School’s in Session

Published: Aug 31, 2023

Three pamphlets with illustrations of Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and school materials, fanned out on a table
Illustration by Jordan Fisher '25, graphic design.

The feel of a pen as it clicks open and closed, pointed for note taking (or probably more likely the feel of an electronic stylus). The sound of pages rustling in a notebook during the first class of the day (or more likely the sound of keys clacking on a laptop). The smell of a new textbook as it opens for the first time (or probably more likely still the laptop thing). No matter what it looks like, the start of a new school year is officially here! This year, UMBC welcomes a pack of over 3,800 new Retrievers as they embark on the black and gold journey of a lifetime. 

Large grassy field with UMBC logo and UMBC mascot spray painted on ground with text "Welcome Week"

Last weekend, new Retrievers bundled up their belongings and arrived on campus to unpack in their new home. Once clothes were in drawers, posters were hung, and minifridges were stocked, students and families headed to Retriever Fest to learn more about campus resources and departments…and maybe pet a farm animal or two. After saying goodbye to families, students settled into their rooms and then got to know one another over games and a fireworks display. 

The aftermath of brightly-colored fireworks fall down the sky while a crowd looks on
A group of individuals in black and gold smile for a selfie with UBMC's president outside
A UMBC intramural tent is set up on a field with people at the table waiting for visitors
Family members gather together in a dorm room with the UMBC president for a move-in photo
A brown and white calf looks at the camera outside a red pen
Red fireworks light up the sky and a nearby building while a large crowd gathers to watch

During Convocation on Tuesday, new Retrievers received a UMBC pin, officially signifying the start of their UMBC career. Incoming UMBC Student Government Association (SGA) president Musa Jafri ’24, political science, assured the attendees saying, “I know being a new student can be overwhelming at times. Remember that it is okay to ask for help. You are part of this community, and we want you to know that you belong here, and we want you to succeed.” 

Tall student stands at a UMBC podium wearing a robe with university officials sitting behind them and UMBC seal and flags in the background
Three students look down concentrating as they pin a UMBC pin on themselves
UMBC president Valerie Sheares Ashby stands at UMBC podium in official regalia
Six students pose for a smiling group photo outdoors in front of a campus building
Students crouch down petting a chocolate Labrador Retriever while student process in a line behind them
Up close of UMBC logo pin in shield shape being held by hands

As the first day of classes dawned on Wednesday, the entire campus came to life with new and returning students filling sidewalks, classrooms, and the Starbucks line (the real sign that school is officially back in session).

All across campus, hugs were exchanged, summer vacations were rehashed, and plans for the upcoming year began to form.

Light post with UMBC banner attached and black and gold flags drawn across
UMBC's president stands with four students smiling outside on the first day of classes
A throng of students walks across campus while two stop to fist bump
UMBC's president stands talking to a group of students in a theater class sitting in a circle
Students milling about on campus walkway with trees in the background
UMBC president walks down a concourse outside with a student

We can’t wait to see what comes next!

All photos courtesy of Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC.

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