I am delighted to share the news that David M. Fields, who has been serving since late January as acting chief of police at UMBC, has been named to the permanent role. He assumes the leadership of the department following the retirement this spring of former chief Bruce Perry.
Prior to joining the UMBC community, Chief Fields spent 17 years as a sworn police officer at the University of Maryland, College Park. In 2014, he became the lead firearms instructor in the Training Division Fire Academy, which began a longtime role for Chief Fields in the training of officers and community members in emergency response. At College Park, he created and led the first Tactical Response Unit for the department, and he served as assistant training director of the Training Division before being promoted to captain and then patrol commander of the university’s police department.
In addition to his service as an officer, Chief Fields has spent more than a decade as an adjunct instructor with the Prince George’s County Municipal Academy providing firearms training and qualification to retired law enforcement officers under the Law Enforcement Safety Act, as well as instruction in patrol tactics for veteran and entry-level officers. Since 2016, he has served also as an adjunct instructor with Intelligence Consulting Partners, a firm that provides threat assessment, interactive training, and policy solutions for private and public agencies and organizations across the United States.
Chief Fields studied criminal justice at Bowie State University and University of Maryland University College (now University of Maryland Global Campus). He has provided us with exemplary leadership from the moment he joined UMBC. His expertise, integrity, and commitment to ensuring the safety of every member of the community are evident in everything he does, as is his dedication to the support and development of the sworn officers and staff members who comprise the department.
I am delighted that he has agreed to take on the permanent role of police chief for UMBC. I am grateful, as well, that Lieutenant Ed McDermott, who joined the department with Chief Fields in an acting capacity in January, will now assume a permanent role in the department. Having served previously as executive officer to the chief of the University of Maryland Police Department, Lt. McDermott will serve as chief of staff to Chief Fields at UMBC.
I know that many members of our community have had the opportunity to meet and/or work closely with Chief Fields and Lt. McDermott over the last few months and that those who have will share my enthusiasm about this terrific news. Welcome—once more—to Chief Fields and Lt. McDermott!
I am writing with an important update regarding the U.S. Department of State’s temporary visa interview pause for students and scholars in the F, J, and M categories that has been in place since May 27, 2025.
The information contained in this communication is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter.
On June 18, 2025, the Department of State announced that interview appointments for F student, M student, and J exchange visitor visas will reopen for scheduling “soon” and that expanded guidance on the screening and vetting of visa applicants will be implemented. Politico reported that the guidance to U.S. Embassies and Consulates directed consular officers to implement these vetting procedures within five business days.
The State Department’s announcement outlines the updated guidance regarding expanded screening and vetting for visa applicants. Under the new guidance, visa applicants will be asked to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to “public.”
The “comprehensive and thorough vetting” will include review of applicants to ensure their eligibility for the visa type sought and that applicants “do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests.” Politico reported that consular officials have been instructed to flag applicants for additional review whose social media includes indications of political activism, hostility towards the U.S., support of foreign terrorist groups, and antisemitic harassment.
Guidance:
Individuals in F or J status should read the announcement to review the updated policy.
Individuals in F or J status should contact the Center for Global Engagement for additional guidance prior to planning international travel.
Individuals in F or J status who are abroad, need to renew their visa, and do NOT have an appointment scheduled should regularly check the website of their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, as new appointments may be added at any time.
Individuals with a previously scheduled visa interview appointment should attend their appointment as scheduled.
Some international students renewing their visa may qualify for a visa interview waiver. They should check with their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to see if they meet the requirements.
UMBC’s Center for Global Engagement is committed to providing comprehensive support to all international students. If you have further questions about this immigration policy, or any other questions, please reach out to our team by visiting our contact page.
Additional information and resources related to immigration and other federal policy updates are available on UMBC’s Federal Orders and Actions Page.
Center supports transformational education in the Baltimore community
Michael Sarbanes, a leading voice in educational transformation, has been appointed the inaugural executive director of the George and Betsy Sherman Center beginning June 23, 2025.
The George and Betsy Sherman Center furthers the University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s (UMBC) commitment to excellence in urban schools in Baltimore City and the region. Established by a visionary gift to UMBC from the Sherman Family Foundation, the center brings together initiatives to support transformational education in four connected areas:
Sherman Scholars: The Sherman Teacher Scholars Program develops STEM and early childhood educators who are skilled, passionate, and committed to an excellent education for all children.
School Community Partnerships: The Sherman School Partnerships program works with schools, families, and community groups to create innovative, responsive, and effective partnerships that help students thrive.
Early Childhood Learning: The Sherman Center engages parents, community groups, and schools to ensure that a child’s early years become the foundation for life-long learning.
Research: The Sherman Center supports applied research linking the insights of UMBC’s outstanding faculty with the daily educational experience of school communities.
“Michael Sarbanes’ experience as a visionary community leader and educator in Baltimore City and Maryland uniquely qualifies him to lead the transformational work of the Sherman Center,” said Manfred H.M. van Dulmen, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at UMBC. “I am excited to see the advancements that the Sherman Center and Michael will bring to education in the Baltimore community.”
The Sherman Center for Early Learning in Urban Communities served Baltimore City’s early childhood education field from 2017-2024. Several of the initiatives are being continued through the George and Betsy Sherman Center.
“Michael and I share a passion for the transformational power of education,” said Betsy Sherman. “He knows first-hand the importance of equipping future educators with the necessary skills to meet students’ unique needs, the value of forging innovative community partnerships, and the life-altering capacity of early childhood education. Michael’s passion and experience have prepared him to launch the George and Betsy Sherman Center as the inaugural director.”
As the inaugural executive director of the Sherman Center, Michael brings to UMBC a unique range of leadership experiences in education, partnerships, and community engagement. As executive director of engagement for Baltimore City Schools, he led the city’s efforts to mobilize Baltimore’s institutions and communities around educational excellence. He brings to the Sherman Center a decade of experience and passion for excellent classroom teaching, as a physics teacher at Green Street Academy in the same Baltimore City neighborhood where he lives. His work has also involved leadership roles in community safety as the head of the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, and in transportation, and housing as executive director of the Citizens Planning and Housing Association.
Anupam Joshi, Ph.D., has been named vice provost and chief AI officer for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) beginning July 1. Joshi brings almost three decades of experience at UMBC to the new role. For the last two years he has served as the interim dean of the College of Engineering and Information Technology in addition to his position as the Oros Family Professor and director of the UMBC Cybersecurity Institute.
In this newly created role, Joshi will oversee various areas previously managed by the vice provost for Academic Affairs (e.g. academic resource planning and management, space management), provide leadership to academic affairs strategic initiatives, and lead the university’s strategy for AI and computing. This includes coordinating and leveraging current efforts in AI and computing, leading the strategic planning for university goals in this area, and leveraging new resources and university partnerships.
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. His research interests are at the intersection of AI and systems. He is a pioneer in data management and security for mobile and ad-hoc networks using AI approaches.
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. He has worked with scholars from areas as diverse as medicine, psychology, linguistics, gerontology, and public policy to explore AI-based approaches in those domains that have led to publications and extramural funding.Joshi is an affiliate faculty in the School of Medicine at the University of Maryland, Baltimore and in UMBC’s Erickson School of Aging Studies. He is also an adjunct professor at IIT Delhi’s School of IT. He is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and serves on the Maryland Cybersecurity Council chartered by the Maryland legislature. Anupam has published more than 300 technical papers with an h-index of 97 and over 34,000 citations (per Google scholar), been granted nine patents, and has obtained research support totaling more than $22 million from the National Science Foundation, NASA, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, U.S. Dept of Defense, NIST, IBM, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin amongst others.
I am writing to update you on recent travel restrictions that affect certain members of our campus community.
The information contained in this communication is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. If you have specific legal questions about your own immigration status, please seek assistance from a private immigration attorney.
On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation establishing “full” suspension of entry to the United States for nationals of 12 countries and a “partial” suspension of entry to the United States for nationals of seven additional countries effective June 9, 2025.
During the spring 2025 semester, 54 UMBC students were citizens of one of the designated countries. An additional 32 students who were admitted and already confirmed their intent to enroll at UMBC for the fall 2025 semester may no longer be able to join our campus community due to the new travel restrictions.
Countries subject to the “full” suspension include:
Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
A “full” suspension constitutes a restriction on entry into the United States and applies to most immigrant and nonimmigrant visa holders with limited exceptions for:
Certain diplomatic and official visas;
Certain immediate relative immigrant visas (spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens);
Adoptions by U.S. citizens;
Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran;
Dual nationals applying with a passport nationality not subject to a suspension;
Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for U.S. government employees;
Afghan SIVs;
Participants in certain major sporting events; and
Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs).
Countries subject to a “partial” suspension include:
Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela
A partial restriction mostly applies to the issuance of immigrant visas and B-1, B-2, F, M and J nonimmigrant visas with limited exceptions for:
Certain immediate relative immigrant visas (spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens);
Adoptions by U.S. citizens;
Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran;
Dual nationals applying with a passport nationality not subject to a suspension;
Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for U.S. government employees;
Participants in certain major sporting events; and
Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs).
Applicability:
According to a June 7, 2025, news posting made by the U.S. Department of State,
This Presidential Proclamation only applies to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date AND do not hold a valid visa on the effective date (June 9, 2025). Foreign nationals, even those outside the United States, who hold valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to the Proclamation. No visas issued before June 9, 2025, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation.
Visa applicants who are subject to this Presidential Proclamation may still submit visa applications and schedule interviews, but they may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States.
Support:
International students and scholars from the designated countries should consult with the Center for Global Engagement before making arrangements to travel outside of the United States.
The Center for Global Engagement will continue to monitor White House and U.S. Department of State communications for any updates on this proclamation.
Please check your email regularly and refer to our website for announcements regarding future updates to immigration and visa policies. Additionally, we recommend reaching out to a private immigration attorney if you have specific legal concerns.
Guidance:
Nationals of the designated countries should fully understand how this proclamation applies to their individual circumstances before planning travel outside of the United States.
Individuals who are considering changing their current immigration status should consult with a private immigration attorney about how the proclamation may impact their future intended status.
Anna Ortiz ’25, social work, has shown true resilience during her college journey, and she’s not done yet. Anna’s path to earn a bachelor’s degree from UMBC-Shady Grove has been longer than many, but she’s continuously been driven forward by the desire to set an example for her children. Her professors describe her as insightful, passionate, and as someone who will make “good trouble” in the tradition of social work. She credits her mentors for seeing something greater in her, encouraging her to keep going, and for being a listening ear when she has needed one most.
Q: What was your path to UMBC-Shady Grove?
A: I began my journey in 2013 at Montgomery College, and I am super proud to be able to say that I am finally done with my bachelor’s of social work. When I first found out I was pregnant with my daughter in 2012, I didn’t know what I was going to do. I was having a kid with no stable career. I decided I couldn’t repeat that cycle and chose to go back to school once I had her.
I didn’t know specifically what I wanted to do but I knew I had a passion for helping people. I did private duty certified nursing assistant work before, and by that time I was doing billing. So I knew I liked the healthcare dynamic and that type of workplace. So I went to Montgomery College hoping that they would point me in the right direction.
Ortiz stops for a selfie at the UMBC-Shady Grove offices.
Since I was working and taking care of my kid, I was there longer than most people. I was there for three or four years since I was taking a class here and there. I did my associates in general studies. My advisor said that would allow me to go into whatever I wanted to do. After that I transferred to UMBC-Shady Grove. It was a bigger campus but quite similar when it came down to the class sizes and the environment.
Q: From that point, how did you decide to pursue social work?
A: After that I was still working at a clinical forensics office under a doctor named Dr. Ronald Weiner, who was really well known. He started mentoring me and giving me insight into what he does, and I grew more of an interest in the work. He told me, “You know you could do this. You could become a clinical social worker and be my protégé. I see that you have the mind to think outside the box, and you pick up things immediately.”
He told me that I should go back to school and become a social worker. At the time, I was just doing billing and coding, and I was okay with it. But he pushed me to keep going and try to do something better. Hearing what he saw in me inspired me.
That experience made me remember a time in fourth grade when my counselor took me under her wing. She would take me to schools where she worked with kids with disabilities, and I really liked helping her. So I thought maybe Dr. Weiner is right. I went back to school and now here I am with my BSW, and I plan to continue my education to earn a master’s in social work and become a clinical social worker.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: After grad school my end goal is to open my own practice one day and to mentor and inspire others the way that Dr. Weiner did for me.
I have young kids and recently became a single mom. I had to make the hard decision to defer grad school for a year or two because I don’t want to go into grad school not being able to get what I need out of it. So I will continue working and test the waters to see what I specifically want to study in grad school.
Right now, I’m working as a registered behavioral technician, analyzing the behaviors of autistic kids. I like it so far, but I’m planning to continue exploring my options.
Q: How do you plan to use the skills you’ve learned in UMBC-Shady Grove’s social work program in your life and future career?
A: All of the fundamentals I learned from the program have really helped me in my life. I think I’ve grown a lot in this year alone with everything I’ve learned, especially about family structures. That part really intrigued me because it hit my heart and soul. Learning that the way that me and my sisters were raised was dysfunctional allowed me to apply those lessons to raising my kids in a different way. I’ve learned better mechanisms and techniques to cope with uncertainty, handle the curveballs life throws at you, and not be reactionary or go into crisis mode.
UMBC-Shady Grove Campus. (Maximilian Franz Photography)
I also apply a lot of those things in my field, in my work, especially now working with autistic kids. I implement a lot of what I’ve learned from fundamental theories and treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. Thank goodness I learned these things in the program because they have made my transition from being a student into the workforce much easier.
Q: What advice do you have for other students who may be facing challenges when it comes to earning their bachelor’s degree?
A: Don’t sit there and look at all of the negatives. Life is going to be life—it comes in waves—so you just have to keep looking forward. Don’t procrastinate because if you don’t take your life seriously, then nobody’s going to take you seriously.
But it’s definitely a challenge. I believe that nothing in this world is easy. It’s going to be challenging, and that’s just how you grow. So for sure, go and pursue your degree.
When I talk to my young kids, I always tell them: Do something that you want to do, that you’re going to be happy doing, that you’re going to wake up wanting to do—because that’s your life. And then you’re doing a benefit to the community and yourself.
Q: Was there anything that surprised you about the UMBC-Shady Grove community or your time as a student here?
A: What was really inspiring was how helpful my advisor was. Dr. Katie Morris [Ph.D. ’21, language, literacy, and culture] was behind me all the time. I loved her for that because I needed that. The social work faculty was there for me, listening to my problems this whole year, especially my field coordinator, Natalie Sanchez. Wow, I love Natalie. She’s been a great liaison on my behalf, holding me accountable and keeping me on my toes.
Ortiz takes a break at Shady Grove for a selfie.
The two professors I will remember for sure are Dr. M. Nicole Belfiore and Professor JeanetteHoover, the best teachers ever. They were very understanding, even though at first I wasn’t sure if they were going to be nice enough. Come to find out, they’re the nicest people I’ve ever dealt with. Professor Hoover has been very understanding, very accommodating to me with everything I’ve gone through in this past year alone, especially with the two losses of my brother and my mom. It was a lot. When you go to school, you think, ‘Oh, these people don’t care about me.’ No, they do. And they definitely will keep you going. And that right there, that was actually really beautiful to see that I had support in that way.
Q: What was your best experience as an undergrad at UMBC-Shady Grove?
A: My best experience was my field placement with La Clínica del Pueblo – Mi Refugio because I gained the experience of working at a school-based mental health clinic. It was a great opportunity to guide the kids into their senior year of high school, help them with school navigation, and of course to be a listening ear to them during these hard times.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with the community about your story?
A: Finances can make things really difficult, and it would have been easy to give up and not to graduate. But I kept going. One of my biggest inspirations was my kids. I realized that I can’t hold them accountable for going to school and becoming somebody later if they know that I didn’t do it. So I had to lead by example, and that’s always been my head-on-goal—to show them that it can be done.
By Evie Hoff ’18, senior marketing coordinator, Division of Professional Studies
UMBC senior track and field student-athlete Anjayooluwa “Jayo” Adegboyo, biochemistry and molecular biology, was named the 2025 Arthur Ashe Jr. Male Sports Scholar of the Year by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine. The publication sponsors the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Awards to honor students of color who have excelled in the classroom and on the athletic field and demonstrate a commitment to community service and student leadership. Adegboyo was chosen from among 700 nominated student-athletes in the country for best exemplifying the standards of scholarship, athleticism, and humanitarianism.
Adegboyo is a sprinter in track and field. He is a member of the bronze-winning 4x400m team that set a new school record during the 2023-2024 season. He also posted the second fastest time in school history in the 400 meters at the America East Conference Championships.
Adegboyo, center, runs at a track meet at the Naval Academy this spring. Photo courtesy of UMBC Athletics.
Off track, he volunteers at the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Trauma Resuscitation Unit and the Howard County Food Bank. He also serves as a mentor to younger peers in the chemistry, biology, and physics departments and conducts research to investigate how metabolic nutrients arrange inside cells to discover markers for cancer cells versus normal cells.
“Since his arrival to UMBC, Jayo has brought his dynamic approach to his athletic and academic experiences,” said UMBC head track and field coach David Bobb ’02. “Jayo’s fun-loving personality disguises his relentless pursuit of excellence, and that combination makes him an obvious asset.”
I am writing to update you regarding recent changes to federal immigration and visa policies.
Please remember that each individual’s circumstances are different, and this communication is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. If you have specific questions and hold F, H, or J immigration status, please contact the Center for Global Engagement. If you have specific questions and hold another immigration status, please consult with a private immigration attorney.
1. State Department pause on new student and exchange visitor visa interviews
On May 27, 2025, Politicoreported that the U.S. Department of State directed U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to immediately pause adding additional student and exchange visitor visa (F, J, and M categories) interview appointments.
It is not known how long this pause will last. However, a State Department press briefing transcript quoted the department’s spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, as saying the interruption would be “rather quick” and not a matter of weeks or months. The spokesperson also recommended that visa applicants continue to regularly check online for open appointment slots.
Guidance:
Individuals who already have a visa appointment date confirmed should proceed with their scheduled interview.
Individuals who do not yet have a visa appointment date confirmed should continue to check online for available appointment slots at their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If an appointment slot is available, then it should be booked immediately.
If it seems a student or scholar will be unable to secure an appointment in time to begin their program at UMBC, then they or their hosting department should contact the Center for Global Engagement.
2. Enhanced screening and vetting of visa applicants’ social media activities
Related to the pause on new student and exchange visitor visa interviews, the State Department is expanding social media screening and vetting.
Guidance:
All visa applicants should be prepared for additional questions and delays related to the enhanced screening and vetting of social media accounts.
Individuals issued a visa must understand that additional searches of social media and electronic devices may occur upon arriving at a U.S. port of entry.
Review the Campus Message on International Travel for additional information on new, enhanced vetting procedures, including social media screening and searches of electronic devices.
3. Secretary Rubio announces plan to revoke visas of certain Chinese students
On May 28, 2025, Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced: “the U.S. State Department will work with the Department of Homeland Security to aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields. We will also revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong.”
At this time, it is still not clear when or how these visa revocations will occur. Moreover, Secretary Rubio did not specify which fields are deemed critical.
During the spring 2025 semester, a total of 53 Chinese students enrolled at UMBC. Chinese students and scholars are valued members of our campus community and contribute to our academic endeavors and the cultural vitality of our campus.
The Center for Global Engagement will continue to monitor State Department communications for any updates on this initiative. Additionally, we will continue to review SEVIS records for unusual terminations that may relate to visa revocations and notify impacted students immediately.
Guidance:
Chinese students and scholars should consult with the Center for Global Engagement before planning travel outside of the United States.
Any student or scholar who receives a notice from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Department of State announcing revocation of their visa or SEVIS record should immediately notify the Center for Global Engagement.
Individuals concerned about how visa revocations may impact their ability to study in the United States are encouraged to review a recent resource published by the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, which explains the significance of visa revocations and SEVIS terminations. As they note, “visa revocation does not automatically terminate a student’s nonimmigrant status if the student is already present in the United States at the time of revocation. It also does not constitute an order of removal or a requirement to immediately depart.” However, once a student’s visa has been revoked, the student will no longer be able to reenter the United States on the revoked visa.
4. New institutional reporting requirements mandated for exchange visitor program
Institutions approved to sponsor a J-1 exchange visitor program have always been required to report certain incidents involving J-1/J-2 exchange visitors to the Department of State. Such incidents include those that “have or could endanger the health, safety, or welfare of an exchange visitor or otherwise could be expected to bring the Department of State, the Exchange Visitor Program, or the sponsor’s exchange visitor program into notoriety or disrepute.”
Examples include serious illness, natural disasters, lost immigration documents, etc. When the Center for Global Engagement becomes aware of a “reportable incident,” we must report it within one business day.
The Department of State recently added three additional categories of incidents that must be reported:
Proscribed Antisemitic Actions: (e.g., physical actions directed towards Jewish individuals and/or their property, community institutions, or religious facilities that violates the law or university rules)
Serious Violations of University Conduct Rules: (e.g., participation in a building occupation, participation in an unauthorized encampment, disrupting classes, intimidation, harassment, assault)
Terrorist Activity, Endorsing or Espousing Terrorism: (e.g., engaging in terrorist activity, membership in a terrorist organization, endorsing or espousing terrorist activity)
These incident reporting requirements only apply to the J Exchange Visitor Program. UMBC exchange visitors are students and scholars whose forms DS-2019 are issued by the university. These expanded categories and reporting requirements do not apply to UMBC international community members in other immigration statuses, such as F-1 and H-1B.
5. USCIS requests biometrics for certain international employees
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently began issuing Requests for Evidence (RFE) for certain employment-based immigration petitions, including H-1B specialty worker visas for international faculty and staff, when the agency has “adverse information” regarding the beneficiary. These RFEs do not disclose the details of such information, but require the beneficiary to submit biometric data.
Guidance:
International employees should be aware that certain social media activity and legal records, including minor traffic violations, may be considered “adverse information” and result in a request for biometric information. Individuals who fail to respond to an RFE by the stated deadline risk having their petition denied by USCIS.
6. Scams targeting international students
Recently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a public service announcement warning that scammers are contacting international students claiming there is a problem with their immigration status and demanding a fee to resolve the issue. The announcement provides several tips included in the guidance below.
Guidance:
Beware of unsolicited communication from someone purporting to be from the government, especially by phone. Verify you are speaking with a government official by hanging up and contacting the office through a third-party obtained number (e.g., web search for legitimate contact information), then asking for the agent or department with whom you were speaking.
Verify that the website visited is a secure or encrypted site, as government websites are.
Repeating top-level domains in a URL is a common scam to make a website appear legitimate (e.g. “gov.org” in a URL is a spoof of the .gov top-level domain).
Do not provide information on the phone until you verify the identity of the caller.
If you believe you are the target of a government impersonation scam targeting international students, gather all relevant documentation and contact diplomatic security at your home country’s embassy, the FBI, or Bureau of Diplomatic Security at the Department of State.
Do not give anyone a two-factor authentication code used to log-in to an account or device.
Do not download files to your phone or computer unless you have verified the source.
Additional information and resources related to immigration and other federal policy updates are available on UMBC’s Federal Orders and Actions Page.
We write today to provide an update on our budget planning for fiscal year 2026 (FY26) and to share with you a sense of the near-term financial picture for UMBC in light of reductions in state funding and further anticipated reductions in federally supported research and programs.
We reported previously that the recently approved state budget for FY26 includes a 7 percent reduction in UMBC’s operating budget allocation. The University System of Maryland subsequently directed its institutions to prepare budget projections incorporating that cut plus an additional 3 percent for FY26 and an additional 5 percent for FY27.
The projections are in response to increased fiscal pressure, given state and federal funding cuts, anticipated cuts in indirect cost recovery on federal research grants, and a variety of uncertainties related to federal actions that could impact the state’s economy and affect revenues across our institutions. Federal impacts vary by institution, and so, too, will our responses.
For UMBC, the projections result in a bottom-line need to reduce our budget by $14.8 million for FY26. This is a sizable reduction, but we are confident at this time that we can achieve it through thoughtful, strategic reductions in spending across the university and without enacting salary reductions, furloughs, or layoffs. As we develop our final budget for FY26, we will also be looking ahead to FY27, for which we are projecting an additional cut of $10.5 million.
How will we close the $14.8 million gap for FY26? We expect the reductions to affect the entirety of the university, but we do not believe that across-the-board reductions will be the most effective or strategic approach, particularly amid such dynamic conditions. We are thinking carefully about how best to target these reductions, prioritizing our people, our mission, and our values as we do.
The budget office, which shared preliminary budget files with academic and administrative units in April, will soon share updated numbers with all units and support them in developing their detailed budgets over the coming weeks. Unit-level decisions will need to include such actions as reductions in operating expenses and discretionary budgets and considerations of vacant positions.
We extend our gratitude to you in advance for your commitment to this important work. This is a difficult moment for higher education, and UMBC is not immune to the challenges or uncertainty. Yet we are unwavering in our belief in UMBC and its ability to navigate through this moment successfully.
As I shared in the recent conversation about strategic planning and UMBC’s future, we stand at the beginning of UMBC 3.0, building on the university’s history and its remarkable evolution since its founding in 1966. The current moment may cause us to pivot, to adjust timelines, and to adapt, but we will remain true to UMBC 1.0 and 2.0 and true to our values and our vision for 3.0. As I asked that day, can you imagine a UMBC that is not focused on student success? Can you imagine a UMBC that is not rooted in inclusive excellence? We cannot. We will not. We will move forward, with our shared commitment and dedication to who UMBC is and to everything it can be.
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby
Daniel Petree, Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance
The following message was shared with the UMBC community on May 19 to announce Alice Middleton, a nationally recognized Medicaid subject matter expert, as the new executive director of The Hilltop Institute at UMBC:
* * * * *
Dear UMBC Community,
I am delighted to announce that following a national search Alice Middleton has been selected as the fourth executive director for The Hilltop Institute at UMBC, effective June 1, 2025. Alice is a nationally recognized Medicaid subject matter expert and brings a wealth of experience to Hilltop.
Alice joined Hilltop in 2017 as chief of staff, became Hilltop’s deputy director in 2022, and has been serving as Hilltop’s interim executive director since May 1, 2024, following the retirement of Cynthia Woodcock. Alice will continue to provide leadership on programmatic strategy, direction, and delivery of client engagements for research, policy analysis, and data analytics on Medicaid, health care financing, and delivery system reform. She will lead Hilltop’s work with the institute’s long-time partner, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). She will also continue to serve as the steering committee chair for AcademyHealth’s State-University Partnership Learning Network.
UMBC originally established The Hilltop Institute in 1994 as the Center for Health Program Development and Management in a unique partnership with the Maryland Department of Health acting as a non-partisan health research organization, with expertise in Medicaid and in improving publicly financed health care systems, dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of people and communities. It comprises close to 60 staff members with a broad spectrum of expertise, from social sciences, financial analysis, economics, law, and programming.
Alice came to Hilltop from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), where she was deputy director of CMS’ Division of Eligibility and Enrollment and was responsible for establishing national Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program eligibility and enrollment policies for low-income children and adults. Prior to that, she held various director-level positions at the MDH, such as deputy director of the Office of Medicaid Planning and the director of eligibility policy and special projects in the Office of Eligibility Services. She served as the MDH’s liaison to the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange during the launch of Maryland Health Connection, the state’s insurance marketplace.
Alice earned her J.D. from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. She was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 2005. She also has a bachelor’s in women’s studies from Towson University.
Please join me in congratulating Alice on this well-deserved position.
Karl V. Steiner Vice President for Research and Creative Achievement
Meet Maxwell Amoh-Mayes, a junior biological sciences major and Meyerhoff Scholar who is minoring in public health and on the pre-med/Ph.D. track. Maxwell has truly found his people at UMBC, from the work he does in HIV research, to volunteering at Shock Trauma, and spending time with his friends in the African Student Association (and beyond). We’re excited you’ve shared your story with us, Maxwell—take it away!
Q: What’s one essential thing you’d like people to know about you?
A: I’m a junior majoring in biological sciences with a minor in public health, on the pre-M.D./Ph.D. track. I come from Ghanaian immigrant parents who instilled in me a deep sense of culture, which inspires much of the work I do on campus. I’m passionate about uplifting underrepresented groups in STEM and take pride in mentoring students, especially those exploring the sciences or navigating the pre-med path. I enjoy showcasing cultural expression and creating spaces where identity and excellence thrive together. I currently conduct HIV research in Dr. Michael Summers’ lab and do clinical volunteering in the Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center, both of which have deepened my dedication to research and patient-centered care.
Maxwell Amoh-Mayes (right) in the lab with his PI, Dr. Michael Summers, HHMI investigator (left). (Photo courtesy of Eric Nkrumah ’28.)
Q: What’s the one thing you’d want someone who hasn’t joined the UMBC community to know about the support you find here?
A: At UMBC, you’re never just a face in the crowd—you’re a thread in a tightly woven net that catches you when you fall and lifts you higher when you rise. That net is made up of tutoring centers, SI PASS sessions, counseling services, various student orgs, and leadership opportunities—each strand designed to hold you up, stretch with you, and pull you forward. The support here isn’t just available—it finds you, grows with you, and walks beside you, woven into every part of your journey.
Q: Are you a part of any scholars programs?
A: Yes, I am currently part of the Meyerhoff Scholars Program at UMBC, and it has completely shaped my college experience for the better. The community within the program is incredibly strong and supportive—I honestly don’t think I would have made as many like-minded, goal-oriented peers in just my first year had I attended another college for a full four years. From the start, Meyerhoff creates a space where driven students in STEM can uplift and push one another, forming bonds that go beyond the classroom.
What I appreciate most is how we all support each other through the challenges of rigorous coursework and personal growth, constantly holding each other accountable and encouraging one another to stay focused on our long-term goals. On top of that, the advising and mentorship from faculty, Mrs. Mitsue Wiggs, Mrs. Holly Willoughby, and Mr. Keith Harmon, is unmatched. They provide consistent guidance on academics, research, and career development, making sure we’re not just surviving but thriving. The program doesn’t just offer opportunity—it offers a true family, one that motivates me daily to stay grounded in my purpose and push forward with confidence.
Amoh-Mayes with his Meyerhoff mentees from different STEM concentrations. Bottom (L-R): Yazlin Moujalled ’27 (computer science), Petrina Offei ’28 (mechanical engineering), Ololade Lawrance ’28 (chemical engineering) ’28. Top (L-R): Jennifer Frimpong Debrah ’28 (biological sciences), Winnifred Opuni ’28. (biological sciences) (Photo courtesy of Eric Nkrumah ’28.)
Q: Tell us about someone in the community who has inspired you or supported you, and how they did it.
A: There are many individuals who have supported and inspired me throughout my time at UMBC, but three in particular have played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today.
Mr. Keith Harmon, the director of the Meyerhoff Scholars Program, has been a consistent source of guidance and strength. His leadership and commitment to student success, especially for those from underrepresented backgrounds, have taught me the value of community, excellence, and perseverance. His belief in my potential has motivated me to push forward, even during the most challenging moments.
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At UMBC, you’re never just a face in the crowd—you’re a thread in a tightly woven net that catches you when you fall and lifts you higher when you rise…each strand designed to hold you up, stretch with you, and pull you forward.
Maxwell Amoh-Mayes, junior biological sciences major
Dr. Michael Summers, my principal investigator and research mentor, has played a key role in developing my scientific mindset. Conducting HIV research in his lab has sharpened my technical and analytical skills while fueling my passion for biomedical discovery. His mentorship has shown me what it means to pursue research with both curiosity and integrity.
Dr. Hua Lu has deeply inspired my approach to mentorship. Through an NSF-funded summer program, I worked alongside her to guide high school students from underrepresented communities through the fundamentals of research. That experience reminded me of the power of mentorship and how transformative it can be to create space for young students to see themselves in science.
Q: Tell us about what you love about your academic program or an organization you’re involved in.
Members of the M34 cohort of the Meyerhoff Scholars Program. (Photo courtesy of Amoh-Mayes.)
A: What I love most about being part of the Meyerhoff Scholars Program is the genuine sense of community, support, and shared purpose. It’s more than just an academic program—it’s a family that fosters excellence, resilience, and the pursuit of higher goals, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM.
Early in my journey, I was fortunate to be mentored by Noah Cruz[’24, biological sciences and psychology], a UMBC alum whose support and encouragement made a lasting impact on me. The way he guided me—patiently, intentionally, and with genuine care—inspired me to do the same for others. His mentoring style showed me how powerful it is to have someone who believes in you and walks alongside you through the challenges.
That inspiration led me to become a mentor to five students in the program. Helping them navigate research, academics, and campus life has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience. I see parts of myself in them, and it reminds me why mentorship matters.
Being in Meyerhoff has taught me the value of lifting as you climb. I’ve grown academically and professionally, but more importantly, I’ve grown into someone who can support others just as I was supported. Helping others build confidence and find their voice in STEM has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey.
Q: What brought you to UMBC in the first place?
A: My reason for UMBC is threefold: diversity, STEM programs offered, and closeness to home. Four of my cousins — Nana Kwame Owusu-Boaitey M19, Kwadwo Owusu-Boaitey M22, Kwame Owusu-Boaitey M26, and Yaw Owusu-Boaitey M29 — attended UMBC, and I had the chance to visit with them on campus. One of the first things I noticed was how diverse the campus was while walking around. The school feels like a melting pot of various ethnic groups and made me feel very welcome. Given the opportunity, UMBC would be a place where I can also use my background to enrich diversity at the school.
UMBC offers minorities interested in the STEM fields the opportunity to develop their skills. Four of my cousins were part of the Meyerhoff program, and the program is still aiding them to pursue their Ph. D.s and medical school. The success stories of my cousins relating to UMBC programs inspired me to follow in their footsteps, if given the opportunity.
Amoh-Mayes (center) with roommates (L-R): Nathan Dayie ‘26 and Kwesi Halm ‘26
UMBC is close to home, making it attractive to me. Having a good support system and being close to home helps me balance academic work and social/family life. The school gives me the social interactions needed to balance academic life, but it is also equally important to have the support system of the family.
Q: Since you’ve been a part of the UMBC community, how have you found support?
A: During difficult times, my roommate Nathan Dayie and Kwesi Halm, both Meyerhoff Scholars and Ghanaian like myself, have been my pillars of strength. They have the same cultural heritage and career ambitions, and we understand each other. Through late-night conversations regarding our dreams, academic responsibility towards each other, or just being there when times were tough, they’ve been instrumental in my life.
Additionally, my study group of Antuan Palmer, Ryan Addai, and Emmanuel Omole has been my friends since the first year. We are all pre-med and share the commitment with one another that has given us a bond as close as it gets. We study, we motivate, and we celebrate together. That continuity and support have not just served academically but also emotionally as we work together to meet the same long-term goals.
Together, this network has grounded me, kept me focused, and reminded me that I’m not in this alone. It’s made all the difference in staying true to my WHY.
Amoh-Mayes says he couldn’t have had the success of his academic journey without his pre-med study group (L-R): Ryan Addai ‘26, Maxwell Amoh-Mayes ‘26, Antuan Palmer ‘26, Emmanuel Omole ‘26 (Photo courtesy of Eric Nkrumah ’28.)
Q: What clubs, teams, or organizations are you a part of? What do you love about them?
A: I’m an active member of the African Student Association (ASA), and it’s one of the communities on campus that I feel most connected to. What I love about ASA is how it brings together students from across the African and Black diaspora to celebrate our cultures, share our stories, and create a space where we feel seen, heard, and valued.
I’ve had the opportunity to be at the forefront of many of our events. I ran for Mr. ASA during our annual pageant, which gave me the chance to represent not just myself, but my Ghanaian heritage with pride. I was also the groom in our mock traditional wedding—a vibrant, high-energy event where I performed Azonto and showcased a variety of traditional dances from different African cultures. It was more than entertainment—it was a powerful display of unity, rhythm, and cultural pride.
One of my favorite projects was organizing a cultural photoshoot for Ghanaian students on campus in honor of Ghana’s Independence Day. We dressed in beautiful traditional attire, from kente to smock, and used the shoot to highlight the elegance and diversity of Ghanaian fashion. It was a way to not only celebrate our heritage but also educate and engage others in the richness of our traditions.
Being part of ASA has helped me grow as a leader, collaborator, and cultural ambassador—while having a lot of fun along the way.
Amoh-Mayes participating in various club activities. Center photo: Bottom (L-R): Tiffany Frimpong ’25 , Ryan Addai ’26, Betty Kyei ’25 Top(L-R): Letitia Fianko ‘25, Maxwell Amoh-Mayes ‘26, Kelsey Wontumi ‘25 (Photo courtesy of Malaika Mbu ’26 and Kwame Obeng ’26)
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a student leader?
A: One of the most meaningful roles I’ve taken on is being a research mentor for high school students over the summer. I worked closely with students who were just starting to explore STEM and research, helping them understand not just the technical side of the work, but also how to think critically, ask questions, and gain confidence in their abilities.
What I enjoy most about it is seeing their growth—watching a student who was once hesitant about speaking up in a lab meeting become the one confidently presenting their findings at the end of the program. It’s rewarding to be part of that transformation and to know I’m helping shape future scientists. Being a mentor also pushes me to be a better communicator and leader, and it reminds me why I love science in the first place: It’s about curiosity, discovery, and sharing knowledge with others.
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Header photo courtesy of Eric Nkrumah ’28.
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UMBC’s greatest strength is its people. When people meet Retrievers and hear about the passion they bring, the relationships they create, the ways they support each other, and the commitment they have to inclusive excellence, they truly get a sense of our community. That’s what “Meet a Retriever” is all about.
On this last day of classes for the spring semester, I wanted to share a brief video message with the campus community. Congratulations on your many achievements and accomplishments this academic year, and my best to all of you for a successful end to the semester and for a wonderful summer!
