Welcoming Our New Retrievers! Dear UMBC Community,

As we wrap up the fall semester, we wish to remind you that soon we will be welcoming our newest Retrievers to the UMBC community!  

Over the next month, over eight hundred newly admitted undergraduate and graduate students will take part in a number of virtual activities as they prepare to join our community, including new student orientation (undergraduate and graduate), new international student orientation, academic transition programs, and Welcome Week.
Kudos to our colleagues in Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation, Graduate School, International Education Services, Undergraduate Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, who have worked to ensure our new students’ transition to UMBC is a smooth and welcoming one.  Thanks also to the faculty and staff in each department, orientation advisors, and academic support staff who stand ready to assist our new students in their academic planning and course selection. And, finally, tremendous thanks to the many UMBC students, including orientation peer advisors (OPAs), global ambassadors, and Welcome Week woolies, who are also helping our new students get off to a great start.

We hope you will join us in creating a welcoming experience for our new students. Examples of ways you can help welcome our newest Retrievers in this virtual space include adding/updating “new student-specific” content on your website, updating your voicemail greetings to welcome “new students and families,” and adding “welcome new students” signage to your virtual backdrops.

Thanks for your continued support as we welcome our new students to #RetrieverNation!

Provost Philip Rous
]]> Dear UMBC Community, As we wrap up the fall semester, we wish to remind you that soon we will be welcoming our newest Retrievers to the UMBC community!   Over the next month, over eight hundred... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/98192/guest@my.umbc.edu/4fb6c1261fcdf0235600f4fb93729764/api/pixel UMBC Community News https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 0 0 true Fri, 18 Dec 2020 16:19:33 -0500 Women's Center Winter Hours and Availability
The Women's Center will be closed from December 23rd until UMBC re-opens on Monday, January 4th. 

During this time, Women's Center staff will be unavailable through our usual means of communication. We'll be resting and recharging ourselves and we hope you'll be able to do the same!

For off-campus resources that can serve and support you while we're away, please visit our website or the Office of Equity and Inclusion's website. 

Our services and support will remain virtual throughout the winter semester beginning January 4th. To connect with a staff member you can email us at womenscenter@umbc.edu or call our mainline Monday through Friday at 410-455-2714. 



]]> The Women's Center will be closed from December 23rd until UMBC re-opens on Monday, January 4th.  During this time, Women's Center staff will be unavailable through our usual means of... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/98178/guest@my.umbc.edu/d2bcd091cbfa454b10042eec9d832c00/api/pixel Women's, Gender, & Equity Center https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/womenscenter https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/xsmall.png?1750974263 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/original.png?1750974263 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/xxlarge.png?1750974263 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/xlarge.png?1750974263 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/large.png?1750974263 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/medium.png?1750974263 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/small.png?1750974263 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/xsmall.png?1750974263 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/xxsmall.png?1750974263 Women's Center https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/098/178/ab210cb58937967842b4dc811f6e428f/xxlarge.jpg?1608299908 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/098/178/ab210cb58937967842b4dc811f6e428f/xlarge.jpg?1608299908 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/098/178/ab210cb58937967842b4dc811f6e428f/large.jpg?1608299908 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/098/178/ab210cb58937967842b4dc811f6e428f/medium.jpg?1608299908 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/098/178/ab210cb58937967842b4dc811f6e428f/small.jpg?1608299908 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/098/178/ab210cb58937967842b4dc811f6e428f/xsmall.jpg?1608299908 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/098/178/ab210cb58937967842b4dc811f6e428f/xxsmall.jpg?1608299908 1 0 false Fri, 18 Dec 2020 09:10:22 -0500 UMBC Mourns the Passing of Alex Rittle, GSA President Dear UMBC Community,

It is with much sadness that we inform the campus that Alex Rittle, President of the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and a Ph.D. candidate in Geography and Environmental Systems (GES), passed away unexpectedly. We do not yet have details on services to celebrate Alex’s life but will share them with the community as they become available.

Alex will be remembered for his kindness and his commitment to helping his fellow graduate students succeed at UMBC. His involvement with GSA began as representative of the GES Graduate Student Organization from 2016 to 2018. He was later elected to serve as Chair of the Graduate Experiences, Achievement, and Research Symposium (GEARS) Committee 2018–2019. He was currently serving his second term as President of the GSA, and was active in UMBC shared governance, serving on the University Steering Committee 2019–2020. He also represented UMBC on the University System of Maryland Student Council and served on the joint Graduate Council linking UMBC and the University of Maryland, Baltimore. As a student representative from UMBC, he was both confident and eloquent as he worked to ensure the graduate student perspective was heard and understood.

Janet Rutledge, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School, remembers that “Alex was a tireless and enthusiastic advocate for graduate students. It is telling that one of his last projects was spearheading an initiative to produce a graduate student survey, to learn how graduate students were doing during the pandemic, and discover ways in which GSA and the University could help.” 

We will remember his authenticity, his passion for education, and his ability to make us think and laugh. All of these qualities shone through in his message of hope and congratulations for our Graduate School Class of 2020. In his pre-recorded Commencement remarks, Alex said of UMBC, “the compassion here is contagious…a UMBC grad knows that accomplishments are not about the attention or the notoriety that may or may not be received. No, we do what we do because we want to make the world, our community, and our homes...better.”

We will also remember his dedication to his academic studies. Alex began his Ph.D. program at UMBC in fall 2015 and reached Ph.D. candidacy in fall 2019. In 2017, Alex was among only four students awarded a prestigious Coastal Resilience and Sustainability Fellowship from Maryland SeaGrant. Matthew Baker, professor of Geography and Environmental Systems and Alex’s doctoral advisor, recalls that “Alex really took to the combination of applied science and outreach he was exposed to at Maryland SeaGrant. It was his dream to become a fellow for the American Association for the Advancement of Science, where he would have an opportunity to contribute to federal science and technology policy.” 

Alex’s GSA colleagues remember him as a compassionate and thoughtful leader who inspired all to speak up and voice their opinions and ideas, and who did so without ever passing judgement. Fariha Khalid, former GSA Senator, said, “Alex managed to open every meeting with a lighthearted joke or funny stories that made everyone feel welcome and brought even the most important of conversations back down to earth. His ability to lead such a diverse group of graduate students looked so natural, and he always managed to find the perfect balance between professionalism and friendliness.” 

A strong advocate for the UMBC graduate community, Alex spent countless hours searching for ways to improve the lives of students on topics ranging from student mental health and food and financial security to international student issues, graduate assistant rights, and opportunities for research and creative achievement. Samantha Fries, GSA Vice President says, “His heart was so big, and the genuine, deep compassion he felt for his peers was always evident in his words and actions. His loss will be felt greatly by many, and we will strive to honor him by continuing the wonderful work he has done to better the lives of the UMBC graduate student community.”

Deanna Cerquetti, former GSA Vice President, noted, “It’s hard to put into words how devastating it is to lose Alex Rittle. As the leader of the GSA, he truly worked hard to give graduate students a voice at UMBC, all with a natural charisma and sense of humor that made everyone feel welcome. Though it’s incredibly difficult to imagine UMBC without him, I know the impact he had on our community will inspire us all to be kind to one another and to continue to work together to make things better.”

Meghan Lynch, Chair of GSA Legislative Concerns, remembered, “I felt so welcomed and encouraged by Alex. I could tell he embodied all of what I know to be true of UMBC: authentically showing up, especially when times are tough, and ensuring people come together for the better. Alex made everyone feel that they were truly part of the community.” GSA Historian Kylie Hoffman added, “Alex’s compassionate leadership and actions will not be forgotten. He never failed to put a smile on the faces of those he crossed paths with, and he spent countless hours searching for ways to improve the lives of students. He will be dearly missed.”

GSA Administrative Assistant Dawn Galindo shared, “Alex was truly blessed with a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit that will forever be missed yet always remembered with great fondness. Alex was pure joy.”

We know that many in our community are deeply affected by this news. Students in need of emotional support can contact the Counseling Center 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 support through the Employee Assistance Program.

During this challenging time in this most challenging year, we leave you with the heartfelt advice that Alex provided to the Class of 2020: “Lead, challenge, ask difficult questions, be wrong so that you can be right later, push yourself, do not let the small defeats distract you from the larger victories, and lastly, love and care for one another like your life depends on it.”

President Freeman Hrabowski
Provost Philip Rous
Janet Rutledge, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School 
Mehrshad Devin, President, Student Government Association
Samantha Fries, Vice President, Graduate Student Association
Bobby Lubaszewski, President, Professional Staff Senate
Orianne Smith, President, Faculty Senate
Melody Wright, President, Non-Exempt Staff Senate ]]> Dear UMBC Community, It is with much sadness that we inform the campus that Alex Rittle, President of the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and a Ph.D. candidate in Geography and Environmental... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/98171/guest@my.umbc.edu/309e6f9353a3b315918cb683e00fddc7/api/pixel memorial UMBC Community News https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 23 1 true Thu, 17 Dec 2020 17:14:28 -0500 Tue, 20 Jul 2021 17:32:23 -0400 December 17: Retriever Ready Action Update Updated Public Health Dashboard + December De-Stress Event

Please see the latest updates on UMBC’s Retriever Ready website. Questions? Email covid19@umbc.edu.

COVID-19 Health & Safety

Counseling Center Presents December De-Stress 

UMBC Together

]]> 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... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/98160/guest@my.umbc.edu/d782b7b0c5c7b8d5e3d4aadc04d0cfc4/api/pixel UMBC Community News https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 0 0 true Thu, 17 Dec 2020 13:14:18 -0500 Spring 2020 Veteran and Dependant Checklist

Continuing Student Checklist

This checklist is for those students who have completed at least one semester while using their military education benefits at UMBC.

NOTE: Returning students need to submit the Request for Certification each semester that they are enrolled in classes.

1. Register for Classes

2. Submit your Request for Certification. You will submit this form to us with your “Certificate of Eligibility” once you have registered for classes for the upcoming semester.  It can be found at veterans.umbc.edu/forms or linked HERE

3.  If you change the number of credits that you have registered for, you will need to resubmit your Request for Certification with your updated credits. Please submit this form AS SOON AS you change your schedule to avoid debts from the VA

Spring 2021 Registration and Certification Information and Updates

As we wrap up the Fall 2020 semester and look ahead to Spring 2021, would like to take this opportunity to go over a few friendly registration and VA-related reminders and dates to help ensure your success.

Advance registration for the Spring 2021 semester has concluded. Below are some helpful resources if you still need to register or adjust your schedule.

Registration Information
Registration Deadlines
Departmental Advising Information

Please remember: VA certification requests for the semester should be submitted as soon as possible after you have registered for classes. Initial certification for books and housing will take place within 14 business days after receiving your request.

The final certification process for tuition and fees for all VA students begins following the add/drop deadline and can take up to 30 days. This does not include VA processing time to send tuition payment to UMBC which can additionally take 3-4 weeks.

Students using GI Bill® benefits wishing to register for upcoming terms with an overdue balance for the current term can contact the VA Certifying Official requesting permission to register.

Additional Information

With regards to questions pertaining to book and housing allowance payments due to COVID, law S.3503 provides the VA with temporary authority to continue GI Bill® payments uninterrupted during an emergency. The law allows the VA to pay education benefits regardless of the fact that a program has been converted from in-person to online modality. These special COVID rules have been extended to December 21, 2021.

Please be mindful that all classes taken must be required towards the degree being pursued as shown in your degree audit. You should consult with your academic advisor if you have questions regarding degree requirements. You can also contact the Registrar’s Office degree audit team.

As always, we work closely with the VA to ensure enrollments are accurately certified and processed. Should you have questions about the certification process, please reach out to our VA certifying official. Your patience during peak times is greatly appreciated. Best wishes for a safe and successful semester..

]]> Continuing Student Checklist This checklist is for those students who have completed at least one semester while using their military education benefits at UMBC. NOTE: Returning students need... https://registrar.umbc.edu/veteran-students/continuing-student-checklist/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/98133/guest@my.umbc.edu/269618e80d5178d6231b9b157501c496/api/pixel Commuter Connections https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/ocss https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/369/e9220286d22558b24422af119b418d0c/xsmall.png?1770828767 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/369/e9220286d22558b24422af119b418d0c/original.png?1770828767 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/369/e9220286d22558b24422af119b418d0c/xxlarge.png?1770828767 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/369/e9220286d22558b24422af119b418d0c/xlarge.png?1770828767 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/369/e9220286d22558b24422af119b418d0c/large.png?1770828767 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/369/e9220286d22558b24422af119b418d0c/medium.png?1770828767 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/369/e9220286d22558b24422af119b418d0c/small.png?1770828767 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/369/e9220286d22558b24422af119b418d0c/xsmall.png?1770828767 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/369/e9220286d22558b24422af119b418d0c/xxsmall.png?1770828767 Off-Campus Student Services 0 0 true Wed, 16 Dec 2020 15:38:34 -0500 RESPOST: TurnAround New 24-Hour Text Line For those in need who can't directly call TurnAround 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. 


As always, for those who need us but can safely talk on the phone, our 24/7 confidential helpline continues to be available at 443-279-0379

This resource is also located on the OEI Title IX Resources Page: https://oei.umbc.edu/maryland-resources/
]]> 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... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/98130/guest@my.umbc.edu/3e802bf0400870206c80bec104f59555/api/pixel Office of Equity and Civil Rights (ECR) https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/equityandinclusion https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/748/fb9bcb0b0d640942127ad89c71893675/xsmall.png?1738780980 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/748/fb9bcb0b0d640942127ad89c71893675/original.png?1738780980 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/748/fb9bcb0b0d640942127ad89c71893675/xxlarge.png?1738780980 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/748/fb9bcb0b0d640942127ad89c71893675/xlarge.png?1738780980 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/748/fb9bcb0b0d640942127ad89c71893675/large.png?1738780980 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/748/fb9bcb0b0d640942127ad89c71893675/medium.png?1738780980 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/748/fb9bcb0b0d640942127ad89c71893675/small.png?1738780980 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/748/fb9bcb0b0d640942127ad89c71893675/xsmall.png?1738780980 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/748/fb9bcb0b0d640942127ad89c71893675/xxsmall.png?1738780980 Office of Equity and Inclusion 0 0 true Wed, 16 Dec 2020 13:08:05 -0500 FZata, Inc. (Located @ UMBC's South Campus) Hiring Research Scientist and Administrative Assistant
FZata, Inc. is seeking candidates for the following positions.  Full position descriptions are available in UMBCworks!

Scientist/Research Scientist - Antibody Discovery
Seeking Candidates with a Bachelor or Master's Degree
UMBCworks Posting:  9320636

Administrative Assistant
UMBCworks Posting:  9320635

FZata, Inc. is a startup biotech company located in Halethorpe, MD and is named as the 2017 Maryland Incubator Company of the Year Award - Best Life Sciences Company. FZata focuses on developing innovative antibody-based therapeutic and preventive medicines. FZata offers its people a dynamic environment that places great value on individual creativity being actualized within a team setting. In FZata you will find a platform that supports science that is making a difference in patients’ lives. FZata offers employees a competitive compensation & benefits package. We are currently seeking a highly motivated and driven individual in the role of Administrative Assistant

]]> FZata, Inc. is seeking candidates for the following positions.  Full position descriptions are available in UMBCworks! Scientist/Research Scientist - Antibody Discovery Seeking Candidates... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/98129/guest@my.umbc.edu/b3e61af5ec9ab6c6ea12211c2775c2d9/api/pixel Career Center https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/careers https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/xsmall.png?1411655278 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/original.jpg?1411655278 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/xxlarge.png?1411655278 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/xlarge.png?1411655278 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/large.png?1411655278 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/medium.png?1411655278 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/small.png?1411655278 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/xsmall.png?1411655278 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/xxsmall.png?1411655278 Career Center https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/098/129/afd8d5982bd3cf8f71853594850cb1a6/xxlarge.jpg?1608141833 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/098/129/afd8d5982bd3cf8f71853594850cb1a6/xlarge.jpg?1608141833 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/098/129/afd8d5982bd3cf8f71853594850cb1a6/large.jpg?1608141833 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/098/129/afd8d5982bd3cf8f71853594850cb1a6/medium.jpg?1608141833 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/098/129/afd8d5982bd3cf8f71853594850cb1a6/small.jpg?1608141833 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/098/129/afd8d5982bd3cf8f71853594850cb1a6/xsmall.jpg?1608141833 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/098/129/afd8d5982bd3cf8f71853594850cb1a6/xxsmall.jpg?1608141833 1 0 true Wed, 16 Dec 2020 13:07:40 -0500 Wed, 16 Dec 2020 14:18:39 -0500 Appointment of Dr. Lucy Wilson as Senior Advisor to the University for Public Health and Pandemic Response Dear UMBC Community,

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Lucy Wilson, M.D., Sc.M., as Senior Advisor to the University on Public Health and Pandemic Response. 

As UMBC’s Senior Advisor to the University on Public Health and Pandemic Response, Dr. Wilson will support the University in addressing issues of public health, including emerging diseases and other issues of health and wellness that affect the UMBC community. Dr. Wilson will advise and provide guidance to the University leadership team on these matters and provide professional expertise in supporting the University in its response to both the current COVID-19 pandemic and in preparing for the University’s response to future pandemics and public health issues that impact the UMBC community.

In her role as Senior Advisor, Dr. Wilson will continue her exemplary work and commitment to supporting UMBC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as she has done since the beginning of this year. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Wilson has been involved in COVID-19 response planning and implementation not only at UMBC but also in numerous institutional and national settings including government, businesses, healthcare, transportation, entertainment, education, and media. She was a contributing author to the April 2020 National Governors Association publication entitled Roadmap to Recovery: A Public Health Guide for Governors.

Dr. Wilson is an infectious disease public health physician who, before joining the UMBC community, served for ten years as a Medical Epidemiologist at the Maryland Department of Health, and as the Chief, Center for Surveillance, Infection Prevention, and Outbreak Response, where she oversaw Maryland’s infectious disease surveillance and outbreak responses in community, foodborne, healthcare, and pandemic settings. Dr. Wilson serves as Professor and Graduate Program Director in UMBC’s department of Emergency Health Services.

Dr. Wilson holds a B.A. in behavioral biology from Johns Hopkins University, a Sc.M. from the Harvard University School of Public Health, and an M.D. from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She completed her internship/residency in internal medicine at Yale New Haven Hospital, and fellowships in infectious diseases at Yale New Haven Hospital and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where she was an HIV/AIDS physician and performed HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C outcomes research. Her current research focuses on public health data visualization and the epidemiology of infectious diseases in multiple settings, particularly the healthcare setting.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Wilson on her new appointment and thanking her for the impressive and dedicated service she demonstrates in supporting the UMBC community.

Provost Philip Rous
]]> Dear UMBC Community, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Lucy Wilson, M.D., Sc.M., as Senior Advisor to the University on Public Health and Pandemic Response.  As UMBC’s Senior... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/98109/guest@my.umbc.edu/79d1ae1de023bb81669cd12acc6edb46/api/pixel UMBC Community News https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 1 0 true Tue, 15 Dec 2020 16:02:26 -0500 Tue, 15 Dec 2020 16:03:20 -0500 Fall 2020 grading policy and academic support resources Dear Undergraduate Students,

As we enter the final days of the fall 2020 semester, we would like our students to know how proud we are of them for their resilience, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to their education in this challenging fall semester. We want to thank you for embodying the values of the UMBC community as we navigate this semester together. 

We recognize that many students may have experienced or are experiencing challenges this semester and sincerely appreciate the recommendations shared by the student body about how we can academically assist our students. While the University cannot change to a different grading system this fall, there have been and continue to be options for students who are experiencing challenges. 

Student concerns about individual courses are often resolved by reaching out to the course instructor. If a resolution cannot be reached with the instructor, students can contact the chair of the appropriate academic department. If a resolution cannot be reached at this stage, then students can contact the appropriate college/school to resolve the academic concern. Students may also communicate and confer with appropriate administrative offices for other academic issues.  

You should also review our list of available options for students and details about which offices to contact with regard to academic questions and concerns as the semester comes to a close.

If you would also like assistance navigating the many academic support options at UMBC, please reach out to the staff at the Academic Success Center.

We want to ensure you are academically supported, and you have the best information available about our academic resources and our academic processes.  

Best wishes as you finish the semester,

Philip Rous, Provost
Katharine Cole, Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs
Mehrshad Devin, President, Student Government Association & SGA Leadership
Antonio Moreira, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Co-Chair, Academic COVID Planning Committee 
Sarah J. Shin, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, Co-Chair, Academic COVID Planning Committee 
Orianne Smith, President, Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Leadership ]]> Dear Undergraduate Students, As we enter the final days of the fall 2020 semester, we would like our students to know how proud we are of them for their resilience, perseverance, and unwavering... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/98106/guest@my.umbc.edu/f23fff806e2322ddaf266aec925fec06/api/pixel covid19studentupdate covid19update UMBC Community News https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 4 0 true Tue, 15 Dec 2020 14:28:30 -0500 Wed, 06 Jan 2021 16:02:17 -0500 Our Unwavering Support

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

 ]]> 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... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/98062/guest@my.umbc.edu/4c74f6492fa7f0757835706eb215ee8f/api/pixel diversity UMBC Community News https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 2 0 true Mon, 14 Dec 2020 10:28:54 -0500 Sat, 23 Jan 2021 11:55:46 -0500