Tuesday, August 12, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm: A Parent's Guide to Kids and Money Workshop
It's important that your children understand the fundamentals of good money habits and how to make sound spending, saving, and investing decisions. That's why MetLife is offering A Parent's Guide to Kids and Money: Toddlers to Teens workshop. Spouses and partners are welcome!
The Building Bridges Across Difference: A Dialogue for Every Day series equips faculty, staff, and students with practical tools to foster connection and understanding across differences in today’s polarized climate. Grounded in the Center for Social Justice Dialogue's commitment to shared power and inclusive practices, this series provides strategies to build trust, navigate challenging and emotionally charged moments, and create environments that encourage community and mutual respect. By embracing intergroup dialogue practices daily, participants will enhance their ability to inspire critical self-reflection, cultural storytelling, generous listening, and loving accountability.
All sessions will take place on Wednesdays from 11:30 - 1:30 pm and will be held VIRTUALLY.
If you have accessibility needs, please email csjdialogue@umbc.edu.
RSVP: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/csjd/events/143931
From childhood to the workplace, we are influenced by powerful cultural and institutional messages that shape our understanding of who we are and how we relate to others. In this session, we’ll engage the Cycles of Socialization and Liberation to examine how these messages shape our perspectives and behaviors. Participants will reflect on their own socialization and explore ways to move toward more equitable and liberatory practices.
RSVP: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/csjd/events/143932
Each of us brings a unique set of identities to our roles on campus, some are visible, while others are less so. This session uses an identity chart activity to explore how our identities influence our experiences, relationships, and sense of belonging at UMBC. Together, we’ll build a shared understanding of power, privilege, and difference, and explore what each of us can do about it at UMBC.
Just as it's important to lead a healthy, active lifestyle to help improve your health, it's important to keep your family healthy and happy, too. Healthy family practices such as healthy eating, exercising, and being proactive with family health care encourages your family to engage in long-term healthy behaviors. This month's newsletter provides information that will empower you and your family to be the healthiest family in your neighborhood. Remember, the Wellness Program is here to support you and your family on your Thrive journey!
Invite family members to join!
Ready for takeoff? Let’s make well-being a world-class adventure!
Register Today!Monday, August 11, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: The Power of Social Support
Having a strong support system is essential for emotional well-being - not just for individuals, but for families too. Discover the mental and emotional benefits of social support, the risks of going without it, and how reaching out during tough times can strengthen both personal and family well-being.
Tuesday, August 12, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Lentil Salad with Pan-Seared Chicken
Meet your new weeknight dinner hero and up your intake of healthy legumes in this bold and flavorful dish! Dressed with Ladolemono, a Greek lemon salad dressing, and paired with perfectly pan-seared chicken that's juicy, golden, and irresistible, you and your family will want this in your weekly rotation.
Wednesday, August 6, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Building Positive Relationships and the Effect on Health
Your relationships aren’t just nice to have, they’re essential for well-being. Learn how to build and maintain meaningful bonds, become a truly active listener, and explore the life-changing impact of mentorship from experts.
Register for 8/6 Building Positive Relationships
Wednesday, August 13, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Healthy Eating for the Whole Family
Join us to discover evidence-based strategies that transform mealtime into fun, nutritious experiences for everyone - even the fussiest of eaters! Learn how to make balanced meals that appeal to diverse tastes, turn picky eating into playful exploration, and create lasting positive food experiences.
Thursday, August 7, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Chair Pilates
Experience the power of Pilates! Get ready to feel empowered, refreshed, and stronger with this core workout and mini retreat just for you!
Register for 8/7 Chair Pilates
Thursday, August 14, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Family Health
Explore ways to keep you and your loved ones healthy with everyday wellness habits, important health screenings, and common concerns so that you feel confident and supported on your family's health journey.
Friday, August 8, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Breathe Away Anxious Thoughts
August marks the end of summer for many of us - our children are going back to school, there's less daylight, and we regret not doing enough fun things during summer. This experience is called "August Anxiety." Breathe away August Anxiety in this guided meditation.
Register for 8/8 Breathe Away Anxious Thoughts
Friday, August 15, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Giving Gladness to Your Thinking Mind
With your thoughts still on summer and perhaps turning to Fall, take time in this meditation to give gladness to your mind for its ability to consider your past, present, and future.
Friday, August 8, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Sleep for Health
Healthy sleep is as important for good health as physical activity, stress management, and healthy eating. Learn why sleep is important for all family members, how adequate sleep improves cognitive and physical performance, and how to manage sleep difficulty.
Register for 8/8 Sleep for Health
Friday, August 15, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Choosing Appropriate Care
Navigating the healthcare system can be confusing at times. Learn when urgent care and non-urgent care are appropriate, the difference between preventive care and diagnostic care, and how to find the right provider at the right time for your family.
Register for 8/15 Choosing Appropriate Care
These financial webinars are open to all Faculty and Staff, regardless of your retirement plan or vendor.
Register for TIAA’s live webinars to get financial information, news and tips from their experts.
Reserve your spot by clicking the registration links below. These webinars are a part of your retirement plan benefits.
Thursday, August 14, 11am to 12pm: Your Guide to Living Well in Retirement
Retirement is a major life transition that can be both challenging and deeply rewarding. This webinar will focus on the human factors that can help employees add a new and exciting chapter to their life stories.
They will discuss:
Thursday, August 28, 3pm to 4pm: Your Guide to Understanding Longevity
Longevity is a gift. But as life-prolonging medical advancements proliferate, how can someone improve not just the length of their life, but also the extent of their health and wealth?
During this webinar, learn about:
Blackboard course shells for Fall 2025 were created on July 16, 2025.
All Fall 2025 courses listed in the UMBC Schedule of Classes (SOC), regardless of designation as lecture, lab, etc, or instructor assignment, now have a Blackboard presence. RT requests are no longer needed for research, independent study, or practicum courses. As new course sections are added to the SOC by Department Scheduling Coordinators, corresponding Bb shells are automatically generated overnight.
As announced by DoIT in early April, instructors who teach multiple sections of the same course will see a separate Blackboard course shell for each section or course component. Courses will not be merged by default. Instructors planning to use separate shells will no longer need to submit an RT request.
Course shells may be merged or removed upon request using the new Blackboard Course Merge or Removal form (UMBC login required), which we recommend submitting at least one week before the semester starts, if not as soon as courses are created in Blackboard. NOTE: Courses should not be merged or split after student grade data and engagement activity is recorded, since it will be purged as part of the separation process.
For more information about these improvements, please see the following:
Presentation to Faculty Senate Computer Policy Committee (CPC) on March 4, 2025.
Updated FAQs- How to request a merged course
Common questions about the revised Blackboard course creation & user enrollment process (Google Doc version)
In addition, faculty are invited to attend an information session on August 7th or 19th about the new course creation and merge process.
Plan your accessibility and Universal Design for Learning strategy before students begin working with course materials. Ally, an accessibility tool, is enabled in all course shells. Ally automatically scans uploaded and created course content, then performs a series of steps to make that content more accessible. Please review the Ally FAQs for more information about the accessibility indicators on course content and alternative formats, or attend an upcoming training session.
As always, if you have any questions about teaching, learning, and technology at UMBC, please consider the following options:
Connect with Instructional Technology
The State Wellness Program aims to motivate, inspire, and educate employees through monthly wellness webinars (live and on-demand), healthy challenges, guided meditations, wellness coaching, and much more.
This summer, make yourself a priority! "Summer of Self-Care" is all about slowing down, recharging, and embracing what makes you feel good. Whether it’s safely indulging in sun-soaked relaxation, nourishing your body with fresh seasonal flavors, or cultivating inner peace through mindfulness, this is your moment to thrive. Dive into this season filled with self-love, wellness, and joy - you deserve it! Remember, the Wellness Program is here to support you and your family in every season of your 2025 Thrive Journey.
Monday, July 21, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Happy Heart
A happy heart isn't just a fleeting emotion—it's a way of embracing life with warmth, resilience, and joy, even in the face of challenges. Discover simple yet powerful techniques to nurture this inner happiness and immerse yourself in a guided meditation designed to awaken your natural smile and lift your spirit.
Monday, July 28, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Emotions and Your Heart
The unspoken dialogue between your heart and brain is a quiet yet powerful force shaping your emotions, thoughts, and well-being. Dive deeper into the fascinating heart-brain connection and explore how your emotions impact your entire body, then enjoy a guided meditation designed to restore balance, ease tension, and bring clarity to your inner world.
Register for 7/28 Emotions and Your Heart
Tuesday, July 22, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Lettuce Wraps with Homemade Hoisin
Who needs takeout when you can create irresistible lettuce wraps at home? This class teaches you how to build crisp, flavor-packed wraps with savory filling. You'll add a scratch-made sauce that includes a homemade hoisin sauce for a crunchy, saucy, and totally satisfying meal!
Register for 7/22 Lettuce Wraps with Homemade Hoisin
Tuesday, July 29, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Key Lime Pie
Get ready to pucker up and swoon! Chef Sandra will teach you how to make a refreshingly tart and creamy Key lime pie with a made-from-scratch buttery graham cracker crust. You'll experience sunshine in every bite!
Register for 7/29 Key Lime Pie
Wednesday, July 23, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Seasonal Produce - Summer Edition
Maryland’s summer harvest is bursting with vibrant flavors, ripe for your next kitchen adventure! Whether it’s juicy peaches, plump tomatoes, or crisp cucumbers, this season brings a wealth of fresh produce waiting to be transformed into something extraordinary. So, get inspired with creative, mouthwatering recipes that highlight the best of summer’s bounty. These ingredients make every bite more delicious, and they also pack a powerful punch in reducing inflammation and supporting overall health.
Register for 7/23 Seasonal Produce - Summer Edition
Wednesday, July 30, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Don't Sugarcoat Your Summer!
Summer wouldn’t be
the same without indulging in these sweet treats: caramel corn and fudge on the
boardwalk, creamy ice cream, and the cool refreshment of Rita’s Italian
Ice and Dippin’ Dots. But what if you could keep all the joy without the sugar
overload? Get ready to discover crave-worthy, wholesome alternatives that pack
in flavor, fun, and all the summer vibes. No guilt required!
Register for 7/30
Don't Sugarcoat Your Summer!
Thursday, July 24, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Chair Yoga
Give yourself the gift of relaxation and renewal with restorative chair yoga! This gentle practice helps you stretch and lengthen your spine, release built-up muscle tension, and boost circulation, all while staying comfortably seated. Perfect for all fitness levels, chair yoga will leave you feeling refreshed, invigorated, and ready to take on the day!
Thursday, July 31, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Managing Summer Allergies
Sunshine and fresh air should feel like pure bliss - but not when summer allergies turn every breath into a battle! Sniffles, sneezes, and itchy eyes don’t have to ruin your warm-weather fun. Discover easy, effective self-care strategies to keep those pesky allergy symptoms in check and reclaim your summer joy.
Register for 7/31 Managing Summer Allergies
Friday, July 18, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Experience Your Mind Like an Ocean
Deep in the ocean beneath the surface, it's calm and clear. In this guided meditation, you will be able to access the depth and stillness of your mind, like an ocean, to experience and access calmness and clarity.
Register for 7/18 Experience Your Mind Like an Ocean
Friday, July 25, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Feeling Your Mind and Body as a Lake
There are times when a lake is still and you can see trees and birds reflected on it, and times when a lake is choppy and has no reflections. This guided meditation will enable you to find the stillness that is always available to you no matter what "choppiness" you encounter.
Register for 7/25 Feeling Your Mind and Body as a Lake
Friday, July 18, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Hydration and Healthy Beverages
An important component of summertime health is staying hydrated. Learn how water impacts the body in summer, five signs of dehydration and tips to prevent it, and how to make healthier hydration choices.
Register for 7/18 Hydration and Healthier Beverages
Friday, July 25, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Healthier Dental Habits
Dental health is an important part of overall health in all seasons! Your oral health can impact your heart, digestion, and even your longevity. Explore the anatomy of the mouth, learn about gum disease, and hear healthy dental habits tips.
Register for 7/25 Healthier Dental Habits
]]>Tom Penniston, Ph.D., has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar award to advance learning-analytics projects in Croatia during the 2025–26 academic year. As UMBC DoIT’s Coordinator of Learning Analytics, he helps faculty translate data into inclusive, effective teaching practices. On September 1, he will take that expertise with him as he begins a six-month residency with the University of Zagreb’s Learning Analytics Laboratory at the Faculty of Organization and Informatics in Varaždin, and will remain working remotely in Croatia until August 2026.
During the fellowship, Penniston will test ways to scale course redesign around national and institutional competencies, map how analytics tools are adopted within and between universities, and embed empirically-based approaches in a new international setting. Working alongside Croatian colleagues, he also hopes to deepen his understanding of European Union education policy and seed partnerships that will ultimately benefit UMBC students and faculty.
“I’m humbled, excited, and admittedly a bit anxious,” he says, “but being part of a campus that prizes data-informed teaching makes the leap easier.” He credits CIO Jack Suess, AVP John Fritz, Director Mariann Hawken, and an “exceptionally talented” DoIT team for making this opportunity possible, and notes that his hosts have already “gone out of their way” to welcome his family, which is a kindness that has eased much of his initial anxiety.
“We’re all pleased for and proud of Tom’s selection to serve as a Fulbright Fellow,” says John Fritz, Associate Vice President for Instructional Technology. “He truly is a global citizen with an impressive, eclectic skill set and mindset focused on the value of education to change the trajectory of people’s lives. He will make a wonderful ambassador for what’s best about UMBC and the United States.”
Penniston and his wife, Erin, previously served together in the Peace Corps in Moldova, yet the Fulbright will give their three children their first extended taste of life abroad. “I can’t wait to dive into the data, share what I learn, and bring fresh insights home,” he says, aiming to turn analysis into action on both sides of the Atlantic.
Requests for support about learning analytics should be submitted to RT.