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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:
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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.
“
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!
The following message was shared with the UMBC community on May 12 to announce the naming of a new vice president for UMBC’s Office of Institutional Advancement:
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Dear UMBC Community,
I am delighted to announce the appointment of Patrick Roche to the role of vice president for institutional advancement. Patrick will begin in the role July 1.
Patrick joins UMBC from the University of Minnesota Foundation, where he is currently vice president for principal gifts and interdisciplinary initiatives. The foundation is a separate nonprofit organization from the University of Minnesota that serves as the central development office for the university. Prior to assuming his current role in 2024, Patrick served for three years as associate vice president for central programs.
At the foundation, Patrick’s role as a member of the senior leadership team has focused on developing strategies for the university’s next comprehensive campaign, cultivating transformational philanthropic relationships with the university’s most prominent donors, and developing university-wide plans for interdisciplinary initiatives. He has led the foundation’s planned giving, international fundraising, regional development program, and leadership annual giving program in raising $130 million in Fiscal Year 2024, up from the $100 million the teams raised in FY 2023 and $70 million raised in FY 2022.
As important as his fundraising success are Patrick’s leadership abilities, his strategic mindset, and his dedication to the mission of higher education. He is incredibly thoughtful about the purpose of philanthropy in advancing mission and vision and the critical role of alumni in moving an institution forward. I know he is inspired by UMBC’s vision and its identity as a public research institution that sees inclusive excellence as its core defining value.
Before returning home to his native Minnesota to serve in leadership with the foundation, Patrick held numerous roles in advancement in California and New York. Most recently, he was vice president of development for Goodwill of Southern California, where he secured the organization’s largest single gift in 2020, grew and developed the staff, and implemented a strategic plan and new methodologies for fundraising programs and collaboration across the organization.
His advancement career in higher education includes four years as vice president of development and alumni relations at Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, where he achieved three consecutive years of record growth in fundraising, as well as several leadership roles at Claremont McKenna College and annual and major gift fundraising roles at the California Institute of Technology. Patrick, who earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, began his career in business development and sales management in the technology sector.
We are delighted that Patrick has accepted our offer to lead the OIA team and serve in this pivotal role as a partner to our senior leadership team and me. My sincere thanks to Kevin Yang ’07, president of the UMBC Alumni Association Board of Directors, and Karl Steiner, vice president for research and creative achievement, for their leadership of the search committee, as well as to all the members of the committee for their service.
I am deeply grateful to Stanyell Bruce, director of alumni engagement, and Kim Robinson, director of major gifts, who have served admirably in temporary co-leadership of OIA. Thank you, Stanyell and Kim, and welcome, Patrick!
I am delighted to announce the appointment of Patrick Roche to the role of vice president for institutional advancement. Patrick will begin in the role July 1.
Patrick joins UMBC from the University of Minnesota Foundation, where he is currently vice president for principal gifts and interdisciplinary initiatives. The foundation is a separate nonprofit organization from the University of Minnesota that serves as the central development office for the university. Prior to assuming his current role in 2024, Patrick served for three years as associate vice president for central programs.
At the foundation, Patrick’s role as a member of the senior leadership team has focused on developing strategies for the university’s next comprehensive campaign, cultivating transformational philanthropic relationships with the university’s most prominent donors, and developing university-wide plans for interdisciplinary initiatives. He has led the foundation’s planned giving, international fundraising, regional development program, and leadership annual giving program in raising $130 million in Fiscal Year 2024, up from the $100 million the teams raised in FY 2023 and $70 million raised in FY 2022.
As important as his fundraising success are Patrick’s leadership abilities, his strategic mindset, and his dedication to the mission of higher education. He is incredibly thoughtful about the purpose of philanthropy in advancing mission and vision and the critical role of alumni in moving an institution forward. I know he is inspired by UMBC’s vision and its identity as a public research institution that sees inclusive excellence as its core defining value.
Before returning home to his native Minnesota to serve in leadership with the foundation, Patrick held numerous roles in advancement in California and New York. Most recently, he was vice president of development for Goodwill of Southern California, where he secured the organization’s largest single gift in 2020, grew and developed the staff, and implemented a strategic plan and new methodologies for fundraising programs and collaboration across the organization.
His advancement career in higher education includes four years as vice president of development and alumni relations at Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, where he achieved three consecutive years of record growth in fundraising, as well as several leadership roles at Claremont McKenna College and annual and major gift fundraising roles at the California Institute of Technology. Patrick, who earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, began his career in business development and sales management in the technology sector.
We are delighted that Patrick has accepted our offer to lead the OIA team and serve in this pivotal role as a partner to our senior leadership team and me. My sincere thanks to Kevin Yang ’07, president of the UMBC Alumni Association Board of Directors, and Karl Steiner, vice president for research and creative achievement, for their leadership of the search committee, as well as to all the members of the committee for their service.
I am deeply grateful to Stanyell Bruce, director of alumni engagement, and Kim Robinson, director of major gifts, who have served admirably in temporary co-leadership of OIA. Thank you, Stanyell and Kim, and welcome, Patrick!
As we continue to monitor and respond to actions and executive orders from the federal government, we are meeting regularly with campus groups, including shared governance leaders, and with individuals who have been impacted by recent changes. Today, we write to share with you a comprehensive update on several areas of activity.
Advocating for UMBC and for higher education
First, we want you to know that in addition to our work on campus, we are coordinating and collaborating closely with the University System of Maryland (USM) and the state, including the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, seeking guidance and opportunities to advocate for UMBC and its community members and for the values that are core to our mission and to higher education.
Among the proposals we are watching closely is the draft legislation advanced by the U.S. House of Representatives recently that would mean massive changes to the federal student financial aid system, restricting access to aid for parents and students, ending the grad PLUS loan program for graduate students, and more. We are speaking directly to our representatives in Congress about supporting our students and affordability and access to higher education.
We also are standing up for higher education with fellow university leaders. As you may know, the university recently joined hundreds of institutions and associations in signing on to a statement issued by the American Association of Colleges and Universities that speaks out against the “unprecedented overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education.” Nearly 600 university presidents, chancellors, and other leaders have added their voices to this call for constructive engagement.
You may also be aware that the USM recently joined 85 other institutions and associations in an amicus brief filed by the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration in AAUP v. Rubio, a federal lawsuit challenging the administration’s revocation of visas and detentions of noncitizen students and scholars. USM is a member institution of the President’s Alliance, and we are grateful for the system’s leadership in supporting our community members.
International students and scholars, travel, and immigration
We have a few updates related to our international community and international travel. First, in a campus message last month, we shared that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had taken action within the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to terminate the F-1 immigration records of four members of our campus community. Neither the affected students nor UMBC officials were ever notified or given justification by DHS regarding these terminations.
Today, we are pleased to share that the immigration records for the affected UMBC international graduate students have been reactivated by DHS, and all four remain in the U.S. Staff members in UMBC’s Center for Global Engagement will continue to conduct daily audits of immigration records in SEVIS.
Second, we understand that many members of our campus community are planning international travel this summer. We want to remind you of the information and resources shared in an earlier communication as you make your plans.
The U.S. Department of State has now resumed posting visa appointment wait time estimates at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. While this information can be useful for trip planning purposes, we continue to advise international travelers who require new visas to return to the U.S. that they confirm their visa appointments prior to departing, as appointment wait times can change dramatically without notice.
Finally: In recent weeks, many members of our campus community have contacted the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) with concerns regarding international travel and immigration enforcement. This outreach has included U.S. citizens seeking assurances that they will not face challenges when seeking to reenter the U.S., as well as inquiries related to the immigration status of family members. Given the specific scope of CGE’s services and limitations on the immigration classifications upon which its staff may advise, namely F-1, J-1, and H-1B, we ask that all other inquiries be directed to UMBC’s Employee Assistance Program or private immigration counsel. This will help CGE focus resources effectively and ensure timely support for those who depend on the specialized services the office provides. Thank you for your understanding.
Research impacts
Recent executive orders, combined with decisions from a variety of federal agencies, have led to an increasingly significant impact on UMBC’s research endeavor, as has been the case for nearly every research university across the country. For UMBC, the impact has so far amounted to the termination of more than 30 multi-year grants and awards (some of which had started only recently, and some of which were in their final few months of funding). The numbers change frequently, but to date, the net financial impact of these grant terminations is in the range of $30 million, or about $10 million a year over the next three years. This represents a decrease of about 10 – 12 percent in the amount of annual research funding UMBC has received from the federal government in recent years.
We are working closely with our university counsel and the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, as well as with the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (Karl Steiner, vice president for research and creative achievement, is a member of the executive committee of APLU’s Council on Research) to understand and mitigate the impact of these terminations.
We also are carefully monitoring the recent release of the president’s federal discretionary budget proposal and the growing list of announcements by federal agencies to cap indirect costs for research, also known as facilities and administrative (F&A) costs, and working with appropriate representatives to address them.
To our research community: Please continue to work with your departments and colleges to pursue external funding opportunities. Our Office of Research Development (ORD) can provide help in this regard and is actively assisting faculty members who are pursuing alternate funding sources. ORD can share information and guidance on such opportunities and provide grant-writing support.
Please continue to visit our information and resources website for up-to-date information and for answers to frequently asked questions specific to our research and creative achievement community.
Faculty tenure and promotion
The impacts of federal actions and orders on our research enterprise also stand to disrupt the career trajectories and development of our faculty. To address such potential impact related to research funding, teaching, and service, we are putting in place modifications to the university’s tenure and promotion reviews, beginning in the fall. For more information about these changes, please see the message sent recently to UMBC faculty.
Accreditation
As you know, UMBC is currently in the final stages of the self-study component of our accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and we certainly took note of the executive order issued last month concerning higher education accreditation and the related Dear Colleague Letter from the Department of Education. MSCHE has issued a statement in response and indicated they will be in contact with universities with additional information when available. For now, we are staying the course with our accreditation process, and we appreciate the work of everyone involved in this significant effort.
Budget planning
One brief note about our budget planning: The April 9 campus message noted that with the passage of the state of Maryland’s budget, we had clarity on what our funding from the state would look like—amid the ongoing uncertainty of federal support. As we shared then, the USM directed its institutions to prepare three-year budget projections. Our update today is simply that the USM has extended by a few weeks the timeline for completing those projections (which had been early May). We will share further details about the projections and our budget planning process in the coming weeks.
Care and commitment for UMBC and its values
We cherish the incredible breadth of identities, perspectives, and lived experiences of our community members, and we know that some individuals, including members of our LGBTQIA2+ community, may be feeling especially vulnerable in the current moment. Our collective responsibility is to care for one another and to continue to live UMBC’s value of inclusive excellence, to ensure that we provide an educational environment and workplace that is welcoming, inclusive, and safe for all.
As we near the end of the semester and the celebration of our newest graduates later this month, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusive excellence and to academic freedom—core values that are essential to who we are, to what we do, and to why it matters. We will not waver in our devotion to these fundamentals, and we are grateful for your shared vision and dedication to UMBC.
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby
Manfred H. M. van Dulmen
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
We write today to share some updates related to the impact of executive orders and federal actions, as well as some modifications of protocols surrounding promotion and tenure reviews.
Since the start of the spring 2025 semester, faculty members across the university may have experienced disruption to their research, teaching, and service activities due to some of the recent White House Executive Orders and federal actions. Faculty research could be impacted in various ways: stop-work orders to federal grants; inability to access datasets or databases housed in or sponsored by federal agencies; or challenges in travel to present their work at national or international conferences supported by federal funds.
Also, there may have been potential impacts on the faculty’s ability to hire students and staff to support their research using federal support. In other instances, faculty members’ community-engaged scholarship, teaching, and service may have been severely impacted due to programs being curtailed in both the public and private sectors and due to lack of resources to conduct the work. Faculty whose scholarship and teaching could be categorized as diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) may have to spend considerable time navigating the current political climate in the process of conducting and publishing their work.
Provost’s modifications of tenure track faculty and librarian faculty promotion protocols: AY 2025 – 2026 Cycle
To address the potential impact of recent executive orders and federal actions related to research funding, curtailment or termination of DEIA initiatives, and related topics on faculty’s research, teaching, and service, the following protocol will be put in place beginning in academic year 2025 – 2026 faculty promotion and tenure (P&T) reviews. These modifications will be communicated to each level of P&T review through the provost’s annual P&T instructions, through the deans’ instructions for the development of letters to external reviewers, through the provost’s charge to the University Faculty Review Committee, and in deliberations made by department promotion and tenure committees.
1. If there have been any impacts on their research, teaching and/or service as a result of the executive orders and federal actions, candidates for P&T review are encouraged to reflect on such impacts in their self-assessment.
If the candidate mentions impacts in their self-evaluation:
2. Every level of review, including outside reviewers, must consider the described impact of such executive orders and federal actions on the usual progression of our faculty towards promotion and tenure when evaluating both the work performed during this period of disruption and their potential as a scholar after promotion and/or tenure when performing on- and off-campus activities.
3. Each level of review must include a Statement of Affirmation that their review, and all previous levels of review, has taken into full consideration the impact of executive orders and federal actions beginning in 2025 on the candidate’s progression.
[I] affirm that [my] review took into full consideration any impacts of current executive orders and federal actions on [X’s] candidacy.
If it is determined that any prior level of review has failed to do so in a way that may have resulted in negative consequences for the candidate, the current level of review shall inform the provost in their own report.
4. All letters providing guidance to external reviewers must include the following statement regarding the impact of executive orders and federal actions on P&T recommendations.
When considering your recommendation regarding this P&T decision, please make sure to consider any potential effects described by the candidate associated with recent federal executive orders and federal actions impacting research, teaching, and service. This impact might include, but it is not limited to, the termination of federal support or faculty’s inability to present at conferences outside the United States.
This statement recognizes the impact that current executive orders and federal actions might have on the research, teaching, and service of faculty going up for promotion and tenure.
This policy applies to the academic year 2025 – 2026 review cycle. The Office of the Provost will provide additional guidance for any promotion and tenure modifications in subsequent cycles as the impact of the executive orders and federal actions evolve.
Sincerely,
Manfred H. M. van Dulmen
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
We would like to thank everyone who participated in last week’s Conversation About Strategic Planning, where we hosted President Valerie Sheares Ashby for a conversation about the university’s strategic priorities. Nearly 450 community members joined in person and virtually to hear about our high-level aspirations for the future of UMBC.
For those who were unable to attend, we invite you to visit the strategic planning website, where you can find a recording of the discussion.
Sincerely,
Manfred H. M. van Dulmen
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Renique T. Kersh
Vice President for Student Affairs
Charissa S. L. Cheah
Professor of Psychology and Special Assistant to the Provost for Strategic Planning
We would like to thank everyone who participated in last week’s Conversation About Strategic Planning, where we hosted President Valerie Sheares Ashby for a conversation about the university’s strategic priorities. Nearly 450 community members joined in person and virtually to hear about our high-level aspirations for the future of UMBC.
For those who were unable to attend, we invite you to visit the strategic planning website, where you can find a recording of the discussion.
Sincerely,
Manfred H. M. van Dulmen
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Renique T. Kersh
Vice President for Student Affairs
Charissa S. L. Cheah
Professor of Psychology and Special Assistant to the Provost for Strategic Planning
The following message was shared with the UMBC community on April 28 to announce the naming of a new interim dean for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences:
* * * * *
Dear UMBC Community,
As you probably are aware, the current dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS), Kimberly Moffitt, will be leaving UMBC this summer to join Howard University. I am excited to announce that John Stolle-McAllister has been appointed interim dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences effective July 1. John brings two-and-a-half decades of experience at UMBC to his new role. He is a professor of modern languages, linguistics, and intercultural communication and currently serves as chair.
John previously served as associate dean in CAHSS from 2014 to 2022, and in that role he focused on student success initiatives, including creating the CAHSS advising center, collaboratively designing classroom renovations, leading the college’s response to COVID, and organizing faculty participation in the Planning Instructional Variety for Online Teaching (PIVOT) program.
John earned his bachelor’s from Bates College, and he received his master’s in Hispanic literatures and Ph.D. in comparative studies of discourse and society from the University of Minnesota. His research and teaching interests include multilingualism, cultural change, environmental issues, and social movements in Latin America.
A national search for a permanent dean will be conducted over the next year. I have asked Ana Oskoz, vice provost for faculty affairs, to chair the search committee. Isaacson Miller will support UMBC in this search for the next dean for CAHSS.
Please join me in welcoming John to his new role as interim dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Sincerely,
Manfred H.M. van Dulmen
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
As you probably are aware, the current dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS), Kimberly Moffitt, will be leaving UMBC this summer to join Howard University. I am excited to announce that John Stolle-McAllister has been appointed interim dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences effective July 1. John brings two-and-a-half decades of experience at UMBC to his new role. He is a professor of modern languages, linguistics, and intercultural communication and currently serves as chair.
John previously served as associate dean in CAHSS from 2014 to 2022, and in that role he focused on student success initiatives, including creating the CAHSS advising center, collaboratively designing classroom renovations, leading the college’s response to COVID, and organizing faculty participation in the Planning Instructional Variety for Online Teaching (PIVOT) program.
John earned his bachelor’s from Bates College, and he received his master’s in Hispanic literatures and Ph.D. in comparative studies of discourse and society from the University of Minnesota. His research and teaching interests include multilingualism, cultural change, environmental issues, and social movements in Latin America.
A national search for a permanent dean will be conducted over the next year. I have asked Ana Oskoz, vice provost for faculty affairs, to chair the search committee. Isaacson Miller will support UMBC in this search for the next dean for CAHSS.
Please join me in welcoming John to his new role as interim dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Sincerely,
Manfred H.M. van Dulmen
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
