MSRP/Nationwide webinars are open to all Faculty and Staff. 

Click here to Register. All webinars are approximately 45 minutes in length.

How to Plan for Taxes in Retirement

It’s important to know how to develop a successful retirement tax strategy. In this webinar we will discuss how to manage the impact of taxes in retirement, the basics of how Social Security will be taxed, and what the Maryland Pension Exclusion means for you!

March 12th at 11 am

March 13th at 1 pm

March 18th at 1 pm

March 20th at 11 am  

My Income & Retirement Planner

Learn how the My Income & Retirement Planner (online tool) can simplify financial planning and help you make informed decisions about your future. Whether you're just beginning your retirement journey or have more complex needs, this planner can adapt to your evolving financial goals.

March 27th at 11 am

March 31st at 1 pm

Walk Me Through: Online Enrollment Tutorial

Let's Enroll Together! Enroll in real-time in a Maryland Supplemental Retirement Plan, i.e. 457(b), 401(k), or 403(b). During the webinar, a Nationwide representative will walk you through, step by step, explaining how you can easily enroll in approximately 10 minutes.

You must have your 6-digit payroll code (360231) and payroll type (University of Maryland) to enroll.

March 6th at 11 am

March 6th at 1 pm

March 25th at 11 am

March 25th at 1 pm

MSRP Basics: Building Your Financial Foundation

This is a comprehensive overview designed to help you take full advantage of the State of Maryland’s Supplemental Retirement Plans. Whether you’re a new employee or looking to refresh your knowledge, this session will cover how these plans work, their benefits, and how you can start building a secure financial future.

March 12th at 1 pm

March 18th at 11 am

Beyond the Basics: MSRP Strategies for Every Stage of Your Career

As a State of Maryland employee, you have access to exclusive savings opportunities through the Maryland Supplemental Retirement Plans. This webinar provides an in-depth look at practical and effective strategies to help you maximize these benefits at every stage of your career.

March 13th at 11 am

March 20th at 1 pm

Click here to Register.  All webinars are approximately 45 minutes in length.

Position Overview:

Position Type: Internship, Stipend, Undergraduate Student, Graduate Student

Internship Description:

Do you always find yourself talking about social justice? Are you the friend in your group who's always adding “nuance” to the conversation? Then we’re looking for you! Social Justice Dialogue Facilitation Fellows work for the Center for Social Justice Dialogue and are supervised by professional staff within the Center. 

The main role of this internship is to support the work of the Center for Social Justice Dialogue (CSJD) in cultivating a campus community where everyone feels empowered and equipped to engage in difficult dialogue across differences of identity, background, and lived experience. Built on a foundation of Intergroup Theory and other social justice education frameworks, interns will co-create and deliver workshops on topics of identity, social justice, and dialogue to student populations. Further, students will support projects including MediaBytes, Your Story Belongs Here, InterACT, FYS: Race, Social Justice, and Dialogue, and other departmental programs. They may also support collaborative dialogue programs in partnership with other departments on campus (e.g. The Women’s Center, Center for Democracy and Civic Life, Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging, etc). Facilitators are expected to work a maximum of ten hours a week which includes weekly staff meetings to engage in deep learning, prepare for workshops, and continue developing student-focused programming. Interns engage in ongoing training, reviewing key activities, facilitation skills, and foundational introductions to various social justice concepts. Interns must be available for these training sessions as well as program retreats.

Upon the completion of more advanced training (including Restorative Practices) and a full year of participation, students will have the opportunity to apply to a “senior internship” position to facilitate higher stakes dialogues.

General Responsibilities:

Dear UMBC Community,   I want to express my thanks to the many of you who have reached out to me in recent days to voice their concerns and ask about the current and future state of the work of the Division of Institutional Equity in light of recent federal orders and actions. Your support is an inspiring demonstration of our shared values, most especially, inclusive excellence.     As you may know, late on Friday evening, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Dear Colleague letter that put forth a very broad interpretation of the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which ended race-conscious admissions. The Dear Colleague letter interprets that ruling to prohibit all race-conscious activities at educational institutions that receive federal funding—“hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies, and all other aspects of student, academic, and campus life.”   A Dear Colleague letter does not carry the force of law, nor can it change existing law. We have and will continue to abide by existing laws, including through the university’s nondiscrimination policy. Higher education associations responded swiftly to the Dear Colleague letter this week, urging institutions not to overreact or try to comply preemptively with the guidance.    OCR’s Dear Colleague letter followed several recent federal executive orders and other actions targeting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts broadly. Some of these are being challenged in the courts. Additionally, Maryland State Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, together with 15 other state attorneys general, have issued this multistate guidance on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility employment initiatives.    We take seriously the direct targeting of this work, which is so central to our identity and core values. We are monitoring closely the orders and actions related to these issues and assessing as best we can the risk and potential impacts for UMBC. We also are continuing to hold UMBC to the highest standards in adhering to university policies and applicable state and federal laws.  To that end, I want to reiterate that all of the university’s programs and activities are open for full participation by all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the university's nondiscrimination policy.  Who we are as an institution demands that we continue to:   Create a community culture that values each individual Protect the civil rights of all faculty, staff, and students Come together across differences Uphold free speech and academic freedom   This is not the work of a single office or division, but rather the collective responsibility of our entire campus community. Thank you again for your support, your dedication, and your partnership.   Sincerely,   Tanyka M. Barber Vice President for Institutional Equity and Chief Diversity Officer

Announcing the "Building Equitable Workplaces: An Inclusive Hiring Series"

The Division of Institutional Equity (DOIE) and Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management (HRSTM) at UMBC are proud to present a transformative four-part series designed to empower all faculty and staff in fostering equity, inclusion, and belonging within our community.

Overview

In today's evolving landscape, fostering inclusive hiring practices is more crucial than ever. Embracing diversity, fairness, access, inclusion, and belonging, is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity.

Join us to gain the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to implement intentional recruitment, hiring, and retention practices. Aligned with UMBC’s core values of inclusive excellence, community, and equitable opportunity, the series offers a comprehensive understanding of the current hiring landscape, strategies to mitigate bias, and actionable frameworks for cultivating diverse and inclusive teams.

Session Details

1. Inclusive Hiring in the Current Context: Understanding the Landscape

   • Date, Time, Location: March 13, 12:00 - 1:30 pm, Commons 329
   • Facilitators: Tanyka Barber, Vice President for Institutional Equity/Chief Diversity Officer & Lynne Adams, Associate Vice President-Chief Human Resources Officer
   • Description: Explore the pressing challenges and opportunities in higher education hiring today. Topics include aligning institutional representation with the student body, navigating the competitive landscape for diverse talent, addressing implicit biases in recruitment, understanding shifting labor market trends, and ensuring equitable access throughout all hiring stages. Participants will gain insights into how intentional hiring practices can help UMBC build a representative and thriving workforce that reflects its values of equity and belonging.
   • RSVP here: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/doie/events/140163

2. Fostering Fairness: Strategies to Recognize and Overcome Bias in Hiring

   • Date, Time, Location:: April 7, 12:00 - 1:30 pm, Commons 329
   • Facilitators: Jasmine A. Lee Associate Vice President for Community & Culture & Walter Parrish, Assistant Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
   • Description: Uncover unconscious biases that can influence decision-making during recruitment and selection. Through guided exercises and reflection, attendees will learn practical strategies to mitigate bias and ensure fair and equitable hiring practices. The session will also explore how bias manifests differently between staff and faculty searches.
   • RSVP here: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/doie/events/140166

3. The Inclusive Hiring Toolkit: Practical Tools and Resources

   • Date, Time, Location: : April 17, 12:00 - 1:30 pm, Commons 329
   • Facilitators: Jasmine A. Lee Associate Vice President for Community & & Jill Wardell, Director of Talent Learning & Organizational Development 
   • Description: This workshop offers concrete tools and resources to operationalize inclusive hiring. From crafting equity-centered job descriptions to conducting inclusive interviews, it equips attendees with actionable steps to attract, engage, and retain diverse talent. Participants will also gain access to the Institutional Equity Inclusive Hiring E-Toolkit.
   • RSVP here: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/doie/events/140169

4. Action Planning for Inclusive Hiring: Turning Strategies into Practice

   • Date, Time, Location: : May 8, 12:00 - 1:30 pm, Commons 329
   • Facilitators: Jasmine A. Lee Associate Vice President for Community & Kelly Coleman, Director of Talent Acquisition and Total Rewards 
   • Description: Focus on creating personalized action plans for implementing inclusive hiring strategies within your departments and units. Participants are encouraged to bring questions, plans for review, or specific cases to explore. You will leave with a roadmap for fostering equitable opportunity and accountability in your hiring processes.
   • RSVP here: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/doie/events/140170

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced Understanding: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the current hiring landscape and the importance of aligning our hiring practices with our institutional value of inclusive excellence.

• Bias Mitigation: Learn to identify and mitigate unconscious biases that can influence recruitment and selection, ensuring fair and equitable hiring practices.

• Practical Tools: Acquire concrete tools and resources to implement inclusive hiring, from job description development to interview techniques.

• Actionable Strategies: Develop personalized action plans to apply inclusive hiring strategies within your specific departments and units.

By participating in this series, UMBC faculty and staff will be equipped to navigate the complexities of the current hiring environment, ensuring that our recruitment and retention practices reflect our commitment to inclusive excellence.

Registration Information

The series will be conducted in-person and seating is limited. RSVP on the MyUMBC page for each individual event. 

__________________

This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.

The State Wellness Program is here to motivate, inspire, and educate employees through monthly wellness webinars (live and on-demand), healthy challenges, guided meditations, wellness coaching, and much more. 

Highlighted webinar: 

Tuesday, 2/11, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Building Wealth in the Black Community

Closing the racial wealth gap isn't a simple fix, but many experts say that financial education is a great way to start. In this easy-to-follow workshop provided by MetLife, you will gain insight into the importance of credit scores, life and disability income insurance, investing, and legacy planning.
Register for 2/11 Building Wealth in the Black Community

Mindful Mondays: Finding Joy

Monday, 2/24, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: The Benefits of Positivity at Work

Adopting a positive mindset at work has been shown to help you stay motivated, work better with others, make good decisions, recognize opportunities that come your way and more. Learn how to put a positive spin on work to truly appreciate what you do! 

Register for 2/24 The Benefits of Positivity at Work

 

Tuesday: Dishes to Make Your Taste Buds Dance!

Tuesday, 2/18, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Decadent Chocolate Brownies

Valentine's Day celebrations continue! These moist yet chewy brownies with a perfect crispy-crackly top are gooey in all the right places and come together in a snap. Harvard researchers found that the flavonoids in chocolate support heart health!
Register for 2/18 Decadent Chocolate Brownies

  

Healthy U Wednesdays: Love Your Heart

Wednesday, 2/12, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Heart Healthy Diet

Nutrition is a controllable factor that can help keep your heart in tip-top shape. In this webinar, you'll get tips on how to easily add healthy and delicious foods that are within your budget.

Register for 2/12 Heart Healthy Diet

  

Wednesday, 2/19, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Stress and Your Heart Health

While stress may not directly cause heart attacks, it can lead to high blood pressure, increased plaque buildup in arteries, and reduced blood flow to the heart. All of these increase your heart attack risk. This webinar presents more information on how stress impacts heart health and suggestions for stress management.

Register for 2/19 Stress and Your Heart Health

 

Wednesday, 2/26, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Sleep and Your Heart Health

Sleep plays a crucial role in heart health and getting enough quality sleep is essential. In 2022, the American Heart Association added sleep to their checklist of health and lifestyle factors for good heart health. Learn more about the relationship between heart health and sleep and get recommendations for better quality sleep.

Register for 2/26 Sleep and Your Heart Health

  

Thursday Wellness Focus:  Show Your Heart Some Love!

Thursday, 2/13, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Cholesterol and You

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. Learn how to prevent and manage high cholesterol. 

Register for 2/13 Cholesterol and You

 

Thursday, 2/20, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: What the Heart Wants

Give your heart what it wants - good health! Join this engaging webinar led by a physician to discover how to maintain a healthy heart and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Register for 2/20 What the Heart Wants

 

Thursday, 2/27, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Heart-Healthy Smile

90% of systemic conditions like heart disease impact oral health, and the reverse is true - oral health issues can negatively impact heart health. Learn more about this fascinating relationship and ways to manage oral health for optimal health outcomes.

Register for 2/27 Heart-Healthy Smile

 

Fridays: Guided Meditations for Heart Health

Friday, 2/14, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Daily Practice for Love and Happiness

What better day than Valentine's Day to remember that we all want the same thing - to be loved! In this guided meditation, you'll experience appreciation and love for yourself and others. This will be so uplifting that you'll want to practice this every day of the year!

Register for 2/14 Daily Practice for Love and Happiness

 

Friday, 2/21, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Mind Appreciation

Express wonder and appreciation for your miraculous mind and the variety of thoughts that flow through it. Express gratitude for its complexity such as its ability to understand, process, and reflect what has happened and what your future will bring in this enlightening guided meditation.

Register for 2/21 Mind Appreciation

 

Friday, 2/28, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Giving Gladness to Your Heart and Mind

Offer gratitude and kindness to your thinking mind to bring it a sense of peace. This peace will benefit your heart as your heart beat slows and your breathing deepens. Enjoy this opportunity to give gratitude to your thinking mind - your heart and mind will thank you back!

Register for 2/28 Giving Gladness to Your Heart and Mind

The State Wellness Program is here to motivate, inspire, and educate employees through monthly wellness webinars (live and on-demand), healthy challenges, guided meditations, wellness coaching, and much more. 

Let us support you as you embark on your heart health 2025 Thrive Journey!

Fridays Special Heart Awareness webinars!

Friday, 2/14, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Healthy Heart

A healthy heart is essential to a healthier life. During this presentation, Nurse Kathleen will explain the importance of making certain healthier choices known to improve heart health.

Register for 2/14 Healthy Heart

Friday, 2/21, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Understanding Heart Disease

Nurse Kathleen will share the signs and symptoms of heart disease, the risk factors that contribute to developing heart disease, and how to support your heart health.

Register for 2/21 Understanding Heart Disease

Friday, 2/28, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Heart Healthy Nutrition

The DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) eating plan is a healthy way to nourish your body and prevent cardiovascular disease. The DASH plan may even lower your cholesterol in as little as two weeks! Join Nurse Kathleen to learn how to make heart healthy eating fun, delicious and affordable by incorporating the DASH plan.

Register for 2/28 Heart Healthy Nutrition

These financial webinars are open to all Faculty and Staff, regardless of your retirement plan or vendor. 

Classes can be postponed (or canceled) due to inclement weather, utility and infrastructure breakdown, widespread illness, or other emergencies. By preparing a Go Online (GO) Kit, you’ll be ready to transition seamlessly when in-person classes aren’t an option. Here are five steps to help you stay on track.

1. Stay connected and up-to-date on issues impacting whether your class might get canceled or postponed.

• Sign up for UMBC Emergency Alerts to receive text notifications about closures, delays, or campus-wide emergencies.
• Follow Campus Announcements on myUMBC to stay up to date on any university-wide decisions affecting classes.

2. Identify instructional technologies you can use to support content distribution, active learning, and assessment.

• Familiarize yourself with instructional technologies that support academic continuity using online teaching strategies and tools,
• Blackboard for content distribution, assessments, and discussions.
• Web conferencing tools (Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Webex) for live class sessions.
• Panopto and VoiceThread video recording for asynchronous lectures.
• Cloud storage (Google Drive, Box, or OneDrive) for large file sharing.
• Other instructional technologies
• Test your setup in advance -- check your internet connection, explore Blackboard and other instructional technologies, and practice using web conferencing tools so you can troubleshoot issues to minimize disruptions when switching to online instruction.