While the Spring 2026 semester has not yet begun, we hope you're enjoying a restful break. Student Disability Services (SDS) is here to support you and share a few important reminders to help you prepare before classes resume.
If you have not already done so, please submit your Semester Accommodation Request as soon as possible.
A Semester Accommodation Request must be completed each semester you are enrolled and seeking accommodations.
How to submit your request:
Log into Accommodate using the Student Accommodate Login
Complete and submit your Semester Accommodation Request
Submitting this request:
Notifies SDS to send official accommodation letters to your faculty
Allows you to select which accommodations you plan to use
Designates the specific courses where accommodations are needed
Please note:
Accommodations are not retroactive. They begin only after the accommodation letter is sent to your instructor. Submitting your request at the beginning of the semester is essential for timely implementation, course access, and your overall success.
Accommodation letters may be sent at any time during the academic year and can be revised or amended if needed; however, accommodations are implemented only once the letter is officially sent from SDS to your faculty member.
If your status changes at any point, such as:
A new or worsening medical condition
A new diagnosis or hospitalization
Transitioning from undergraduate to graduate study
Participation in fieldwork, internships, or study abroad
Please notify an SDS staff member promptly so we can best support you and determine whether accommodation updates are needed.
Students approved for testing accommodations may schedule quizzes and exams at any time during the semester.
SDS requires 96 hours' advance notice to ensure space availability and test coordination
We strongly encourage you to schedule all quizzes and exams as soon as dates are known (many are listed in your course syllabus)
For more details, please visit the Testing Accommodations page.
If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to help. Wishing you a smooth and successful Spring 2026 semester!
]]>Dear Campus Community,
Effective January 1, 2026, the mileage reimbursement rate for authorized business use of Privately Owned Vehicles (POV) has increased to $0.725 per mile.
Please note the following details regarding this update:
Effective Date: The new rate applies to all mileage incurred on or after January 1, 2026.
Updated Resources: Relevant travel resources and documentation have been updated on our website. Additionally, the mileage calculator integrated within SAP Concur now reflects the 2026 rate for all expense reports.
Official Communication: Please follow this link for VIII 11.10 Schedule of Reimbursement Rates (Effective January 1, 2026) for official communication.
Did You Know? The standard mileage rate is a comprehensive figure determined annually by the IRS based on a study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The $0.725 per mile rate is designed to cover:
Operating Costs: Gas, oil, tires, maintenance, and repairs.
Fixed Costs: Insurance, registration fees, and vehicle depreciation.
Because these costs are already included in the per-mile rate, they are not eligible for separate reimbursement. However, related travel expenses like parking and tolls may still be claimed separately.
For any questions, please visit the Travel Services website or contact the team for assistance
]]>This event will feature a keynote presentation from Jessica Gulick, CEO and Founder of Katzcy and Commissioner of the U.S. Cyber Team. Jessica will discuss how the U.S. Cyber Games is advancing cybersecurity awareness, skills development, and cyber career preparation on a global scale. The keynote will also spotlight opportunities for Maryland-based individuals and organizations to engage with and support the initiatives of the U.S. Cyber Team.
In addition, our expert panel on building a robust cybersecurity workforce will discuss topics such as the critical skills and competencies needed to succeed in today's cybersecurity landscape, the accessibility of cybersecurity education, and what workforce challenges critical infrastructure owners and operators may face in the future. This panel will be followed by a networking lunch, generously provided by the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation on behalf of Montgomery County.
Registration closes tomorrow, January 7.
Repost from the USM Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation:
Dear Colleagues,
The USM Digital Accessibility Spring Cleaning is almost here! Join us Thursday, January 8, and Friday, January 9, to make your digital content accessible.
Let's take some time to assess and remediate your course materials and workplace documents. Whether you're a faculty member preparing courses or a staff member managing shared resources, Spring Cleaning offers the perfect opportunity to ensure your digital content is accessible to everyone.
10:00-10:45 AM ET: Let's Get Cleaning! (Welcome & Overview) | Register
11:00 AM-12:00 PM ET: Digital Accessibility 101 | Register
11:00 AM-2:00 PM ET: Drop-In Zoom Office Hours (no registration required) | Join Here
3:00-4:00 PM ET: Digital Accessibility in STEM: Practical Fixes for Spring | Register
3:00-4:00 PM ET: Digital Accessibility in Arts & Music: Practical Fixes for Spring | Register
4:15-5:00 PM ET: Rethinking PDFs: The Accessibility Shortcut You Need | Register
9:00-10:00 AM ET: Accessibility Audit & Action Planning | Register
10:30-11:30 AM ET: Document Remediation Lab | Register
12:00-1:30 PM ET: Sparkle On: Celebrating Our Wins & Next Steps | Register
1:30-3:30 PM ET: Drop-In Zoom Office Hours (no registration required) | Join Here
Plus: Campus-specific virtual and in-person workshops—View the complete schedule with campus events.
Access our self-paced Spring Cleaning guide with step-by-step resources for remediating your content on your own timeline.
This event isn't just for course materials! Whether you're in an academic department, student affairs, admin and finance, a student organization, or another part of campus, you can apply accessibility principles to presentations, shared drives, templates, reports, and any other digital materials you create or share.
Let's work together to create a more accessible university system—one document, one slide, one course at a time.
Questions? Contact cai@usmd.edu
USM Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation (KCAI) | USM Council for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning (CATL) | USM Digital Accessibility Work Group (DAWG)
We look forward to engaging with you at Spring Cleaning!