Dear colleagues,

I am writing to share UMBC's guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the classroom and in academic administration. These guidelines (available in the Provost Group files section on my.UMBC) were developed through broad consultation between faculty and staff and reflect emerging best practices and examples from peer institutions. 

Because instructional approaches and disciplinary contexts vary widely, these guidelines are not a policy. Rather, they are intended to support faculty decision making and provide a shared framework for navigating the use of AI in teaching and learning. Faculty retain full discretion to determine whether, how, and when AI tools are used in their courses. We ask only that instructors clearly communicate their expectations regarding AI use in course syllabi. 

The guidelines feature the "traffic light" model (green, yellow, red) to help instructors articulate permissible, limited, or prohibited uses of AI tools, particularly generative AI tools, within individual courses. 

Guideline Principles

The guidelines are grounded in three core principles:

• Academic Integrity: Faculty should clearly define expectations for AI use in assignments so students understand what is permitted and what constitutes academic dishonesty.

• Pedagogical Choice: Faculty retain the autonomy to align AI use with course learning objectives and disciplinary norms, using the traffic light model as a decision support tool. 

• Responsible Use: All users are expected to engage with AI tools ethically, with attention to data privacy, intellectual property, and institutional policies.

Action Items

• Review the Full Guidelines: The full document is available here. 

• Update Course Syllabi: Include a clear statement on AI use for the upcoming term. Sample language and templates are provided in the guidelines document.

• Share Feedback: We welcome ongoing feedback as questions, concerns, and effective practices emerge. Feedback can be sent to Crystal Williams and Kyle Pokorny.

The rapid evolution of AI requires an adaptive approach. These guidelines are a starting point and we will continue to update them based on technological advancements and community feedback. Given that we are a community of scholars, we are also sharing links to resources within the guidelines document, including how other universities have handled this challenge.

Thank you for your partnership in fostering an environment where innovation and academic integrity can thrive together.

Best regards,

Anupam Joshi
Vice Provost and Chief AI Officer

Last week I made the bold assertion that this week would be the final Provost's Perspective for 2025. Like any well-laid plans, this one was certain to be modified the moment I put it into the world. With that being said, keep your eyes peeled next Friday for the final (I'm serious this time) 2025 edition of this newsletter. 

One of the more rewarding aspects of being the provost is the interaction and feedback that I receive from the UMBC community. Earlier this week I was fortunate to meet with members of the Disability Faculty Working Group to discuss accessibility and disability efforts across the university community. Foad Hamidi (COEIT) had a reading suggestion that, while I have not had the opportunity to explore yet, can provide a framework for examining accessibility issues in a rapidly evolving world. His suggestion – and a text he uses in class – "Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement" asks us to rethink how we perceive disability as nearly everyone will experience disability at some point in our lives. If you get a chance to read it over winter break, I would love to hear your thoughts. 

Check Out Grit-X Videos

If you missed Grit-X (picture TedTalk meets UMBC) earlier this semester, I encourage you to check out your fellow faculty, staff, UMBC alumni, and grad students who presented in October. You can watch the evening from start to finish, or click on a speaker's photo to watch their individual talk. 

Strategic Plan Steering Committee Update

If you missed yesterday's update from the UMBC Strategic Plan Steering Committee, I encourage you to check it out here. 

Thank You for the Feedback

Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback this semester. The Provost's Perspective is a work in progress and will continue to evolve to more fully serve you, UMBC's faculty and academic staff. If there is a subject or topic that you feel should be covered (or have general feedback on the content), drop me a note here. Your feedback and input matters! 

Upcoming Events

The AI-Assisted Educator: A Course Design Sprint

Walk away with fresh inspiration and actionable strategies

Friday, Jan. 16, 9 am to noon, ILSB 116A

Need a nudge to refresh your spring course(s)? Curious about how Generative AI tools might help spark new ideas in the classroom? In this hands-on, in-person workshop, we'll revisit basic course design principles while exploring practical ways to use Gen AI to sharpen your own course objectives, brainstorm assessments, reexamine learning materials/activities, and streamline class prep — while grounding in your own academic voice and creativity. Bring your laptop and course materials to walk away with fresh inspiration and actionable strategies for the spring semester. Join John Schumacher (USM GenAI Pedagogy Fellow & SAPH) and Kerrie Kephart (FDC) for this session. Space is limited.

Sponsored by the Faculty Development Center. 

Register: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/calt/events/148774

Winter Commencement

With winter Commencement less than a week away, we would love to have you join us for the celebrations at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena.

Graduate School Ceremony | Wednesday, December 17, at 10 a.m.

Undergraduate Ceremony | Thursday, December 18, at 10 a.m.

For those marching or volunteering, note that arrival time is 8 a.m. for doors opening at 9 a.m.

For more information and updates, please visit the Commencement website or email commencement@umbc.edu.

New Faculty Spotlights

Each week we feature the newest faculty members of our community.

Sophie Comer-Warner, Assistant Professor, Geography and Environmental Systems

Areas of Research/Interest: Coastal Science/Aquatic Biogeochemistry

Fun Fact About Sophie: I'm from Stoke-on-Trent, the pottery capital of the UK. It's also where the first Ballon d'Or winner was from!

Miller Shores Wright, Assistant Professor, History

Areas of Research/Interest: Dr. Wright is an historian of Vast Early America whose scholarship focuses on the Native slave trades in Southeastern North America and Brazil. His recent publications include research on Native influences on the founding of the Carolina colony and Indigenous Slavery in the Atlantic. His previous works focused on Creek gendered property relations and racialized slavery in Creek matrilineages. His first book manuscript entitled, "All These Horrid Wicked Things: Native Slaving and the Atlantic Slave Trade in Brazil and Carolina, 1580–1720," is contracted for publication in 2027.

Fun Fact About Miller: I have a distinct fondness for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Lord of the Rings. I frequently encourage students to engage me through conversations about sports, cooking, and music.

Are you a new faculty member? Please take two minutes to fill out the form and submit your bio if you have not already done so.

New Staff Spotlights (Coming Early 2026)

Thank you to all of the new staff members that have reached out about being highlighted. We will be starting the spotlights in the first 2026 edition. If you haven't done so already and you are a staff member who joined UMBC in the last year, email Aaron Burnett, director of provost communications, to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Provost's Perspective. 

Help Make this Newsletter Better

The goal each week of this message is to deepen our connection to UMBC, whether that is learning about an upcoming event, a divisional accomplishment, an innovative program, or an  update from the Office of the Provost. If you know of a program or event that should be highlighted, please share it here.

Until next week, 

Manfred van Dulmen

Dear Colleagues,

We are sharing the message sent to all students today, which outlines key well-being resources and academic information to support them throughout finals week. We hope this is helpful if you encounter a student in need of guidance or care.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and to UMBC.

We wish you a successful end to the semester and a restful winter break.

Sincerely,

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

Renique T. Kersh
Vice President for Student Affairs

* * * * * * * * * * 

Dear Students,

You are almost there! As we head into finals week, we want you to know that UMBC is here to support both your academic success and your well-being. This can be a stressful time of year, and it is more than okay to ask for help.

If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, we encourage you to utilize the many health and wellness resources available to support your well-being. If you are concerned about someone else, don't know where to begin, or are in need of food or other basic need support, Retriever Care and Retriever Essential Needs and Connections are available to help. (Retriever Essentials has updated hours for finals week and winter break.) If you just need a break, drop by the Retriever Activities Center.

Finals Week Support and Events

For support during Study Day, we encourage you to drop into StudyCon at the library to relax and refuel. You can also swing by Donut Stress just outside of the library between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Additionally, if you need research help, the Library's Research Help Desk will be open extended hours December 8 through 16.

Below you will find the final exam schedule, how to view your grades, and official transcript information for fall 2025 graduates.

Final Exam Information

General final exam schedule

• Please confirm dates and times with your instructor.
• If the university is closed for any reason (e.g., inclement weather), final exams move to the next available weekday. The first available weekday after finals is Friday, December 19.

Viewing Your Grades

Instructors submit grades Wednesday, December 10, through Friday, January 2.

• View your fall semester grades as they are posted on your myUMBC account.
• Transcripts will not reflect updated end-of-term summaries (i.e., updated GPA, repeated courses, academic standing, semester honors, etc.) until Thursday, January 8.

Transcripts for Fall 2025 Graduates

Applicants for fall 2025 graduation

• Eligible undergraduate students will see their degrees on their official transcripts starting January 14.
• Eligible graduate students will see their degrees on their official transcripts starting January 26.
• For more information, please refer to the Grading Schedule.

To Our Graduating Students

Many of you are also preparing to graduate next week. We are proud of all you have accomplished and wish you every success in the future. Congratulations, and we hope you will remain connected to UMBC as alumni.

Best of luck on your finals. We wish you a restorative break and a wonderful start to the new year. Whether you are returning in 2026 or graduating this month, we are cheering you on every step of the way.

Sincerely,

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

Renique T. Kersh
Vice President for Student Affairs

Welcome to the penultimate fall issue of the Provost's Perspective. As we head down the homestretch of 2025 I want to encourage each of you to finish the semester strong. Every day I am reminded of the strength and resiliency that is present in the UMBC Community. I am so proud of all you have accomplished this semester and how you support each other in our work together. Continue to support each other and our students through finals!

In recent weeks I've touched on several topics that I find relevant and timely. I have heard some people like the light(er) tone of the message whereas others would like to see a bit more substance. If there is a subject or topic that you feel should be covered (or have general feedback on the content), drop me a note here. Your feedback and input matters! 

Tuesday morning's delayed start was a good reminder that if you have not done so already, I encourage you to sign up for UMBC alerts. Once signed up, UMBC's Emergency Alert text-messaging system will send you alerts about campus emergencies and weather-related campus closures. (Standard text message rates apply.) Sign up for UMBC Campus Text Alerts here. 

Upcoming Events

End of Semester Celebration 2025

Join President Valerie Sheares Ashby for an end-of-year celebration for UMBC faculty and staff. 

Thursday, December 11, 2025

3-5 p.m.

University Center Ballroom

President Sheares Ashby will offer brief remarks at 4 p.m. The event will feature refreshments and live music performed by UMBC student jazz musicians.

Learn More

Winter Commencement

With winter Commencement just a few weeks away, we would love to have you join us for the celebrations at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena.

Graduate School Ceremony | Wednesday, December 17, at 10 a.m.

Undergraduate Ceremony | Thursday, December 18, at 10 a.m.

If you plan to march in the procession, please register. Unfortunately we are past the deadline to order regalia.

Those who wish to participate as event staff are encouraged to sign up as well. Volunteers will receive separate instructions, but please note that arrival time will be 8 a.m. for doors opening at 9 a.m.

For more information and updates, please visit the Commencement website or email commencement@umbc.edu.

New Faculty Spotlights

Each week we feature the newest faculty members of our community.

Zelalem Jembre Yalew, Assistant Teaching Professor, CSEE

Areas of Research/Interest: Computer Networks: Multi-hop Wireless Networks

Fun Fact About Zelalem: I am so boring that I have none

Jude Agboada, Assistant Professor, Visual Arts

Areas of Research/Interest: As a visual communication designer and educator, I use dialogue as a tool to foster meaningful conversations. My practice investigates how community, identity, and culture are shaped through multidisciplinary approaches, ranging from artist books to public space activations. I am dedicated to developing new ways of creating connection by examining how people relate to one another, to the spaces they inhabit, and to the communicative strategies that enable those relationships. My current research focuses on language documentation and the architectural legacies of former colonial states. I also contribute as a team member at Tampered Press, a publication committed to amplifying the voices of writers and visual artists in Ghana, across Africa, and throughout the diaspora.

Fun Fact About Jude: Outside of work, my passion for new challenges led me to pick up skiing as an adult — and I've already logged 56 days on the slopes in one season.

Are you a new faculty member? Please take two minutes to fill out the form and submit your bio if you have not already done so.

New Staff Spotlights (Coming Soon)

Are you a staff member who joined UMBC in the last year? Email Aaron Burnett, director of provost communications, to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Provost's Perspective. 

Help Make this Newsletter Better

The goal each week of this message is to deepen our connection to UMBC, whether that is learning about an upcoming event, a divisional accomplishment, an innovative program, or an  update from the Office of the Provost. If you know of a program or event that should be highlighted, please share it here.

Until next week, 

Manfred van Dulmen

Dear Colleagues,

As we close out the semester and come together to honor our Service Award recipients, I want to pause and acknowledge the dedication, compassion, and steady commitment each of you brings to UMBC. This community is shaped by your care for our students and for one another, and we are truly grateful.

At this morning's celebration, we shared that UMBC will observe Wednesday, December 24, as an Administrative Leave day. Our hope is that this additional time allows you to rest, recharge, and spend meaningful moments with the people who matter most. Timesheets for eligible Regular and Contingent II employees will be coded automatically with the administrative leave code ADM.

December 24 will be used as an Administrative Leave day. If the governor announces a state holiday for that date, that designation will take precedence. If you are part of a team that maintains essential services, please check with your supervisor about expectations during this period. Collective bargaining employees who are required to work will be compensated according to their agreements. Other employees who must support essential operations may use this Administrative Leave day on another date before March 31, 2026.

Thank you for everything you do to make UMBC a welcoming and supportive place. I hope the weeks ahead offer rest, joy, and connection as we look forward to a new year together.

Lynne Adams
Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Welcome to a special Fall Break edition of the Provost’s Perspective. In this edition I want to highlight a few areas and efforts that I am particularly grateful for as we come to the home stretch of the semester – in particular, related to our commitment to shared governance and supporting our community.

Faculty compensation has been a consistent concern since I arrived at UMBC. I am excited to announce that a faculty-led compensation committee has been formed and met this week to start actively examining our faculty compensation and make recommendations. I am grateful for the efforts of Kelly Coleman, Christopher Correnti, Frank Ferraro, Amy Froide, Anupam Joshi, Jeannette Kartchner, Doug Lamdin, Daniel Lobo, Ana Oskoz, and Brad Peercy for their work in helping to ensure we have competitive and equitable compensation for all faculty.

I also want to express my gratitude for the long fall break that begins on Wednesday. The academic calendar change, made in coordination with the Faculty Senate and the university administration, is a great opportunity to recharge and reset as we head into the final month of the fall semester.

Packed Arts Weekend on Tap

Each week my goal is to both inform and highlight different aspects of the UMBC community. This week I would like to shine a spotlight on the outstanding work being undertaken in the Department of Music. Each semester, more than 200 students participate in 15 groups, ensembles, bands, and choirs that perform locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. 

This week is a particularly packed period. I encourage you to find a performance and support our artists. A few highlights this weekend include:

UMBC Gamelan Ensemble

Friday, November 21, 5 p.m.

The Music Box

The Department of Music presents the UMBC Gamelan Ensemble under the direction of Michelle Purdy. The ensemble performs on a central Javanese gamelan (a gong-chime orchestra of Indonesia), and also on a Balinese gamelan angklung (one of many types of gong-chime orchestras from the island of Bali, Indonesia).

More Information

UMBC Jazz in Concert

Saturday, November 22, 3 p.m.

Linehan Concert Hall

The Department of Music presents UMBC Jazz in Concert, featuring the Jazz Guitar Ensemble, the Jazz Small Groups, and the Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Tom Baldwin, Tom Lagana, and Matthew Belzer.

More Information

UMBC Percussion Ensemble

Sunday, November 23, 1 p.m.

Linehan Concert Hall

The Department of Music presents the UMBC Percussion Ensemble under the direction of Dustin Donahue in a concert of music by William Duckworth, Philip Glass, Fritz Hauser, JLIN, and Yousif Sheronick.

More Information

UMBC Camerata: Through Perspectives INjustice

Sunday, November 23, 7 p.m.

Linehan Concert Hall

The Department of Music presents the UMBC Camerata under the direction of Lulu Mwangi Mupfumbu. Its program Through Perspectives INjustice, featuring works by Joel Thompson and Jarrett Roseborough, will explore the critical social justice issue of police brutality and its far-reaching effects on society, with a particular emphasis on its impact on youth of color.

More Information

Coffee with the Provost: Thursday, Dec. 4

Come join me for a cup of coffee or tea Thursday, Dec. 4, from 10-11 a.m. in the Fireside Lounge in The Commons (third floor near the Skylight Lounge). This come-and-go hour is a great opportunity to connect in a casual, non-programmed setting. I look forward to seeing many of you there and our conversation together.  

Fireside Lounge, The Commons

New Faculty Spotlights

Each week we feature the newest faculty members of our community.

Yiwen Hu, Assistant Professor, CSEE

Areas of Research/Interest: My research areas include wireless communication (5G and beyond), network security, and mobile systems, with a recent focus on innovating next-generation emergency (9-1-1) services.

Fun Fact About Yiwen: I’m a pet lover. I have a French bulldog named Chocolate. The name might seem risky, but it’s to remind her not to eat chocolate and to inspire her to live a healthier life!

Myoung Eun Pang, Assistant Teaching Professor, MLLI

Areas of Research/Interest: Language and identity 

Fun Fact About Myoung: Maryland is the fifth state I’ve lived in since moving to the U.S.

Are you a new faculty member? Please take two minutes to fill out the form and submit your bio if you have not already done so.

New Staff Spotlights (Coming Soon)

Are you a staff member who joined UMBC in the last year? Email Aaron Burnett, director of provost communications, to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Provost's Perspective.

Help Make this Newsletter Better

The goal each week of this message is to deepen our connection to UMBC, whether that is learning about an upcoming event, a divisional accomplishment, an innovative program, or an  update from the Office of the Provost. If you know of a program or event that should be highlighted, please share it here.

Until next week, 

Manfred van Dulmen

Dear Faculty and Staff,

With winter Commencement just a few weeks away, we would love to have you join us for the celebrations at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena.

Graduate School Ceremony | Wednesday, December 17, at 10 a.m.

Undergraduate Ceremony | Thursday, December 18, at 10 a.m.

If you plan to march in the procession, please register and place any regalia orders before November 20 to avoid expedited shipping fees. UMBC will subsidize the rental of academic regalia for faculty and staff participants, though orders placed after November 20 will incur shipping charges.

Those who wish to participate as event staff are encouraged to sign up as well. Volunteers will receive separate instructions, but please note that arrival time will be 8 a.m. for doors opening at 9 a.m.

For more information and updates, please visit the Commencement website or email commencement@umbc.edu.

Sincerely,

The Commencement Planning Team

Happy Friday and welcome to the Provost's Perspective. 

With cold temperatures hitting Baltimore in recent days I was interested in an article this week in the Baltimore Banner that featured insights from Dr. Jeff Halverson (Department of Geography and Environmental Systems) about the impending winter season in Maryland. Mention of a La Nina weather pattern and an ongoing "snow drought" brought to mind the poem, "Dust of Snow," by Robert Frost. I find this short verse (a mere 34 words) about a bird, a tree, and a change of heart to be a wonderful reminder to find joy in the simple 'dust of snow' that may come upon you in unexpected ways.   

I encourage you to find your own dust of snow this week that changes your outlook for the better or brings a smile to your face. It is sometimes the small things in life that make a big difference. 

Without further ado …

Apply by November 17

Become a Faculty Affiliate of the Public Health Research Center UMBC/CAHSS

The new Public Health Research Center (PHRC) of CAHSS invites UMBC faculty from ALL UMBC departments to apply for Faculty Affiliate status – a three-year renewable term for scholars whose research aligns with the PHRC's interdisciplinary mission advancing public health through collaboration. PHRC Faculty Affiliates gain:

• Involvement in a vibrant community of health scholars 

• Recognition on PHRC's website, annual report, and communications

• Priority access to PHRC grant services (grant reviews, Gen AI assistance, etc.)

• Curated, timely funding updates & research networking opportunities

See the website for full information. Apply by Nov. 17, 2025.

Questions: John G. Schumacher, Ph.D., PHRC Director-email: PHRC@umbc.edu

Last Call for Faculty Proposals: IDEA Initiative & CAP Fellowship

I recently announced the IDEA Initiative & CAP Fellowship as part of my goal to foster innovative and interdisciplinary curricular efforts and provide faculty with the resources to create and innovate. Applications for the programs close November 20. 

Learn more and apply today!

CGE International Education Week

Dear UMBC Community,

With exterior work on the second phase of the Sherman Hall Renewal Project continuing this month, I wanted to make you aware of some upcoming noise disruptions that may occur now through December 5.

During this time, the north and south towers will be prepared for new steel, new window openings, and new brick, and the east and west sides will have their exterior facades removed. This work will generate some periods of intermittent or consistent noise levels above normal conditions and may disrupt activities that require very quiet conditions, especially in the buildings closest to Sherman Hall.

I encourage you to follow the Facilities Management myUMBC group to receive continuing information on this project, and if the noise is impacting you, please work with your manager to identify the appropriate options for your work schedule (telework, flexible schedule, etc.).

Thank you for your continued patience as we move forward with this important project.

Sincerely,

John Zahor
Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management