Provost's Perspective: March 13, 2026

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:50:11 -0400
provost

Welcome the latest edition of the Provost's Perspective, the only publication that is not fazed by Maryland's indecisive approach to spring. Blue skies, abundant sunshine, and 80-degree one day, and howling winds, sideways rain, and freezing temperatures the next. As the last few days can attest, we're here for it all.

This week, I want to thank every one of you who helped make the Middle States Commission on Higher Education accreditation process a success. We hosted the evaluation team this week following two-and-a-half years of work on our institution-wide introspective self study. I was so impressed with the community's engagement in the process and site visit. It truly is the people that make UMBC so special! We will receive the official report and decision from Middle States on our re-accreditation later this year so please stay tuned. The report will likely include insightful recommendations to help guide our strategic planning process and the future of UMBC.

While it took an engaged and expert village to take us through the accreditation process, I want to thank Connie Pierson, associate vice provost for Institutional Research, Analysis and Decision Support (IRADS) and Orianne Smith, professor of English and affiliate professor of gender, women's and sexuality studies, for leading the accreditation process. Connie and Orianne spent countless hours in the weeks, months, and years leading up to the culminating site visit. When you are able, please take a minute to express your gratitude for their dedication to stewarding, guiding, and engaging our campus in the self-study and accreditation processes.

Part of the UMBC story that was told in our self-study and in the Middle States evaluation team visit is the role that each and every UMBC community member plays in creating and sustaining an environment that welcomes inclusivity and celebrates innovation. As an access-focused R1 institution our story is unique. This was on full display throughout the Middle States visit. Before the visit, we asked for you to be yourselves during sessions with the evaluation team. Your enthusiasm and commitment were evident as the evaluation team met with members of our community across campus. The accreditation process is an opportunity to look in a mirror and honestly assess your organization. For me, it was a confirmation that while there will always be room for improvement, we are not just heading in the right direction, but excelling in the classroom, across every corner of our campus, and in the community.

I look forward to sharing the final Middle States report when it becomes available for the community. For now, I hope you have an opportunity (I encourage you!) to step away from work during Spring Break and have some time to relax.

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NEWS & NOTES

Spring Break– University Holiday March 16-18

A reminder for those both new and old at UMBC, the university will be closed for spring break Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday next week. The employee holiday calendar can be found here.

Strive for 85: Creating Online Accessibility

The Digital Accessibility Steering Committee (DASC) is launching "Strive for 85." This institutional goal calls for all Blackboard courses to achieve an Ally "Overall" accessibility score of 85% or better across all colleges and departments by the end of 2026.

As of the most recently completed Fall 25 semester, the campus's overall Ally score for Blackboard courses (which make up ~90% of all UMBC courses) is approximately 74%. To help faculty close this gap and reach the "Strive for 85" goal, the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) has prepared a voluntary, self-paced Blackboard training organization called "Course Roadmap to Equity" (CoRE) that complements and incorporates existing Ally FAQs, live workshops, and drop-in consulting.

Learn more about the Strive for 85 effort and how you can help close the gap.

2 UMBC Student-led Start-ups Win Innovation Awards

Two student-led UMBC start-ups have been selected to receive 2026 Pava LePere Innovation Awards, granting them $50,000 each from the state of Maryland to support their business, as well as access to mentorship, training, and strategic support from the Maryland Student Venture Core Advisory Board and representatives from a network of entrepreneur support organizations across the local tech ecosystem.

Learn more.

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

RESCHEDULED

2026 Office of the Provost Strategic Initiatives Meeting

Thursday, April 2, 3:30 – 5 p.m., Fine Arts 118 and online

This event has been moved to Thursday, April 2. Please update your calendars and plan to join the provost leadership team and myself either in person or online to learn about the 2026 strategic initiatives under way that are (co)supported by the Office of the Provost. As a reminder, the initiatives include re-envisioning general education, student success strategy, graduate student recruitment and enrollment strategy, fostering curricular innovation, strengthening global education, AI strategy, infrastructure needs, refining and enhancing budget models, and expanding and strengthening K-12 partnerships.

During this meeting you will learn about (a) goals, (b) leads, (c) who is involved, (d) timeline, and (e) how you can get involved/provide feedback. After the session there also will be an opportunity for informal conversation with leads of initiatives and the Office of the Provost team.

Register here.

Centering Wonder: Dialogues on Science and Religion

March 25, 4 – 5:30 p.m., University Center 115

People may feel they need to compartmentalize their spiritual or religious identities away from their academic or professional pursuits, yet numerous scientists and physicians draw motivation and ethical guidance from their faith traditions. The Centering Wonder series explores the rich intersections of science and faith, dismantling the perceived wall between them in the process. The series is presented in partnership with CNMS and the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Pluralism.

Learn more.

Lunch and Learn for Faculty Part 1: Library Video Services and the Library Innovation Lab

Learn about Library services that you might not be aware of

Friday, March 27, 12 – 1 p.m., Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery and online

This hybrid event will provide information on:

The Library's digital and DVD video collections

The Library Digital Media Lab, which provides equipment and facilities for DIY digital media production

The Library Innovation Lab, which provides equipment and software for fabrication including 3D printers and scanners, laser cutters, and more

Bonus content for CAHSS faculty: CARAT research development, pre-award and post-award support

Lunch will be provided for in-person attendees.

Learn more and register.