If you’ve visited the Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation (UGAO) office recently, you’ve likely noticed a fresh new look—and a more welcoming atmosphere to match. On August 11th, UGAO hosted an open house to unveil recent renovations aimed at transforming how visitors experience the space, right from the moment they approach the entrance.

This redesign is more than just aesthetic. It’s about creating a seamless, engaging journey that reflects UMBC’s core values—innovation and inclusion.

The visitor experience now starts before guests even step inside. A refreshed logo wrap on the entrance doors immediately sets a welcoming tone, offering visual cohesion and a clear expression of UMBC’s identity. Updated lettering and branding further reinforce that message of clarity and pride.

Inside, a reimagined lobby transforms check-in into a smoother, more guest-friendly process. A new reception desk, upgraded seating, self-service counter, and interactive display monitors create a comfortable, efficient, and modern space for guests to begin their campus journey. Rotating digital content makes it easier than ever to explore and engage.

Hallway as a Destination

The journey continues down the hallway to the Retriever Room, now designed to serve as more than a passageway—it’s part of the experience. As guests are guided forward, newly added self-service brochure walloffering flyers for a variety of UMBC services and opportunities and a coffee station invite them to pause and engage with the UMBC story.

A selfie station with backdrop and props adds an element of fun and shareability to the visit, helping prospective students and families create moments that last beyond the tour.

Retriever Room: Ready for the Future

The Retriever Room has been upgraded to support a wider range of programming and improved accessibility. New stackable, wipeable chairs increase seating capacity, while an upgraded monitor system—including an 85-inch 4K television—makes the room more adaptable for various uses. The presenter podium has also been modernized with a full range of inputs and a built-in touchscreen for easier control. Additionally, the enhanced sound system ensures clear audio throughout the space. With these updates, the room is now more comfortable, versatile, and capable of supporting current technology needs—ready to meet the evolving needs of students and families.

Collaboration in Action

This renovation was made possible through the collective efforts of many partners. We extend our sincere thanks to:

• University Communications and Marketing (UCM) – for design guidance and coordination
• Facilities Management – for project execution, oversight, and improvements to physical infrastructure
• A/V Services – for enabling a more tech-forward, flexible space
• The Sign Shop – for ensuring critical wayfinding during renovations so the guest experience could remain seamless despite the interruptions; and creating festive touches like the life-sized True Grit and photo booth signs

Special thanks to the following individuals: 

• Rob Connelly, Facilities Management
• Bob Brownlee, Paint Shop
• Stacy Brian, Facilities Management Design & Construction Services
• Mike Pound, Environmental Safety and Health
• Gary Underwood, Facilities Management
• Jim Lord, University Communications and Marketing
• Joe Bonner (and his team) in the Sign Shop
• Joe Washington and the Student Workforce Team
• Meaghan Walker, OFAS
• Danielle Brown, A/V in the Division of Information Technology

Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision, Realized

For the committee leading this project, seeing the renovation come to life has been both rewarding and energizing. The completed updates reflect what’s possible when care, creativity, and collaboration come together in service of a shared goal: creating a welcoming, inclusive, and innovative experience for every visitor.

As the first face of UMBC for many students and families, the Admissions space holds particular significance. Committee members expressed pride in helping shape a space that not only functions more effectively, but better reflects UMBC’s values. Meeting and working with campus partners throughout the process—across design, technology, and facilities—was a highlight of the project. From concept to completion, the experience offered continuous learning and the opportunity to create something meaningful together.

"It was nice to see that everyone [on the committee] cares and is invested in visitors and making the experience the best it can be." — Jen Riehl, Senior Assistant Director, Campus Visits and Events

The project stands as an example of what is possible when we prioritize connection, community, and thoughtful design. We look forward to continuing to build on this foundation as we welcome future generations of Retrievers to campus.

Committee members included: Kim Meyers, Gina Ralston, Jen Riehl, Chris Schene, Kevin Mitchell, and Ashley Myers.

We are proud to highlight the academic achievements, professional development milestones, and well-deserved recognitions earned by our colleagues across Enrollment Management this past academic year. From advanced degrees and certifications to impactful presentations and prestigious awards, these accomplishments reflect an ongoing commitment to student success, leadership, and scholarly excellence.

Degrees

• On March 3, 2025, Monique Ransom, Associate Director for Academic Advisor Development & Student Transition Programs in the Office for Academic and Pre-Professional Advising, successfully defended her dissertation titled Finding Support and Sense of Belonging While in the 'Murky Middle': A Phenomenological Analysis of Black Students' Academic Advising Experiences at a PWI. She earned a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from Frostburg State University. Dr. Ransom’s dissertation is published and available in ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

• This spring, Sharisse Gibson, Program Specialist for Financial Literacy and Education in OFAS, earned an M.S. in Marketing from Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School.

• This summer, Kevin Mitchell, Senior Manager of EM Business Systems and Solutions in OEM, earned an M.S. in Cyber Operations from University of Maryland Global Campus.

Certifications, Credentials, Certificates

• In April, Kashif Khan, IT Specialist in OEM, earned the Google Cybersecurity Certificate, completing 8 courses that demonstrate competency in identifying and mitigating common cybersecurity risks and threats.  

• In December 2024, Samantha Drummond, Executive Administrative Assistant for OAPA and the Registrar's Office, was named Admin of the Month by the American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP). She also completed the ASAP Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE), and this spring, she completed the Building Bridges Across Maryland leadership and professional development program.

• This summer, Andrea Cipolla, Director of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (OFAS), passed the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators(NASFAA) Certified Financial Aid Administrator® exam, affirming her dedication to ethical and effective financial aid practices.

• Amanda Copper, Financial Aid Counselor in OFAS, earned three NASFAA credentials: Application Process, Needs Analysis, and Student Eligibility.
  

• Meaghan Walker, Student Services Coordinator in OFAS, earned her first NASFAA credential in Consumer Information.
  

• Shelly Kessler, Manager of Audit & Compliance in OFAS, earned all 16 NASFAA credentials.
  

• OFAS team members Jenn Volberding (Associate Director of Scholarships), Briana Cross (Assistant Director, Merit Scholarships), and Natalie Smith (Scholarships Coordinator) each earned two NASFAA credentials in Cost of Attendance and Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Promotions

• In May, Rosalie Chesley was promoted to Program Specialist in Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation.

Presentations & Publications

• In December, Carmen Cain, Assistant Registrar in the Registrar's Office, presented University Catalogs: Page to Screen at the Middle States Association of Collegiate Registrars and Officers of Admission (MSACROA) Conference in Baltimore. Her session explored adapting print catalogs to the digital environment using catalog software, with a focus on user experience.

• On November 4, 2024, Desiree Sterling, Coordinator for Pre-Transfer Advising in OAPA, presented Lizzo, ASMR Embodiment, and a Surround Sound Cultural Critique on Body Positivity as part of the Dresher Center’s CURRENTS: Humanities Work Now series. She also led a session at the UMBC Black Excellence Summit in February titled Stepping into Excellence with Line Dancing, highlighting the cultural roots of line dancing in the Black community. The day ended with her leading attendees in a lively soul train line. Desiree, a two-time UMBC alum, also published a book review in Critical Studies in Media Communication in July 2024 titled Misogynoir Transformed: Black Women’s Digital Resistance.

• Ericka Thompson (Assistant Director for Allied Health Programs), Deanna Cerquetti (Academic Advisor), and Dr. Kenneth Baron (Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Advising and Student Success) presented Pathways to Purpose: Innovating Healthcare Career Exploration for the Next Generationat the Northeast Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NEAAHP) Conference this summer.

Awards

• This year, Ciera Clay Valian, Senior Assistant Registrar for Transfer Services and Articulation, received the Jakubik Family Endowment Award during the Presidential Faculty and Staff Awards, recognizing her exceptional contributions to student academic success.

• Bethany Spore, Compliance Manager in the Registrar's Office, is a 2024-2025 recipient of the Diane M. Lee Teaching Award, for her work as an instructor for UNIV 101. She is known for her student-centered approach, emphasizing active listening and individualized support.

• On May 15, Dr. Laszlo Korossy, Assistant Director of Advising, Outreach, and Assessment in OAPA, received the Faculty/Staff Mentor Award at UMBC’s inaugural Asian Cultural Celebration & Awards, in recognition of his work in Orientation Advising.

At UMBC, student employees are more than just the welcoming faces in our front offices — they are collaborators, innovators, and leaders. In Enrollment Management (EM), these students help prospective and current Retrievers navigate their journeys, but in doing so, they often discover their own.

The experience of working in EM — whether in Undergraduate Admissions, Financial Aid, the Registrar’s Office, or Academic Advising — offers more than a paycheck. It offers purpose. These roles cultivate confidence, sharpen professional skills, and give students first hand insight into how systems work. But even more profoundly, they provide opportunities for students to connect, grow, and lead.

For some, like Grit Guide Lilli Malone, the job became a platform for reimagining how the university welcomes new students. With a dual background in History and Theatre Design & Production, Lilli combined structure with experience to develop UMBC’s tour tagging system — matching prospective students with guides who share their interests or identities. Her work helped others see themselves at UMBC, and it also revealed to her the power of inclusive design and collaborative leadership. “I loved helping prospective students feel that someone here sees them,” she reflected.

That same spirit of connection resonated deeply with Evan Royston, another Grit Guide and a History and Political Science major who partnered with Lilli to bring the tour tagging system to life. For Evan, what started as a campus job became a calling. He still has the sign-in sheet from his very first Saturday tour — a symbol of how meaningful one experience could be. Later, that family told him his tour helped them choose UMBC. “It made me realize how much a single conversation can shape someone’s future,” he shared. That sense of impact guided Evan toward graduate study in historical studies, where he will continue making deep connections.

Others, like Peer Advisor Keerti Venkat, found empowerment by helping others navigate complexity. A Psychology major and first-generation American college student, Keerti turned her role in the Office of Academic and Pre-Professional Advising into a bridge — using her own journey to guide others with clarity. “It’s gratifying to know how things work behind the scenes — and to know how to help,” she said. In supporting her peers, she discovered a deeper interest in mental health advocacy and higher education — one she will now pursue through graduate study in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

And in some cases, the student role evolved into something much larger — a cornerstone of identity and purpose. Peer Advisor Sam Kennedy, a Social Work major, began her journey with a simple call campaign and grew into one of the most trusted voices in her office. As a peer advisor in OAPA, Sam became a culture builder — someone who not only supported advising but connected, encouraged, and inspired the peer and professional advising staff. “We build each other up because it helps us to do a better job,” she said. Her role helped clarify her path toward an MSW, rooted in service, empathy, and systems of care.

Across these stories, a shared theme emerges: student employment in Enrollment Management is a high-impact experience — one that fuses academic knowledge with real-world skills, and personal growth with professional readiness. These students didn't just do the job; they shaped it, and it shaped them in return.

Their growth reflects what national research affirms: when institutions design student employment as a learning experience, the benefits multiply. As noted in the 2024 NACE article Reimagining Student Employment, universities that intentionally integrate career development into on-campus roles see stronger student retention and career preparedness. At UMBC, that intentionality is paying off — not just in operational excellence, but in student transformation.

As Lilli, Evan, Keerti, and Sam prepare for graduate school and careers in social work, counseling, and historical research, they carry forward lessons born from service, collaboration, and a deep understanding of what it means to help others find their way.

Because when students are trusted to lead, supported to grow, and encouraged to reflect — everyone benefits.

To learn more about Peer Advisors, contact Laszlo Korossy, Ph.D., Assistant Director of Advising, Outreach, and Assessment in the Office of Academic and Pre-Professional Advising.