For those who need TurnAround's help but are not able to call their helpline or office can now text their incredible Crisis Response Team at 410-498-5956 for 24/7 emergency support!
We are beyond thrilled to announce their new endeavor, that will help their advocates further connect to their community members experiencing abuse.
In the spring of 2019, DoIT's AV Services department engineered and installed a software-based video conferencing system in Engineering 025 as a pilot project. Based on the success of this project, the Provost's Office has funded the creation of four more systems to support HyFlex learning, typically defined as letting students choose between online or face-to-face (F2F) delivery, and in "real time" (or synchronously). These systems will improve the total student experience for those in-person and off-site, enjoying vastly better audio and video quality and fostering student engagement.
In our current COVID-19 environment, HyFlex classrooms and pedagogy present a real opportunity to facilitate learning with groups of students who may not be able to gather in person.
As Dr. Zupan and Professor Cook mentioned in the above video, HyFlex teaching is the way of the future. The AV Services department will be upgrading the classroom technology in four campus locations - AD101 (LH3), SOND105, ITE227, and ITE233 - to better accommodate hybrid learning in the spring 2021 semester. HyFlex technology in classrooms includes multiple video cameras to capture the instructor and the class, microphones in the ceiling to capture student audio, and control equipment to provide a more seamless experience for users in the classroom. Any software-based video conferencing client such as Webex and Blackboard Collaborate can be utilized in these new classrooms.
Although there is a learning curve with the technology, DoIT staff will be available to assist with using the technology and adjusting to teaching in a new method. These instructional spaces will be enhanced, but the operation will be familiar to those who have used them in the past.
We look forward to working collaboratively with faculty as they adapt their courses to work in a HyFlex environment and adjust to the new technology.
- The AV Services Team, x52461
If an instructor would like to use one of the four rooms that are being upgraded, they should proceed as follows:
For approved HyFlex/in-person classes where instructor and some or all students will be in the classroom:
Instructors should work with their departmental scheduling coordinator, who will submit a request to the Registrar's Office through RT. The Registrar's Office will work with the scheduling coordinator to reserve the space and update the Schedule of Classes.
For online courses where the instructor would like to use the space to broadcast to remote students:
The instructor or the departmental scheduling coordinator should submit a request including the course information (ex ENGL 100, section 2). If one of the spaces is available during the class time, the Registrar's Office will reserve the room. There will be no changes in the Schedule of Classes as students should not be attending in person. Please note that the instructor will also need to complete the Return to On-Campus Work Approval Process if not already approved to be on campus during the semester.
Administration 101 (LH3) - Traditional lecture hall seating, capacity 32
Sondheim 105 - Active learning space with flexible seating, capacity 17
Information Technology & Engineering 227 - tiered traditional classroom with ample student table surface, capacity 17
Information Technology & Engineering 233 - tiered seminar style classroom with ample student table surface, capacity 17
By Ally Hepp
]]>The UMBC Instructional Technology Update is provided by the Division of Information Technology for students, faculty and staff. If you have questions or need help, please consult the Blackboard Help FAQs or directly at www.umbc.edu/blackboard/help. You can also contact the Technology Support Center at 410.455.3838 or submit an RT (Request Tracker) ticket via the myUMBC Help Menu or directly at my.umbc.edu/help.
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What’s New
Training & Professional Development (view all events | recording archive)
Other DoIT & UMBC News
This survey is designed to assess the level of food insecurity and basic need issues among the UMBC students, faculty, and staff. Your responses will help the research team in advocating for an increased food access and housing security for vulnerable members of the UMBC community. The survey takes about 3 to 7 minutes. All responses will be anonymously recorded. Your participation is completely voluntary. Please DO NOT type your name or UMBC ID anywhere. If you are under the age of 18 years, you are not eligible to complete the survey. By opening the survey, you consent to participate in this study.
Should you have any questions about the project or your rights as a participant in this project, please contact Fariha Khalid (Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health) at fariha1@umbc.edu or the UMBC Office of Research Protections and Compliance at 410-455-2737 or compliance@umbc.edu.
Survey Link: https://retrieveressentials.umbc.edu/survey-2/
Over the past few days, we have been aware of content on social media that has negatively impacted members of our community, especially members of our LGBTQ+ and Muslim communities. We regret that this social media content has made some feel unsafe or invalidated and wish to offer our unwavering support to these communities.
The diversity of UMBC’s community and our commitment to inclusive excellence are among our greatest strengths. We are committed to creating a welcoming community for all and honoring diverse experiences and identities.
At the same time, we also acknowledge our community members’ right to free speech. This is important to us and constitutionally required of us as a public university. We have been pleased to see some community members thoughtfully engage in discussion and advocacy and call for acceptance, care, and meaningful dialogue.
Please know that our office of Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) is responding to these concerns. While we cannot share details, you can read more about how OEI responds to these issues in the message issued last week here. Community members who believe they have experienced an incident of hate, bias, or discrimination can complete the OEI’s Confidential Online Reporting/Referral Form.
We want to take this opportunity to note the care and support resources available to community members.
The Office of Equity and Inclusion is available to provide support and resources. Please email oei@umbc.edu.
Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging (i3b) staff are also available to community members and student organizations in need of support. Please email i3b@umbc.edu.
Students can contact the Counseling Center for confidential support at (410) 455-2472 on weekdays, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., or the after-hours support line at (410) 455-3230.
Employees can access confidential support through the Employee Assistance Program.
To encourage further discussion on these issues, we will begin the spring semester with a community-wide gathering, The Empowered University: Balancing Inclusion and Free Speech, on January 27 at 4pm. More details will be coming soon.
President Freeman Hrabowski
Provost Philip Rous
Mehrshad Devin, President, Student Government Association
Bobby Lubaszewski, President, Professional Staff Senate
Alex Rittle, President, Graduate Student Association
Orianne Smith, President, Faculty Senate
Melody Wright, President, Non-Exempt Staff Senate
]]>Please see the latest updates on UMBC’s Retriever Ready website. Questions? Email covid19@umbc.edu.
COVID-19 Health & Safety
UMBC’s Public Health Dashboard was updated with new data on December 9. There were 8 new positive on-campus cases during this reporting period.
Review helpful guidance from the CDC on testing. Find a testing site in Maryland here.
University Health Services Offers Free Mindfulness Session for Students
Phillip McKnight, M.A.‘19, Instructional Systems Development, and Shriver Peaceworker Fellow, hosts a free Mindfulness Session on Saturday, December 12 at 3:30 p.m. RSVP required.
UMBC Transit Suspends Fixed Route and Charter Services
UMBC Transit regrets that we have suspended fixed route and charter services through the spring 2021 semester due to historically low ridership and COVID-19 response. This is subject to change based on evolving conditions. Please click here for alternative transportation options. For further assistance, inquiries, or concerns please email Transit Operations at transit@umbc.edu.
UMBC Together
Visit the UMBC Together website for recent social media posts and the UMBC Together myUMBC group for information on upcoming events.
Please see the latest updates on UMBC’s Retriever Ready website. Questions? Email covid19@umbc.edu.