All posts by: UMBC News Staff

Happy Monday: Over the Rainbow with Corkran Middle Schoolers at UMBC ↗

Dear UMBC Community,

What an absolute delight it was recently to help welcome 200 sixth graders from Corkran Middle School in Glen Burnie for a special performance of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!

Many of you know that it is a dream of mine that every middle schooler in Maryland will visit our campus. Seeing the Corkran students arrive (on four school buses!) and fill the Proscenium Theatre was a beautiful thing. Even more so was watching them enjoy this brilliant Theatre Department production and engage in a lively Q&A with our students afterward. In their questions, I knew they were imagining that they could do the things they saw our UMBC students doing, whether on stage or behind the scenes.

As I told them, my hope is that their visit to our campus helps them imagine their futures and that one day they may come back to this place as UMBC students. Kudos to our talented students, staff, and faculty for their outstanding creative work and for inspiring so many young minds!

Sincerely,

President Valerie Sheares Ashby

Spring Update on UMBC’s Settlement Agreement with the DOJ ↗

Dear UMBC Community,

I am writing to provide an update on our efforts following UMBC’s 2024 agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to strengthen and expand initiatives for preventing and responding to reports of sexual misconduct and sex discrimination under Title IX. The agreement followed a lengthy investigation by the DOJ that found systemic failures in the university’s Title IX compliance between 2015 and 2020. 

The agreement is in effect through the 2028 – 29 academic year and commits us to taking many steps to bolster our Title IX office and its work, provide specific support for student-athletes and the Athletics Department, expand training for all members of the community, and provide financial relief to certain individuals, as determined and directed by the DOJ. 

The update provided here shares a report of progress since the fall 2025 update. As required by the agreement, UMBC submitted its fourth monitoring report to the DOJ this winter. The university has fully implemented all of the initial provisions of the agreement and remains in the monitoring phase of the agreement. Thus, the work that we continue to do goes above and beyond what is required under the agreement. It is not the agreement that drives our work, but rather our commitment to uphold the highest standards of care, safety, integrity, and accountability for our campus community. 

Our recent work includes:

  • Increased engagement with our Coordinated Community Response Team to receive feedback on policies, procedures, programming, coordination, and communication efforts;
  • Successful implementation of mandatory Title IX training for students and employees;
  • Expansion of specialized education and training efforts to include offerings for those designated as confidential resources;
  • Targeted support and resources for student-athletes; and
  • Integrated use of restorative practices as an informal resolution method as appropriate.

The Office of Equity and Civil Rights (ECR) in particular bears a significant load of this work.  And, none of this is possible without the dedicated staff who work tirelessly across campus to uphold our commitment. Thanks to the many campus partners who continue to engage and support these efforts.  

Sincerely,

Tanyka M. Barber
Vice President for Institutional Equity and Chief Diversity Officer

Strategic Plan Survey Deadline is this Friday, April 17 ↗

Dear UMBC Community,

Thank you to those of you who have already shared your thoughts and feedback with the Strategic Plan Steering Committee. Today, I write to advise you that the deadline for sharing your ideas about UMBC’s strategic plan and pillars via this survey is Friday, April 17. You can choose which sections of the survey to complete. All responses are anonymous and confidential.

We also want to remind you to visit the strategic planning website and complete the feedback form on the homepage.

We encourage those of you who have not yet provided your thoughts to do so; your voice will ensure the UMBC Strategic Plan is as strong as it can be.

Regards,

Charissa S. L. Cheah
Professor, Psychology and Asian Studies Affiliate Faculty
Chair, Strategic Plan Steering Committee

Happy Monday: A Shared Commitment to Shared Governance ↗

Dear UMBC Community,
 
One of the privileges of serving as president of UMBC is that the role gives me a view of the entirety of the institution and the chance to hear voices from all across it, through a regular cadence of engagement with shared governance groups on our campus. 
 
My calendar was particularly full of such opportunities last week, as I participated in meetings of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, Exempt Staff Senate, and University Steering Committee (whose members represent every UMBC governance group), as well as an all-staff meeting hosted by the Exempt and Nonexempt Staff senates. These meetings and others connect me to all parts of the community and allow me to join you in the work of thinking through current issues and planning for a shared vision for the future. 
 
Through the questions, feedback, and ideas I heard from so many of you, last week’s meetings reflected the richness of experiences and viewpoints across our institution and were a terrific reminder of the strength of shared governance at UMBC. 
 
Sincerely,
 
President Valerie Sheares Ashby 

Happy Monday: Our Extraordinary Graduate Students ↗

Dear UMBC Community,

Last week, I had the opportunity to spend time with the Graduate Student Association Executive Council and senators. I left the conversation energized and encouraged. 

What struck me was the breadth of who was in the room—graduate students from every college and numerous disciplines, all engaged in a wide range of scholarly creative work. Despite their different fields, questions, and approaches, they share an inspiring commitment to something larger than themselves. Not only are they advancing their own research, but they are also serving their fellow graduate students, building community, and shaping an environment where everyone can thrive.

During the meeting, I was reminded of my own time as a graduate student, when I experienced the excitement of pursuing new questions, the responsibility of teaching and finding my voice in the classroom, and the privilege of mentoring undergraduate students along the way.

I am so grateful that at UMBC, teaching, research, and service are powerfully connected pursuits—a connection that our graduate students live out every day. 

Sincerely,

President Valerie Sheares Ashby

Strategic Plan Engagement Opportunities for Our Campus Community ↗

Dear UMBC Community,

On behalf of the Strategic Plan Steering Committee, I write to remind you to share your ideas for strengthening UMBC’s strategic plan and pillars via this survey. The survey deadline has been extended from Tuesday, April 7, to Friday, April 17, to ensure as many responses as possible. You can choose which sections to complete based on your interests and experiences. Please note that each section takes approximately 10 – 15 minutes, and all responses are anonymous and confidential.

Our pillar subgroups have started posting engagement events in the myUMBC Strategic Planning group. The Transform Teaching and Learning pillar subgroup is inviting UMBC faculty to two events next week. On Tuesday, April 7, a Virtual Town Hall will be held at 4 p.m., which faculty can register for here. On Wednesday, April 8, an In-Person Town Hall for faculty will take place in Engineering 027 from noon to 1 p.m.

Finally, please visit the strategic planning website for current information, which includes a feedback form on the homepage.

Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts and feedback; your voice is essential to ensuring a strong UMBC Strategic Plan. We appreciate your support.

Regards,

Charissa S. L. Cheah
Professor, Psychology and Asian Studies Affiliate Faculty
Chair, Strategic Plan Steering Committee

Strategic Plan Engagement Opportunities for Our Campus Community ↗

Dear UMBC Community,

On behalf of the Strategic Plan Steering Committee, I write to remind you to share your ideas for strengthening UMBC’s strategic plan and pillars via this survey. The survey deadline has been extended from Tuesday, April 7, to Friday, April 17, to ensure as many responses as possible. You can choose which sections to complete based on your interests and experiences. Please note that each section takes approximately 10 – 15 minutes, and all responses are anonymous and confidential.

Our pillar subgroups have started posting engagement events in the myUMBC Strategic Planning group. The Transform Teaching and Learning pillar subgroup is inviting UMBC faculty to two events next week. On Tuesday, April 7, a Virtual Town Hall will be held at 4 p.m., which faculty can register for here. On Wednesday, April 8, an In-Person Town Hall for faculty will take place in Engineering 027 from noon to 1 p.m.

Finally, please visit the strategic planning website for current information, which includes a feedback form on the homepage.

Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts and feedback; your voice is essential to ensuring a strong UMBC Strategic Plan. We appreciate your support.

Regards,

Charissa S. L. Cheah
Professor, Psychology and Asian Studies Affiliate Faculty
Chair, Strategic Plan Steering Committee

Happy Monday: Celebrating the Baltimore Ravens College Track Center ↗

Students stand in a line holding up UMBC sweatshirts
Dear UMBC Community,
Our commitment to serving our communities—and, specifically, to supporting the students of Baltimore City—took a beautiful step forward this month with the official opening of the Baltimore Ravens College Track Center. I was thrilled to attend and celebrate the new center and the brand-new cohort of nearly 70 talented high school students from Baltimore City, along with officials from College Track, the Baltimore Ravens, and M&T Bank—whose collaboration has made possible this expansion of College Track’s national network.
As College Track’s public higher education partner in this effort, UMBC holds a special place of honor at the center in West Baltimore through the UMBC Learning Lab. Our very own Mamady Diallo, a senior information systems major who is part of a College Track cohort from Prince George’s County, served as emcee of the entire event and impressed everyone with his poise and presence. It was a proud day for UMBC!
Following the launch event, we hosted a campus visit last week for members of the inaugural Baltimore City cohort, as well as admitted students from the Prince George’s center, providing them an opportunity to learn more about UMBC. We are thrilled to help support these students and looking forward to welcoming some of them back here as Retrievers!
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby

Federal Orders and Actions Core Team Update ↗

Dear UMBC Community,

We write to you today to share the following updates and reminders.

We distributed federal immigration enforcement cards across campus. The card and related FAQs are available on our Federal Orders and Actions website. The cards have been printed in English and Spanish and have been distributed to locations such as the Center for Global Engagement and the Mosaic Center.

The Office of General Counsel created a guide for supervisors and employees whose departments may be visited by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The purpose of these visits is to verify information in certain employment-based visa petitions, such as those supporting H-1B employees. The USCIS immigration officers may take photographs of the workspace, review documents, speak with the sponsored employee, and interview other personnel to confirm the employee’s work location, hours, duties, etc. It is important to note that these are fact-finding visits, not ICE enforcement operations. Please refer to the guide for instructions on what to do if your department is visited by a USCIS immigration officer.

David Di Maria, vice provost for global engagement, shared an email, “Responding to International Incidents,” on Friday, March 6. The email details how UMBC monitors and responds to international incidents and the resources provided to our community. We encourage you to review this email to be aware of how UMBC supports our community during these times.

Finally, here is an update on our Division of Research and Creative Achievement grants and budget for this year: 

  • As of February 12, 2026, nine previously canceled federal awards have been reinstated. 

  • Our total impact following the reinstatements remains a loss of approximately $14 million, which represents about 4 percent of UMBC’s annual federally funded research portfolio. 

  • Research expenditures totaled $151 million in FY24 and $185.8 million in FY25. We anticipate that FY26 (closing September 30, 2026) will not exceed FY25’s total but will remain consistent with FY24, the year with the second-highest level of research expenditures in UMBC’s history.

If you have any questions about this information, please reach out to a member of the Federal Orders and Actions Team.

Thank you.

Regards,

The UMBC Federal Orders and Actions Core Team

Valerie Sheares Ashby, President
Manfred H. M. van Dulmen, Provost and Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs
Tanyka M. Barber, Vice President, Institutional Equity and Chief Diversity Officer
Kacey Hammel, Chief of Staff to the President
Renique T. Kersh, Vice President, Student Affairs
Paul A. Meggett, Vice President and General Counsel
D. Paul Monteiro, Vice President, Government Relations and Community Affairs
Karl V. Steiner, Vice President, Research and Creative Achievement
Lisa K. Van Riper, Vice President, University Communications and Marketing
David L. Di Maria, Vice Provost, Global Engagement
Yvette Mozie-Ross ’88, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Planning
Ana Oskoz, Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs

Anupam Joshi named 2025 AAAS Fellow

Anupam Joshi, vice provost and chief AI officer for UMBC, has been named a 2025 Fellow for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). AAAS is one of the world’s largest general scientific societies and the publisher of the Science family of journals. 

Joshi is among nearly 500 scientists, engineers, and innovators who have been elected 2025 fellows for their scientifically and socially distinguished achievements throughout their careers. 

Joshi is a pioneer in data management and security for mobile and ad-hoc networks using AI approaches. His research interests are at the intersection of AI and systems. Over the last decade, Joshi has explored this intersection to improve cybersecurity—using distributed AI approaches for attack detection and resilience in CPS/IoT systems that undergird critical infrastructure and policy-driven approaches to security and privacy.

In addition to serving as vice provost and chief AI officer, Joshi is the Oros Family Professor and director of the UMBC Cybersecurity Institute. A prolific scholar, Joshi obtained a B.Tech degree from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi in 1989, and a master’s and Ph.D. from Purdue University in 1991 and 1993. 

A tradition dating back to 1874, election as a AAAS Fellow is a lifetime honor, and all fellows are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity. Joshi is the ninth fellow to be elected from UMBC throughout its history. Phyllis Robinson was the most recent UMBC fellow elected in 2024. 

“This year’s AAAS Fellows have demonstrated research excellence, made notable contributions to advance science, and delivered important services to their communities,” said Sudip S. Parikh, AAAS chief executive officer and executive publisher of the Science family of journals. “These fellows and their accomplishments validate the importance of investing in science and technology for the benefit of all.”

Important—Announcing the Strategic Plan Survey ↗

Dear UMBC Community,
On behalf of the Strategic Plan Steering Committee, I invite you to share your perspectives on UMBC’s strategic plan via this survey. The survey includes five sections, each aligned with one of the university’s strategic pillars. As a reminder, the pillars are: 
  • Cultivate organizational innovation and vitality
  • Redefine excellence in research and creative achievement
  • Strengthen Maryland and its communities
  • Advance student opportunity and success
  • Transform teaching and learning
You can choose which sections you would like to complete based on your interests and experiences. The survey is also designed to capture additional ideas you may have for strengthening these five focus areas. Please note that each section of the survey will take approximately 10 – 15 minutes to complete and all responses are anonymous and confidential.
We also invite you to visit the strategic planning website for current information, including a new feedback form now available on the home page. 
Finally, as our pillar subgroups prepare to introduce their engagement activities, be sure to follow the myUMBC Strategic Planning group for information about scheduled engagement events. We will also continue to email the UMBC campus community about additional opportunities to engage in the planning process.
We hope that you will complete the survey by Tuesday, April 7. Your insights, ideas, and feedback are essential as we continue the planning process.
Thank you for your support.
Regards,
Charissa S. L. Cheah
Professor, Psychology and Asian Studies Affiliate Faculty
Chair, Strategic Plan Steering Committee

Happy Monday: A Thank-You Following MSCHE’s Site Visit ↗

Dear UMBC Community,
As we return from Spring Break, I want to thank the many members of our community who helped welcome the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) evaluation team earlier this month. It was a busy few days of conversations for the visitors, who hosted open sessions with faculty and staff and met with students and many others across campus as part of the extensive process to reaffirm the university’s accreditation.
While we will receive a final report later this spring, I am happy to share that the visit went very well. In their conversations across the university, the team experienced what so many of us see every day: the clarity of our vision, the excellence of our work, our commitment to inclusive excellence, and our shared dedication to student success and to advancing knowledge through research. It was equally as helpful to hear the areas where we can continue to grow and improve, and we look forward to that work together.
One part of the visit that brought me particular pride was the time the visitors spent with our students. They showed up exactly as they are—thoughtful, authentic, kind, curious, and engaged—and they represented themselves and UMBC so well.
Finally, I would like to recognize and thank the members of our Self-Study Steering Committee and its co-chairs, Associate Vice Provost Connie Pierson ’90, M.A. ’92, Professor Orianne Smith, and Provost Manfred van Dulmen, as well as the members of the core team and the many colleagues whose leadership and preparation made the visit a success.
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby
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