Updates to the Academic Calendar
Thanksgiving 2025 and additional dates in 2026
Dear UMBC Community,
We write today to share updates to UMBC's academic and holiday calendars that will affect employee schedules in the short- and long-term, starting this fall.
Thanksgiving 2025
This semester, UMBC will be closed for an Administrative Leave day on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, November 26. (Campus will still be closed on Thanksgiving and Friday, as in previous years.) This is consistent with what has occurred over the past few years (as approved by the president) to ensure faculty and staff have time to celebrate and be with loved ones during this extended period.
Additional Holiday Leave Days in 2026 and Fall Recess
Beginning in calendar year 2026, in accordance with University System of Maryland bylaws, a total of four additional University Holiday Leave days are to be earned each calendar year and observed at the discretion of the institution's president or designee. Each calendar year you will learn how these days are planned for the year.
Regarding personal leave for staff, all regular full-time nonexempt and exempt staff employees shall receive three (3) days (not to exceed 24 hours) of personal leave on January 1 each calendar year, except that employees shall receive four (4) days (not to exceed 32 hours) of personal leave on January 1 in a leap year. Part-time employees working 50 percent or more shall receive personal leave on a pro-rated basis.
Starting Academic Year 2026 – 2027 there also will be two new changes to the academic calendar that were approved by the Faculty Senate last academic year. The start date of the semester will move from a Wednesday to a Monday. Beginning next year, UMBC will also have a Fall Class Recess on October 12 and 13, 2026. By shifting the start of the semester to a Monday, the total number of instruction days remains unchanged. During the recess, no academic courses will be offered but the university will be open. During this time, managers will work with employees to best determine how to operationally manage this time within their units. A separate communication to all supervisors will go out in the spring from Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management (HRSTM).
For questions related to the holiday calendar for this year and next, please feel free to reach out to the HRSTM team at hrstm@umbc.edu. For questions related to the academic calendar for this year and next, please feel free to reach out to the Office of the Registrar at registrar@umbc.edu.
Sincerely,
Lynne Adams
Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Manfred H. M. van Dulmen
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
]]>
Dear UMBC Community, We write today to share updates to UMBC's academic and holiday calendars that will affect employee schedules in the short- and long-term, starting this fall. Thanksgiving...
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Announcements - Faculty and Staff
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Wed, 15 Oct 2025 16:28:06 -0400
Provost Newsletter: Oct. 10, 2025
All the News That’s Fit to Post or The Inside Scoop or ?????
(High atop the Admin building we’re still workshopping taglines to go with our permanent newsletter name, hopefully to come next week. With that being said, we’re not above borrowing slogans and putting our own twist on it.)
Happy Friday and welcome to the third installment of the Provost Newsletter. (Hopefully next week you will be awed by our permanent name. Which reminds me, don’t forget to vote.)
Vote Your Favorite Name
Thank you to everyone who submitted potential names for the newsletter. From the more than 30 unique submissions, four have been selected as finalists. Let your voice be heard. (It's my first time using the polling feature. I believe the poll will appear at the end of the newsletter. I guess we'll find out together.)
Send Me Your Highlights
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 person, program, or event that should be highlighted, please
submit it here.
Time to dust off the high school Latin (my fondness of Stoicism today is a direct result of a high school teacher introducing me to translating Seneca at age 16).
Ad spectaculum.
Or on to the show.
Stepping Outside Their Comfort Zone
One of the biggest takeaways from the piece is the inspiring role faculty and staff played in each of the participant’s journeys to join the program. Your impact goes far beyond the classroom and this campus. With gratitude for all you do!
Thank You, Bill LaCourse, For Your Unflagging Leadership
Thank you, Bill, for all you have done for CNMS and UMBC. Your dedication to making the sciences accessible is an inspiration to your colleagues and friends.
Homecoming Gets Serious
When I came to UMBC last year, people kept telling me that our campus and our students were different from average college students. I quickly found this to be true, in the most surprising and welcoming way. This weekend
Homecoming 2025 shifts into high gear as Saturday features more events and activities than ever before. I encourage you to come out, enjoy the festivities and connect with new and old friends.
Meet Me in The Commons: Pop-up Coffee with the Provost Tomorrow
Thank you to everyone who swung by my first Coffee with the Provost yesterday. I had the pleasure to spend time with more than 35 faculty and staff members as we discussed a wide range of topics. I appreciate the opportunity to hear from you and together build UMBC’s future.
Tomorrow I will be hosting a pop-up event from 10-11 in The Commons near the Lego event. Swing by, say hi, and grab a coffee or hot chocolate. I look forward to connecting with you and your families.
New Faculty Spotlights
Each week we feature the newest members of our community.
Areas of Research/Interest: Quantum Computing, Optimization, Operations Research
I have pursued creativity across research, teaching, and community engagement. In my research, I developed novel quantum algorithms that merge mathematics and quantum computing, earning the 2025 Pritsker Doctoral Dissertation Award. As a communicator, I served as the Graduate Commencement Speaker at Lehigh University, delivering an original address that connected research with personal journey. In teaching, I taught graduate courses in innovative project-based formats. Beyond the classroom, I organized multiple international conference sessions on quantum computing and optimization, fostering collaboration and advancing emerging fields.
Fun Fact about Mohammadhossein: I enjoy traveling, especially road trips. My longest one was a 12-day journey from California to Florida.
Rasika Mahawattege, Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Areas of Research/Interest: Partial Differential Equations, Control Theory, STEM teaching
Fun Fact about Rasika: I came from Sri Lanka as a first-generation college graduate, earned my Ph.D. at the University of Memphis, and now teach at UMBC. Along the way, I’ve built a career in research and teaching and have had the chance to mentor some first-gen students (in the future more). In many ways, my own journey has become a source of inspiration for others walking a similar path.
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. UMBC hired more than 60 new faculty members this fall and 27 have submitted bios so far, for what it is worth.
Help Make this Newsletter Better
Do you have a great idea? Are you organizing an event everyone should know about? Let us know here.
Thank you for your dedication to UMBC. You are what makes this community great. Go Retrievers!
Until next week,
Manfred van Dulmen
]]>
(High atop the Admin building we’re still workshopping taglines to go with our permanent newsletter name, hopefully to come next week. With that being said, we’re not above borrowing slogans and...
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Fri, 10 Oct 2025 12:10:11 -0400
Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:16:30 -0400
State Health Benefits Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment for State of Maryland health benefits will begin on Tuesday, October 14, and will end on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 5 p.m.
Employees who are not making any health benefit changes do not need to take action. However, to continue a healthcare and/or dependent daycare flexible spending account, employees must re-enroll in their Open Enrollment event by November 7, 2025, at 5 p.m.
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.
Open Enrollment will continue to be online in the SPS Workday system. Prior to the start of Open Enrollment, it is important for employees to log in to their Workday account to ensure they have access. Instructions for logging into the SPS Workday system can be found
here.
NEW for 2026:
- Effective January 1, 2026, 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.
- Beginning July 1, 2026, contractual employees will begin receiving pre-tax benefit premiums, which will be automatically deducted from their paychecks.
State of Maryland Open Enrollment resources can be found on the Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management (HRSTM)
Open Enrollment website. Resources include virtual and in-person information sessions with State vendors, State wellness information, as well as the 2026 Rates and State Benefits Guide.
Employees who are adding
new dependents to their health benefits during Open Enrollment should review the
required dependent documentation. Dependent documentation is required to be attached to the employee’s Open Enrollment event by Friday, November 7, 2025, at 5 p.m.
Please join us on
Wednesday, October 15, at noon for a live, virtual
Open Enrollment Information Session to learn more about new changes and receive updates and reminders. This session will be recorded and posted to the HRSTM Open Enrollment website by October 24.
To ensure timely receipt of vendor communication, we advise employees to confirm their home address is correct by logging into their myUMBC account and viewing their Profile. Employees address changes must be made in the
Payroll Online Service Center (POSC).
Benefits and Wellness Team
Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management
]]>
Open Enrollment for State of Maryland health benefits will begin on Tuesday, October 14, and will end on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 5 p.m. Employees who are not making any health benefit...
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Fri, 10 Oct 2025 10:45:40 -0400
Don't Miss Coffee with the Provost: Thursday, Oct. 9, 10-11 AM
Meet Provost Manfred van Dulmen and grab a cup of coffee/tea
Have you ever wondered what a provost
does? Do you have a question about the state of higher education or the
Eredivisie (Dutch football's top division)?
Drop in and join us for a warm
beverage and a snack and meet Provost Manfred van Dulmen.
This is a great opportunity to connect, share ideas, ask questions, or
simply enjoy some conversation over coffee and light refreshments.
Thursday, October 9
10-11 a.m.
Information Technology / Engineering 456
No RSVP required and all are welcome.
Stop by, grab a cup, and say hello!
]]>
Have you ever wondered what a provost does? Do you have a question about the state of higher education or the Eredivisie (Dutch football's top division)? Drop in and join us for a warm beverage...
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Office of the Provost
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Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:46:48 -0400
Introducing the P.A.W. Circle
Going a step further to support our students
Dear Colleagues,
It’s no secret that higher education is going through unprecedented times. Yet, here at UMBC, we continue to work toward our shared mission of inclusive excellence—advancing knowledge, economic prosperity, and social justice by welcoming and inspiring inquisitive minds from all backgrounds.
Your dedication to our students and our mission sets UMBC apart from other institutions. And that's why the continued support of our most ardent advocates—our faculty and staff—is crucial to moving us forward. Your philanthropic investment doesn’t just support the university; it empowers President Valerie Sheares Ashby's bold vision for the future of UMBC. Because you are so integral to our success, I am pleased to announce the launch of the P.A.W. Circle!
P.A.W. stands for Philanthropy At Work, and it is a community of faculty and staff donors who make the decision to go a step further in supporting our students. When you make a financial contribution to any area on campus, your philanthropic investment has a profound impact. It directly provides scholarships and academic resources, supports student life, fuels groundbreaking research, and strengthens our entire university community. Our P.A.W. Circle community members make a huge difference, and we invite you to join us!
How to Join the P.A.W. Circle
If you have already made a gift during fiscal year 2025 or 2026 (since July 1), you are already a P.A.W. Circle member! For those who'd like to join, it's easy through one (or more) of these three giving options:
Special Events and Community
As a token of our gratitude, members of the P.A.W. Circle will be invited to join us for two special “Mug of the Month” events each semester. Members will receive a P.A.W. mug to keep, and you can bring it to these events to fill with a delicious treat. Even if you make a donation the same day, you can bring your email receipt and get your mug at the door.
Thank you for all you do for UMBC. Your passion is what makes our mission possible, and your generosity is essential to our future.
With Retriever pride,
Patrick Roche
Vice President, Institutional Advancement
Laila Shishineh
Assistant Vice Provost and Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Academic Affairs
P.A.W. Circle Co-Chair
Orianne Smith
Professor, English
P.A.W. Circle Co-Chair
]]>
Dear Colleagues, It’s no secret that higher education is going through unprecedented times. Yet, here at UMBC, we continue to work toward our shared mission of inclusive excellence—advancing...
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Announcements - Faculty and Staff
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Wed, 08 Oct 2025 11:55:54 -0400
Provost Newsletter: Oct. 3, 2025
Catch up on what's happening this week at UMBC
Happy Friday and welcome to the second installment of the Provost Newsletter (permanent name TBD).
Thank you to everyone who submitted potential names for the newsletter. If you have a suggestion, send it to Aaron Burnett. Don't delay in submitting your ideas as next week we'll vote on the top three choices.
A brief recap for those who missed last week's newsletter: each week I will 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 have a person, program, or event that should be highlighted, please submit it here.
And with that, on to the show …
16 Years And Counting: UMBC Named a 'Great College to Work For'
For the 16th consecutive year UMBC has been named a "Great College to Work For" by ModernThink. More impressively, it marks the 14th consecutive year UMBC has been named to the Honor Roll as a top 10 four-year institution based on the number of categories in which the university received top marks (nine categories!).
I find this honor particularly compelling because it is based on responses from you, our faculty and staff, concerning your personal experiences as employees at UMBC. For more than a decade-and-a-half you have built a community that supports and values inclusive excellence and I am proud to be a part of that. Way to go Retrievers!
Homecoming Kicks Off
As the days grow shorter and the evening air becomes crisp, all signs point to one of my favorite events of the year: Homecoming. Pull out your black and gold gear, turn up your school spirit to 11, and join me as we kick off Homecoming 2025.
From choir performances to bonfires to a puppy parade, there are events for everyone. The puppy parade is one of my favorites and my dogs Winston and Emmie participated last year. Learn how you can get in the homecoming spirit here.
Don't Miss GRIT-X Oct. 9
What happens when you ask UMBC's alumni, faculty, and graduate students about their passion for UMBC's impact in areas of research and creative achievement? You get GRIT-X, the uniquely UMBC take on the TED Talk. The ninth installment features nine speakers from across a wide spectrum of topics. Sign up now for this can't-miss event and catch up on the previous year's talks.
DATE CHANGE: Join Me for Coffee on Thursday, Oct. 9, 10-11 AM
Mark your calendars as I'll be hosting Coffee with the Provost next Thursday from 10-11 a.m. in ITE-456. No RSVP required and all are welcome. Stop by, grab a cup, and say hello!
New Faculty Spotlights
Each week we feature the newest members of our community.
Liana Harron, Assistant Professor of Piano, Music Department
Area of Research/Interest: Piano Performance
Fun Fact about Liana: Dr. Liana Pailodze Harron, blending her Georgian heritage with an American spirit, captivates audiences with daring performances that breathe life into contemporary classical music. Praised by Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Tim Page of The Wall Street Journal as 'smashingly effective,' her latest album with Vesna Duo mesmerized audiences, showcasing her passionate interpretations. Her artistry has graced esteemed venues across the United States and Europe, including iconic stages like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the New World Center, and the United Nations.
Neha Singh, Assistant Teaching Professor, Information Systems
Areas of Research/Interest: Applied Data Science, Artificial Intelligence Literacy and Education, Responsible and ethical computing
Fun Fact about Neha: I never had pets and still do not have any.
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.
Help Make this Newsletter Better
Do you have a great idea? Are you organizing an event everyone should know about? Let us know here.
Thank you for all you do for UMBC each and every day. You are what makes this community great.
Until next week,
Manfred van Dulmen
]]>
Happy Friday and welcome to the second installment of the Provost Newsletter (permanent name TBD). Thank you to everyone who submitted potential names for the newsletter. If you have a...
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Office of the Provost
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Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:00:13 -0400
Don’t miss the Staff and Faculty Social, GRIT-X, and more!
Homecoming 2025 is around the corner
Dear Retrievers,
Homecoming 2025 is right around the corner, and we can’t wait to celebrate with this amazing community. Our faculty and staff truly make UMBC the special place that it is (we were once again named a
“Great College to Work For”), and Homecoming is as much for you as it is for our students and alumni. We know your schedules are packed, but we hope you will join us for some of the amazing events we have planned.
Don’t miss the
Staff and Faculty Social on Wednesday, October 8, from 4 – 6 p.m. in the Sherman Atrium. This is the perfect chance to take a moment to relax, enjoy some delicious appetizers, socialize with colleagues from across campus, and explore the newly renovated Sherman Hall A-wing.
Registration is open now on myUMBC.
Next up is the highly anticipated
GRIT-X Talks and Reception on Thursday, October 9, from 4 – 6 p.m. in the Fine Arts Recital Hall. Come listen as some of UMBC’s most brilliant faculty and alumni share their innovative ideas and stories in a series of dynamic, short-form talks. Get ready to be inspired! Afterward, stick around for the reception to connect with the speakers and continue the conversation. Visit
research.umbc.edu/grit-x to view this year’s incredible lineup of speakers and register for the event.
Following GRIT-X, you can head over to the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena for
Retriever Madness from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., an old favorite making its Homecoming return to help kick off the 2025 – 2026 basketball season. Enjoy live entertainment, games and prizes, autograph sessions and meet-and-greets with student athletes, tasty snacks and beverages, and so much more. Wear your best black and gold as we celebrate what it means to be part of Retriever Nation.
Visit the
Homecoming website to view the full schedule and register for these and other great events. We look forward to seeing you there!
Go Retrievers!
Homecoming Steering Committee
Stanyell Bruce
Director of Alumni Engagement
Candace Doane
Acting Senior Director of Campus Life Student Engagement
Jen Dress
Special Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs
Bobby Lubaszewski ’10, M.P.S. ’23
Director of Alumni and Development Communications and Marketing
Kelly Peloquin
Associate Athletic Director of Facilities and Event Management
Simon Reilly
Acting Director of Event and Conference Services
Laura Schraven
Director of Student Affairs Communications and Marketing
Jess Wyatt
Associate Director of Alumni Engagement
]]>
Dear Retrievers, Homecoming 2025 is right around the corner, and we can’t wait to celebrate with this amazing community. Our faculty and staff truly make UMBC the special place that it is (we...
http://homecoming.umbc.edu
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Thu, 02 Oct 2025 12:37:12 -0400
New Date: Coffee with the Provost
Join Provost van Dulmen for a warm beverage Oct. 9, 10-11 am
Have you ever wondered what a provost
does? Do you have a question about the state of higher education or the
Eredivisie (Dutch football's top division)?
Drop in and join us for a warm
beverage and a snack and meet Provost Manfred van Dulmen.
This is a great opportunity to connect, share ideas, ask questions, or
simply enjoy some conversation over coffee and light refreshments.
October 9
10-11 a.m.
Information Technology / Engineering 456
No RSVP required and all are welcome.
Stop
by, grab a cup, and say hello!
]]>
Have you ever wondered what a provost does? Do you have a question about the state of higher education or the Eredivisie (Dutch football's top division)? Drop in and join us for a warm beverage...
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Wed, 01 Oct 2025 10:39:16 -0400
Provost Newsletter: Sept. 26, 2025
Catch up on what's happening this week at UMBC
Happy Friday and welcome to the inaugural edition of the Provost Newsletter. We're still workshopping names, so if you have a good idea send it to Aaron Burnett for consideration.
Each Friday throughout the academic year I'll be highlighting the great work being done by you, our faculty and staff members, sharing important information for you to be aware of, and providing a look ahead at events and opportunities.
The newsletter is a work in progress and will evolve over time through your feedback and direction. If there is something you want to see or hear about, let me know. My goal is to provide a forum that is informative and additive to your experience as a Retriever.
So, without further ado …
'Must-see' Exhibit at AOK Gallery
I want to give a big welcome to UMBC's first vice provost and dean of the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery, Sophia Blessitt-Sotilleo. Sophia joined us this summer and has hit the ground running.
The AOK Gallery's fall exhibition, Picturing Mobility: Black Leisure and Tourism during the Jim Crow Era, curated by Dr. Elizabeth Patton, is on view until Dec. 19. The curatorial talk and reception on Sept. 19 drew 74 attendees and the exhibition was declared "must-see" in BmoreArt.
I just did see the exhibit last night and highly recommend you check it out.
UMBC Named a Leading Public University
The latest U.S. News & World Report ratings dropped this week and UMBC is on the rise. We climbed 17 places in the ranking of national universities and 11 places on the list of top public schools. While rankings can never capture the full scope of UMBC, it is great to see outside organizations recognize the world class organization I see every day.
Join Me for Coffee on Thursday, Oct. 2, 10-11 AM
Mark your calendars as I'll be hosting Coffee with the Provost next Thursday from 10-11 a.m. in ITE-456. No RSVP required and all are welcome. Stop by, grab a cup, and say hello!
New Faculty Spotlights
Each week we will feature the newest members of our community. Up first:
Mark E. Woodcock, Assistant Teaching Professor, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
Area of Research: Formal Methods
Interesting Fact: Mark is an expert in non-inscriptional Carthaginian Literature
Chulwoo "Charles" Park, Assistant Professor, Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health
Areas of Research: Immigrant and minority health, global health, psychosocial epidemiology, and infectious disease epidemiology
Interesting Fact about Charles: I run a full marathon every year!
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.
Help Make this Newsletter Better
Do you have a great idea? Are you organizing an event everyone should know about? Send an email to Aaron Burnett, director of provost communication, aaronb4@umbc.edu.
Until next week,
Manfred van Dulmen
]]>
Happy Friday and welcome to the inaugural edition of the Provost Newsletter. We're still workshopping names, so if you have a good idea send it to Aaron Burnett for consideration. Each Friday...
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Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:06:24 -0400
You're Invited: Coffee with the Provost
Join Provost van Dulmen for a warm beverage Oct. 9, 10-11 am
UPDATED DATE: OCT. 9, 10-11 AM
Have you ever wondered what a provost does? Do you
have a question about the state of higher education or the Eredivisie
(Dutch football's top division)?
Drop in and join us for a warm beverage and a snack and meet Provost Manfred van Dulmen.
This is a great opportunity to connect, share ideas,
ask questions, or simply enjoy some conversation over coffee and light
refreshments.
October 9
10-11 a.m.
Information Technology / Engineering 456
No RSVP required and all are welcome.
Stop by, grab a cup, and say hello!
]]>
UPDATED DATE: OCT. 9, 10-11 AM Have you ever wondered what a provost does? Do you have a question about the state of higher education or the Eredivisie (Dutch football's top division)?...
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