At the Faculty Senate meeting Tuesday I mentioned to the senators that my phrase of the week was “being a realistic optimist” (credit goes to a recent episode of one of my ‘go to’ podcasts FranklinCovey on Leadership). I have given (and continue to give) a lot of thought to how to be both realistic and optimistic in the midst of a changing landscape of higher education, state funding, federal policy, and global uncertainty. 

Last week, I started meeting with department chairs and their budget managers to better understand the budget realities in academic units. These individual meetings have been incredibly helpful for me to be realistic about how departments are using the resources available to them, and what may be needed for us to be successful. At the same time, it is clear that we will need to continue making thoughtful and, at times, difficult decisions to ensure our long-term success.

What gives me continued hope and optimism is the strong commitment across the UMBC community to be innovative and adapt in a changing world. Last August, I convened the Provost Academic Council – approximately 150 academic leaders – for a day-long meeting on the academic budget and the evolving landscape of higher education. This event provided guidance that continues to help us chart a path forward.

As we are gearing towards the end of the semester, I ask you to help me think through our approach to being realistic optimists at UMBC. You can give your feedback here. We have so much to be proud of (did you see we have four Goldwater recipients and a new AAAS Fellow?). The future is bright if we lean into our strengths, are creative, and collaboratively work on what is best for UMBC and the people and communities we serve.   

Phi Beta Kappa

Please join me in congratulating the 180 students who were accepted this year for induction into Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious scholarly honor society. The students will be inducted in May. It marks an important milestone for the scholars in their academic journey.

National Library Week

I encourage you to join the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery, Dresher Center for the Humanities, and UMBC Department of English in celebrating National Library Week and UMBC BookFest, April 19-25. A full list of the week’s events can be found here.

Call for Advisory Board Nominations

I am delighted to extend an invitation for nominations for two distinctive groups connected to the Office of the Provost: the Faculty Advisory Board and the Staff Advisory Board. We are looking for expertise and insight from a variety of perspectives as we continue to develop the provost's priorities and advance student success. 

Learn more here. 

___________________________________

NEWS & NOTES

Final Day: University Strategic Planning Survey

Today is the final day to participate in the University Strategic Planning survey. Share your perspectives on UMBC’s strategic plan via this survey. The survey includes five sections, each aligned with one of the university’s strategic pillars. As a reminder, the pillars are:

• Cultivate organizational innovation and vitality

• Redefine excellence in research and creative achievement

• Strengthen Maryland and its communities

• Advance student opportunity and success

• Transform teaching and learning

You can choose which sections you would like to complete based on your interests and experiences. The survey is also designed to capture additional ideas you may have for strengthening these five focus areas. Please note that each section of the survey will take approximately 10 - 15 minutes to complete and all responses are anonymous and confidential.

Resources for Responding to Difficult, Disruptive, and Dangerous Behavior in Classrooms

In the post-COVID era, instructional faculty are seeing an increased frequency of challenging behaviors in classroom settings. Behavior can range from difficult, to disruptive, to dangerous and each type or level calls for a differentiated response.

You can find guidance from Student Conduct and Community Standards here.

____________________________________

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 

URCAD 30th Anniversary

Wednesday, April 22

The RAC

Join us on Wednesday, April 22 in the RAC as we celebrate 30 years of grit, grunge, and groundbreaking research and creative work of UMBC undergraduate students at the Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD).

URCAD not only provides an opportunity for students to hone their research and writing skills, practice public speaking and networking in a professional conference-style environment, and strengthen relationships with their peers and mentors, but it showcases the work of UMBC’s talented undergraduate students with the campus community and beyond. Over one third of students who graduate from UMBC engage in mentored research, making UMBC a leader in national undergraduate research. In a time when there has been so much discouraging news surrounding research support on the national and local levels, URCAD continues to be a joyous and inspirational event, proving that critical thinking and creativity through research and the arts are a vital part of our democracy.

Come see all of the oral and poster presentations, films, artwork, live performances, video games, and keynote speaker at URCAD 30, and stop by the graffiti and selfie booth as we throw back to 1997, where it all began! For the full schedule see: URCAD.umbc.edu

Logo created by visual arts student Sonia Pivovarov

UMBC BookFest 26

Tuesday, April 21 and Thursday, April 23

Library Plaza

We invite the campus community to participate in UMBC BookFest '26 on Tuesday, April 21 and Thursday, April 23, a celebration of writers, readers, makers, and advocates! Part of the campus's National Library Week festivities, this two-day event will include an open air book market on the Library Plaza; a reading from Lawrence Burney , author of our 2026 state book, No Sense in Wishing; a workshop on library advocacy; and a panel of distinguished Maryland librarians on the freedom to read, moderated by Maryland State Librarian Morgan Lehr Miller. All events are free. Full event details can be found at the BookFest website here. 

This festival was made possible by a collaboration between the English Department, AOK Library, Dresher Center for the Humanities, Breaking the M.O.L.D., Maryland Humanities, and the Maryland State Library Agency.

Dialogue Sessions to Help Shape UMBC’s Inclusive Excellence Framework

Friday, April 24 and Tuesday, April 28

The Division of Institutional Equity team has developed a draft framework for inclusive excellence, building on ideas shared by our campus community through the series UMBC Talks in 2024 and 2025. The framework is intended to articulate our shared commitments, communicate our values, guide action, inspire collaboration, and support the development and implementation of UMBC’s next strategic plan.

The campus community is invited to participate in dialogue sessions to help continue to shape the framework. The conversations are an opportunity to share your experiences, reflect on your values, and provide feedback to strengthen this work.

Upcoming sessions are scheduled for Friday, April 24, and Tuesday, April 28. 

Learn more here.

USM Generative AI and Teaching Virtual Showcase

Friday, April 24,  9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The University System of Maryland's Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation is hosting an online Generative AI Virtual Showcase on Friday, April 24, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Faculty, staff, and faculty/staff/student teams from Maryland institutions of higher education will describe and demonstrate their innovative approaches to incorporating generative AI into teaching and learning practices. 

The free virtual event features a keynote presentation and four concurrent session blocks with 42 presentations (including nine from UMBC) exploring innovative approaches to teaching and learning with generative AI. Participants must register in advance to receive the Zoom link. Sessions include live auto-captions and accessible materials.

Register here.

Learn about Study, Internships, and Funding Opportunities in Germany

Monday, April 27,  12 – 1 p.m.

Fine Arts Building, Room 459

The German Program at UMBC is hosting an informational event on April 27 to learn about 

studying, internships, and funding opportunities in Germany. Presenters include: 

• Amelia Wallace: Information Officer, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

• Danielle Bolden, J.D.: UMBC Center for Global Engagement; Fulbright Fellow, Germany 2010

• S. Maila Raphael, DAAD RISE Intern ‘22, UMBC ‘21 B.S. Chem. Eng., B.A. German

This is a follow-up to the fall event focused on research, collaboration, and funding opportunities in Germany with representatives from the German Academic Exchange Service, the American Friends of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, and the German Research Foundation.

Global Asias Symposium and Celebration

May 4

This daylong event will showcase and celebrate the work of the Global Asias Initiative, a three-year initiative funded by the Mellon Foundation that has created a forum for engaging in conversations in the fields of Asian American Studies, Asian diaspora studies, and Asian Studies. The initiative has created connections across disciplines, departments, institutions, organizations, and communities here on campus and beyond. With our grant from Mellon Foundation coming to a close this year, we are showcasing the many achievements of the initiative.

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Welcome & Belonging and Community Luncheon: Conversations on Asian experiences at UMBC

1:00 – 2:15 p.m. – Keynote Address with Dr. Anna Guevarra

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Global Asias in Dialogue

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. – Global Asias Student Showcase & Reception

Learn more.

Retirement Celebration for Connie Pierson

RSVP by April 30

After 27 years of service, Connie Pierson, associate vice provost for Institutional Research, Analysis and Decision Support, is retiring from UMBC. She is a beloved alumna, colleague, and friend. Join us in celebrating Connie on May 7, from 2 – 4 p.m. at Fat Tuesdays in the Commons. 

Please RSVP by Thursday, April 30 here. 

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,

We are delighted to extend an invitation for nominations for two distinctive groups connected to the Office of the Provost: the Faculty Advisory Board and the Staff Advisory Board. We are looking for expertise and insight from a variety of perspectives as we continue to develop the provost's priorities and advance student success. 

The two advisory boards will work in tandem with several groups including the larger Provost Advisory Council and the shared governance oraganizations at UMBC. The boards will be smaller with no more than 12 members serving a single  one- or two-year term.

Members of each advisory board will:

• Provide strategic advice and guidance based on their areas of expertise and experience

• Engage with fellow board members and the Office of the Provost leadership team

• Offer critical feedback on initiatives, priorities, and overall direction to the provost

• Advocate on behalf of the Office of the Provost to respective colleges/divisions and the campus community

Faculty and staff who are interested in being considered for these boards are encouraged to self-nominate, or to nominate others, via the nomination form by Friday, April 24. Once nominations are reviewed, selected members will be invited to a kickoff event at the end of the spring semester with a goal to have both boards stood up and running by the start of the 2026-27 academic year.

If you have questions about this call for nominations, please reach out to Ana Oskoz, chair for the Faculty Advisory Board, and Laila Shishineh, chair for the Staff Advisory Board.

Thank you,

Ana Oskoz & Laila Shishineh

Spring has officially sprung and the cherry blossoms and tulips are adding pops of color in nearly every direction. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is in full bloom just down the road in D.C. It’s worth exploring if you have the time.Slightly further away is De Keukenhof in the Netherlands. If you are into flowers I would encourage you to put this on your bucket list!

Many of you joined me on Thursday as I highlighted the strategic initiatives that are currently underway in the Office of the Provost. Over 180 people joined us online or in-person. Thank you for being there if you were able to attend. You can learn more about each of the initiatives and how they support the university’s five strategic pillars here. I encourage you to check back periodically as project updates will be added as milestones are hit throughout the year. If you missed Thursday’s event, you can access the slides here.

I am a believer in the importance of collecting and listening to varied points of view, especially when charting a course for an organization as complex and unique as UMBC. With this in mind, I am excited to announce the formation of two new advisory boards: the Faculty Advisory Board and the Staff Advisory Board. Each board will work in tandem with several groups including the larger Provost Advisory Council and the shared governance groups at UMBC. The boards will be asked to provide strategic advice and guidance based on areas of expertise and experience and offer critical feedback on initiatives, priorities, and overall direction of our academic enterprise. Be on the lookout for additional information about the two advisory boards and a call for nominations next week. 

The end of the academic year is quickly approaching and with it comes a slew of commitments and celebrations. Chief among these is Commencement. This time-honored tradition serves as a capstone to our students' journey to a degree or certificate and a celebration of their work and dedication. Faculty and staff who wish to march in the Commencement procession should sign up and order their regalia as soon as possible. Individuals who would like to volunteer as event staff can sign up here.

Earlier this week, Vice Provost Anupam Joshi shared updates to the calendar for the 2026-27 academic year. The updates, made in conjunction with Faculty Senate, include shifting the start of the semester to Monday, August 24, and the addition of a fall recess in October. Additionally, we will be hosting college receptions following Convocation this year in place of the campus cookout that has been held in previous years. Additional information will be provided by each college as details are finalized. My hope is that this new approach will help us forge relationships with our newest scholars from the start of their academic journey. As you know, sense of belonging is a central factor in helping our students succeed.

___________________________________

NEWS & NOTES

Strategic Plan Survey Deadline: April 17

Share your perspectives on UMBC’s strategic plan via this survey. The survey includes five sections, each aligned with one of the university’s strategic pillars. As a reminder, the pillars are:

• Cultivate organizational innovation and vitality
• Redefine excellence in research and creative achievement
• Strengthen Maryland and its communities
• Advance student opportunity and success
• Transform teaching and learning

You can choose which sections you would like to complete based on your interests and experiences. The survey is also designed to capture additional ideas you may have for strengthening these five focus areas. Please note that each section of the survey will take approximately 10 - 15 minutes to complete and all responses are anonymous and confidential.

Visit the strategic planning website for current information, including a new feedback form now available on the home page. 

We hope that you will complete the survey by Friday, April 17. Your insights, ideas, and feedback are essential as we continue the planning process.

Survey link.

One Week Left: Survey on Missed Class Time

You have one week left to share examples and strategies that were utilized this spring to make up missed in-person/synchronous class time due to closures for inclement weather (e.g. asynchronous sharing of content, asynchronous activities, and/or administering additional assignments). 

Please submit the following survey to share with us the strategies you have utilized to make up time for your courses as needed this semester. Don’t miss your opportunity to let us know what worked or did not work.

Deadline: Friday, April 10

Survey link.

Four Calls for Nominations/Proposals

Last week I highlighted four calls for nominations or proposals from the University System of Maryland. If you have not explored these calls, I strongly encourage you to do so. Information about each program is available here. 

• Wilson H. Elkins Professorships

• Elkins Professorships for Academic Transformation

• 2026-27 Elkins SoTL Fellows Program

• Faculty Senior Fellows

Strive for 85: Creating Online Accessibility

The Digital Accessibility Steering Committee (DASC) is launching "Strive for 85." This institutional goal calls for all Blackboard courses to achieve anAlly "Overall" accessibility score of 85% or better across all colleges and departments by the end of 2026.

As of the most recently completed Fall 25 semester, the campus's overall Ally score for Blackboard courses (which make up ~90% of all UMBC courses) is approximately 74%. To help faculty close this gap and reach the "Strive for 85" goal, the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) has prepared a voluntary, self-paced Blackboard training organization called "Course Roadmap to Equity" (CoRE) that complements and incorporates existingAlly FAQs,live workshops, anddrop-in consulting. 

Learn more about the Strive for 85 effort and how you can help close the gap. 

____________________________________

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 

despite // bất chấp: The 2026 Intermedia and Digital Arts (IMDA) MFA Thesis Exhibition

Through April 18

Center for Art, Design, and Visual Culture

The Intermedia and Digital Arts Master’s Program presents despite // bất chấp: The 2026 Intermedia and Digital Arts (IMDA) MFA Thesis Exhibition. On view from April 1 through 18 at the Center for Art, Design, and Visual Culture, the exhibition features work by graduating students Taylor Goad, Nia Hampton, Bao Nguyen, and Lynn Nguyen.

More information

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Through April 12

Proscenium Theatre

UMBC Theatre presents The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, adapted by Jacqueline E. Lawton and directed by Joseph W. Ritsch. Life in modern day Baltimore has been a bit boring for Dorothy and her little dog Toto. Until one day, when a cyclone swoops in and takes them “over the rainbow” to the wonderful and magical land of Oz. With the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy sets off on the adventure of a lifetime down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. These new friends brave witches, flying monkeys, and a Haunted Forest all to meet the Wizard of Oz, who promises to make their dreams come true.

More information.

Mary Ellen Mark: Ward 81

Through May 22

Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery

The Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery presents the photography exhibition Mary Ellen Mark: Ward 81. In 1976, American photographer Mary Ellen Mark and sociologist Karen Folger Jacobs spent thirty-six days living in the Oregon State Hospital, where they photographed the residents of Ward 81, the hospital’s all-female, high-security psychiatric unit. Their unprecedented access allowed them to create a deeply nuanced portrayal of women navigating psychiatric care in the mid-1970s. Mary Ellen Mark: Ward 81 brings together Mark’s photographs, Jacobs’s newly uncovered audio recordings, and rare archival materials, offering an intimate and expanded view of this landmark documentary project.

More information.

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,

On behalf of the Academic Affairs team in the Provost Office, I am writing to share updates and reminders related to the start of the 2026-2027 academic year.

Key Academic Calendar Adjustments

The following changes to the academic calendar were discussed and approved by the Faculty Senate. They are designed to better support our community's well-being while maintaining instructional standards.

• Monday Semester Start
  

  Beginning this fall, the official start of the semester will move to Monday. This shift allows us to adjust the calendar mid-semester without changing the total number of required instruction days.The first day of the Fall 2026 semester will be Monday, August 24, 2026.

• Fall Class Recess and Thanksgiving Break
  

  Beginning Fall 2026, we will observe a new fall class recess. During the fall recess, to be held on Monday, October 12, and Tuesday, October 13, 2026, no academic courses will be offered. The university will remain open during the fall recess. We will also observe a Thanksgiving break from Wednesday, November 25, through Friday, November 27, 2026.

Welcome Weekend Activities 

Please mark your calendars for Welcome Retrievers activities including Move-In and Convocation. Returning students will move in on Thursday, August 20, 2026, and new students will move in on Friday, August 21, 2026. The co-chairs for the welcome events are Racquel Barnes (Admissions & Orientation), Jen Dress (Student Affairs) and Kendall Pete (Residential Life).

Convocation will take place in the afternoon on Friday, August 21, 2026. Convocation is an important way to welcome our newest scholars into the UMBC community and is open to undergraduate students, graduate students, and their families this year. Faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in this event. This year, we are excited to host college receptions following convocation. The co-chairs will be reaching out to identified contacts to discuss details and next steps in the coming weeks. A variety of Welcome Retrievers activities will take place on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23, 2026, as well.

For those of you who have helped with and/or planned welcome activities in the past, the co-chairs will be reaching out to you soon. In the meantime, if you have questions please email welcomeretrievers@umbc.edu. 

I appreciate your flexibility as we plan ahead for the coming year.

Sincerely,

Anupam Joshi
Vice Provost and Chief AI Officer

Welcome to the final March edition of the Provost's Perspective. We've officially passed the halfway mark and are heading down the homestretch of the semester. It's hard to believe, but as of today there are only 54 more days until Commencement. 

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to meet with two separate affinity groups for faculty and staff members. A theme that stood out in both meetings was the desire for our community members to be seen and supported holistically at UMBC. When we show up at work, we show up as our whole self and bring all our developmental history and identities to the table. What we experienced last night or over the weekend shapes how we show up at work. Likewise,  who we are shapes how we serve and lead. 

To be fully seen and supported holistically, we need to know who we are and who the people around us are (and no, we don't need to be close friends, I am talking about being supportive co-workers). 

In the coming weeks, I encourage you to join your co-workers and colleagues in a non-work  activity. Whether it's a casual coffee run, a volunteer afternoon, or a competitive round of office trivia, it is an act of dismantling the professional scaffolding. It's the transition from people who happen to work together to being colleagues. It forges a foundation that allows us to see and understand each other as much more than just coworkers. It helps each of us to be the best version of ourselves at work (and for UMBC to continue to be a great place to work!). 

___________________________________

NEWS & NOTES

Survey on Missed Class Time

In our welcome to the spring semester email, we mentioned that we would be reaching out to departments to ask them to share examples and strategies that were utilized to make up missed in-person/synchronous class time due to closures for inclement weather (e.g. asynchronous sharing of content, asynchronous activities, and/or administering additional assignments). 

Please submit the following survey to share with us the strategies you have utilized to make up time for your courses as needed this semester. 

Deadline: Friday, April 10

Survey link.

Four Calls for Nominations/Proposals

Wilson H. Elkins Professorships

I am pleased to announce that the University System of Maryland (USM) is able to make available to its institutions the Wilson H. Elkins Professorship for use in Academic Year 2025-2026 (FY 2026). The Professorship, which began in 1978 at the University of Maryland, College Park, was established to perpetuate the name and contributions of Wilson H. Elkins, a former Rhodes Scholar who led the University of Maryland to new levels of distinction as its president from 1954 to 1978. When the University System of Maryland began in 1988, Dr. Elkins agreed that the professorship bearing his name should extend to the entire USM family. Information about the Professorship and a listing of recent Elkins Professors are available on the University System of Maryland website at https://www.usmd.edu/usm/academicaffairs/elkins.html.

Elkins Professors must exhibit, at a minimum, all of the following qualifications:

• A solid record of achievement in a recognized academic or professional discipline;

• Evidence of significant achievement outside traditional disciplines but linked in scholarly and professional ways to the work of the USM;

• Demonstrated ability and continuing desire to lead and inspire undergraduate and graduate students in a range of learning situations. 

• Demonstrated ability and intent to participate in programs and activities outside the USM.

Income from the endowment for the Elkins Professorship is intended to support compelling projects with focus on research, scholarship, or community engagement that will allow the Elkins Professor to make an important contribution to the teaching, research, or public service mission of the institution and the entire USM. Direct involvement with undergraduate and/or graduate students and outreach to other institutions within the System are hallmarks of the Elkins Professors.

Nominations

Faculty members interested in applying must work with their Chair and Dean to compile their nomination packet. The deans will be submitting the final nomination packets by Friday, May 10 to the Office of the Provost who will submit to the Office of the President. 

Elkins Professorships for Academic Transformation

AY26-27 focuses on three awards of up to $10,000 each to faculty, supporting the integration of Generative AI into educational practices

The Elkins Professorship for Academic Transformation is a prestigious fellowship awarded to faculty within the University System of Maryland. For AY26-27, the Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation seeks nominations for faculty in support of innovative projects focused on the use of Generative AI to advance academic transformation. Specifically, three awards of up to $10,000 each will be granted under this professorship to faculty focused on the use of Generative AI to Nominations enhance teaching and learning. 

Nominations

Faculty members interested in applying must work with their Chair and Dean to compile their nomination packet. The deans will be submitting the final nomination packets by Friday, May 10 to the Office of the Provost who will submit to the Office of the President. 

Call for Proposals: 2026-27 Elkins SoTL Fellows Program

The call for proposals for the 2026-2027 Elkins SoTL Fellows program is now open.

Up to 10 Elkins SoTL Fellowships of $1,000 each will be awarded for 2026-27 (May 22, 2026 – June 30, 2027). The Elkins SoTL Fellowships are open to USM faculty of any rank or appointment interested in undertaking a research project focused on the scholarship of teaching and learning. 

A faculty member should serve as principal investigator (PI) on the project; a staff person may serve as co-PI provided the project originates with the faculty member. At present, graduate students are not being considered for this fellowship.

Information Session

Join Kirwan Center staff on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 1 - 2 p.m. for a virtual Information session to learn more about the fellowship requirements and expectations. We will also answer questions about the program at that time. Registering will ensure you receive a link to the session recording, even if you can't attend live.

Register here.

Proposals are due to Dr. Nancy O'Neill by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, for work to take place over the subsequent academic year.

Call for proposals.

Call for Applications for Faculty Senior Fellows

The USM Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation is pleased to announce a call for applications for Faculty Senior Fellows for the 2026-27 academic year. These leadership roles will advance the Kirwan Center's mission to support innovation in teaching, learning, and scholarship across the University System of Maryland. Each senior fellow will receive a $3,500 stipend for their work across AY 2026-27.

The three senior fellow positions are:

• Senior fellow in generative AI pedagogy

• Senior fellow for the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL)

• Senior fellow for assessment and evaluation

USM faculty of any rank whose primary role on their campus is faculty are eligible to apply. Applicants may apply for multiple positions but can only be selected for one senior fellow role. Each position requires approximately 1-2 hours of work per week throughout the academic year term. More details can be found in the Call for Applications for Faculty Senior Fellows.

____________________________________

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 

RESCHEDULED

2026 Office of the Provost Strategic Initiatives Meeting

Thursday, April 2, 3:30 – 5 p.m., Fine Arts 118 and online

This event has been moved to Thursday, April 2. Please update your calendars and plan to join the provost leadership team and myself either in person or online to learn about the 2026 strategic initiatives under way that are (co)supported by the Office of the Provost. As a reminder, the initiatives include re-envisioning general education, student success strategy, graduate student recruitment and enrollment strategy, fostering curricular innovation, strengthening global education, AI strategy, infrastructure needs, refining and enhancing budget models, and expanding and strengthening K-12 partnerships. 

During this meeting you will learn about (a) goals, (b) leads, (c) who is involved, (d) timeline, and (e) how you can get involved/provide feedback. After the session there also will be an opportunity for informal conversation with leads of initiatives and the Office of the Provost team. 

Register here.

Coffee with the Provost

Friday, April 3, 10 – 11 a.m.

Fireside Lounge, The Commons (third floor)

Have you ever wondered what a provost does? Do you have an idea that will transform higher education?

Drop in and join me for a warm beverage and community as we head into the homestretch of the academic year. 

This is a great opportunity to connect, share ideas, ask questions, or simply enjoy some conversation over coffee and tea.

No RSVP required and all are welcome. 

Stop by, grab a cup, and say hello!

More information.

Piano Performance by Yang Gao

Sunday, March 29, 3 p.m.

Linehan Concert Hall

Pianist Yang Gao presents a program featuring Fryderyk Chopin's Preludes, Op. 28, a selection from Isaac Albéniz's Iberia, and the Piano Sonata 1.X.1905 by Leoš Janáček.

More information

Low Lecture: 

Warren Milteer, Jr. — Out of This Strife Will Come Freedom: Free People of Color and the Fight for Equal Rights in the Civil War Era

Tuesday, March 31, 4 p.m.

Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery

The Social Sciences Forum presents the annual Low Lecture, featuring Warren Milteer, Jr., associate professor of history at The George Washington University, who will speak on Out of This Strife Will Come Freedom: Free People of Color and the Fight for Equal Rights in the Civil War Era.

More information

despite // bất chấp: The 2026 Intermedia and Digital Arts (IMDA) MFA Thesis Exhibition

April 1–18

Center for Art, Design, and Visual Culture

The Intermedia and Digital Arts Master's Program presents despite // bất chấp: The 2026 Intermedia and Digital Arts (IMDA) MFA Thesis Exhibition. On view from April 1 through 18 at the Center for Art, Design, and Visual Culture, the exhibition features work by graduating students Taylor Goad, Nia Hampton, Bao Nguyen, and Lynn Nguyen.

More information

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

April 2–12

Proscenium Theatre

UMBC Theatre presents The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, adapted by Jacqueline E. Lawton and directed by Joseph W. Ritsch. Life in modern day Baltimore has been a bit boring for Dorothy and her little dog Toto. Until one day, when a cyclone swoops in and takes them "over the rainbow" to the wonderful and magical land of Oz. With the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy sets off on the adventure of a lifetime down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. These new friends brave witches, flying monkeys, and a Haunted Forest all to meet the Wizard of Oz, who promises to make their dreams come true.

More information.

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

Welcome the latest edition of the Provost's Perspective, the only publication that is not fazed by Maryland's indecisive approach to spring. Blue skies, abundant sunshine, and 80-degree one day, and howling winds, sideways rain, and freezing temperatures the next. As the last few days can attest, we're here for it all. 

This week, I want to thank every one of you who helped make the Middle States Commission on Higher Education accreditation process a success. We hosted the evaluation team this week following two-and-a-half years of work on our institution-wide introspective self study. I was so impressed with the community's engagement in the process and site visit. It truly is the people that make UMBC so special! We will receive the official report and decision from Middle States on our re-accreditation later this year so please stay tuned. The report will likely include insightful recommendations to help guide our strategic planning process and the future of UMBC. 

While it took an engaged and expert village to take us through the accreditation process, I want to thank Connie Pierson, associate vice provost for Institutional Research, Analysis and Decision Support (IRADS) and Orianne Smith, professor of English and affiliate professor of gender, women's and sexuality studies, for leading the accreditation process. Connie and Orianne spent countless hours in the weeks, months, and years leading up to the culminating site visit. When you are able, please take a minute to express your gratitude for their dedication to stewarding, guiding, and engaging our campus in the self-study and accreditation processes. 

Part of the UMBC story that was told in our self-study and in the Middle States evaluation team visit is the role that each and every UMBC community member plays in creating and sustaining an environment that welcomes inclusivity and celebrates innovation. As an access-focused R1 institution our story is unique. This was on full display throughout the Middle States visit. Before the visit, we asked for you to be yourselves during sessions with the evaluation team. Your enthusiasm and commitment were evident as the evaluation team met with members of our community across campus. The accreditation process is an opportunity to look in a mirror and honestly assess your organization. For me, it was a confirmation that while there will always be room for improvement, we are not just heading in the right direction, but excelling in the classroom, across every corner of our campus, and in the community.

I look forward to sharing the final Middle States report when it becomes available for the community. For now, I hope you have an opportunity (I encourage you!) to step away from work during Spring Break and have some time to relax. 

___________________________________

NEWS & NOTES

Spring Break– University Holiday March 16-18

A reminder for those both new and old at UMBC, the university will be closed for spring break Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday next week. The employee holiday calendar can be found here. 

Strive for 85: Creating Online Accessibility

The Digital Accessibility Steering Committee (DASC) is launching "Strive for 85." This institutional goal calls for all Blackboard courses to achieve an Ally "Overall" accessibility score of 85% or better across all colleges and departments by the end of 2026.

As of the most recently completed Fall 25 semester, the campus's overall Ally score for Blackboard courses (which make up ~90% of all UMBC courses) is approximately 74%. To help faculty close this gap and reach the "Strive for 85" goal, the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) has prepared a voluntary, self-paced Blackboard training organization called "Course Roadmap to Equity" (CoRE) that complements and incorporates existing Ally FAQs, live workshops, and drop-in consulting. 

Learn more about the Strive for 85 effort and how you can help close the gap. 

2 UMBC Student-led Start-ups Win Innovation Awards

Two student-led UMBC start-ups have been selected to receive 2026 Pava LePere Innovation Awards, granting them $50,000 each from the state of Maryland to support their business, as well as access to mentorship, training, and strategic support from the Maryland Student Venture Core Advisory Board and representatives from a network of entrepreneur support organizations across the local tech ecosystem.

Learn more. 

____________________________________

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 

RESCHEDULED

2026 Office of the Provost Strategic Initiatives Meeting

Thursday, April 2, 3:30 – 5 p.m., Fine Arts 118 and online

This event has been moved to Thursday, April 2. Please update your calendars and plan to join the provost leadership team and myself either in person or online to learn about the 2026 strategic initiatives under way that are (co)supported by the Office of the Provost. As a reminder, the initiatives include re-envisioning general education, student success strategy, graduate student recruitment and enrollment strategy, fostering curricular innovation, strengthening global education, AI strategy, infrastructure needs, refining and enhancing budget models, and expanding and strengthening K-12 partnerships. 

During this meeting you will learn about (a) goals, (b) leads, (c) who is involved, (d) timeline, and (e) how you can get involved/provide feedback. After the session there also will be an opportunity for informal conversation with leads of initiatives and the Office of the Provost team. 

Register here.

Centering Wonder: Dialogues on Science and Religion

March 25, 4 – 5:30 p.m., University Center 115

People may feel they need to compartmentalize their spiritual or religious identities away from their academic or professional pursuits, yet numerous scientists and physicians draw motivation and ethical guidance from their faith traditions. The Centering Wonder series explores the rich intersections of science and faith, dismantling the perceived wall between them in the process. The series is presented in partnership with CNMS and the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Pluralism. 

Learn more. 

Lunch and Learn for Faculty Part 1: Library Video Services and the Library Innovation Lab

Learn about Library services that you might not be aware of

Friday, March 27, 12 – 1 p.m., Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery and online

This hybrid event will provide information on:

• The Library's digital and DVD video collections 

• The Library Digital Media Lab, which provides equipment and facilities for DIY digital media production

• The Library Innovation Lab, which provides equipment and software for fabrication including 3D printers and scanners, laser cutters, and more

• Bonus content for CAHSS faculty: CARAT research development, pre-award and post-award support

Lunch will be provided for in-person attendees.

Learn more and register. 

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

On Tuesday, the Division of Institutional Equity hosted a panel "On Caring for Community" as part of their series on Critical Social Justice. I had the privilege of participating with several senior administrators including President Sheares Ashby, Vice President Barber, Vice Provost and Dean Porter, and Athletic Director Tucker. The event highlighted all that makes UMBC great, including conversations on how we care deeply about members of our university community and regularly ask ourselves, "Who did we not include; who is not at the table?" and "How can we do better every day?" 

These strengths of UMBC were further amplified for me when the next day I attended the American Council on Education national meeting in D.C. where I was reminded of the vast differences across states. Anytime I go to a higher education conference I am reminded that being in a state with a governor and legislators that fully support higher education—including its independence—is a privilege that we all should continue to fight for.

In the coming months, I look forward to continuing conversations with you about how we build on our strengths and the opportunity and responsibility we have in the state of Maryland. We are so fortunate to be incredibly well positioned in Maryland. At the same time, higher education is at an inflection point. One university president referred to the tide changing as an earthquake. 

How do we build on all our strengths while the higher education landscape is constantly changing? What can we do together that provides amazing experiences to students and growth opportunities for faculty? How do we lean into inclusive excellence, provide access to education, prepare students for careers and the world, and do this while also being nimble with our finances? As I like to say, there is "no money tree in my backyard."

On March 5, I will share with you some of the initiatives that have been launched by various senior leaders with groups of faculty and staff that will give you a sense of how we answer these questions. One example of such an initiative is the Global Learning Lab, which was just awarded the 2026 Innovative Excellence in Internationalization Award from the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA). 

What started as a brainstorming session in summer 2023 between Katie Heird, David Di Maria, and Ana Oskoz for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, has grown into an award-winning program that provides opportunities for faculty across the colleges to develop their curriculum and meet students where they are.

The Global Learning Lab is designed to help students build global competencies by internationalizing the curriculum through strategic course mapping, faculty-led study abroad programs, and collaborative online international learning (COIL). 

To date, 48 faculty members have participated across 27 unique departments ranging from biological sciences to visual arts to chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering. Projects continue to positively impact the student experience and have included nine mapping initiatives, 12 COIL projects, and 27 study abroad programs. 

___________________________________

NEWS & NOTES

Recovering from Missed Class Sessions

The delayed start of the spring semester and campus closures due to inclement weather have impacted many of you this semester. I want to encourage you to explore the resources available from the Faculty Development Center to ensure students meet the core learning outcomes by semester's end.  

1,200 High Schoolers Swarm UMBC for Science Olympiad 

In honor of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games wrapping up last Sunday, I want to give a shoutout to Dean Bill LaCourse and the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences for hosting more than 1,200 high school students for its annual Science Olympiad. In the last three years, the Olympiad has grown from approximately 40 teams to the largest event of its kind in Maryland, attracting competitors from Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and D.C. Read more about this year's competition here.

____________________________________

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 

Inclusive Excellence in Action - Skills for Cross-Cultural Mentoring

Highlighting key inclusion, belonging, and access practices

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 · 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Commons 329 

The Inclusive Excellence in Action Series is designed to support staff and faculty in building more inclusive, effective, and human-centered practices. The interactive workshops focus on translating reflection into action through concrete tools, strategies, and key takeaways participants can apply in their roles.

Christa Porter, vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate School and associate professor, language, literacy, and culture, will be the featured speaker.

Learn more. 

2026 Office of the Provost Strategic Initiatives Meeting

Thursday, March 5, 3:30 – 5 p.m., Fine Arts 118 and online

Mark your calendars and plan to join the provost leadership team and myself either in person or online to learn about the 2026 strategic initiatives under way that are (co)supported by the Office of the Provost. We will present information on current initiatives, including re-envisioning general education, student success strategy, graduate student recruitment and enrollment strategy, fostering curricular innovation, strengthening global education, AI strategy, infrastructure needs, refining and enhancing budget models, and expanding and strengthening K-12 partnerships. 

During this meeting you will learn about (a) goals, (b) leads, (c) who is involved, (d) timeline, and (e) how you can get involved/provide feedback. After the session there also will be an opportunity for informal conversation with leads of initiatives and the Office of the Provost team. 

Register here.

PAWS (pause) with the Provost

Friday, March 6, 10 – 11 a.m., Fireside Lounge, The Commons 303

Join me for a special PAWS (pause) with the Provost to dive deeper following the strategic initiatives meeting the previous day. This drop-in event is intended to provide an informal environment to further explore the work being done to support strategic initiatives this semester. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome. I look forward to seeing you there. 

Learn more.

Centering Wonder: Dialogues on Science and Religion

March 25, 4 – 5:30 p.m., University Center 115

People may feel they need to compartmentalize their spiritual or religious identities away from their academic or professional pursuits, yet numerous scientists and physicians draw motivation and ethical guidance from their faith traditions. The Centering Wonder series explores the rich intersections of science and faith, dismantling the perceived wall between them in the process. The series is presented in partnership with CNMS and the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Pluralism. 

Learn more. 

Lunch and Learn for Faculty Part 1: Library Video Services and the Library Innovation Lab

Learn about Library services that you might not be aware of

Friday, March 27, 12 – 1 p.m., Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery and online

This hybrid event will provide information on:

• The Library's digital and DVD video collections 

• The Library Digital Media Lab, which provides equipment and facilities for DIY digital media production

• The Library Innovation Lab, which provides equipment and software for fabrication including 3D printers and scanners, laser cutters, and more

• Bonus content for CAHSS faculty: CARAT research development, pre-award and post-award support

Lunch will be provided for in-person attendees.

Learn more and register. 

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

Federal Immigration Enforcement General Information Card and FAQs

Thank You for the Feedback

Mark your calendar

2026 Office of the Provost Strategic Initiatives Meeting

March 5, 3:30-5 p.m., Fine Arts 118 and online

PAWS (pause) with the Provost

March 6, 10-11 a.m., Fireside Lounge (303), The Commons 

18th annual Arts Integration Conference

Saturday, February 21

Melanie Killen — Creating Inclusive Classrooms in Childhood: Theory, Research, and Applications

Thursday, February 26, 4 p.m.

Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery

Special Invite from Athletics: Calling all UMBC Faculty & Staff!

February 26, 6 p.m.
February 28, 2 p.m.

How to Claim Your Free Tickets

Eric Clark Jackson: An Iconography of the Chesapeake

Friday, February 27, noon

216 Performing Arts and Humanities Building

Advancing Social Science Research: A Workshop Series on AI, LLMs, and Computational Methods

Registration open 

UMBC Jazz Ensemble with Vince Cherico

Friday, February 27, 7:30 p.m.
Linehan Concert Hall

Calling All TRIO Alumni

National TRIO Day, February 28

absolute alternatives

2026 Arts+ UMBC Faculty Exhibition

Saturday, February 28, 2 p.m.
Center for Art, Design, and Visual Culture

Help Make this Newsletter Better

A strong sense of belonging is one of the key predictors of student success and employee satisfaction. On the other hand, loneliness (not to be confused with solitude) is linked to a number of detrimental psychological and physical health outcomes. 

As a faculty member I published widely on the course and outcomes of loneliness in middle childhood and adolescence. It was very meaningful work to me as I wanted to do my part to inform how we create a world where everyone feels they belong and are included. 

These days as a provost, I feel deeply responsible that everyone in our campus community feels welcome and that they belong. It saddens me deeply when I learn that someone in our community does not feel they belong or even worse has been harmed or feels unsafe. 

I ask you to be kind and welcoming to others around you. As an institute of higher education we also have an opportunity to educate the future of Maryland, the U.S., and the world. What do we want that world to look like? I have asked the re-envisioning general education committee what we want all UMBC students to learn and leave with to go into our community. I don't see how being kind and caring is not part of that equation. 

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! 

Mark your calendar

Advancing Social Science Research: A Workshop Series on AI, LLMs, and Computational Methods

Registration open for the February workshops 

Join the Center for Social Science Scholarship (CS3) for a faculty-led and faculty-driven series to learn how best to transform your research using AI and generative AI tools. Through seven workshops and trainings, participants will explore how researchers use social network analysis to understand crime; how to make sense of, evaluate, and use new Large Language Models (LLMs) in their own research; and how advances in machine learning models can even help us infer causality. Finally, the sessions will consider the equity implications of these generative AI tools. The training will be conducted in the R and Python environments, but we will work with participants who are new to these programming languages. Participants in the series will also have the opportunity to earn UMBC experiential and proficiency badges.

This series, which is supported through the Elkins Professorship, features several new speakers this spring. 

• Social Network Analysis: Building Web-Based Applications for Experiential Learning

• February 20, noon to 1:30 p.m., PUP 438 

• Led by:  Dr. Steve McDonald, Professor of Sociology, NC State University

• A City in Motion: How Everyday Routines Channel and Control Crime in Baltimore

• February 27, noon to 1:30 p.m., PUP 438

• Led by: Dr. Brian Soller, Associate Professor of Sociology (SAPH), UMBC 

Register here.

Arts+

Lynda Barry — What It Is: A Talk on Creativity

Thursday, February 19, 7 p.m.

Fine Arts Recital Hall

Join us for a talk on creativity by award-winning author, artist, and cartoonist Lynda Barry. Author of 21 books, Barry was the creator of the seminal comic strip Ernie Pook's Comeek, and in 2019 received a MacArthur "genius" grant.

Learn more.

absolute alternatives

2026 Arts+ UMBC Faculty Exhibition

Through February 28

Center for Art, Design, and Visual Culture

The Center for Art, Design, and Visual Culture presents "absolute alternatives," the 2026 Arts+ UMBC Faculty Exhibition. Organized by guest curator Maleke Glee, "absolute alternatives" presents faculty from across UMBC whose interdisciplinary research is a form of creative practice. Inspired by the boundary-pushing spirit of the Arts+ initiative, the exhibition proposes alternatives to defining research through absolute disciplinary categories.

Public Programs

• On Saturday, February 28, at 2 p.m., conductor Philip Mann and curator Maleke Glee will be featured in Creative Convergence: A Conversation with a Conductor and Curator.

Visitor Information

Admission to the exhibition and all public programs is free. The CADVC is open Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 5 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

From the snow- and ice-covered confines at the tippy top of the Administration Building, I send a warm welcome with the first spring 2026 edition of the Provost's Perspective. Despite freezing temperatures and a delayed start to the semester, the campus is abuzz with the warmth of activity and energy—a sight that brings a smile to my face and adds pep to my step. And can we give another shout out to all the people who worked night and day to get campus clean from snow and ice? 

I hope that after the fall semester you had a chance to decompress, step away from work, and feel refreshed for the spring semester. Hopefully, you also had a chance to connect/reconnect with family and friends during the break. As a scholar of close relationships, I am often reminded of the power of close relationships for our own health, including physical health. In addition to prioritizing my own self-care, I prioritized time with family and friends over the break. For the first time, I had one of my children come home after having moved out last summer to move to Michigan. It was wonderful to spend time with her and her boyfriend and see how she was emerging as an adult.

Re-envisioning General Education 

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to meet with the Re-Envisioning General Education Faculty Committee led by Peggy Re and Susan McDonough. The committee's work supports the core mission of any public university to prepare future citizens to positively impact their communities. 

As I read the news and watch what happens around the world, I don't think there is a better time than now to re-envision our general education program and ask the question What do we want all undergraduate students at UMBC to learn, and how do we want to send them off to positively impact their communities and the future of our world? 

This is such an exciting opportunity for faculty, students, and staff. I look forward to working with the university community on this effort. Peggy and Susan will share more details at the Faculty Senate meeting Tuesday, February 10, and we will also share more information on March 5 at the Office of the Provost Strategic Initiatives meeting.  

Provost Strategic Initiatives Meeting

March 5, 3:30 – 5 p.m., Fine Arts 118 and online

We heard your feedback that there is a need to better communicate and share information about what we are doing and how work is moving forward. You will see several new things from our office this semester, including regular updates to our website, but we will also start regular conversations with you about the work that is being coordinated through our office. 

As a start, we invite you to join us on March 5 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. for the Provost Strategic Initiatives Meeting in Fine Arts 118. We will present information on current strategic initiatives, including re-envisioning general education, student success strategy, graduate student recruitment and enrollment strategy, fostering curricular innovation, strengthening global education, AI strategy, infrastructure needs, refining and enhancing budget models, expanding and strengthening K-12 partnerships. 

During this meeting you will learn about goals, timelines, and how you can get involved/provide feedback. After the session there also will be an opportunity for informal conversation with leads of initiatives and the Office of the Provost team. 

Register here.

Guidelines for AI Use in the Classroom

If you missed Anupam Joshi's announcement before winter break concerning university guidelines for AI use in the classroom, check it out here. The guidelines were developed through broad consultation with faculty and staff and reflect emerging best practices and examples from peer institutions. They feature a "traffic light" model to help instructors articulate permissible, limited, or prohibited uses of AI tools.

Global Academic Reputation Survey

Some of you may have received the Global Academic Reputation Survey last semester. It was sent to a curated list of faculty and academic staff between November 5 and December 5 from surveys@timeshighereducationsurvey.com. The subject line of the email was: Have your say in Times Higher Ed's (THE) Global Academic Reputation Survey. You may also have received a reminder survey. 

Both emails start with a "Dear researcher" salutation instead of a personalized one. Please rest assured that the invite is genuine.

If you received the survey and feel comfortable doing so, please complete it.  

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!

Mark your calendar

Refusing Generative AI in College Writing Instruction: A Conversation with the Authors Maggie Fernandes, Megan McIntyre, and Jennifer Sano-Franchini

Hear diverse perspectives on genAI in higher education

Wednesday, February, 11, noon to 1 p.m., online

Join the Faculty Development Center for a conversation with the scholars who created Refusing Generative AI in Writing Studies. The speakers will share how and why they decided to create Refusing GenAI in Writing Studies as well as its impact as a rhetorical intervention. In addition, they will address stock arguments in support of generative AI adoption in the classroom before offering some practical teaching strategies for negotiating some of the challenges that generative AI poses for education. Teachers from all disciplines who assign writing, who are interested in learning about diverse perspectives on generative AI in higher education, and who are interested in resisting Big Tech's incursion in higher education may benefit from attending this teaching talk.

Click here and select "Going Virtually" to register.

absolute alternatives

2026 Arts+ UMBC Faculty Exhibition

Now through February 28

Center for Art, Design, and Visual Culture

The Center for Art, Design, and Visual Culture presents "absolute alternatives," the 2026 Arts+ UMBC Faculty Exhibition. Organized by guest curator Maleke Glee, "absolute alternatives" presents faculty from across UMBC whose interdisciplinary research is a form of creative practice, including Jude Agboada, Fiona Bell, Kelley Bell and the Cheeky Magpie Collective, Lee Boot, Lynn Cazabon, Lisa Cella, Mayank Chugh, Cathy Cook, Arit Emmanuela Etukudo, Eva Grandoni, Tahira Chloe Mahdi, Phillip Mann, Steven McAlpine, Lisa Moren, Edgar Reyes, Julie Sayo, Sarah G. Sharp, and Airi Yoshioka.

Inspired by the boundary-pushing spirit of the Arts+ initiative, the exhibition proposes alternatives to defining research through absolute disciplinary categories.

Public Programs

• An opening reception, featuring a performance of Zosha Di Castri's Dream Field, by flutist Lisa Cella and violinist Airi Yoshioka, will take place on Thursday, February 12 (note new date), from 6 to 8 p.m.

• On Saturday, February 28, at 2 p.m., conductor Philip Mann and curator Maleke Glee will be featured in Creative Convergence: A Conversation with a Conductor and Curator.

Visitor Information

Admission to the exhibition and all public programs is free. The CADVC is open Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 5 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2026 Office of the Provost Strategic Initiatives Meeting

March 5, 3:30-5 p.m., Fine Arts 118 and online

Mark your calendars and plan to join Provost Manfred van Dulmen and the provost leadership team either in person or online to learn about the 2026 strategic initiatives for the Office of the Provost. We will present information on current strategic initiatives including re-envisioning general education, student success strategy, graduate student recruitment and enrollment strategy, fostering curricular innovation, strengthening global education, AI strategy, infrastructure needs, refining and enhancing budget models, expanding and strengthening K-12 partnerships. 

During this meeting you will learn about (a) goals, (b) leads, (c) who is involved, (d) timeline, and (e) how you can get involved/provide feedback. After the session there also will be an opportunity for informal conversation with leads of initiatives and the Office of the Provost team. 

Register here.

New Faculty Spotlights

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

Hasan Shahid, Assistant Professor, Economics

Areas of Research/Interest: Health Economics

Fun Fact About Hasan: I lived in Warsaw, Poland, for six years as a child.

Corine Jackman Burden, Assistant Professor, Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering

Areas of Research/Interest: Cell-cell and microbe-host interactions, Human vaginal microbiome, Streptococcus pneumoniae, microdroplet technologies, and biomimetic platforms

Fun Fact About Corine: My Girl Scout Gold award was signed by President Obama.

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

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