Upcoming PeopleSoft Campus Solutions Downtime


In order to facilitate a PeopleSoft Campus Solutions upgrade, Campus Solutions will be unavailable from Friday, June 6, 2025 (no earlier than 5:00 PM) through Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM. During this period, you will not be able to access information or perform transactions in the system. We will strive to minimize downtime and will notify the campus community if the upgrade is completed ahead of schedule. Please note that other functions and applications in myUMBC will remain unaffected.
]]> In order to facilitate a PeopleSoft Campus Solutions upgrade, Campus Solutions will be unavailable from Friday, June 6, 2025 (no earlier than 5:00 PM) through Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM.... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150539/guest@my.umbc.edu/67c01f4837f8ba0a14f5574fb005e8ee/api/pixel PeopleSoft Student Administration Announcements https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/ps-sa-announcements https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/747/277fccf103d0a7fc923821d8660e7def/xsmall.png?1575476426 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/747/277fccf103d0a7fc923821d8660e7def/original.png?1575476426 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/747/277fccf103d0a7fc923821d8660e7def/xxlarge.png?1575476426 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/747/277fccf103d0a7fc923821d8660e7def/xlarge.png?1575476426 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/747/277fccf103d0a7fc923821d8660e7def/large.png?1575476426 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/747/277fccf103d0a7fc923821d8660e7def/medium.png?1575476426 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/747/277fccf103d0a7fc923821d8660e7def/small.png?1575476426 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/747/277fccf103d0a7fc923821d8660e7def/xsmall.png?1575476426 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/747/277fccf103d0a7fc923821d8660e7def/xxsmall.png?1575476426 PeopleSoft Student Administration Announcements 0 0 true Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:09:22 -0400 Career Center and Director Christine Routzahn in The Hechinger Report and The Nation

Career Center Director Christine Routzahn was interviewed for the article, “So much for saving the planet. Climate careers, and many others, evaporate for class of 2025” in the Hechinger Report. The article, which was also published in The Nation, examines how recent federal policy changes are disrupting career paths for new graduates hoping to work in climate and sustainability, international aid, public service, and the sciences. 

Routzahn shared that “surveys over the last few years consistently show that six months after graduation, half of employed students landed jobs at the organizations where they had interned.” Writer Lawrence Lanahan attended the spring 2025 Career Center Industry Fair and noted that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission was scheduled to attend but didn’t make it.

UMBC offers services and opportunities that displaced federal workers can access for support. In addition, the UMBC Alumni Engagement and Career Center offices offer several resources specifically for alumni and the UMBC community. More information is available for displaced federal workers and beyond on UMBC’s Information and Resources Related to 2025 Federal Orders and Actions website.


 ]]> Career Center Director Christine Routzahn was interviewed for the article, “So much for saving the planet. Climate careers, and many others, evaporate for class of 2025” in the Hechinger Report.... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150537/guest@my.umbc.edu/fec6a9527212ebf77e8d49ed818fd891/api/pixel web-stories Vice President for Student Affairs https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/vpsa https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/819/111d10c784b62405e0ce2f721ccc1acc/xsmall.png?1597341080 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/819/111d10c784b62405e0ce2f721ccc1acc/original.png?1597341080 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/819/111d10c784b62405e0ce2f721ccc1acc/xxlarge.png?1597341080 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/819/111d10c784b62405e0ce2f721ccc1acc/xlarge.png?1597341080 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/819/111d10c784b62405e0ce2f721ccc1acc/large.png?1597341080 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/819/111d10c784b62405e0ce2f721ccc1acc/medium.png?1597341080 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/819/111d10c784b62405e0ce2f721ccc1acc/small.png?1597341080 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/819/111d10c784b62405e0ce2f721ccc1acc/xsmall.png?1597341080 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/819/111d10c784b62405e0ce2f721ccc1acc/xxsmall.png?1597341080 Vice President for Student Affairs 3 0 true Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:01:14 -0400 Recent Updates to Immigration and Visa Policies
Dear Campus Community,

I am writing to update you regarding recent changes to federal immigration and visa policies.

Please remember that each individual’s circumstances are different, and this communication is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. If you have specific questions and hold F, H, or J immigration status, please contact the Center for Global Engagement. If you have specific questions and hold another immigration status, please consult with a private immigration attorney.

1.  State Department pause on new student and exchange visitor visa interviews

On May 27, 2025, Politico reported that the U.S. Department of State directed U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to immediately pause adding additional student and exchange visitor visa (F, J, and M categories) interview appointments.

It is not known how long this pause will last. However, a State Department press briefing transcript quoted the department’s spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, as saying the interruption would be “rather quick” and not a matter of weeks or months. The spokesperson also recommended that visa applicants continue to regularly check online for open appointment slots.

Guidance:
  • Individuals who already have a visa appointment date confirmed should proceed with their scheduled interview.
  • Individuals who do not yet have a visa appointment date confirmed should continue to check online for available appointment slots at their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If an appointment slot is available, then it should be booked immediately.
  • If it seems a student or scholar will be unable to secure an appointment in time to begin their program at UMBC, then they or their hosting department should contact the Center for Global Engagement.

2. Enhanced screening and vetting of visa applicants’ social media activities

Related to the pause on new student and exchange visitor visa interviews, the State Department is expanding social media screening and vetting.

Guidance:
  • All visa applicants should be prepared for additional questions and delays related to the enhanced screening and vetting of social media accounts.
  • Individuals issued a visa must understand that additional searches of social media and electronic devices may occur upon arriving at a U.S. port of entry.
  • Review the Campus Message on International Travel for additional information on new, enhanced vetting procedures, including social media screening and searches of electronic devices.

3. Secretary Rubio announces plan to revoke visas of certain Chinese students

On May 28, 2025, Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced: “the U.S. State Department will work with the Department of Homeland Security to aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields. We will also revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong.”

At this time, it is still not clear when or how these visa revocations will occur. Moreover, Secretary Rubio did not specify which fields are deemed critical.

During the spring 2025 semester, a total of 53 Chinese students enrolled at UMBC. Chinese students and scholars are valued members of our campus community and contribute to our academic endeavors and the cultural vitality of our campus.
 
The Center for Global Engagement will continue to monitor State Department communications for any updates on this initiative. Additionally, we will continue to review SEVIS records for unusual terminations that may relate to visa revocations and notify impacted students immediately.

Guidance:
  • Chinese students and scholars should consult with the Center for Global Engagement before planning travel outside of the United States.
  • Any student or scholar who receives a notice from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Department of State announcing revocation of their visa or SEVIS record should immediately notify the Center for Global Engagement.
  • Individuals concerned about how visa revocations may impact their ability to study in the United States are encouraged to review a recent resource published by the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, which explains the significance of visa revocations and SEVIS terminations. As they note, “visa revocation does not automatically terminate a student’s nonimmigrant status if the student is already present in the United States at the time of revocation. It also does not constitute an order of removal or a requirement to immediately depart.” However, once a student’s visa has been revoked, the student will no longer be able to reenter the United States on the revoked visa.

4. New institutional reporting requirements mandated for exchange visitor program

Institutions approved to sponsor a J-1 exchange visitor program have always been required to report certain incidents involving J-1/J-2 exchange visitors to the Department of State. Such incidents include those that “have or could endanger the health, safety, or welfare of an exchange visitor or otherwise could be expected to bring the Department of State, the Exchange Visitor Program, or the sponsor's exchange visitor program into notoriety or disrepute.”

Examples include serious illness, natural disasters, lost immigration documents, etc. When the Center for Global Engagement becomes aware of a “reportable incident,” we must report it within one business day.

The Department of State recently added three additional categories of incidents that must be reported:

  • Proscribed Antisemitic Actions: (e.g., physical actions directed towards Jewish individuals and/or their property, community institutions, or religious facilities that violates the law or university rules)
  • Serious Violations of University Conduct Rules: (e.g., participation in a building occupation, participation in an unauthorized encampment, disrupting classes, intimidation, harassment, assault)
  • Terrorist Activity, Endorsing or Espousing Terrorism: (e.g., engaging in terrorist activity, membership in a terrorist organization, endorsing or espousing terrorist activity)
These incident reporting requirements only apply to the J Exchange Visitor Program. UMBC exchange visitors are students and scholars whose forms DS-2019 are issued by the university. These expanded categories and reporting requirements do not apply to UMBC international community members in other immigration statuses, such as F-1 and H-1B.

5. USCIS requests biometrics for certain international employees

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently began issuing Requests for Evidence (RFE) for certain employment-based immigration petitions, including H-1B specialty worker visas for international faculty and staff, when the agency has “adverse information” regarding the beneficiary. These RFEs do not disclose the details of such information, but require the beneficiary to submit biometric data.

Guidance:
  • International employees should be aware that certain social media activity and legal records, including minor traffic violations, may be considered “adverse information” and result in a request for biometric information. Individuals who fail to respond to an RFE by the stated deadline risk having their petition denied by USCIS.

6. Scams targeting international students

Recently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a public service announcement warning that scammers are contacting international students claiming there is a problem with their immigration status and demanding a fee to resolve the issue. The announcement provides several tips included in the guidance below.

Guidance:
  • Beware of unsolicited communication from someone purporting to be from the government, especially by phone. Verify you are speaking with a government official by hanging up and contacting the office through a third-party obtained number (e.g., web search for legitimate contact information), then asking for the agent or department with whom you were speaking.
  • Verify that the website visited is a secure or encrypted site, as government websites are.
  • Repeating top-level domains in a URL is a common scam to make a website appear legitimate (e.g. "gov.org" in a URL is a spoof of the .gov top-level domain).
  • Do not provide information on the phone until you verify the identity of the caller.
  • If you believe you are the target of a government impersonation scam targeting international students, gather all relevant documentation and contact diplomatic security at your home country's embassy, the FBI, or Bureau of Diplomatic Security at the Department of State.
  • Do not give anyone a two-factor authentication code used to log-in to an account or device.
  • Do not download files to your phone or computer unless you have verified the source.
Additional information and resources related to immigration and other federal policy updates are available on UMBC’s Federal Orders and Actions Page.

Sincerely,

David L. Di Maria
Vice Provost for Global Engagement

]]> Dear Campus Community, I am writing to update you regarding recent changes to federal immigration and visa policies. Please remember that each individual’s circumstances are different, and... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150536/guest@my.umbc.edu/f5decdd14a81d8eecf07988f715fd424/api/pixel federal-orders Announcements - Campus https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/original.png?1691177756 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xlarge.png?1691177756 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/large.png?1691177756 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/medium.png?1691177756 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/small.png?1691177756 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xsmall.png?1691177756 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/082/f861304a6d022c22e70244ebc8f87f49/xxsmall.png?1691177756 Announcements - Campus 14 0 false Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:57:49 -0400 Wed, 11 Jun 2025 08:29:56 -0400 Recent Updates to Immigration and Visa Policies
Dear Campus Community,
I am writing to update you regarding recent changes to federal immigration and visa policies.
Please remember that each individual’s circumstances are different, and this communication is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. If you have specific questions and hold F, H, or J immigration status, please contact the Center for Global Engagement. If you have specific questions and hold another immigration status, please consult with a private immigration attorney.
1.  State Department pause on new student and exchange visitor visa interviews
On May 27, 2025, Politico reported that the U.S. Department of State directed U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to immediately pause adding additional student and exchange visitor visa (F, J, and M categories) interview appointments.
It is not known how long this pause will last. However, a State Department press briefing transcript quoted the department’s spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, as saying the interruption would be “rather quick” and not a matter of weeks or months. The spokesperson also recommended that visa applicants continue to regularly check online for open appointment slots.
Guidance:
  • Individuals who already have a visa appointment date confirmed should proceed with their scheduled interview.
  • Individuals who do not yet have a visa appointment date confirmed should continue to check online for available appointment slots at their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If an appointment slot is available, then it should be booked immediately.
  • If it seems a student or scholar will be unable to secure an appointment in time to begin their program at UMBC, then they or their hosting department should contact the Center for Global Engagement.
2. Enhanced screening and vetting of visa applicants’ social media activities
Related to the pause on new student and exchange visitor visa interviews, the State Department is expanding social media screening and vetting.
Guidance:
  • All visa applicants should be prepared for additional questions and delays related to the enhanced screening and vetting of social media accounts.
  • Individuals issued a visa must understand that additional searches of social media and electronic devices may occur upon arriving at a U.S. port of entry.
  • Review the Campus Message on International Travel for additional information on new, enhanced vetting procedures, including social media screening and searches of electronic devices.
3. Secretary Rubio announces plan to revoke visas of certain Chinese students
On May 28, 2025, Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced: “the U.S. State Department will work with the Department of Homeland Security to aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields. We will also revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong.”
At this time, it is still not clear when or how these visa revocations will occur. Moreover, Secretary Rubio did not specify which fields are deemed critical.
During the spring 2025 semester, a total of 53 Chinese students enrolled at UMBC. Chinese students and scholars are valued members of our campus community and contribute to our academic endeavors and the cultural vitality of our campus.
 
The Center for Global Engagement will continue to monitor State Department communications for any updates on this initiative. Additionally, we will continue to review SEVIS records for unusual terminations that may relate to visa revocations and notify impacted students immediately.
Guidance:
  • Chinese students and scholars should consult with the Center for Global Engagement before planning travel outside of the United States.
  • Any student or scholar who receives a notice from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Department of State announcing revocation of their visa or SEVIS record should immediately notify the Center for Global Engagement.
  • Individuals concerned about how visa revocations may impact their ability to study in the United States are encouraged to review a recent resource published by the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, which explains the significance of visa revocations and SEVIS terminations. As they note, “visa revocation does not automatically terminate a student’s nonimmigrant status if the student is already present in the United States at the time of revocation. It also does not constitute an order of removal or a requirement to immediately depart.” However, once a student’s visa has been revoked, the student will no longer be able to reenter the United States on the revoked visa.

4. New institutional reporting requirements mandated for exchange visitor program

Institutions approved to sponsor a J-1 exchange visitor program have always been required to report certain incidents involving J-1/J-2 exchange visitors to the Department of State. Such incidents include those that “have or could endanger the health, safety, or welfare of an exchange visitor or otherwise could be expected to bring the Department of State, the Exchange Visitor Program, or the sponsor’s exchange visitor program into notoriety or disrepute.”

Examples include serious illness, natural disasters, lost immigration documents, etc. When the Center for Global Engagement becomes aware of a “reportable incident,” we must report it within one business day.

The Department of State recently added three additional categories of incidents that must be reported:

  • Proscribed Antisemitic Actions: (e.g., physical actions directed towards Jewish individuals and/or their property, community institutions, or religious facilities that violates the law or university rules)
  • Serious Violations of University Conduct Rules: (e.g., participation in a building occupation, participation in an unauthorized encampment, disrupting classes, intimidation, harassment, assault)
  • Terrorist Activity, Endorsing or Espousing Terrorism: (e.g., engaging in terrorist activity, membership in a terrorist organization, endorsing or espousing terrorist activity)
These incident reporting requirements only apply to the J Exchange Visitor Program. UMBC exchange visitors are students and scholars whose forms DS-2019 are issued by the university. These expanded categories and reporting requirements do not apply to UMBC international community members in other immigration statuses, such as F-1 and H-1B.
5. USCIS requests biometrics for certain international employees
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently began issuing Requests for Evidence (RFE) for certain employment-based immigration petitions, including H-1B specialty worker visas for international faculty and staff, when the agency has “adverse information” regarding the beneficiary. These RFEs do not disclose the details of such information, but require the beneficiary to submit biometric data.
Guidance:
  • International employees should be aware that certain social media activity and legal records, including minor traffic violations, may be considered “adverse information” and result in a request for biometric information. Individuals who fail to respond to an RFE by the stated deadline risk having their petition denied by USCIS.
6. Scams targeting international students
Recently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a public service announcement warning that scammers are contacting international students claiming there is a problem with their immigration status and demanding a fee to resolve the issue. The announcement provides several tips included in the guidance below.
Guidance:
  • Beware of unsolicited communication from someone purporting to be from the government, especially by phone. Verify you are speaking with a government official by hanging up and contacting the office through a third-party obtained number (e.g., web search for legitimate contact information), then asking for the agent or department with whom you were speaking.
  • Verify that the website visited is a secure or encrypted site, as government websites are.
  • Repeating top-level domains in a URL is a common scam to make a website appear legitimate (e.g. “gov.org” in a URL is a spoof of the .gov top-level domain).
  • Do not provide information on the phone until you verify the identity of the caller.
  • If you believe you are the target of a government impersonation scam targeting international students, gather all relevant documentation and contact diplomatic security at your home country’s embassy, the FBI, or Bureau of Diplomatic Security at the Department of State.
  • Do not give anyone a two-factor authentication code used to log-in to an account or device.
  • Do not download files to your phone or computer unless you have verified the source.
Additional information and resources related to immigration and other federal policy updates are available on UMBC’s Federal Orders and Actions Page.
Sincerely,
David L. Di Maria
Vice Provost for Global Engagement
]]> Dear Campus Community, I am writing to update you regarding recent changes to federal immigration and visa policies. Please remember that each individual’s circumstances are different, and... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements/posts/150536 https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150614/guest@my.umbc.edu/489ccb52711f6247667076b21867506d/api/pixel federal-orders rss story UMBC News & Magazine https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/umbc-news-magazine https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/943/24435aa6207c452e7bc15cc74b42c7bb/xsmall.png?1748556657 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/943/24435aa6207c452e7bc15cc74b42c7bb/original.png?1748556657 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/943/24435aa6207c452e7bc15cc74b42c7bb/xxlarge.png?1748556657 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/943/24435aa6207c452e7bc15cc74b42c7bb/xlarge.png?1748556657 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/943/24435aa6207c452e7bc15cc74b42c7bb/large.png?1748556657 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/943/24435aa6207c452e7bc15cc74b42c7bb/medium.png?1748556657 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/943/24435aa6207c452e7bc15cc74b42c7bb/small.png?1748556657 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/943/24435aa6207c452e7bc15cc74b42c7bb/xsmall.png?1748556657 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/943/24435aa6207c452e7bc15cc74b42c7bb/xxsmall.png?1748556657 UMBC News & Magazine 0 0 false Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:57:49 -0400 NEW: Advocacy Services for Survivors and Respondents Providing comprehensive support and services

DOIE Expands Confidential Advocacy Services to Support Students Affected by Gender-Based Harm

The Division of Institutional Equity is proud to announce the expansion of its services with a new Advocacy Program, co-located with the Women's, Gender, & Equity Center (WGEC). This initiative underscores UMBC's commitment to fostering a safe and equitable campus environment for all students.

Comprehensive Support for Survivors

The Survivor Advocacy program offers individualized, trauma-informed support for students who have experienced gender-based harm, including relationship violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking. Whether the incident occurred recently or prior to attending UMBC, survivors can access services ranging from one-time consultations to ongoing support.

Introducing Respondent Advocacy

In alignment with UMBC's dedication to due process and educational equity, the newly established Respondent Advocacy program provides compassionate, non-punitive support for students navigating the Title IX process as respondents. This program emphasizes education, emotional support, and personal growth, encouraging students to engage in self-reflection and align with community values.

Confidential and Accessible Services

All Advocacy Services are confidential, ensuring that information shared by students is not disclosed to the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (ECR) or Title IX officials without explicit consent. This confidentiality fosters a safe space for students to seek assistance without fear of mandatory reporting.

Meet Our Advocates

Contact Information & Website

Students seeking support can schedule an appointment by emailing advocacy@umbc.edu. Visit us at https://advocacy.umbc.edu/

About the Women's, Gender, & Equity Center

The WGEC advances gender equity from an intersectional feminist perspective through co-curricular programming, support services, and advocacy for marginalized individuals and communities. The center is located on the ground floor of The Commons, Suite 004.


[The services provided are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.]

]]> DOIE Expands Confidential Advocacy Services to Support Students Affected by Gender-Based Harm The Division of Institutional Equity is proud to announce the expansion of its services with a new... https://advocacy.umbc.edu/ https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150530/guest@my.umbc.edu/883c96ffdbac8ad15f5d4a764a903043/api/pixel advocacy equity gender respondent survivor women Division of Institutional Equity https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/doie https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/167/e4d604880e31c7550506dc0b58403b37/xsmall.png?1755183291 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/167/e4d604880e31c7550506dc0b58403b37/original.png?1755183291 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/167/e4d604880e31c7550506dc0b58403b37/xxlarge.png?1755183291 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/167/e4d604880e31c7550506dc0b58403b37/xlarge.png?1755183291 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/167/e4d604880e31c7550506dc0b58403b37/large.png?1755183291 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/167/e4d604880e31c7550506dc0b58403b37/medium.png?1755183291 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/167/e4d604880e31c7550506dc0b58403b37/small.png?1755183291 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/167/e4d604880e31c7550506dc0b58403b37/xsmall.png?1755183291 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/167/e4d604880e31c7550506dc0b58403b37/xxsmall.png?1755183291 Division of Institutional Equity 13 0 false Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:54:07 -0400 Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:11:16 -0400 Closed tomorrow The Women's, Gender, & Equity Center will be closed tomorrow (June 4th).

We will reopen on Thursday, June 5th.
]]> The Women's, Gender, & Equity Center will be closed tomorrow (June 4th). We will reopen on Thursday, June 5th. https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150535/guest@my.umbc.edu/2c0af501a15f54d3d1737f800aae0316/api/pixel Women's, Gender, & Equity Center https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/womenscenter https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/xsmall.png?1750974263 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/original.png?1750974263 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/xxlarge.png?1750974263 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/xlarge.png?1750974263 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/large.png?1750974263 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/medium.png?1750974263 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/small.png?1750974263 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/xsmall.png?1750974263 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/xxsmall.png?1750974263 Women's Center 0 0 true Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:57:21 -0400 Explore Jumbled Sentences and Gradebook Tools in Ultra’s June Release Track unread discussions & student activity The June 2025 update to Blackboard Ultra brings a fresh set of enhancements designed to support instructional efficiency, student engagement, and accessible course design. From new question types and grading tools to better visibility into student activity, these updates reflect Ultra’s continued commitment to teaching and learning. 

Jumbled Sentence Question Type
Ultra now supports jumbled sentence questions for tests and quizzes, allowing instructors to assess syntax, sequencing, and conceptual structure in a dynamic, interactive way. Distractors can be added to increase challenge, and variables can include letters, numbers, and special characters. Answer options are randomized to ensure fairness, and instructors can optionally use AI assistance to generate question formats.
Image 1: Instructor creates a jumbled sentence question type.
Image 1: Instructor creates a jumbled sentence question type.

Bulk Category Changes in the Gradebook
Instructors can now bulk update the category associations for gradebook columns via the Item Management page. This streamlines gradebook setup and maintenance, especially in large courses.
Image 2: Instructor is bulk changing the category for multiple selected gradebook items.
Image 2: Instructor is bulk changing the category for multiple selected gradebook items. 

Additional updates include:
  • A new unread post indicator appears at the top of the Ultra course on the Discussions tab to show how many posts are unread.
  • The Student Activity Log now features a Content Access Filter, making it easier to identify whether and when students accessed specific materials, third-party tools, and LTIs that were previously difficult to track.
  • Ultra Documents now support resizable divider blocks, which can span up to four columns. These visual elements improve the structure of course content and help chunk information into digestible sections.
  • Blackboard improved the appearance and responsiveness of Knowledge Checks, making them more visually engaging and easier to interact with across different screen sizes.
  • The Gradebook supports smoother navigation using arrow keys and enhanced compatibility with screen readers.

When you can expect the update

Faculty should see the latest updates in their Ultra courses around June 5-6 2025. The next update to our Ultra test environment will take place on June 10, 2025; release notes are posted to the What's New in Ultra that same week. Faculty who are interested in test driving new features before they are released to production should open an RT ticket to request early access. Please watch the FAQs, including the What's New with Ultra page, and myUMBC for additional information about Ultra.

Connect with Instructional Technology
As always, if you have any questions about teaching, learning, and technology at UMBC, please consider the following options:
Thumbnail-image: New to Ultra [decorative]
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This is a notification that the paycheck on Friday, June 6, 2025 will have no deductions for the following State of Maryland benefits, due to the normally scheduled State Health Benefits premium deduction holiday schedule for Regular employees:

 

This premium deduction holiday does not apply to University System of Maryland (USM) MetLife deductions for Long Term Disability (LTD) and/or Optional Term Life insurance coverages.

Employee contributions to their supplemental retirement accounts (SRA) are not impacted by the premium deduction holidays, so the SRA contributions will occur per usual on the June 6, 2026 paycheck.

Health Benefits deduction holidays for Regular State of Maryland employees typically occur twice a year. The next deduction holiday is anticipated to occur in Winter 2026.

Please send any questions to hrbenefits@umbc.edu. 


]]> This is a notification that the paycheck on Friday, June 6, 2025 will have no deductions for the following State of Maryland benefits, due to the normally scheduled State Health Benefits premium... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150534/guest@my.umbc.edu/af2b23246462725574e9704b6908f816/api/pixel benefits Department of Human Resources & Strategic Talent Management https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/hr https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/534/093fcb36a960fb0375d1705c87cdb84f/xsmall.png?1744142011 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/534/093fcb36a960fb0375d1705c87cdb84f/original.png?1744142011 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/534/093fcb36a960fb0375d1705c87cdb84f/xxlarge.png?1744142011 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/534/093fcb36a960fb0375d1705c87cdb84f/xlarge.png?1744142011 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/534/093fcb36a960fb0375d1705c87cdb84f/large.png?1744142011 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/534/093fcb36a960fb0375d1705c87cdb84f/medium.png?1744142011 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/534/093fcb36a960fb0375d1705c87cdb84f/small.png?1744142011 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/534/093fcb36a960fb0375d1705c87cdb84f/xsmall.png?1744142011 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/534/093fcb36a960fb0375d1705c87cdb84f/xxsmall.png?1744142011 Department of Human Resources 1 0 false Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:50:43 -0400 Day in the Life: Intern Spotlight Submission Show off your internship!

Calling All Interns!
Are you interning this summer and want to be featured on our chapter’s Instagram? We’re looking for students to share a “Day in the Life” video to showcase what internship life really looks like!

Whether you're working remotely or on-site, we’d love to highlight your experience. We'll be featuring summer interns, so submit your video early to secure a spot!

Please Note: If you plan to film in your workplace or include colleagues, you must get consent from your company and anyone featured in the video.

Deadline to submit: July 23rd, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Fill out the form below to get started!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AJ_wyio6Gmhu5O1-qFg_a7H7bYggRQaJfqKnBIQv1HM/edit?ts=683e4f24

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Passionate about Black graduate student success? Join the BGSO E-Board and lead the change!

This is a reminder that BGGO officer elections  E-Board positions for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open for the Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO) at UMB/UMBC! Thank you to those who have already submitted applications. The available positions include:

If you're a graduate student looking for leadership experience, meaningful connections, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact, we’d love to have you join us! Deadline is June 14th. 

  1. Link to BGSO E-Board Positions 
  2. Submit your application to run for a position by filling out the Application Form. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you,

BGSO E-Board

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