This award honors Ireland’s years mentoring and advocating for UMBC transfer students in information technology and engineering fields. It also brings greater visibility to UMBC’s transfer student population and to how the university can most effectively support their success. Continue reading UMBC’s Danyelle Ireland is named a national Rising Star as champion for transfer students
As UMBC faculty prepare for spring, they are reflecting on lessons learned from a primarily online fall 2020 semester. In UMBC’s College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT), this means honoring teaching fellows and teaching assistants for their role in making sure courses met student needs. Continue reading UMBC students help create richer online courses for peers in engineering and computing fields
UMBC’s faculty and staff contributed nearly $250,000 overall for the 2020 campaign, the highest among all state agencies and in the University System of Maryland. Continue reading UMBC supports its neighbors as lead contributor to Maryland Charity Campaign
As we prepare to close the book on 2020, we want to take a look back at some of UMBC’s most important chapters from this past year. Here are our top 20 top memories from 2020. Continue reading Twenty UMBC Memories from 2020
Of the more than 120 students who returned to complete their UMBC degree through the Finish Line program after years away from college, roughly a fourth of them only needed one more semester to do so. These returning students are graduating this week. Continue reading Each journey unique: UMBC students complete their degrees after returning mid-pandemic
UMBC’s newest graduates in computing and data science fields include students at all stages in their education and careers. Undergraduates, master’s students seeking to access new career opportunities, and Ph.D. students completing high-impact research have thrived at UMBC. Many cite the university’s strong academics, accessible faculty, research opportunities, and connections across disciplines as drawing them to UMBC. Continue reading UMBC’s newest computing grads, from bachelor’s to Ph.D., share stories of connection, support, opportunity
This fall, the student-organized TEDxUMBC gave ten speakers the opportunity to share their stories, experiences, and expertise with the world. Surprisingly, the theme, “Unmasking Uncertainty,” was actually conceived far before COVID-19 surged globally. Continue reading TEDxUMBC brings community together through “Unmasking Uncertainty”
Six student groups recently vied for the top prize in UMBC’s annual Idea Competition, presenting to a panel of alumni judges their innovative solutions to everyday challenges. The competition, hosted by UMBC’s Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship, was held virtually for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s winning ideas focused on physical and mental health and the environment. Continue reading Students focus on mental health and the environment in 2020 UMBC Idea Competition
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
Sam Patterson ’21, M29, is now the second student in UMBC history to receive a Rhodes Scholarship. He will pursue an M.Sc. in the Nature, Society, and Environmental Governance program at Oxford focusing on the economics of transportation. Continue reading Sam Patterson, UMBC’s newest Rhodes Scholar, plans to transform transportation
“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
Thanks to diligent, strict adherence to COVID testing guidelines, and a supportive community, both Retriever basketball teams plan to return to play in early December. Although current state guidelines will prevent fans from attending the games to start the campaign, coaches and players alike are excited to make Retriever Nation proud from afar. Continue reading Showing up for the season
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
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
“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
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
“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, 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
The ranking describes itself as “designed to put graduate success and student learning at its heart.” Across key areas measured, UMBC performs particularly well in student engagement and campus environment. Continue reading Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education name UMBC a top university, excelling in student engagement
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
UMBC achieved recognition as a 2020 Great College to Work For in collaborative governance, respect and appreciation, work/life balance, confidence in senior leadership, teaching environment, diversity, and tenure clarity and process. Continue reading UMBC is named Great College to Work For for the 11th consecutive year
“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
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
“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
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
The start of UMBC’s academic year may look a little different from years past, but Retriever pride remains steady as ever. New students won’t get to experience walking through a tunnel of cheering faculty and staff on way to Convocation … Continue reading UMBC welcomes a remarkable class in an exceptional year
“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
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
“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
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 Kimberly Moffitt, professor of Language, Literacy & Culture and affiliate professor of Africana Studies, has been appointed Interim Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Continue reading Kimberly Moffitt appointed interim dean of UMBC’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
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
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
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
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
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
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
This fall, UMBC will bid farewell to one of its senior leaders as Scott Casper, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS), departs the university to assume the presidency of the American Antiquarian Society (AAS). Continue reading UMBC celebrates Dean Scott Casper, next president of the American Antiquarian Society
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
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
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
The new U-RISE program will build on the outstanding 23-year legacy of the MARC U*STAR Scholars at UMBC. “If I was not a part of the MARC program, I would not be where I am today,” says Robin Bailey ’20. Continue reading UMBC to receive $7.7 M for U-RISE, a research training program focused on STEM leadership
