HackUMBC goes virtual in a big way, attracting over 1,000 students


Community, Science & Technology

More than 1,000 students from institutions across the country and around the world—from as far away as Kazakhstan, Albania, Spain, and Nigeria—logged onto their computers for a 36-hour hackathon organized by UMBC students, November 13-15. HackUMBC’s events typically draw huge crowds overflowing conference spaces. This year, the event was held virtually for the first time due to COVID-19. Continue reading HackUMBC goes virtual in a big way, attracting over 1,000 students

Students reflect on UMBC’s top-ten finish in national democracy challenge and post-election community conversations


Community

“It’s important to vote, but also to recognize voting as just one way to make a difference in our communities and nation,” share David Hoffman and Romy Hübler. “UMBC’s Cast Your Whole Vote campaign encouraged members of the UMBC community to learn about issues, engage in civil conversations, and contribute their time and talent to building a better world on Election Day and every day. ” Continue reading Students reflect on UMBC’s top-ten finish in national democracy challenge and post-election community conversations

UMBC’s Jasmine Lee elevates diversity and inclusion work as director of new Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging


Community

Jasmine A. Lee, director of inclusive excellence in UMBC’s Division of Student Affairs, is now also leading UMBC’s Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion and Belonging (i3B). The new i3B brings together UMBC’s Mosaic Center, Interfaith Center, and Pride Center to create “opportunities for students to build their awareness and knowledge of diverse people, cultures and belief systems.” Continue reading UMBC’s Jasmine Lee elevates diversity and inclusion work as director of new Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Entrepreneurs and experts gather for bwtech@UMBC Cybertini event on election security


Community, Science & Technology

Nearly 100 industry experts and entrepreneurs gathered virtually for Cybertini 2020, hosted by bwtech@UMBC, UMBC’s research and technology park, on October 15. The annual event offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn from industry professionals and experts in academia, and this year focused on cybersecurity related to elections. Continue reading Entrepreneurs and experts gather for bwtech@UMBC Cybertini event on election security

Shoulder to shoulder: U.S. News again names UMBC one of the Best Global Universities


Community

“UMBC continues to perform well on the international stage,” says David Di Maria, associate vice provost for international education. He notes, “The cross-border collaborations and contributions of our faculty, students, and staff position UMBC shoulder to shoulder amongst the top universities in the world.” Continue reading Shoulder to shoulder: U.S. News again names UMBC one of the Best Global Universities

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Struggle for justice and change: Karsonya Wise Whitehead presents UMBC’s 42nd annual Du Bois lecture


Community, Policy & Society

Whitehead will present on the intersection of COVID-19, systemic racism, and anti-racist action. Her talk, “Black COVID Stories, Black Lives Matter, and Protest: A Conversation about the Ongoing Struggle for Justice and Change,” will examine the long-term societal impacts of today’s conversations about anti-Blackness, anti-racism, policing, and justice in the context of Du Bois’s research. Continue reading Struggle for justice and change: Karsonya Wise Whitehead presents UMBC’s 42nd annual Du Bois lecture

UMBC’s Jack Suess to receive 2020 EDUCAUSE Leadership Award


Community

“Leaders around the country admire Jack’s valuable contributions to IT and higher education. He is a fine example of enlightened leadership,” says UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski. “We all know Jack leads effectively by serving selflessly. What makes him most extraordinary is that his emotional intelligence matches his impressive technical skills.” Continue reading UMBC’s Jack Suess to receive 2020 EDUCAUSE Leadership Award

bwtech@UMBC receives Economic Development Administration grant to launch cybersecurity venture fellowship program


Community, Science & Technology

bwtech@UMBC, UMBC, and the University System of Maryland will create the Maryland New Venture Fellowship for Cybersecurity to support the development of cybersecurity companies in Maryland, and increase connections among technologists, mentors, and faculty at institutions across the state. Continue reading bwtech@UMBC receives Economic Development Administration grant to launch cybersecurity venture fellowship program

President Hrabowski addresses UMBC graduating class of 2018.

Baltimore Sun honors Pres. Hrabowski’s leadership through Business and Civic Hall of Fame


Community

The Baltimore Sun is celebrating UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski as a 2020 Business and Civic Hall of Fame honoree. A special feature in The Sun highlights important moments in Hrabowski’s life and career, and his impact as one of the nation’s top higher education leaders. Continue reading Baltimore Sun honors Pres. Hrabowski’s leadership through Business and Civic Hall of Fame

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UMBC sees solid enrollment in Fall 2020, celebrating returning students and high-demand graduate programs


Community

“Our strong enrollments this fall affirm that, even with the challenges our world is facing, our new and continuing students value the UMBC experience and recognize the importance of staying on track with their degrees,” says Vice Provost Yvette Mozie-Ross. Continue reading UMBC sees solid enrollment in Fall 2020, celebrating returning students and high-demand graduate programs

New U.S. News rankings honor UMBC strengths in teaching, innovation, and inclusion


Community

The 2021 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings affirm that UMBC remains one of the top universities in the nation, with a uniquely distinguished profile. UMBC has advanced to #11 for undergraduate teaching and holds the #9 position on the list of most innovative schools in the nation, among other prominent rankings. Continue reading New U.S. News rankings honor UMBC strengths in teaching, innovation, and inclusion

Goldfinch at a backyard birdfeeder

UMBC engages Howard Community College students with environmental science—online and in their own backyards


Community, Science & Technology

“My goal for the students was to capture what I think is the most important part of scientific research—curiosity through observation,” Chris Hawn says. By training their eyes and learning to see in new ways, Hawn says, “People were making discoveries literally inside their houses, or on a walk, or in their yard. It was really wonderful to see that transformation.” Continue reading UMBC engages Howard Community College students with environmental science—online and in their own backyards

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UMBC celebrates 2020 – 2021 Fulbright recipients


Community, Policy & Society, Science & Technology

Ten recent UMBC alumni are recipients of 2020 – 2021 Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards, including seven from UMBC’s Class of 2020. Each year over 11,000 students apply and just over 2,000 are selected from hundreds of colleges and universities across the United States. The award secures funding for U.S. students to pursue international graduate study, research, internships, or teaching. Continue reading UMBC celebrates 2020 – 2021 Fulbright recipients

A picture of beige stone bench in the sunlight with a quote by Walter Sondheim etched into the back of the bench, "Try to understand someone else's position and not assume you know what's best for others."

UMBC’s first virtual conference on inclusive language engages hundreds of education professionals from around the world


Community, Policy & Society

“To acknowledge that Black lives matter, that abuse of power must be stopped is paramount,” shared DàVida Plummer, keynote speaker at UMBC’s Inclusive Language Conference. “And for journalists the world over, we must capture this reality, tell our stories, and maintain objectivity.” Continue reading UMBC’s first virtual conference on inclusive language engages hundreds of education professionals from around the world

Retrievers focus on community to prepare for a fall semester unlike any before


Community

To create a roadmap for the fall, UMBC has relied on a strong tradition of community collaboration, bringing together committees of faculty, staff, and students to address every aspect of campus activity. In this way, UMBC can continue to live out its strong commitment to inclusive excellence and provide a distinctive academic and social experience during this unprecedented time. Continue reading Retrievers focus on community to prepare for a fall semester unlike any before

Spring 2020 campus photo, the commons, ILSB, by Marlayna Demond '11.

Princeton Review highlights UMBC’s dedicated students, engaging faculty


Community

“To put it simply, UMBC made it onto The Princeton Review list because of our amazing students,” says Associate Professor Lee Blaney. “The list is developed through responses to student surveys, and so we (quite literally) have to thank our students for this honor, which highlights the excellent academic and social community that all of us have built at UMBC.” Continue reading Princeton Review highlights UMBC’s dedicated students, engaging faculty

UMBC students complete internships virtually amid COVID-19 pandemic


Community

Each summer, hundreds of UMBC students complete summer internships to get hands-on experience related to their majors and career goals. The COVID-19 pandemic has moved many networking opportunities and jobs online, including some internships. Still, undergraduate and graduate students from across the University have spent the summer developing their skills and connections virtually. Continue reading UMBC students complete internships virtually amid COVID-19 pandemic

UMBC’s Meghan Grenier receives top NROTC teaching honor from the U.S. Navy


Community

The UMBC midshipmen “are an impressive group of individuals who will go on to serve as excellent Navy and Marine Corps officers,” Meghan Grenier says. “I hope what they have learned from me and the NROTC program will … prepare them for the challenges of leadership in our Navy.” Continue reading UMBC’s Meghan Grenier receives top NROTC teaching honor from the U.S. Navy

Retriever dog statue wearing face mask that reads "UMBC"

UMBC completes pilot COVID-19 testing in preparation for fall semester


Community

UMBC recently completed its first round of pilot COVID-19 testing, in preparation for the Retriever community’s gradual return to campus in the coming weeks and months. The pilot invited participation from faculty, staff, and students who are approved to be on campus this summer. Over the course of two days, University Health Services completed 325 COVID-19 tests and shared educational material on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Continue reading UMBC completes pilot COVID-19 testing in preparation for fall semester

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Student cost to attend UMBC reduced for Fall 2020 semester


Community

The cost to attend UMBC will decrease 22 percent compared to last fall for undergraduate students registered for courses offered by the main campus. UMBC’s Student Business Services Office notes that student bills will reflect stable tuition rates for undergraduate and graduate, resident and non-resident students, and decreased fees. Continue reading Student cost to attend UMBC reduced for Fall 2020 semester

UMBC develops future STEM teachers, researchers through pilot program pairing high school and college students


Community, Science & Technology

Now one of the high school participants, Kimani Reed, is starting at UMBC this fall. “The warm welcome I felt when I walked through the doors on the first day already made UMBC feel like home,” she says. Continue reading UMBC develops future STEM teachers, researchers through pilot program pairing high school and college students

UMBC faculty on a mission to prepare robust, high-quality online classes for fall semester


Community

Faculty members are setting the bar high for themselves this fall, and they have demonstrated it by showing up in droves for a variety of programs offered through UMBC’s Faculty Development Center (FDC), Division of Information Technology (DoIT), and the colleges and academic departments. Since May, more than half of all faculty have participated in training activities associated with online teaching, not including the faculty members serving as mentors and instructors for these trainings. Continue reading UMBC faculty on a mission to prepare robust, high-quality online classes for fall semester

UMBC will be test-optional for Fall 2021 applicants


Community2 Comments

The test-optional program for the coming year is “about offering prospective students maximum flexibility,” says Yvette Mozie-Ross ’88, health science and policy, vice provost for enrollment management and planning. “This flexibility ensures that circumstances beyond our prospective students’ control do not present barriers to pursuing a top-notch education.” Continue reading UMBC will be test-optional for Fall 2021 applicants

Woman wearing "Take Back the Night" t-shirt speaks into a microphone at the center of a group.

Graduating UMBC student advocates keep building community in an unprecedented time


Community

For Nadia BenAissa and Sam Hertl, UMBC has been a place to grow as leaders and advocates. Their college experiences have been defined by their work to educate, speak out, and create resources for survivors of sexual assault and LGBTQIA+ students at UMBC. As the university community has responded to COVID-19 and transitioned to a virtual environment, they have held steadfast in their commitments. Continue reading Graduating UMBC student advocates keep building community in an unprecedented time

A diverse group of two dozen women poses in an informal cluster, along with a man in a tie and three children

This spring, UMBC’s Returning Women Student Scholars achieve dreams long deferred


Community, Policy & Society, Science & Technology2 Comments

This month Karla Gonzalez ‘20, social work, will become the first in her family to graduate from college, at age 34. For much of her life, college didn’t really seem like a possibility. “I never saw myself as a leader,” she says, “but at UMBC I learned that I was one.” Continue reading This spring, UMBC’s Returning Women Student Scholars achieve dreams long deferred

UMBC students create products to meet community needs at Cangialosi Business Innovation Competition


Community, Policy & Society, Science & Technology1 Comment

Four UMBC student groups vied for the top prize in the finals of this year’s Cangialosi Business Innovation Competition (CBIC), held entirely online for the first time on April 30. Their projects ranged across industries, from fashion to artificial intelligence. Continue reading UMBC students create products to meet community needs at Cangialosi Business Innovation Competition

Two swimmers look at a paper together, wearing UMBC t-shirts next to a pool

Scholar-athlete grads draw on resilience forged in challenging times


Arts & Culture, Community, Science & Technology

On the surface, Kennedy Lamb ‘20, English, and Jethro Ssengonzi ‘20, mechanical engineering, didn’t have much in common when they arrived on campus. Today, these two accomplished scholar-athletes are coping with the challenges of graduating during a pandemic by drawing on stores of resilience and communities of support. Continue reading Scholar-athlete grads draw on resilience forged in challenging times

UMBC researchers offer knowledge, innovation during the time of COVID-19


Community, Policy & Society, Science & Technology

At a time when information and misinformation are coming at us from all directions, and everyone is looking for answers, UMBC researchers are stepping up. They’re working hard to answer pressing questions about COVID-19 and sharing their expertise to help the public stay healthy and make informed decisions. Continue reading UMBC researchers offer knowledge, innovation during the time of COVID-19

Four male swimmers wearing matching warm-up gear stand in front of an America East sign holding an America East trophy.

UMBC men’s swimming and diving named America East champions, women’s team captures 2nd place


Community

UMBC senior Ilia Rattsev swept the freestyle sprints (50, 100, 200 yards). In doing so, he became the first-ever swimmer in America East history to sweep the freestyle sprints in three consecutive years. He earned the league’s David Alexander Coaches’ Award (most points accrued in a meet) and Elite 18 Award (highest academic achievement). While excelling in the pool, Rattsev is also maintaining a 3.97 GPA in bioinformatics and computational biology. Continue reading UMBC men’s swimming and diving named America East champions, women’s team captures 2nd place

The Carnegie Foundation honors UMBC as a leading community-engaged university


Community, Policy & Society, Science & Technology

“Carnegie’s definition of community engagement emphasizes the importance of reciprocity and mutual benefits in the partnerships that are created,” explains Michele Wolff, director of the Shriver Center. “Shriver Center programs ask us to think about how we can make our partnerships more authentic, to effectively meet the needs of all involved. In this way, the longstanding approach of the Shriver Center also reflects the Carnegie Foundation’s principles of reciprocity and mutuality.” Continue reading The Carnegie Foundation honors UMBC as a leading community-engaged university