Hello UMBC,

Cybersecurity isn't just a task for IT, it's a 24/7 commitment for our entire community. To help you navigate the ever-changing digital landscape, we are excited to launch the first edition of our cybersecurity newsletter.

In this inaugural issue, we dive into:

• Phishing Defense: How to spot "too good to be true" offers and urgent scams.
• Travel Safety: Keeping your data secure while researching or vacationing abroad.
• Latest Threats: Why you should be wary of TikTok scams and "Quishing" (QR code phishing).
• Policy Updates: Key changes to UMBC's Acceptable Use and Data Protection policies.

Read the newsletter attached!

Remember: If an email feels "off," it probably is. Forward suspicious messages to security@umbc.edu and help keep our campus secure.

Stay smart and stay safe!

 - Stacy Cahill

Chief Information Security Officer

University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Graduate school can be rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. Join the Graduate Student Support Group to connect with fellow grad students in a safe, confidential, and supportive space. This group is designed to help you ask questions, talk through challenges, explore solutions, and work toward your personal and academic goals alongside peers who get it.

When? Tuesdays | February 17 – April 28 | 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Where? Virtual, scan the QR code 

All graduate students are welcome to participate.

To learn more or get started, call 410-455-2542 or visit your RetrieverCare portal to schedule an initial consultation appointment.

This program is open to full participation by all individuals in accordance with UMBC's nondiscrimination policies. 

On Monday, February 2, we will host Dinner with Friends, an engaging, facilitated conversation that will connect you with other members of the UMBC community. 

Our conversations will be focused on two interrelated questions:

1. "How do you live your values in community?"

2. "How do you live a life that sustains you?"

We will explore challenges with thriving, share resources to support thriving, and generate ideas about how we, as a UMBC community, can improve thriving on campus.

This program, as a part of Winter Welcome Retrievers, will take place on February 2, 2026 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the University Center, UC 312. A catered dinner will be provided.

This program is a collaboration between the Center for Democracy and Civic Life and Student Belonging.

Please RSVP by January 28, 2026 to reserve your seat at this popular dinner program!

The library will be open the following schedule during spring semester:

The Division of Information Technology (DoIT) is thrilled to announce that the Client Services and Networking Student​​​​ Teams have been awarded the Fall 2025 DoIT Gritty Award! This recognition celebrates their exceptional teamwork, adaptability, and commitment to ensuring seamless technology transitions across campus during ongoing renovations to Sherman Hall. 

A Seamless Transition

Over the course of only two months, these teams successfully supported the relocation of 17 departments to new work locations across UMBC's campus. These moves were driven by the reopening of Sherman Hall's west wing, coinciding with Phase 1 of Renovations being completed after 18 months, and the preparation for the closure of Phase 2, requiring precise coordination and flexibility.

Departments were relocated to 900 Walker, Biology, Fine Arts, Sondheim, and Sherman Hall, with each move presenting its own logistical obstacles. Through careful planning and hands-on execution, the teams ensured that faculty and staff experienced minimal disruption and could continue their work without interruption.

In addition to their support of these extensive relocations, the teams also commissioned the newly renovated portion of Sherman Hall. Their efforts ensured that all incoming departments were operating at full capacity on day one, the moment doors opened. Learn more about the Sherman Hall Phase 1 completion on the "Sherman Hall's Phase 1 renovation is complete, creating space for creative collaboration" post. 

This level of readiness reflects not only technical skill, but exceptional coordination and responsibility that were needed to successfully execute such a massive undertaking.

All of these achievements would not have been possible without the dedication and collaboration of these talented student employees:

Networking Team:
Alina Aler, Wardan Kazzalbach, Joshua Garofalo, Kidus Solomon, Daeun Oh, Jake Thompson, Alexis Garcia, Ryan Cather, Kellee Palmer, Yazlin Moujalled, Abir Samad, Erin Shields

Client Services Team:
Aakriti Roka, Courtney Pelkey, Dongthi Nguyen, Jayven Quedit, Joshua Nguyen, Luke Ngo, Michael Marti, Timi Olayinka, Ryan Walton, Steven Zhang, Sean Adeyemo 

We are proud to recognize the Client Services and Networking student teams with the Fall 2025 DoIT Gritty Award. Congratulations to all of you, and thank you for the critical role you play! 

About the DoIT Gritty Award

The DoIT Community & The DoIT Gritty Committee

Erica D'Eramo
Ada Crutchfield
Andrew Shebest
Anthony Finneran
Carlos McKinney
Daniel Loftus
Dave Souder
David Toothe
Debbie Michaels
Dondre Hatef
Josh Abrams
Khalil Alston
Matt Baker
Nick Beech
Peter Ariev

Name: Harshal Chauhan

Pronouns: He/Him

Semester of Internship: Fall 2025

Major: Information Systems (Health Informatics)

Current Class Level: Doctoral Student

This semester I completed a(n): Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Maryland Department of Health (MDH) – Public Health Workforce Internship Program Money Follows the Person (MFP) Demonstration Team

Location of the Organization (City, State): Baltimore, MD

Title of position: Public Health Intern (Quality Measure Set (QMS) Survey and Data Research Intern)

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:

As a Quality Measure Set (QMS) Survey and Data Research Intern with the Maryland Department of Health, I support statewide quality improvement initiatives focused on Medicaid beneficiaries receiving Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). My day-to-day responsibilities include administering and analyzing the Experience of Care Survey for participants enrolled in programs such as Community First Choice, Brain Injury Waiver, and Community Personal Assistance Services. I conduct participant outreach, track survey responses, and ensure compliance with federal and state guidelines. Additionally, I assist with data analysis to identify trends and performance gaps, contribute to the development of quality metrics, and help prepare summary reports and recommendations used for internal planning and policy decision-making. This role allows me to work at the intersection of data analytics, public health research, and health policy implementation.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I first learned about the Maryland Department of Health during a UMBC career fair in 2023, where I spoke with a representative and was introduced to the Public Health Workforce Internship Program. I applied for the internship in January 2025. In August 2025, I received two follow-up calls for 2 internships from MDH to confirm my interest and availability, followed by a second-round virtual interview with my direct supervisors. I received my formal acceptance later that same month. The process reinforced the importance of persistence and staying engaged, even when opportunities take time to materialize.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

UMBC Career Center, Career Fairs

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?

What I have enjoyed most about this position is the flexibility and genuinely supportive work environment. My team has been welcoming, understanding, and deeply committed to mentorship and learning. I have been encouraged to ask questions, contribute ideas, and grow both technically and professionally. The organization values collaboration and provides meaningful exposure to real-world public health challenges, making this an exceptional learning experience. 

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

I believe I have made a meaningful impact through my work. By supporting survey administration, response tracking, and data analysis, I have contributed to improving the accuracy and usability of quality measurement efforts within Maryland Medicaid's HCBS programs. The tracking tools and analytical support I provided helped ensure timely follow-up, better data integrity, and actionable insights that can inform quality improvement and policy decisions affecting vulnerable populations.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

My advice to other students is to remain persistent and patient. Continue applying and believing in your goals, even if responses take longer than expected. I initially applied for this role for Spring 2025 and did not hear back until Fall, but staying consistent paid off. Networking, following up, and trusting the process are just as important as submitting applications.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.

Favorite Quote: "You worry about the results, but have you ever paused to ask—what if?" What I valued most about my internship was the supportive and flexible environment that allowed me to apply my academic training to real public health impact. The UMBC Career Center played a vital role by connecting me to this opportunity and supporting me early on with resume formatting and career guidance.