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<Title>Provost&#8217;s Perspective: Nov. 7, 2025</Title>
<Tagline>&#8216;Donut&#8217; miss this week&#8217;s news</Tagline>
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<![CDATA[
    <div class="html-content"><p>Happy Friday and welcome to the latest (and greatest?) edition of the <em>Provost's Perspective</em>. </p><p>When I pulled up to the keyboard to pen this I was bemused by the oddness that is the first week of November. <strong>Halloween</strong> is past, but talking <strong>Thanksgiving</strong> this early raises serious questions of one's ability to <a href="https://www.si.edu/spotlight/calendars" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">read a calendar</a>. </p><p>Luckily, my rising sense of dread was quickly dispelled when I realized there are several milestones on the horizon. While I missed <span><a href="https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-donut-day-november-5" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>National Donut Day</span></a></span> on Wednesday (not to be confused with <span><a href="https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-doughnut-day-first-friday-in-june?_gl=1*1r5lpxj*_ga*NDYxNDAyNDE5LjE3NjI0NjAwNjg.*_ga_WRFRTL102X*czE3NjI0NjAwNjgkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjI0NjI1MjMkajI2JGwwJGgw" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>National Doughnut Day</span></a></span> celebrated annually on the first Friday in June), there remain numerous days of note. Today happens to be <strong>National Fountain Pen Day</strong> and tomorrow is <strong>Parents as Teachers Day</strong>. </p><p>And there is so much more to highlight in November. Did you know for example November is <span><a href="https://acf.gov/social/national-adoption-month" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>National Adoption Month</span></a></span>? As an adoptive parent and scholar of the psychology of foster care and adoption, this topic is close to my heart.</p><p>Last week I asked you to <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/provost/posts/154092" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">share your favorite Halloween candy</a>. The overwhelming majority of respondents cited <strong>Reese's peanut butter cups</strong> as their favorite with several people highlighting the pumpkin-shaped version as the best. One respondent had this to say: "The chocolate to PB ratio is perfect – traditional cups have too much chocolate, imo."</p><p>In the 'I didn't see this coming category,' candy corn placed second with two people mentioning that mixing it with salted peanuts takes it to a different level. </p><p><em>Without further ado …</em></p><p><em><br></em></p><p><img src="https://provost.umbc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2025/11/TimeSensitiveNewsGraphicUSE.jpg" alt='An image of an analog clock with text reading "Time-sensitive News."' style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><h3>CAHSS Dean Search Preferred Deadline Today</h3><p>The preferred submission deadline for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences dean search is today. More information about the position and the process can be found <a href="https://provost.umbc.edu/dean-of-the-college-of-arts-humanities-and-social-sciences/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">here</a>. </p><p><br></p><h3>Last Call for Benefit Changes</h3><p>Don't miss your opportunity to update your health benefits elections. Today before 5 p.m. is your <a href="https://stateofmaryland.onelogin.com/login2/?return=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJwYXJhbXMiOnt9LCJhdWQiOiJBQ0NFU1MiLCJtZXRob2QiOiJnZXQiLCJ1cmkiOiJodHRwczovL3N0YXRlb2ZtYXJ5bGFuZC5vbmVsb2dpbi5jb20vIiwiZmZfbXVsdGlwbGVfYnJhbmRzIjpmYWxzZSwiaXNzIjoiTU9OT1JBSUwiLCJicmFuZF9pZCI6Im1hc3RlciIsImV4cCI6MTc2MjQ2NzQwNX0.sqI6khxwt1uuyJOTspoGwFV8rUdyTBA_qlGQIQYNAQw#app=" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">last chance to log on to the SPS Benefits system</a> and make your elections. </p><p><br></p><h3>Call for Faculty Proposals: IDEA Initiative &amp; CAP Fellowship</h3><p>I recently announced the <strong>IDEA Initiative &amp; CAP Fellowship</strong> as part of my goal to foster innovative and interdisciplinary curricular efforts and provide faculty with the resources to create and innovate. <strong>Applications for the programs close November 20.</strong> </p><p><a href="https://academicaffairs.umbc.edu/home/curriculum-development/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Learn more and apply today!</a></p><p><br></p><img src="https://ai.umbc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/10/UMBC-AI-lockup-2b-for-use-on-light-backgrounds.png" alt="UMBC AI logo for a light background." style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"><h3>UMBC Poll Examines Marylanders' Sentiment About AI</h3><p>UMBC's <a href="https://politics.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Institute of Politics</a> is steadily building a reputation for its polling prowess. In its latest survey of public sentiment, the institute examined <a href="https://www.wbaltv.com/article/politics-umbc-poll-marylanders-sentiment-artificial-intelligence-ai/69257008" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Marylanders' sentiment toward artificial intelligence</a>. It's an interesting snapshot of the level of concern people feel about the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. </p><p>UMBC faculty are, of course, doing great work in AI across disciplines. Much of that work engages with the kind of concerns that were raised in the survey. For instance, <a href="https://mdata.umbc.edu/home/vandanajaneja/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Vandana Janeja</a> (IS) and <a href="https://llc.umbc.edu/dr-christine-mallinson/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Christine Mallinson</a> (LLC) have developed new tools to detect audio deepfakes that leverage insights from computing and linguistics. <a href="https://www.csee.umbc.edu/frank-ferraro/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Frank Ferraro</a> (CSEE), <a href="https://www.csee.umbc.edu/tejas-gokhale/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Tejas Gokhale</a> (CSEE), and <a href="https://cbee.umbc.edu/josephson/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Tyler Josephson</a> (CBEE) are working on a DARPA Program called SciFy, that can evaluate the feasibility of scientific claims made online. Many faculty are working to make AI less power hungry and efficient. <a href="https://userpages.cs.umbc.edu/cmat/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Cynthia Matuszek</a> (CSEE) investigates how AI operates in spaces with humans in ways that are ethical and fair. Our <a href="https://dreshercenter.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Dresher Center for the Humanities</a> led by <a href="https://history.umbc.edu/facultystaff/full-time/amy-froide/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Amy Froide</a> (History) recently hosted a forum on the ethical issues around AI, and our <a href="https://socialscience.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Center for Social Science</a> led by <a href="https://politicalscience.umbc.edu/faculty-1/dr-eric-stokan/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Eric Stokan</a> (Political Science) is currently showing faculty how AI tools can help research in the social sciences. </p><br><h3>Introduction to Generative AI &amp; Teaching</h3><p>In November, the <a href="https://calt.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Faculty Development Center</a> (FDC) is co-sponsoring the series, <em>Introduction to Generative AI &amp; Teaching</em>, facilitated by <strong><a href="https://saph.umbc.edu/ftfaculty/person/cv56922/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">John G. Schumacher</a></strong>, professor of sociology, anthropology and public health, and a USM/UMBC Generative AI Pedagogy Fellow 2025-2026.  </p><p>Upcoming sessions include:</p><h5>Generative AI in Teaching II: Applied Skills and Use Cases</h5><p><em>Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025,  11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., WebEx or in person</em></p><p>Building on <em>Gen AI &amp; Teaching I</em>, this interactive session highlights applied skills and practical use cases. Faculty will practice effective prompting, explore discipline-specific scenarios, and consider assignment design strategies. Examples will touch on advanced features (custom GPTs/GEMs, Canvas Mode, Deep Research Mode, agent mode) related to teaching.</p><h5>I'm Not Teaching with Generative AI, But What Do I Still Need to Know?</h5><p><em>Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025,  11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., WebEx or in person </em></p><p>This session highlights what faculty need to know, even if they are not adopting AI in their own teaching. Topics include basic Gen AI literacy, a critical examination of student use of AI tools, equity and access, ethical concerns, credible sources of Gen AI information, and implications for assessment and pedagogy.</p><p>Reserve your space. Visit the <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/calt/events" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">FDC Groups Page to sign up</a>.</p><br><h3>New Faculty Spotlights</h3><p><em>Each week we feature the newest faculty members of our community.</em></p><p><a href="https://education.umbc.edu/brandon-beck/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Brandon Beck</a>, Assistant Professor of Secondary Education (Social Studies), Education</p><p><strong>Areas of Research/Interest</strong>: History of Black Education, Critical Theory, Social Studies Education</p><p><strong>Fun Fact About Brandon</strong>: I am an avid foodie. I also am a certified BBQ judge in the state of South Carolina. </p><br><p><a href="https://doit.umbc.edu/about/directory/person/pe79172/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Laura Mateczun</a>, Associate Director of Digital Trust / Director of UMBC Cybersecurity Clinic / Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity</p><p><strong>Areas of Research/Interest</strong>: Local Government Cybersecurity</p><p><strong>Fun Fact About Laura</strong>: I enjoy hiking and swimming!</p><br><p><em>Are you a new faculty member? Please take two minutes to<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vOkjEa6dMBbmVStnNePmijwqtl3bh6xlJwj14d8NfHM/edit" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"> fill out the form</a> and submit your bio if you have not already done so.</em></p><br><h3>New Staff Spotlights (Coming Soon)</h3><p>Are you a staff member who joined UMBC in the last year? <a href="mailto:aaronb4@umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Email Aaron Burnett</a>, director of provost communications, to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Provost's Perspective. </p><br><h3>Help Make the <em>Provost's Perspective</em> Better</h3><p>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 <a href="https://forms.gle/VrVJ2fRdXHFPmmgD6" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">share it here</a>.</p><br><p>Until next week, </p><p>Manfred van Dulmen</p></div>
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<Summary>Happy Friday and welcome to the latest (and greatest?) edition of the Provost's Perspective.   When I pulled up to the keyboard to pen this I was bemused by the oddness that is the first week of...</Summary>
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<NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="154267" important="false" status="posted" url="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/provost/posts/154267">
<Title>Register Today for the 2025 Service Awards Ceremony</Title>
<Tagline>Join us on December 4 to celebrate purpose and possibilities</Tagline>
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    <div class="html-content"><p>Dear UMBC Community,</p><p>We hope that you will join us for the <strong>2025 Service Awards Ceremony</strong> as we celebrate UMBC's staff and their dedicated years of service to the state of Maryland and UMBC. We are excited to celebrate with you and all of our colleagues! </p><p>This year's theme is <strong>Purpose and Possibilities</strong>, emphasizing the reason we are here at UMBC (our purpose) and what we are capable of becoming (the endless possibilities). You will see many examples of this during our celebration! </p><p>The event will feature a catered lunch, exciting prizes, and more. </p><p><strong>2025 Annual Service Awards Ceremony </strong><br>Retriever Activities Center<br>Thursday, December 4<br>11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.</p><p>This event fills to capacity every year, so please <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/hr/events/148188" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">RSVP today</a> to hold your space. If you are an honoree this year, please look for a special invitation from our team in the coming days with more details. </p><p><em>Lynne Adams <br>Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer </em></p></div>
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<Summary>Dear UMBC Community,  We hope that you will join us for the 2025 Service Awards Ceremony as we celebrate UMBC's staff and their dedicated years of service to the state of Maryland and UMBC. We are...</Summary>
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<Title>Open Enrollment Is Almost Over!</Title>
<Tagline>Sign up by Friday, November 7</Tagline>
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    <div class="html-content"><p>Dear Colleagues,</p><p>Open Enrollment for State of Maryland health benefits will end this <strong>Friday, November 7, 2025, at 5 p.m.</strong></p><p>Take action now before it's too late! Please visit the Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management (HRSTM) <a href="https://hr.umbc.edu/benefits/open-enrollment/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Open Enrollment website</a> for resources from the State, health vendors, and the slides and recording from the information session the HRSTM team conducted on October 15.</p><p><strong>What's new for 2026: </strong></p><ul><li><strong>Effective January 1, 2026</strong>, all health benefit premiums will be deducted from payroll on a bi-weekly basis across 26 pay periods, an increase from the previous 24 deductions per year.</li><li><strong>Beginning July 1, 2026</strong>, contractual employees will begin receiving pre-tax benefit premiums, which will be automatically deducted from their paychecks.</li><li>Healthcare FSA maximum increased to <strong>$3,300</strong> and dependent care FSA increased to <strong>$7,500</strong> for the 2026 calendar year!</li></ul><p>During Open Enrollment, eligible employees can enroll, cancel, or make changes to their health benefits, with all updates becoming effective January 1, 2026. Employees will receive weekly email alerts from the State of Maryland regarding Open Enrollment.</p><p><strong>Open Enrollment will continue to be online in the SPS Workday system.</strong> Instructions for logging into the SPS Workday system can be found <a href="https://hr.umbc.edu/accessing-sps-workday/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">here</a>. </p><p>Employees who are adding <strong><em>new</em></strong> dependents to their health benefits during Open Enrollment should review the <a href="https://dbm.maryland.gov/benefits/Documents/Dependent%20Documentation%20Requirements%202026.pdf" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">required dependent documentation</a>. Dependent documentation is required to be attached to the employee's Open Enrollment event by <strong>Friday, November 7, 2025, at 5 p.m.</strong></p><p>Employees who do not need to make changes to their benefits do not need to take any action.</p><p>Please visit the <a href="https://hr.umbc.edu/benefits/open-enrollment/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">HRSTM Open Enrollment website</a> for more information and email the HRSTM Benefits and Wellness team at <a href="mailto:hrbenefits@umbc.edu">hrbenefits@umbc.edu</a> with any questions.</p><p><em>Benefits and Wellness Team<br>Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management</em></p><p></p></div>
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<Summary>Dear Colleagues,  Open Enrollment for State of Maryland health benefits will end this Friday, November 7, 2025, at 5 p.m.  Take action now before it's too late! Please visit the Human Resources...</Summary>
<Website>https://hr.umbc.edu/benefits/open-enrollment/</Website>
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<Title>Provost Perspective: Oct. 31, 2025</Title>
<Tagline>All treats, no tricks on this porch.</Tagline>
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<![CDATA[
    <div class="html-content"><p>Happy Friday and welcome to a special <strong>spooky</strong> and <strong>scary</strong> edition of the <em>Provost's Perspective</em>. (On second thought, it's probably not going to be spooky or scary. Maybe more of a <em>Goosebumps</em> vibe. I guess you'll have to continue reading to find out.)</p><blockquote><p><em>Fog slowly wafts from the dark woods surrounding the large, dimly lit home. A single bare bulb glows from a chain in the ceiling as a man sits typing intently when a large crack jolts him to attention…</em></p></blockquote><p>Halloween was not a holiday that we celebrated growing up in the Netherlands, but as a parent of three emerging adults and after several decades living in the United States I have grown to embrace the revelry that is on full display every October 31st (or at least the mini candy bars). </p><p>With my kids past the trick-or-treating stage and my neighborhood on the less-visited end of the spectrum, the candy level in the house this All Hallows Eve is comically low. This led me down a rabbit (candy) hole to determine how the house should be stocked. </p><p>My non-exhaustive search has produced more questions than answers. According to a <a href="https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/life/which-are-the-most-popular-halloween-candies-in-the-dmv/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">2024 study</a>, Maryland joins Utah as one of only two states in which candy corn is the most popular treat. I'm not certain what candy corn is, but I have been assured by a trusted colleague that it is definitely not corn and can barely be classified as candy. On a brighter note (and one that I can support), Hershey's mini bars and kisses round out the Free State's top three. </p><p>Leave me a <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_Gr0_RbGiOAQLFMIMCQwZ2wO6tXf5G0pJKc0-6r2tH-yJzA/viewform" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">comment here about your favorite Halloween candy</a> and I'll list the top three submissions next week. </p><br><h3>CAHSS Dean Search Deadline Quickly Approaching</h3><p>The preferred submission deadline for the <strong>College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences dean search</strong> is quickly approaching. If you have a nomination or intend to apply, please do so by November 7. More information about the position and the process can be found <a href="https://provost.umbc.edu/dean-of-the-college-of-arts-humanities-and-social-sciences/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">here</a>. </p><p><br></p><h3>Call for Faculty Proposals: IDEA Initiative &amp; CAP Fellowship</h3><p>I announced last week the <strong>IDEA Initiative &amp; CAP Fellowship</strong> as part of my goal to foster innovative and interdisciplinary curricular efforts and provide faculty with the resources to create and innovate. <strong>Applications for the programs close November 20.</strong> </p><p><a href="https://academicaffairs.umbc.edu/home/curriculum-development/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Learn more and apply today!</a></p><br><h3>Coffee with the Provost: Thursday, Nov. 6</h3><p>Come join me for a cup of coffee or tea <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/provost/events/148070" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Thursday, Nov. 6, from 10-11 in the Fireside Lounge in The Commons</a> (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.  </p><p><strong>Fireside Lounge, The Commons</strong></p><p><strong>10-11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 6</strong></p><br><h3>First-generation Week On Tap</h3><p><img src="https://provost.umbc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2025/10/FirstGenWeek_Banner1-2048x768-1.png" alt="A graphic listing First Generation Student Week, November  2025 events: Kickoff, 11/3, 9 am, The Commons, Main Street; GMC: First Edition, 11/4, 8:30 am, The Commons, Fireside Lounge; Let's Talk Grad School, 11/5, Noon, Sondheim 101; Networking Event, 11/6, 4pm, The Commons, Main Street; Let's Celebrate!, 9 am, The Commons, Main Street" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><p><a href="https://firstgen.umbc.edu/first-gen-week-2025/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">National <strong>First-generation Day</strong></a>, a day that is particularly close to my heart as I am the first member of my family to earn a college degree, is November 8. Leading up to next Saturday, there will be several events across campus celebrating our community's first-generation students. Discover how you can support and <a href="https://firstgen.umbc.edu/first-gen-week-2025/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">celebrate our first-gen Retrievers here</a>.  </p><p><br></p><h3><strong>New Faculty/AOK Library Lunch and Learn a Success </strong></h3><p><img src="https://provost.umbc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2025/10/image-e1761919922170.png" alt="A collage featuring pictures from the AOK Library Fall 2025 Lunch and Learn with new faculty members." style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><p>On Friday, September 26, the <a href="https://library.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">A.O.K. Library and Gallery</a> hosted the inaugural <strong>Lunch and Learn for New Faculty</strong> in collaboration with the Office of the Provost, RCAC, DoIt, and the CNMS, CAHSS, and COEIT grant administrators. The event covered open access, special collections, reference services, research computing, teaching and learning technology, and more. The next event will be held in Spring 2026. For more information, contact <a href="mailto:flinchba@umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Michelle Flinchbaugh</a>.  </p><br><h3>New Faculty Spotlights</h3><p><em>Each week we feature the newest faculty members of our community.</em></p><p><a href="https://suarez-lab.umbc.edu/our-team/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Daniel G. Suarez-Forero</a>, Assistant Professor, Physics</p><p><strong>Areas of Research/Interest</strong>: Condensed matter</p><p><strong>Fun Fact About Daniel</strong>: I love sports and music.</p><br><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislterry/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Chris L. Terry</a>, Assistant Professor of Creative Writing, English</p><p><strong>Areas of Research/Interest</strong>: Author of the novels <em>Black Card </em>and <em>Zero Fade</em>, and co-editor with James Spooner of the literary anthology <em>Black Punk Now</em>.</p><p><strong>Fun Fact About Chris</strong>: By the time I turned 25, I'd played music in 10 countries.</p><br><p><em>Are you a new faculty member? Please take two minutes to<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vOkjEa6dMBbmVStnNePmijwqtl3bh6xlJwj14d8NfHM/edit" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"> fill out the form</a> and submit your bio if you have not already done so.</em></p><br><h3>New Staff Spotlights (Coming Soon)</h3><p><em>Are you a staff member who joined UMBC in the last year? <a href="mailto:aaronb4@umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Email Aaron Burnett</a>, director of provost communications, to be featured in an upcoming edition of the </em>Provost's Perspective<em>. </em></p><br><h3>Help Make this Newsletter Better</h3><p>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. <strong>If you know of a program or event that should be highlighted, please <a href="https://forms.gle/VrVJ2fRdXHFPmmgD6" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">share it here</a>.</strong></p><br><h3><span>Change Your Clocks, Check Your Batteries</span></h3><p><img src="https://provost.umbc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2025/10/ChangeClocksChangeBatteriesTwitter.jpg" alt='A graphic showing an analog clock and a smoke detector. The text reads "Change your clocks. Check your batteries."' style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><p>It's fall back weekend. <strong>Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour on Sunday</strong>. While I applaud promptness, being a full hour early can be overkill. I like to follow the <a href="https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2025/test-your-smoke-alarms--as-you-turn-your-clocks-back-this-weeken.html?srsltid=AfmBOorzPgH2pBlfd5tDYljDUzLWmpeFkmp6IMz3KGaxOD4PIY-IWBBe" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">American Red Cross's suggestion to use the biannual time change to also check my home's smoke detectors</a>. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep this weekend.   </p><br><p>Until next week, </p><p>Manfred van Dulmen</p></div>
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<Summary>Happy Friday and welcome to a special spooky and scary edition of the Provost's Perspective. (On second thought, it's probably not going to be spooky or scary. Maybe more of a Goosebumps vibe. I...</Summary>
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<NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="153940" important="false" status="posted" url="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/provost/posts/153940">
<Title>Celebrating the Class of 2025</Title>
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<![CDATA[
    <div class="html-content"><div><img src="https://umbc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/EVTS-Email-Web-Header-Commencement-Winter-2025-JB.png" alt="Winter 2025 Commencement" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"></div><div>Dear Faculty and Staff,</div><div><br></div><div>We hope that you will join us in celebrating the Class of 2025 by participating in UMBC’s Winter Commencement ceremonies. You have played important roles in supporting our students throughout their journeys at UMBC, and so we hope you will join us in celebrating graduates and their families at the ceremonies.</div><div><br></div><div><ul><li>Graduate School Ceremony: Wednesday, December 17, 10 a.m.</li><li>Undergraduate Ceremonies: Thursday, December 18, 10 a.m.</li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>Faculty and staff who wish to march in the procession should <a href="https://forms.gle/JhCneAHgT7StoZqq6" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">sign up</a> and order their regalia as soon as possible. Those who wish to volunteer as event staff can <a href="https://forms.gle/QVTjVzWtAqQEuDWS8" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">sign up</a> here.</div><div><br></div><div>In addition, if you or your immediate family member is graduating this winter, we can place your student's tickets in reserved seating closer to the stage. Please email us at <a href="mailto:commencement@umbc.edu">commencement@umbc.edu</a> to reserve your seats by December 12. Please note: This amenity is only for current UMBC faculty and staff members and is not for the general student body.</div><div><br></div><div>For more information and updates, please review our <a href="https://commencement.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Commencement website</a> or email <a href="mailto:commencement@umbc.edu">commencement@umbc.edu</a>.</div><div><br></div><div>We look forward to seeing you at the Commencement ceremonies!</div><div><br></div><div><em>UMBC Commencement Planning Team</em></div></div>
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<Summary>Dear Faculty and Staff,     We hope that you will join us in celebrating the Class of 2025 by participating in UMBC’s Winter Commencement ceremonies. You have played important roles in supporting...</Summary>
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<NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="153886" important="false" status="posted" url="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/provost/posts/153886">
<Title>Provost&#8217;s Perspective: Oct. 24, 2025</Title>
<Tagline>That&#8217;s right, we have a name.</Tagline>
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<![CDATA[
    <div class="html-content"><p>Happy Friday and welcome to the fifth installment of the provost newsletter and the first edition under its new banner: <em>Provost's Perspective</em>. </p><p>The question now is how do we count our editions. There is a minor debate on whether this is Vol. 1, No. 1 or Vol. 1, No. 5. The ink-stained wretch that was pulled into the haven at 1000 Hilltop from the abyss that is American journalism has been vociferously protesting that the number does not reset with a change of title, while a slightly more civilized member of the provost A-team continues to make the logical point that the <em>Provost's Perspective</em> is a new entity and therefore begins anew at No. 1. I'm not sold on the validity of either argument so, for now, we'll call it Vol. 1, No. 1 / 5. </p><br><h3>So this is what we voted for?</h3><p>Your feedback matters.</p><p>Thank you to everyone who took the time to lend your opinion as to the name of this publication. In a sweeping victory with more than half of the votes cast, I give you the winner: <em><strong>Provost's Perspective</strong></em>. In second place was <em><strong>UMBC Pulse</strong></em>, which now that I think about it may make for an interesting tagline. </p><p>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 <a href="https://forms.gle/VrVJ2fRdXHFPmmgD6" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">share it here</a>.</p><p>Self care is a critical aspect of successfully navigating life. <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/provost/posts/153668" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Last week</a>, I encouraged you to take a pause before the push to the second half of the semester. The small steps taken today can have a large impact on tomorrow and the journey for the remainder of the semester.  </p><p>Many of you shared your favorite park or trail. Following your recommendations, I'm excited to explore <strong>Benjamin Banneker Historical Park</strong>, the <strong>Sawmill Branch Trail</strong>, and <strong>Patapsco Valley State Park</strong>, as well as countless other areas around the region. I look forward to seeing you out there. </p><br><h3>Call for Faculty Proposals: IDEA Initiative &amp; CAP Fellowship</h3><br><p>I am so excited to announce the <em><strong>IDEA Initiative &amp; CAP Fellowship</strong></em>. These efforts are part of my goal to further foster innovative and interdisciplinary curricular efforts and make sure faculty have the resources to create and innovate. </p><h5>Ideate, Design, Execute &amp; Assess (IDEA) Initiative</h5><p>Submit proposals for new, credit-bearing interdisciplinary academic programs that address the evolving needs of students and the state of Maryland. Proposals from faculty teams should go beyond current offerings at UMBC or within USM. Awardees will receive course release or a summer stipend, along with university support for program design and proposal development.</p><h5>Curriculum and Pedagogy (CAP) Fellowship</h5><p>Propose the development or redesign of courses focused on emerging or in-demand workforce needs in Maryland. Faculty awardees will receive a stipend, optional funding for professional development related to course design or content, and access to course design support.</p><p>Help shape UMBC's future curriculum and impact Maryland's workforce readiness. The application period closes on November 20.</p><p><a href="https://academicaffairs.umbc.edu/home/curriculum-development/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Learn more and apply today!</a></p><img src="https://provost.umbc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2025/10/FY2025-Shadowing-Day_OCGA.jpg" alt="Research Admins Shadowing Day at the Office of Contract and Grant Accounting. From left to right around the table, Justin Hopkins, Tenley Stewart, Kathleen Browning, Mary Ann Scott, Debbie Bright, and Janis Rainer." style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"><div><em>Research Admins Shadowing Day at the Office of Contract and Grant 
    Accounting. From left to right around the table, Justin Hopkins, Tenley 
    Stewart, Kathleen Browning, Mary Ann Scott, Debbie Bright, and Janis 
    Rainer. </em></div><div><em><br></em></div><h3>Inaugural Research Admin Shadow Day a Success</h3><p>The Research Administrators Central and Departmental Collaboration Group partnered to create UMBC's inaugural <strong>Research Admin Shadowing Day</strong> on Wednesday. Shadowing Day was designed for networking, sharing ideas, and having in-person connections to help UMBC research administrators strengthen teams and collaboration. More than 30 research administrators participated across 10 sessions in three time-slots.</p><p>"It really was a great experience. I appreciated having the opportunity to sit and speak – really connect on a personal level – with some of the people I work with on a weekly, if not daily, basis," said Alisha Scrivens from the Office of Contract and Grant Accounting. </p><p>Hosts across campus held sessions in the Office of Contract and Grant Accounting (OCGA), Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), Office of the Provost Shared Services Center (OPSSC), College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS), College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Research Admin Team (CAHSS-CARAT), and the Office of Earth and Space Research Administration (ESRA).</p><p><img src="https://provost.umbc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2025/10/gerrad-alex-taylor-shakespeare-in-harlem-0009.jpg" alt='Director Gerrad Alex Taylor works with the cast of "Shakespeare in Harlem."' style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"><em>Director Gerrad Alex Taylor works with the cast of "Shakespeare in Harlem."</em></p><h3>Don't Miss <em>Shakespeare in Harlem</em> </h3><p><a href="https://theatre.umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">UMBC Theatre</a> presents <a href="https://umbc.edu/event/shakespeare-in-harlem/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><em>Shakespeare in Harlem</em></a><em> </em>by Langston Hughes, adapted and directed by<a href="https://theatre.umbc.edu/about-us/faculty/gerrad-alex-taylor/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"> Gerrad Alex Taylor</a>, a university-professional collaboration between UMBC Theatre and the<a href="https://www.chesapeakeshakespeare.com" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"> Chesapeake Shakespeare Company</a><strong>.</strong></p><p>A rare gem from Hughes, this collection of monologue poems revives the rhythms of jazz, the blues, and the pulse of the Harlem Renaissance — its love, struggles, and street-corner spirit. In Taylor's adaptation, Hughes' words come alive in a dynamic full-length play, blending poetry, music, and dance for an immersive journey into the world he so vividly celebrated.</p><h5>Performances at UMBC's Proscenium Theatre</h5><p>Thursday, October 30, 7:30 p.m. — Opening Night Reception</p><p>Friday, October 31, 7:30 p.m. — Free Performance for UMBC students</p><p>Saturday, November 1, 7:30 p.m. — Alumni Night</p><p>Friday, November 7, 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Saturday, November 8, 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Sunday, November 9, 2 p.m. — Free Performance for UMBC Students; Prospective Student Day; Actor Talk-Back</p><br><h3>Mark Your Calendar: Research in Germany Information Event</h3><p><em>Wednesday, Oct. 29, noon to 1 p.m.</em></p><p><em>Fine Arts Building, Room 459 </em></p><p>Mark your calendar and learn about research and funding opportunities through the <strong>German Academic Exchange Program</strong> (DAAD), the <strong>Humboldt Foundation</strong>, and the <strong>German Research Institute</strong> (DFG). Officers from these organizations will present programs and will be available for questions and follow-up conversations, along with some past fellows from within the UMBC faculty. This event is particularly relevant for faculty interested in research funding and those mentoring junior faculty and graduate students. </p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ocbls599GSI57OKj10PdqVK4ETFoLfLM/view" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Click here to learn more.</a></p><br><h3>New Travel Solution On Tap</h3><p>UMBC is about to roll out a new travel solution, <strong>SAP Concur,</strong> replacing the current <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>System</strong>. SAP Concur should provide easier travel booking and expense reporting. The program has broad applicability to all faculty and staff, as well as exciting new features for the campus. <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/travel/posts/153583" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Learn about training sessions here</a>.  </p><br><h3>Give it a Listen</h3><p>As we trudge ever closer to Halloween, I encourage you to take a minute (more precisely 3:19) and give this <a href="https://www.wypr.org/wypr-news/2025-10-22/maryland-schools-haunted-collection-contains-spooky-sounds-and-interviews" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">a listen</a>. The <strong>AOK Library and Gallery</strong> special collection got a shout-out from WYPR. </p><blockquote><p><em>"The University of Maryland Baltimore County has a big secret.</em></p><p><em>Many already know that deep in the Albin Kuhn Library there are spooky<a href="https://www.thebanner.com/education/higher-education/umbc-parapsychology-collection-ghosts-2ZLYEXE5SRD5XC53CFJMYUMAK4/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"> artifacts</a>. But there's more than just the haunted mongoose named Gef and the collection of objects supposedly bent by someone's mind.</em></p><p><em>The parapsychology collection at the school also holds audio of certain spooky instances like seances from beyond the grave and interviews with people who have experienced supernatural occurrences.</em></p><p><em>UMBC holds some seriously spooky tapes of these occurrences."</em></p></blockquote><p><a href="https://www.wypr.org/wypr-news/2025-10-22/maryland-schools-haunted-collection-contains-spooky-sounds-and-interviews" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Listen to the audio and learn more here.</a></p><br><h3>New Faculty Spotlights</h3><p><em>Each week we feature the newest members of our community.</em></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-winger-75182122/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Gregory Winger</a>, Associate Professor, Political Science, affiliated with the <a href="https://cybersecurity.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">UMBC Cybersecurity Institute</a> </p><p><strong>Areas of Research/Interest</strong>: International Security, Cybersecurity, Emerging Technology, and Alliances</p><p><strong>Fun Fact About Gregory</strong>: I went undergraduate at UMBC.</p><br><p><a href="https://economics.umbc.edu/anderson-frailey/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Anderson Frailey</a>, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, affiliated with the <a href="https://cybersecurity.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">UMBC Cybersecurity Institute</a></p><p><strong>Areas of Research/Interest</strong>: Economics of privacy, cybercrime, applied microeconomics</p><p><strong>Fun Fact About Anderson</strong>: I've run a couple of marathons and was the DJ for the University of Texas ice hockey team in college.</p><br><p><em>Are you a new faculty member? Please take two minutes to<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vOkjEa6dMBbmVStnNePmijwqtl3bh6xlJwj14d8NfHM/edit" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"> fill out the form</a> and submit your bio if you have not already done so.</em></p><p> </p><h3>Help Make this Newsletter Better</h3><p><em>Do you have a great idea? Are you organizing an event everyone should know about? Let us know <a href="https://forms.gle/VrVJ2fRdXHFPmmgD6" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">here</a>. </em></p><br><p>If you have read this far, well done and congratulations. </p><p>Until next week, </p><p>Manfred van Dulmen</p></div>
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<Summary>Happy Friday and welcome to the fifth installment of the provost newsletter and the first edition under its new banner: Provost's Perspective.   The question now is how do we count our editions....</Summary>
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<NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="153885" important="false" status="posted" url="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/provost/posts/153885">
<Title>Call for Nominations</Title>
<Tagline>Associate Dean, The Graduate School</Tagline>
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<![CDATA[
    <div class="html-content"><p>The
     Graduate School is searching for a tenured faculty member to fill the 
    open Associate Dean for Graduate Education position, ideally to begin 
    in <strong>January 2026</strong><strong>.</strong>
     This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal on 
    an annual basis. Nominations and self-nominations are welcomed. </p><p>Potential candidates must possess:</p><ul><li><p>at least five years of experience as a graduate faculty member to include some leadership experience at the department and/or institutional level (e.g., as a graduate program director, department chair, etc.) </p></li><li><p>a significant record of scholarship, teaching, and supervision of masters and/or doctoral students</p></li><li><p>a demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and student success</p></li><li><p>level of service experience appropriate for a tenured associate or full professor </p></li></ul><p>Please submit nominations and self-nominations to Lauren Cummings (<a href="mailto:laurenc6@umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">laurenc6@umbc.edu</a>), no later than <strong>Friday, November 14 by 5 p.m.</strong> Nominations and self-nominations should include a 1-2-page statement and the prospective candidate's current C.V. <strong>Finalists will be interviewed immediately, with the goal of announcing an appointment by the end of the semester.</strong> </p><p> </p><p><strong>POSITION DESCRIPTION</strong></p><p>Reporting
     to the Vice Provost and Dean for Graduate Education and a member of the
     Dean's Leadership Team, the Associate Dean will have a recognized 
    record of excellence and experience that will result in strong 
    leadership. The Associate Dean is responsible for providing high 
    quality, intentional support services to graduate students. The 
    Associate Dean coordinates the team's efforts to provide support related
     to planning, resource coordination, and advocacy of graduate student 
    issues and the assessment and reporting thereof, in partnership with 
    other Graduate School staff, Divisions, and in alignment with UMBC's 
    institutional priorities.</p><p>Duties and essential functions may include, but not be limited to the following:  </p><ul><li><p>Lead efforts to develop new and enhance current policies and procedures consistent with the University's mission and values. </p></li><li><p>Communicate with graduate faculty and administrators regarding issues of graduate program management, administrative processes, and federal and state/USM compliance and regulations. </p></li><li><p>Serve as the primary point of contact for graduate student concerns and facilitate appropriate support including referrals, reporting, and triaging.  </p></li><li><p>Serve as deputy dean to represent The Graduate School in absence of the Dean. </p></li><li><p>Provide support for the day-to-day operations of The Graduate School. </p></li><li><p>Serve on University committees; lead/represent The Graduate School and Dean on appropriate University bodies, councils, etc.  </p></li></ul></div>
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<Summary>The  Graduate School is searching for a tenured faculty member to fill the  open Associate Dean for Graduate Education position, ideally to begin  in January 2026.  This is a 12-month appointment...</Summary>
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<NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="153735" important="false" status="posted" url="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/provost/posts/153735">
<Title>Call for Faculty Proposals: IDEA Initiative &amp; CAP Fellowship</Title>
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<![CDATA[
    <div class="html-content"><p>The Office of the Provost invites full-time faculty to apply to two exciting opportunities:</p><h5>Ideate, Design, Execute &amp; Assess (IDEA) Initiative</h5><p>Submit proposals for new, credit-bearing interdisciplinary academic programs that address the evolving needs of students and the state of Maryland. Proposals should go beyond current offerings at UMBC or within USM. Awardees will receive course release or a summer stipend, along with university support for program design and proposal development.</p><br><h5>Curriculum and Pedagogy (CAP) Fellowship</h5><p>Propose the development or redesign of courses focused on emerging or in-demand workforce needs in Maryland. Awardees will receive a stipend, optional funding for professional development related to course design or content, and access to course design support.</p><br><p>Help shape UMBC's future curriculum and impact Maryland's workforce readiness. The application period closes on November 20.</p><br><a href="https://academicaffairs.umbc.edu/home/curriculum-development/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Learn more and apply today!</a></div>
]]>
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<Summary>The Office of the Provost invites full-time faculty to apply to two exciting opportunities:  Ideate, Design, Execute &amp; Assess (IDEA) Initiative  Submit proposals for new, credit-bearing...</Summary>
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<PostedAt>Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:32:07 -0400</PostedAt>
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<NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="153668" important="false" status="posted" url="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/provost/posts/153668">
<Title>Provost Newsletter: Oct. 17, 2025</Title>
<Tagline>From The Provost's Perch (Thanks for the suggestion, Rick)</Tagline>
<Body>
<![CDATA[
    <div class="html-content"><p>Happy Friday and welcome to the fourth installment of the <em>Provost Newsletter</em>. </p><h4>What's in a name?</h4><p>Turns out the polling feature is only accessible by clicking through to the myUMBC posting.  With that now sorted, we'll keep the newsletter name poll up for an additional week to allow everyone a chance to vote for their preferred choice. </p><p><em>(Scroll, scroll, click, scroll, scroll, vote, smile knowing you have made the world [or at least this newsletter] a better place.)</em></p><br><h4>Just Breathe</h4><p>There is so much to love about this time of Fall semester! The leaves are turning and the air is crisp. It is also a time when I realize we are well beyond the start of the academic year, there is much work left to be done, but the end of the semester is not close (yet). Sometimes, in order to keep going, we need to take a pause. As a faculty member, I enjoyed reading "<a href="https://utppublishing.com/doi/book/10.3138/9781487521851" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">The Slow Professor</a>." It provided me with the insight that <em>more</em> is sometimes counterproductive and that reflection and pause can actually lead to our best work (and a healthier version of ourselves). Take time for reflection or take a deep breath.   </p><p>For me, reflection also comes when I take walks and enjoy natural beauty (which can be particularly awesome this time of the year). As part of still getting to know the surrounding areas, I would love to hear from you about a favorite trail or park that I should explore. Please share it <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_Gr0_RbGiOAQLFMIMCQwZ2wO6tXf5G0pJKc0-6r2tH-yJzA/viewform?usp=header" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">here</a>. </p><br><h4>Highlights! Highlights! Send Me Your Highlights!</h4><p><em>I hope you read this in your best "Newsies" voice.</em></p><p>Each week, I highlight accomplishments to be celebrated, events to attend, and examples of the great work being done by you, our faculty and staff at UMBC. If you know of a program, or event that should be highlighted, please <a href="https://forms.gle/VrVJ2fRdXHFPmmgD6" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">submit it here</a>.</p><img src="https://umbc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Livewire15-logo.jpg" alt="Livewire 15 logo" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"><p><span>Two Days Left</span></p><h4>LIVEWIRE 15: Blazing Trails</h4><p>Don't miss the final two days of the Department of Music's <a href="https://umbc.edu/event/livewire-15-blazing-trails/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">LIVEWIRE 15: Blazing Trails</a>. Now in its 15th year, the Livewire festival celebrates the "innovators, the brave, the experimental, the 'firsts:' the trail blazers." Special highlights include the faculty contemporary ensemble <a href="https://music.umbc.edu/ruckus/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Ruckus</a> that is planning a recording highlighting its work. Having faculty perform together demonstrates the extraordinary sense of community in the department, one of the big recruitment draws for music students from across the state.</p><p><strong>Friday</strong>: Talks and concerts ending with <a href="https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/5055/Julius-Eastman/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Julius Eastman</a>'s "Femenine." </p><p><strong>Saturday</strong>: Events throughout the day <a href="https://umbc.edu/event/livewire-15-ensemble-bravura/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">culminating in a performance by Ensemble Bravura</a>.</p><p><strong>Festival Schedule</strong>: <a href="https://music.umbc.edu/events/event/147222/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://music.umbc.edu/events/event/147222/</a> </p><br><h4>UMBC Interdisciplinary CoLab Accepting Proposals</h4><p>UMBC Interdisciplinary CoLab is currently accepting proposals for Summer '26. Teams of three students work with a project leader (faculty or staff) for four weeks in June to create an outward-facing, narrative-based research deliverable for a community partner.</p><p>Previous projects have engaged with archived texts and images to develop websites for special collections and area museums, built podcasts from oral history interviews, and worked with communities on documentary videos and digital stories.</p><p>To find out more about submitting a proposal, visit <a href="https://iaac.umbc.edu/call-for-projects/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://iaac.umbc.edu/call-for-projects/</a> or email Donald Snyder, principal lecturer, Media and Communication Studies, at <a href="mailto:dsnyder@umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">dsnyder@umbc.edu</a>. </p><br><img src="https://ai.umbc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/10/UMBC-AI-lockup-2b-for-use-on-light-backgrounds.png" alt="UMBC AI logo for a light background." style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"><h4>New AI Logo Available</h4><p>As you probably <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements-faculty-staff/posts/153638" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">saw yesterday</a>, UMBC's artificial intelligence working group in conjunction with University Communications and Marketing has created UMBC AI logos that can be used for both digital and print branding. I encourage you to <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/provost/files/13999" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">download the logo</a> and use it for all of your AI-related projects, programs, and activities. </p><p>For questions concerning the use of the logos, or to add your project or program to the university's official list of artificial intelligence efforts, please email <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements-faculty-staff/posts/153638/7b24f/c19f8a8de0e2a2b4ace580bd786a86ae/email/link?link=mailto%3Ajoshi%40umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Anupam Joshi</a>, UMBC's chief AI officer, with a copy to <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements-faculty-staff/posts/153638/7b24f/b52d9880d7b229caf96cdcea0f6feed3/email/link?link=mailto%3Akpokorny%40umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Kyle Pokorny</a>. </p><p><br></p><h4>New Faculty Spotlights</h4><p><em>Each week we feature the newest members of our community.</em></p><p><a href="https://saph.umbc.edu/ftfaculty/person/sf30214/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Aneeka Ratnayake</a>, Assistant Professor, Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health</p><p><strong>Areas of Research/Interest</strong>: Epidemiology and Public Health</p><p><strong>Fun fact about Aneeka</strong>: I taught kids how to ski for nearly a decade!</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://informationsystems.umbc.edu/home/faculty-and-staff/faculty/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Michelle Antero</a>, Assistant Teaching Professor, Information Systems</p><p><strong>Areas of Research/Interes</strong>t: Enterprise Systems, Business Models, Innovation</p><p><strong>Fun fact about Michelle</strong>: Learning to play the harp</p><br><p><em>Are you a new faculty member? Please take two minutes to<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vOkjEa6dMBbmVStnNePmijwqtl3bh6xlJwj14d8NfHM/edit" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"> fill out the form</a> and submit your bio if you have not already done so.</em></p><p> </p><h4>Help Make this Newsletter Better</h4><p>Do you have a great idea? Are you organizing an event everyone should know about? Let us know <a href="https://forms.gle/VrVJ2fRdXHFPmmgD6" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">here</a>. </p><br><p>Thank you for your commitment to the Retriever community.</p><p>Until next week, </p><p>Manfred van Dulmen</p></div>
]]>
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<Summary>Happy Friday and welcome to the fourth installment of the Provost Newsletter.   What's in a name?  Turns out the polling feature is only accessible by clicking through to the myUMBC posting.  With...</Summary>
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<PostedAt>Fri, 17 Oct 2025 12:06:49 -0400</PostedAt>
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<NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="153638" important="false" status="posted" url="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/provost/posts/153638">
<Title>Tracking and Branding Artificial Intelligence at UMBC</Title>
<Tagline>Register your efforts and create a common UMBC AI identity</Tagline>
<Body>
<![CDATA[
    <div class="html-content"><p>Are you involved in an artificial intelligence related activity, project, or program at UMBC? Organizing a lecture or lecture series? Running workshops or training sessions? Have a research initiative? Using AI in your operations that have external visibility? </p><h4>Help us know what's happening</h4><p>As a requirement of the Maryland AI Act (SB 818 of 2024), the State and University System of Maryland may require UMBC to be aware of all artificial intelligence uses, programs, projects, and their associated risks. Help us stay ahead of the regulatory curve in the quickly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and higher education. </p><p>Email <a href="mailto:joshi@umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Anupam Joshi</a>, UMBC's chief AI officer, and copy to <a href="mailto:kpokorny@umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Kyle Pokorny</a> with a brief description of your AI use that is not a research project. </p><p><br></p><p><img src="https://ai.umbc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/10/UMBC-AI-lockup-2b-for-use-on-light-backgrounds.png" alt="UMBC Artificial Intelligence Logo for use on a light background." style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><h4>UMBC AI Logo</h4><p>The university's artificial intelligence working group, in coordination with University Communications and Marketing, has created an <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/provost/files/13999" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><strong>Artificial Intelligence at UMBC logo</strong></a> that should be used on all projects and programs moving forward. The goal is to create a common identity across UMBC's myriad AI efforts.</p><p>The dedicated logos can be downloaded from the files section of the my.UMBC <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/provost/files/13999" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Provost Group</a>.</p><p>For questions concerning the use of the logos or to add your project or program to the university's official list of artificial intelligence efforts, please email <a href="mailto:joshi@umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Anupam Joshi</a>, UMBC's chief AI officer, with a copy to <a href="mailto:kpokorny@umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Kyle Pokorny</a>. </p></div>
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<Summary>Are you involved in an artificial intelligence related activity, project, or program at UMBC? Organizing a lecture or lecture series? Running workshops or training sessions? Have a research...</Summary>
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<PostedAt>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:11:48 -0400</PostedAt>
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