

This session centers on embedding microaffirmations and microresistance into everyday campus life. Participants will learn how to proactively address bias, respond confidently to microaggressions, and foster a sense of belonging through intentional gestures and effective communication strategies. Drawing on Dr. Floyd Cheung's research and experience, participants will walk away with practical, values-driven tools, such as OTFD and ACTION, to build inclusive and trusted spaces for students and colleagues alike. Register here:https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/doie/events/147644