Dr. James DeVita, assistant vice president for academic partnerships and high-impact experiences, will co-present at the American Association of Colleges and Universities'  International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Inc. (ISSOTL) annual conference in Christchurch, New Zealand this November in partnership with the University of Canterbury. Dr. DeVita will co-present "Large-Scale Assessment as SoTL: An Emerging Structure that Supports Data-Driven Practices in Higher Education" with Dr. Megan Bolden, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and Dr. Kristi Wiley, Lenoir Community College.

During their session, they will "explore how the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) has evolved from reflective practice to a systematic, research-based approach to improving student learning. We argue that more emphasis should be placed on applying SoTL principles to large-scale assessment initiatives across institutions. Drawing from examples like the National Survey of Student Leaders and Queen's University Assessment Redesign Project, we showcase how SoTL frameworks can drive institutional change. We will present large-scale assessments that have led to meaningful reforms in undergraduate social work programs, multi-institutional research initiatives, and campus-wide career-readiness outcome mapping."

ISSOTL serves faculty members, staff, and students who care about teaching and learning as serious intellectual work. Through building intellectual and collaborative infrastructure, the Society supports the associational life that fosters scholarly work about teaching and learning. The Society provides this support by:

• recognizing and encouraging scholarly work on teaching and learning in each discipline, within scholarly societies and across educational levels,

• promoting cross-disciplinary conversations to create synergy and prompt new lines of inquiry,

• facilitating the collaboration of scholars in different countries and the flow of new findings and applications across national boundaries,

• encouraging the integration of discovery, learning, and public engagement, and

• advocating for support, review, recognition, and appropriate uses of the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Overall Series Description

This fall's culture conversations is a three-part series that explores how a values-driven approach can deepen understanding and support for religious diversity. The series will address antisemitism, Islamophobia, and biases related to non-western religious and spiritual traditions, which can encompass a wide range of global traditions present at UMBC, including those common in South Asia such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. Together, we will explore the intersections of faith and culture, building the skills to create communities where all beliefs are respected and valued.

A mix of in-person and virtual sessions will be provided this semester.

RSVP here: https://umbc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_09DlqMyjcC3YlBI

Session Descriptions

Take a break from your busy schedule and relax with free community acupuncture at UMBC. Licensed acupuncturists will be on site to guide you through a calming, restorative experience.

Date : Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time : 11 AM – 1 PM
Location : Center for Well-Being, Room 118

Retriever Integrated Health invites all UMBC students, faculty, and staff to enjoy free acupuncture sessions with a licensed acupuncturist. It's the perfect chance to relax, ask questions, and experience this ancient healing practice.

Bonus: Free refreshments and wellness goodies available while you wait.

No appointment needed — just walk in.
Open to all students, faculty, and staff.
Completely free!!

If you need any accommodations to participate in this event, please contact Retriever Integrated Health at rih@umbc.edu or call +1 (410) 455-2542 as soon as possible.

Come by, recharge, and take care of yourself today. We hope to see you there!

Healing from Family Challenges is a six-week group that provides psychoeducation and skills that help address the effects of adverse childhood experiences. It helps the members to recognize how these past challenging experiences might be impacting their current functioning and helps individuals identify healthy ways of coping with their experiences. Students transition from surviving past experiences to thriving in the present. The group creates a safe and supportive environment to develop an alternate way of looking at the past and develop a sense of meaning and purpose that help them thrive today.

Wednesdays, 3:00 PM-4:30 PM beginning October 15.

The first step to joining any group is to complete an Initial Consultation appointment. Please call us at 410-455-2542 or visit the RetrieverCare portal to schedule.

For general group questions, or if you need accommodations for a disability, please send a secure message to CC Front Desk via the patient portal at least one week prior to the start of group and RIH will arrange for services.

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.

Dr. James DeVita, associate vice president for academic partnerships and high-impact experiences in the Division of Student Affairs, will speak with alumni from UMBC’s Community Leadership program at Homecoming on Saturday, October 11, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the The Commons Sports Zone (new location). This Community Leadership Gathering, open to all, is a free, ticketed event.

Dr. DeVita is the newest faculty member in the Community Leadership program, which prepares aspiring and practicing leaders with the skills and experience needed to generate transformative social change. His conversation with alumni will focus on leadership skills and career readiness. It will be a facilitated conversation that engages attendees, includes opportunities for audience questions, and encourages reflection and dialogue.

“The Community Leadership program is not only interdisciplinary, bringing together students from all types of disciplinary backgrounds, it's also interprofessional, bringing together individuals who work in a wide range of fields,” said Dr. DeVita. “This makes for a rich learning experience for both students and instructors that is helping me to learn more about our community(-ies) in Baltimore while also getting to support student engagement and learning. I'm also inspired by the opportunity to co-teach with Dr. Sally Scott, graduate program director, and curious about the impact of our collaborative approach on students' learning – something we might explore during our discussion at Homecoming, among other topics.”