Dear Faculty,

Welcome to the spring semester. I know the semester is beginning under unusual circumstances with the recent inclement weather and campus closures. I appreciate everyone's adaptability as we navigate this first week together. Please continue to be flexible with your students as we wait for campus to reopen. We have asked students to communicate their needs for flexibility with you as well.

Earlier this week, you should have received some correspondence from your college leadership with information related to utilizing asynchronous learning as we unexpectedly manage having the physical campus closed for the duration of the first week of the semester. I wanted to highlight a few important details and reminders that I hope will be helpful as you consider how to make up for lost class time now and in the weeks ahead.

• Spring 2026 academic calendar adjustments due to campus closures:

• Schedule adjustment (add/drop) deadline extended from Friday, Feb. 6 to Friday, Feb. 13

• Deactivation of waitlist extended from Monday, Feb. 2 to Monday, Feb. 9

• 5 Steps To Prepare Your Go Online Kit (Instructional Technology)

• Keep On Teaching (Faculty Development Center)

In addition to the above information, I strongly encourage you to communicate regularly with your students and give timely updates as best you can. As faculty, you play an important role in supporting your students in their educational and life journey, which is always critical but even more so in tumultuous times.

Lastly, in the coming weeks, we will be asking departments to share examples and strategies that were utilized to make up missed in-person/synchronous class time such as asynchronous sharing of content, asynchronous activities, and/or administering additional assignments. We look forward to seeing your examples and will also work with the Faculty Development Center to share innovative strategies back with you.

Campus Alerts & the Academic Calendar

Please make sure you are signed up for alerts so you are aware of weather-related campus closures and other emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the campus Inclement Weather and Emergency Guide as well. The guide along with the sign up for alerts can be found here. 

Additional spring academic calendar dates to note:

• Spring break: March 14-22

• Last day of spring classes: May 12

• Study day: May 13

• Graduate commencement: May 20

• Undergraduate commencement: May 21

Upcoming Events

Save the date for the following opportunities as additional details about these events and others will be shared in the weeks ahead:

• Provost Priorities Mid-Year Check In
• Thursday, March 5 from 3:30-5 p.m.
• Opportunity to learn about progress on priorities led by the Office of the Provost

• Middle States Evaluation Team Site Visit
• Sunday, March 8-11 
• Prepare for this visit by reviewing the self-study website and reading the final report

Thank you for all that you do to support the success of our students and our community at UMBC. I look forward to connecting with you more throughout the semester ahead.

Sincerely, 

Manfred H.M. van Dulmen
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Welcome to the final 2025 edition of the Provost's Perspective. In the four months since I started this newsletter, I have had the privilege of highlighting topics that have touched me both professionally and personally. Today's edition is no different. 

On Monday evening I was invited to speak briefly at Light Up UMBC - A Chanukah Celebration. Being present at the event reminded me of the strength and importance of our campus community. The traditional Jewish festival of lights and its emphasis on the triumph of light over darkness, the preservation of identity, and the courage to dedicate ourselves to our core values is a powerful reminder that while we each have personal challenges and triumphs that shape our lives, it is important to maintain hope as we navigate adversity.

While we have made a lot of progress this year, for some, the year has been very challenging. Many in our community face uncertainty, including their visa status and long-term career options. Federal work order stoppages, changes to the federal grant environment, changes to immigration policies, targeting individuals for their identity, and attacks on diversity, inclusion, and equality efforts are just a few of the major challenges facing members of our community. Different people in our community (and their family members) may have been impacted in many different ways. Compassion and care for each other is now more important than ever.

As we continue to navigate these challenges, I often remind myself of the importance of showing up for one another. Earlier this semester, I was struck by a comment about connection during a conversation with members of our LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Association. Someone shared that they felt adrift because no one had asked the simple but essential question, "How are you doing?" – four small words, but ones that speak directly to care and belonging. It was a powerful reminder for me, and for those of us in the Office of the Provost, that everything begins with genuine connection and concern.

Through life's ups and downs, I encourage you to find and lean into your community, and to support one another. At UMBC, this may be a faculty and staff affinity group, a colleague who shares a passion outside of the classroom or office, or a friend who joins you for a couple of minutes of connection as you walk around Hilltop Circle. No matter how and where you find this connection, I encourage you to nurture it, celebrate it, and spread it to your friends and colleagues. 

Thank You for the Feedback

Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback this semester. The Provost's Perspective is a work in progress and will continue to evolve to more fully serve you, UMBC's faculty and academic staff. If there is a subject or topic that you feel should be covered (or have general feedback on the content), drop me a note here. Your feedback and input matters! 

Guidelines for AI Use in the Classroom

If you missed Anupam Joshi's announcement concerning university guidelines for AI use in the classroom, check it out here. The guidelines were developed through broad consultation between faculty and staff and reflect emerging best practices and examples from peer institutions. They feature a "traffic light" model to help instructors articulate permissible, limited, or prohibited uses of AI tools.

Mark your calendar

The AI-Assisted Educator: A Course Design Sprint

Walk away with fresh inspiration and actionable strategies

Friday, Jan. 16, 9 a.m. to noon, ILSB 116A

Need a nudge to refresh your spring course(s)? Curious about how Generative AI tools might help spark new ideas in the classroom? In this hands-on, in-person workshop, we'll revisit basic course design principles while exploring practical ways to use Gen AI to sharpen your own course objectives, brainstorm assessments, reexamine learning materials/activities, and streamline class prep — while grounding in your own academic voice and creativity. Bring your laptop and course materials to walk away with fresh inspiration and actionable strategies for the spring semester. Join John Schumacher (USM GenAI Pedagogy Fellow & SAPH) and Kerrie Kephart (FDC) for this session. Space is limited.

Sponsored by the Faculty Development Center. 

Register: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/calt/events/148774

New Faculty Spotlights

Each week we feature the newest faculty members of our community.

DuEwa Frazier, Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor, English

Areas of Research/Interest: DuEwa's non-fiction writing focuses on contemporary education issues in education, arts and culture, social justice, hip-hop culture, women's interest, and opinion. Her creative writing focuses on poetry, children's, and other genres. As an innovator, she has produced work in multiple areas in the arts, digital media, and publishing.

Fun Fact About DuEwa: I'm a poet, podcaster, and TEDx speaker alum.

Jungwon Yeo, Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, Emergency and Disaster Health Systems

Areas of Research/Interest: Cross-Sector Collaboration/over 50 Publications (peer-reviewed journals, book, book chapters, etc.)

Fun Fact About Jungwon: Double black diamond skier. Animal painter.

Are you a new faculty member? Please take two minutes to fill out the form and submit your bio if you have not already done so.

New Staff Spotlights (Coming Early 2026)

Thank you to all of the new staff members that have reached out about being highlighted. We will be starting the spotlights in the first 2026 edition. If you haven't done so already and you are a staff member who joined UMBC in the last year, email Aaron Burnett, director of provost communications, to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Provost's Perspective. 

Help Make this Newsletter Better

The goal each week of this message is to deepen our connection to UMBC, whether that is learning about an upcoming event, a divisional accomplishment, an innovative program, or an  update from the Office of the Provost. If you know of a program or event that should be highlighted, please share it here.

Until 2026, 

Manfred van Dulmen

Last week I made the bold assertion that this week would be the final Provost's Perspective for 2025. Like any well-laid plans, this one was certain to be modified the moment I put it into the world. With that being said, keep your eyes peeled next Friday for the final (I'm serious this time) 2025 edition of this newsletter. 

One of the more rewarding aspects of being the provost is the interaction and feedback that I receive from the UMBC community. Earlier this week I was fortunate to meet with members of the Disability Faculty Working Group to discuss accessibility and disability efforts across the university community. Foad Hamidi (COEIT) had a reading suggestion that, while I have not had the opportunity to explore yet, can provide a framework for examining accessibility issues in a rapidly evolving world. His suggestion – and a text he uses in class – "Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement" asks us to rethink how we perceive disability as nearly everyone will experience disability at some point in our lives. If you get a chance to read it over winter break, I would love to hear your thoughts. 

Check Out Grit-X Videos

If you missed Grit-X (picture TedTalk meets UMBC) earlier this semester, I encourage you to check out your fellow faculty, staff, UMBC alumni, and grad students who presented in October. You can watch the evening from start to finish, or click on a speaker's photo to watch their individual talk. 

Strategic Plan Steering Committee Update

If you missed yesterday's update from the UMBC Strategic Plan Steering Committee, I encourage you to check it out here. 

Thank You for the Feedback

Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback this semester. The Provost's Perspective is a work in progress and will continue to evolve to more fully serve you, UMBC's faculty and academic staff. If there is a subject or topic that you feel should be covered (or have general feedback on the content), drop me a note here. Your feedback and input matters! 

Upcoming Events

The AI-Assisted Educator: A Course Design Sprint

Walk away with fresh inspiration and actionable strategies

Friday, Jan. 16, 9 am to noon, ILSB 116A

Need a nudge to refresh your spring course(s)? Curious about how Generative AI tools might help spark new ideas in the classroom? In this hands-on, in-person workshop, we'll revisit basic course design principles while exploring practical ways to use Gen AI to sharpen your own course objectives, brainstorm assessments, reexamine learning materials/activities, and streamline class prep — while grounding in your own academic voice and creativity. Bring your laptop and course materials to walk away with fresh inspiration and actionable strategies for the spring semester. Join John Schumacher (USM GenAI Pedagogy Fellow & SAPH) and Kerrie Kephart (FDC) for this session. Space is limited.

Sponsored by the Faculty Development Center. 

Register: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/calt/events/148774

Winter Commencement

With winter Commencement less than a week away, we would love to have you join us for the celebrations at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena.

Graduate School Ceremony | Wednesday, December 17, at 10 a.m.

Undergraduate Ceremony | Thursday, December 18, at 10 a.m.

For those marching or volunteering, note that arrival time is 8 a.m. for doors opening at 9 a.m.

For more information and updates, please visit the Commencement website or email commencement@umbc.edu.

New Faculty Spotlights

Each week we feature the newest faculty members of our community.

Sophie Comer-Warner, Assistant Professor, Geography and Environmental Systems

Areas of Research/Interest: Coastal Science/Aquatic Biogeochemistry

Fun Fact About Sophie: I'm from Stoke-on-Trent, the pottery capital of the UK. It's also where the first Ballon d'Or winner was from!

Miller Shores Wright, Assistant Professor, History

Areas of Research/Interest: Dr. Wright is an historian of Vast Early America whose scholarship focuses on the Native slave trades in Southeastern North America and Brazil. His recent publications include research on Native influences on the founding of the Carolina colony and Indigenous Slavery in the Atlantic. His previous works focused on Creek gendered property relations and racialized slavery in Creek matrilineages. His first book manuscript entitled, "All These Horrid Wicked Things: Native Slaving and the Atlantic Slave Trade in Brazil and Carolina, 1580–1720," is contracted for publication in 2027.

Fun Fact About Miller: I have a distinct fondness for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Lord of the Rings. I frequently encourage students to engage me through conversations about sports, cooking, and music.

Are you a new faculty member? Please take two minutes to fill out the form and submit your bio if you have not already done so.

New Staff Spotlights (Coming Early 2026)

Thank you to all of the new staff members that have reached out about being highlighted. We will be starting the spotlights in the first 2026 edition. If you haven't done so already and you are a staff member who joined UMBC in the last year, email Aaron Burnett, director of provost communications, to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Provost's Perspective. 

Help Make this Newsletter Better

The goal each week of this message is to deepen our connection to UMBC, whether that is learning about an upcoming event, a divisional accomplishment, an innovative program, or an  update from the Office of the Provost. If you know of a program or event that should be highlighted, please share it here.

Until next week, 

Manfred van Dulmen

Welcome to the penultimate fall issue of the Provost's Perspective. As we head down the homestretch of 2025 I want to encourage each of you to finish the semester strong. Every day I am reminded of the strength and resiliency that is present in the UMBC Community. I am so proud of all you have accomplished this semester and how you support each other in our work together. Continue to support each other and our students through finals!

In recent weeks I've touched on several topics that I find relevant and timely. I have heard some people like the light(er) tone of the message whereas others would like to see a bit more substance. If there is a subject or topic that you feel should be covered (or have general feedback on the content), drop me a note here. Your feedback and input matters! 

Tuesday morning's delayed start was a good reminder that if you have not done so already, I encourage you to sign up for UMBC alerts. Once signed up, UMBC's Emergency Alert text-messaging system will send you alerts about campus emergencies and weather-related campus closures. (Standard text message rates apply.) Sign up for UMBC Campus Text Alerts here. 

Upcoming Events

End of Semester Celebration 2025

Join President Valerie Sheares Ashby for an end-of-year celebration for UMBC faculty and staff. 

Thursday, December 11, 2025

3-5 p.m.

University Center Ballroom

President Sheares Ashby will offer brief remarks at 4 p.m. The event will feature refreshments and live music performed by UMBC student jazz musicians.

Learn More

Winter Commencement

With winter Commencement just a few weeks away, we would love to have you join us for the celebrations at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena.

Graduate School Ceremony | Wednesday, December 17, at 10 a.m.

Undergraduate Ceremony | Thursday, December 18, at 10 a.m.

If you plan to march in the procession, please register. Unfortunately we are past the deadline to order regalia.

Those who wish to participate as event staff are encouraged to sign up as well. Volunteers will receive separate instructions, but please note that arrival time will be 8 a.m. for doors opening at 9 a.m.

For more information and updates, please visit the Commencement website or email commencement@umbc.edu.

New Faculty Spotlights

Each week we feature the newest faculty members of our community.

Zelalem Jembre Yalew, Assistant Teaching Professor, CSEE

Areas of Research/Interest: Computer Networks: Multi-hop Wireless Networks

Fun Fact About Zelalem: I am so boring that I have none

Jude Agboada, Assistant Professor, Visual Arts

Areas of Research/Interest: As a visual communication designer and educator, I use dialogue as a tool to foster meaningful conversations. My practice investigates how community, identity, and culture are shaped through multidisciplinary approaches, ranging from artist books to public space activations. I am dedicated to developing new ways of creating connection by examining how people relate to one another, to the spaces they inhabit, and to the communicative strategies that enable those relationships. My current research focuses on language documentation and the architectural legacies of former colonial states. I also contribute as a team member at Tampered Press, a publication committed to amplifying the voices of writers and visual artists in Ghana, across Africa, and throughout the diaspora.

Fun Fact About Jude: Outside of work, my passion for new challenges led me to pick up skiing as an adult — and I've already logged 56 days on the slopes in one season.

Are you a new faculty member? Please take two minutes to fill out the form and submit your bio if you have not already done so.

New Staff Spotlights (Coming Soon)

Are you a staff member who joined UMBC in the last year? Email Aaron Burnett, director of provost communications, to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Provost's Perspective. 

Help Make this Newsletter Better

The goal each week of this message is to deepen our connection to UMBC, whether that is learning about an upcoming event, a divisional accomplishment, an innovative program, or an  update from the Office of the Provost. If you know of a program or event that should be highlighted, please share it here.

Until next week, 

Manfred van Dulmen

Welcome to a special Fall Break edition of the Provost’s Perspective. In this edition I want to highlight a few areas and efforts that I am particularly grateful for as we come to the home stretch of the semester – in particular, related to our commitment to shared governance and supporting our community.

Faculty compensation has been a consistent concern since I arrived at UMBC. I am excited to announce that a faculty-led compensation committee has been formed and met this week to start actively examining our faculty compensation and make recommendations. I am grateful for the efforts of Kelly Coleman, Christopher Correnti, Frank Ferraro, Amy Froide, Anupam Joshi, Jeannette Kartchner, Doug Lamdin, Daniel Lobo, Ana Oskoz, and Brad Peercy for their work in helping to ensure we have competitive and equitable compensation for all faculty.

I also want to express my gratitude for the long fall break that begins on Wednesday. The academic calendar change, made in coordination with the Faculty Senate and the university administration, is a great opportunity to recharge and reset as we head into the final month of the fall semester.

Packed Arts Weekend on Tap

Each week my goal is to both inform and highlight different aspects of the UMBC community. This week I would like to shine a spotlight on the outstanding work being undertaken in the Department of Music. Each semester, more than 200 students participate in 15 groups, ensembles, bands, and choirs that perform locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. 

This week is a particularly packed period. I encourage you to find a performance and support our artists. A few highlights this weekend include:

UMBC Gamelan Ensemble

Friday, November 21, 5 p.m.

The Music Box

The Department of Music presents the UMBC Gamelan Ensemble under the direction of Michelle Purdy. The ensemble performs on a central Javanese gamelan (a gong-chime orchestra of Indonesia), and also on a Balinese gamelan angklung (one of many types of gong-chime orchestras from the island of Bali, Indonesia).

More Information

UMBC Jazz in Concert

Saturday, November 22, 3 p.m.

Linehan Concert Hall

The Department of Music presents UMBC Jazz in Concert, featuring the Jazz Guitar Ensemble, the Jazz Small Groups, and the Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Tom Baldwin, Tom Lagana, and Matthew Belzer.

More Information

UMBC Percussion Ensemble

Sunday, November 23, 1 p.m.

Linehan Concert Hall

The Department of Music presents the UMBC Percussion Ensemble under the direction of Dustin Donahue in a concert of music by William Duckworth, Philip Glass, Fritz Hauser, JLIN, and Yousif Sheronick.

More Information

UMBC Camerata: Through Perspectives INjustice

Sunday, November 23, 7 p.m.

Linehan Concert Hall

The Department of Music presents the UMBC Camerata under the direction of Lulu Mwangi Mupfumbu. Its program Through Perspectives INjustice, featuring works by Joel Thompson and Jarrett Roseborough, will explore the critical social justice issue of police brutality and its far-reaching effects on society, with a particular emphasis on its impact on youth of color.

More Information

Coffee with the Provost: Thursday, Dec. 4

Come join me for a cup of coffee or tea Thursday, Dec. 4, from 10-11 a.m. in the Fireside Lounge in The Commons (third floor near the Skylight Lounge). This come-and-go hour is a great opportunity to connect in a casual, non-programmed setting. I look forward to seeing many of you there and our conversation together.  

Fireside Lounge, The Commons

New Faculty Spotlights

Each week we feature the newest faculty members of our community.

Yiwen Hu, Assistant Professor, CSEE

Areas of Research/Interest: My research areas include wireless communication (5G and beyond), network security, and mobile systems, with a recent focus on innovating next-generation emergency (9-1-1) services.

Fun Fact About Yiwen: I’m a pet lover. I have a French bulldog named Chocolate. The name might seem risky, but it’s to remind her not to eat chocolate and to inspire her to live a healthier life!

Myoung Eun Pang, Assistant Teaching Professor, MLLI

Areas of Research/Interest: Language and identity 

Fun Fact About Myoung: Maryland is the fifth state I’ve lived in since moving to the U.S.

Are you a new faculty member? Please take two minutes to fill out the form and submit your bio if you have not already done so.

New Staff Spotlights (Coming Soon)

Are you a staff member who joined UMBC in the last year? Email Aaron Burnett, director of provost communications, to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Provost's Perspective.

Help Make this Newsletter Better

The goal each week of this message is to deepen our connection to UMBC, whether that is learning about an upcoming event, a divisional accomplishment, an innovative program, or an  update from the Office of the Provost. If you know of a program or event that should be highlighted, please share it here.

Until next week, 

Manfred van Dulmen

Happy Friday and welcome to the Provost's Perspective. 

With cold temperatures hitting Baltimore in recent days I was interested in an article this week in the Baltimore Banner that featured insights from Dr. Jeff Halverson (Department of Geography and Environmental Systems) about the impending winter season in Maryland. Mention of a La Nina weather pattern and an ongoing "snow drought" brought to mind the poem, "Dust of Snow," by Robert Frost. I find this short verse (a mere 34 words) about a bird, a tree, and a change of heart to be a wonderful reminder to find joy in the simple 'dust of snow' that may come upon you in unexpected ways.   

I encourage you to find your own dust of snow this week that changes your outlook for the better or brings a smile to your face. It is sometimes the small things in life that make a big difference. 

Without further ado …

Apply by November 17

Become a Faculty Affiliate of the Public Health Research Center UMBC/CAHSS

The new Public Health Research Center (PHRC) of CAHSS invites UMBC faculty from ALL UMBC departments to apply for Faculty Affiliate status – a three-year renewable term for scholars whose research aligns with the PHRC's interdisciplinary mission advancing public health through collaboration. PHRC Faculty Affiliates gain:

• Involvement in a vibrant community of health scholars 

• Recognition on PHRC's website, annual report, and communications

• Priority access to PHRC grant services (grant reviews, Gen AI assistance, etc.)

• Curated, timely funding updates & research networking opportunities

See the website for full information. Apply by Nov. 17, 2025.

Questions: John G. Schumacher, Ph.D., PHRC Director-email: PHRC@umbc.edu

Last Call for Faculty Proposals: IDEA Initiative & CAP Fellowship

I recently announced the IDEA Initiative & CAP Fellowship as part of my goal to foster innovative and interdisciplinary curricular efforts and provide faculty with the resources to create and innovate. Applications for the programs close November 20. 

Learn more and apply today!

CGE International Education Week

Happy Friday and welcome to the latest (and greatest?) edition of the Provost's Perspective. 

When I pulled up to the keyboard to pen this I was bemused by the oddness that is the first week of November. Halloween is past, but talking Thanksgiving this early raises serious questions of one's ability to read a calendar. 

Luckily, my rising sense of dread was quickly dispelled when I realized there are several milestones on the horizon. While I missed National Donut Day on Wednesday (not to be confused with National Doughnut Day celebrated annually on the first Friday in June), there remain numerous days of note. Today happens to be National Fountain Pen Day and tomorrow is Parents as Teachers Day. 

And there is so much more to highlight in November. Did you know for example November is National Adoption Month? As an adoptive parent and scholar of the psychology of foster care and adoption, this topic is close to my heart.

Last week I asked you to share your favorite Halloween candy. The overwhelming majority of respondents cited Reese's peanut butter cups as their favorite with several people highlighting the pumpkin-shaped version as the best. One respondent had this to say: "The chocolate to PB ratio is perfect – traditional cups have too much chocolate, imo."

In the 'I didn't see this coming category,' candy corn placed second with two people mentioning that mixing it with salted peanuts takes it to a different level. 

Without further ado …

CAHSS Dean Search Preferred Deadline Today

The preferred submission deadline for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences dean search is today. More information about the position and the process can be found here. 

Last Call for Benefit Changes

Don't miss your opportunity to update your health benefits elections. Today before 5 p.m. is your last chance to log on to the SPS Benefits system and make your elections. 

Call for Faculty Proposals: IDEA Initiative & CAP Fellowship

I recently announced the IDEA Initiative & CAP Fellowship as part of my goal to foster innovative and interdisciplinary curricular efforts and provide faculty with the resources to create and innovate. Applications for the programs close November 20. 

Learn more and apply today!

UMBC Poll Examines Marylanders' Sentiment About AI

UMBC's Institute of Politics is steadily building a reputation for its polling prowess. In its latest survey of public sentiment, the institute examined Marylanders' sentiment toward artificial intelligence. It's an interesting snapshot of the level of concern people feel about the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. 

UMBC faculty are, of course, doing great work in AI across disciplines. Much of that work engages with the kind of concerns that were raised in the survey. For instance, Vandana Janeja (IS) and Christine Mallinson (LLC) have developed new tools to detect audio deepfakes that leverage insights from computing and linguistics. Frank Ferraro (CSEE), Tejas Gokhale (CSEE), and Tyler Josephson (CBEE) are working on a DARPA Program called SciFy, that can evaluate the feasibility of scientific claims made online. Many faculty are working to make AI less power hungry and efficient. Cynthia Matuszek (CSEE) investigates how AI operates in spaces with humans in ways that are ethical and fair. Our Dresher Center for the Humanities led by Amy Froide (History) recently hosted a forum on the ethical issues around AI, and our Center for Social Science led by Eric Stokan (Political Science) is currently showing faculty how AI tools can help research in the social sciences. 

Introduction to Generative AI & Teaching

In November, the Faculty Development Center (FDC) is co-sponsoring the series, Introduction to Generative AI & Teaching, facilitated by John G. Schumacher, professor of sociology, anthropology and public health, and a USM/UMBC Generative AI Pedagogy Fellow 2025-2026.  

Upcoming sessions include:

Generative AI in Teaching II: Applied Skills and Use Cases

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025,  11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., WebEx or in person

Building on Gen AI & Teaching I, this interactive session highlights applied skills and practical use cases. Faculty will practice effective prompting, explore discipline-specific scenarios, and consider assignment design strategies. Examples will touch on advanced features (custom GPTs/GEMs, Canvas Mode, Deep Research Mode, agent mode) related to teaching.

I'm Not Teaching with Generative AI, But What Do I Still Need to Know?

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025,  11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., WebEx or in person 

This session highlights what faculty need to know, even if they are not adopting AI in their own teaching. Topics include basic Gen AI literacy, a critical examination of student use of AI tools, equity and access, ethical concerns, credible sources of Gen AI information, and implications for assessment and pedagogy.

Reserve your space. Visit the FDC Groups Page to sign up.

New Faculty Spotlights

Each week we feature the newest faculty members of our community.

Brandon Beck, Assistant Professor of Secondary Education (Social Studies), Education

Areas of Research/Interest: History of Black Education, Critical Theory, Social Studies Education

Fun Fact About Brandon: I am an avid foodie. I also am a certified BBQ judge in the state of South Carolina. 

Laura Mateczun, Associate Director of Digital Trust / Director of UMBC Cybersecurity Clinic / Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity

Areas of Research/Interest: Local Government Cybersecurity

Fun Fact About Laura: I enjoy hiking and swimming!

Are you a new faculty member? Please take two minutes to fill out the form and submit your bio if you have not already done so.

New Staff Spotlights (Coming Soon)

Are you a staff member who joined UMBC in the last year? Email Aaron Burnett, director of provost communications, to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Provost's Perspective. 

Help Make the Provost's Perspective Better

The goal each week of this message is to deepen our connection to UMBC, whether that is learning about an upcoming event, a divisional accomplishment, an innovative program, or an update from the Office of the Provost. If you know of a program or event that should be highlighted, please share it here.

Until next week, 

Manfred van Dulmen

Happy Friday and welcome to a special spooky and scary edition of the Provost's Perspective. (On second thought, it's probably not going to be spooky or scary. Maybe more of a Goosebumps vibe. I guess you'll have to continue reading to find out.)

Fog slowly wafts from the dark woods surrounding the large, dimly lit home. A single bare bulb glows from a chain in the ceiling as a man sits typing intently when a large crack jolts him to attention…

Halloween was not a holiday that we celebrated growing up in the Netherlands, but as a parent of three emerging adults and after several decades living in the United States I have grown to embrace the revelry that is on full display every October 31st (or at least the mini candy bars). 

With my kids past the trick-or-treating stage and my neighborhood on the less-visited end of the spectrum, the candy level in the house this All Hallows Eve is comically low. This led me down a rabbit (candy) hole to determine how the house should be stocked. 

My non-exhaustive search has produced more questions than answers. According to a 2024 study, Maryland joins Utah as one of only two states in which candy corn is the most popular treat. I'm not certain what candy corn is, but I have been assured by a trusted colleague that it is definitely not corn and can barely be classified as candy. On a brighter note (and one that I can support), Hershey's mini bars and kisses round out the Free State's top three. 

Leave me a comment here about your favorite Halloween candy and I'll list the top three submissions next week. 

CAHSS Dean Search Deadline Quickly Approaching

The preferred submission deadline for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences dean search is quickly approaching. If you have a nomination or intend to apply, please do so by November 7. More information about the position and the process can be found here. 

Call for Faculty Proposals: IDEA Initiative & CAP Fellowship

I announced last week the IDEA Initiative & CAP Fellowship as part of my goal to foster innovative and interdisciplinary curricular efforts and provide faculty with the resources to create and innovate. Applications for the programs close November 20. 

Learn more and apply today!

Coffee with the Provost: Thursday, Nov. 6

Come join me for a cup of coffee or tea Thursday, Nov. 6, from 10-11 in the Fireside Lounge in The Commons (third floor near the Skylight Lounge). This come-and-go hour is a great opportunity to connect in a casual, non-programmed setting. I look forward to seeing many of you there and our conversation together.  

Fireside Lounge, The Commons

10-11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 6

First-generation Week On Tap

National First-generation Day, a day that is particularly close to my heart as I am the first member of my family to earn a college degree, is November 8. Leading up to next Saturday, there will be several events across campus celebrating our community's first-generation students. Discover how you can support and celebrate our first-gen Retrievers here.  

New Faculty/AOK Library Lunch and Learn a Success 

On Friday, September 26, the A.O.K. Library and Gallery hosted the inaugural Lunch and Learn for New Faculty in collaboration with the Office of the Provost, RCAC, DoIt, and the CNMS, CAHSS, and COEIT grant administrators. The event covered open access, special collections, reference services, research computing, teaching and learning technology, and more. The next event will be held in Spring 2026. For more information, contact Michelle Flinchbaugh.  

New Faculty Spotlights

Each week we feature the newest faculty members of our community.

Daniel G. Suarez-Forero, Assistant Professor, Physics

Areas of Research/Interest: Condensed matter

Fun Fact About Daniel: I love sports and music.

Chris L. Terry, Assistant Professor of Creative Writing, English

Areas of Research/Interest: Author of the novels Black Card and Zero Fade, and co-editor with James Spooner of the literary anthology Black Punk Now.

Fun Fact About Chris: By the time I turned 25, I'd played music in 10 countries.

Are you a new faculty member? Please take two minutes to fill out the form and submit your bio if you have not already done so.

New Staff Spotlights (Coming Soon)

Are you a staff member who joined UMBC in the last year? Email Aaron Burnett, director of provost communications, to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Provost's Perspective. 

Help Make this Newsletter Better

The goal each week of this message is to deepen our connection to UMBC, whether that is learning about an upcoming event, a divisional accomplishment, an innovative program, or an  update from the Office of the Provost. If you know of a program or event that should be highlighted, please share it here.

Change Your Clocks, Check Your Batteries

It's fall back weekend. Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour on Sunday. While I applaud promptness, being a full hour early can be overkill. I like to follow the American Red Cross's suggestion to use the biannual time change to also check my home's smoke detectors. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep this weekend.   

Until next week, 

Manfred van Dulmen

Happy Friday and welcome to the fifth installment of the provost newsletter and the first edition under its new banner: Provost's Perspective. 

The question now is how do we count our editions. There is a minor debate on whether this is Vol. 1, No. 1 or Vol. 1, No. 5. The ink-stained wretch that was pulled into the haven at 1000 Hilltop from the abyss that is American journalism has been vociferously protesting that the number does not reset with a change of title, while a slightly more civilized member of the provost A-team continues to make the logical point that the Provost's Perspective is a new entity and therefore begins anew at No. 1. I'm not sold on the validity of either argument so, for now, we'll call it Vol. 1, No. 1 / 5. 

So this is what we voted for?

Your feedback matters.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to lend your opinion as to the name of this publication. In a sweeping victory with more than half of the votes cast, I give you the winner: Provost's Perspective. In second place was UMBC Pulse, which now that I think about it may make for an interesting tagline. 

The goal each week of this message is to deepen our connection to UMBC, whether that is learning about an upcoming event, a divisional accomplishment, an innovative program, or an update from the Office of the Provost. If you know of a program or event that should be highlighted, please share it here.

Self care is a critical aspect of successfully navigating life. Last week, I encouraged you to take a pause before the push to the second half of the semester. The small steps taken today can have a large impact on tomorrow and the journey for the remainder of the semester.  

Many of you shared your favorite park or trail. Following your recommendations, I'm excited to explore Benjamin Banneker Historical Park, the Sawmill Branch Trail, and Patapsco Valley State Park, as well as countless other areas around the region. I look forward to seeing you out there. 

Call for Faculty Proposals: IDEA Initiative & CAP Fellowship

I am so excited to announce the IDEA Initiative & CAP Fellowship. These efforts are part of my goal to further foster innovative and interdisciplinary curricular efforts and make sure faculty have the resources to create and innovate. 

Ideate, Design, Execute & Assess (IDEA) Initiative

Submit proposals for new, credit-bearing interdisciplinary academic programs that address the evolving needs of students and the state of Maryland. Proposals from faculty teams should go beyond current offerings at UMBC or within USM. Awardees will receive course release or a summer stipend, along with university support for program design and proposal development.

Curriculum and Pedagogy (CAP) Fellowship

Propose the development or redesign of courses focused on emerging or in-demand workforce needs in Maryland. Faculty awardees will receive a stipend, optional funding for professional development related to course design or content, and access to course design support.

Help shape UMBC's future curriculum and impact Maryland's workforce readiness. The application period closes on November 20.

Learn more and apply today!

Inaugural Research Admin Shadow Day a Success

The Research Administrators Central and Departmental Collaboration Group partnered to create UMBC's inaugural Research Admin Shadowing Day on Wednesday. Shadowing Day was designed for networking, sharing ideas, and having in-person connections to help UMBC research administrators strengthen teams and collaboration. More than 30 research administrators participated across 10 sessions in three time-slots.

"It really was a great experience. I appreciated having the opportunity to sit and speak – really connect on a personal level – with some of the people I work with on a weekly, if not daily, basis," said Alisha Scrivens from the Office of Contract and Grant Accounting. 

Hosts across campus held sessions in the Office of Contract and Grant Accounting (OCGA), Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), Office of the Provost Shared Services Center (OPSSC), College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS), College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Research Admin Team (CAHSS-CARAT), and the Office of Earth and Space Research Administration (ESRA).

Director Gerrad Alex Taylor works with the cast of "Shakespeare in Harlem."

Don't Miss Shakespeare in Harlem 

UMBC Theatre presents Shakespeare in Harlem by Langston Hughes, adapted and directed by Gerrad Alex Taylor, a university-professional collaboration between UMBC Theatre and the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company.

A rare gem from Hughes, this collection of monologue poems revives the rhythms of jazz, the blues, and the pulse of the Harlem Renaissance — its love, struggles, and street-corner spirit. In Taylor's adaptation, Hughes' words come alive in a dynamic full-length play, blending poetry, music, and dance for an immersive journey into the world he so vividly celebrated.

Performances at UMBC's Proscenium Theatre

Thursday, October 30, 7:30 p.m. — Opening Night Reception

Friday, October 31, 7:30 p.m. — Free Performance for UMBC students

Saturday, November 1, 7:30 p.m. — Alumni Night

Friday, November 7, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 8, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, November 9, 2 p.m. — Free Performance for UMBC Students; Prospective Student Day; Actor Talk-Back

Mark Your Calendar: Research in Germany Information Event

Wednesday, Oct. 29, noon to 1 p.m.

Fine Arts Building, Room 459 

Mark your calendar and learn about research and funding opportunities through the German Academic Exchange Program (DAAD), the Humboldt Foundation, and the German Research Institute (DFG). Officers from these organizations will present programs and will be available for questions and follow-up conversations, along with some past fellows from within the UMBC faculty. This event is particularly relevant for faculty interested in research funding and those mentoring junior faculty and graduate students. 

Click here to learn more.

New Travel Solution On Tap

UMBC is about to roll out a new travel solution, SAP Concur, replacing the current Travel System. SAP Concur should provide easier travel booking and expense reporting. The program has broad applicability to all faculty and staff, as well as exciting new features for the campus. Learn about training sessions here.  

Give it a Listen

As we trudge ever closer to Halloween, I encourage you to take a minute (more precisely 3:19) and give this a listen. The AOK Library and Gallery special collection got a shout-out from WYPR. 

"The University of Maryland Baltimore County has a big secret.

Many already know that deep in the Albin Kuhn Library there are spooky artifacts. But there's more than just the haunted mongoose named Gef and the collection of objects supposedly bent by someone's mind.

The parapsychology collection at the school also holds audio of certain spooky instances like seances from beyond the grave and interviews with people who have experienced supernatural occurrences.

UMBC holds some seriously spooky tapes of these occurrences."

Listen to the audio and learn more here.

New Faculty Spotlights

Each week we feature the newest members of our community.

Gregory Winger, Associate Professor, Political Science, affiliated with the UMBC Cybersecurity Institute 

Areas of Research/Interest: International Security, Cybersecurity, Emerging Technology, and Alliances

Fun Fact About Gregory: I went undergraduate at UMBC.

Anderson Frailey, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, affiliated with the UMBC Cybersecurity Institute

Areas of Research/Interest: Economics of privacy, cybercrime, applied microeconomics

Fun Fact About Anderson: I've run a couple of marathons and was the DJ for the University of Texas ice hockey team in college.

Are you a new faculty member? Please take two minutes to fill out the form and submit your bio if you have not already done so.

Help Make this Newsletter Better

Do you have a great idea? Are you organizing an event everyone should know about? Let us know here. 

If you have read this far, well done and congratulations. 

Until next week, 

Manfred van Dulmen

The Graduate School is searching for a tenured faculty member to fill the open Associate Dean for Graduate Education position, ideally to begin in January 2026. This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal on an annual basis. Nominations and self-nominations are welcomed. 

Potential candidates must possess:

• at least five years of experience as a graduate faculty member to include some leadership experience at the department and/or institutional level (e.g., as a graduate program director, department chair, etc.) 

• a significant record of scholarship, teaching, and supervision of masters and/or doctoral students

• a demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and student success

• level of service experience appropriate for a tenured associate or full professor 

Please submit nominations and self-nominations to Lauren Cummings (laurenc6@umbc.edu), no later than Friday, November 14 by 5 p.m. Nominations and self-nominations should include a 1-2-page statement and the prospective candidate's current C.V. Finalists will be interviewed immediately, with the goal of announcing an appointment by the end of the semester. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Vice Provost and Dean for Graduate Education and a member of the Dean's Leadership Team, the Associate Dean will have a recognized record of excellence and experience that will result in strong leadership. The Associate Dean is responsible for providing high quality, intentional support services to graduate students. The Associate Dean coordinates the team's efforts to provide support related to planning, resource coordination, and advocacy of graduate student issues and the assessment and reporting thereof, in partnership with other Graduate School staff, Divisions, and in alignment with UMBC's institutional priorities.

Duties and essential functions may include, but not be limited to the following:  

• Lead efforts to develop new and enhance current policies and procedures consistent with the University's mission and values. 

• Communicate with graduate faculty and administrators regarding issues of graduate program management, administrative processes, and federal and state/USM compliance and regulations. 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for graduate student concerns and facilitate appropriate support including referrals, reporting, and triaging.  

• Serve as deputy dean to represent The Graduate School in absence of the Dean. 

• Provide support for the day-to-day operations of The Graduate School. 

• Serve on University committees; lead/represent The Graduate School and Dean on appropriate University bodies, councils, etc.