Dear UMBC Community,
One of the privileges of serving as president of UMBC is that the role gives me a view of the entirety of the institution and the chance to hear voices from all across it, through a regular cadence of engagement with shared governance groups on our campus.
My calendar was particularly full of such opportunities last week, as I participated in meetings of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, Exempt Staff Senate, and University Steering Committee (whose members represent every UMBC governance group), as well as an all-staff meeting hosted by the Exempt and Nonexempt Staff senates. These meetings and others connect me to all parts of the community and allow me to join you in the work of thinking through current issues and planning for a shared vision for the future.
Through the questions, feedback, and ideas I heard from so many of you, last week’s meetings reflected the richness of experiences and viewpoints across our institution and were a terrific reminder of the strength of shared governance at UMBC.
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby
All posts by: UMBC News Staff
Happy Monday: Our Extraordinary Graduate Students ↗
Dear UMBC Community,
Last week, I had the opportunity to spend time with the Graduate Student Association Executive Council and senators. I left the conversation energized and encouraged.
What struck me was the breadth of who was in the room—graduate students from every college and numerous disciplines, all engaged in a wide range of scholarly creative work. Despite their different fields, questions, and approaches, they share an inspiring commitment to something larger than themselves. Not only are they advancing their own research, but they are also serving their fellow graduate students, building community, and shaping an environment where everyone can thrive.
During the meeting, I was reminded of my own time as a graduate student, when I experienced the excitement of pursuing new questions, the responsibility of teaching and finding my voice in the classroom, and the privilege of mentoring undergraduate students along the way.
I am so grateful that at UMBC, teaching, research, and service are powerfully connected pursuits—a connection that our graduate students live out every day.
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby
Strategic Plan Engagement Opportunities for Our Campus Community ↗
Dear UMBC Community,
On behalf of the Strategic Plan Steering Committee, I write to remind you to share your ideas for strengthening UMBC’s strategic plan and pillars via this survey. The survey deadline has been extended from Tuesday, April 7, to Friday, April 17, to ensure as many responses as possible. You can choose which sections to complete based on your interests and experiences. Please note that each section takes approximately 10 – 15 minutes, and all responses are anonymous and confidential.
Our pillar subgroups have started posting engagement events in the myUMBC Strategic Planning group. The Transform Teaching and Learning pillar subgroup is inviting UMBC faculty to two events next week. On Tuesday, April 7, a Virtual Town Hall will be held at 4 p.m., which faculty can register for here. On Wednesday, April 8, an In-Person Town Hall for faculty will take place in Engineering 027 from noon to 1 p.m.
Finally, please visit the strategic planning website for current information, which includes a feedback form on the homepage.
Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts and feedback; your voice is essential to ensuring a strong UMBC Strategic Plan. We appreciate your support.
Regards,
Charissa S. L. Cheah
Professor, Psychology and Asian Studies Affiliate Faculty
Chair, Strategic Plan Steering Committee
Strategic Plan Engagement Opportunities for Our Campus Community ↗
Dear UMBC Community,
On behalf of the Strategic Plan Steering Committee, I write to remind you to share your ideas for strengthening UMBC’s strategic plan and pillars via this survey. The survey deadline has been extended from Tuesday, April 7, to Friday, April 17, to ensure as many responses as possible. You can choose which sections to complete based on your interests and experiences. Please note that each section takes approximately 10 – 15 minutes, and all responses are anonymous and confidential.
Our pillar subgroups have started posting engagement events in the myUMBC Strategic Planning group. The Transform Teaching and Learning pillar subgroup is inviting UMBC faculty to two events next week. On Tuesday, April 7, a Virtual Town Hall will be held at 4 p.m., which faculty can register for here. On Wednesday, April 8, an In-Person Town Hall for faculty will take place in Engineering 027 from noon to 1 p.m.
Finally, please visit the strategic planning website for current information, which includes a feedback form on the homepage.
Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts and feedback; your voice is essential to ensuring a strong UMBC Strategic Plan. We appreciate your support.
Regards,
Charissa S. L. Cheah
Professor, Psychology and Asian Studies Affiliate Faculty
Chair, Strategic Plan Steering Committee
Happy Monday: Celebrating the Baltimore Ravens College Track Center ↗
Dear UMBC Community,
Our commitment to serving our communities—and, specifically, to supporting the students of Baltimore City—took a beautiful step forward this month with the official opening of the Baltimore Ravens College Track Center. I was thrilled to attend and celebrate the new center and the brand-new cohort of nearly 70 talented high school students from Baltimore City, along with officials from College Track, the Baltimore Ravens, and M&T Bank—whose collaboration has made possible this expansion of College Track’s national network.
As College Track’s public higher education partner in this effort, UMBC holds a special place of honor at the center in West Baltimore through the UMBC Learning Lab. Our very own Mamady Diallo, a senior information systems major who is part of a College Track cohort from Prince George’s County, served as emcee of the entire event and impressed everyone with his poise and presence. It was a proud day for UMBC!
Following the launch event, we hosted a campus visit last week for members of the inaugural Baltimore City cohort, as well as admitted students from the Prince George’s center, providing them an opportunity to learn more about UMBC. We are thrilled to help support these students and looking forward to welcoming some of them back here as Retrievers!
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby
Federal Orders and Actions Core Team Update ↗
Dear UMBC Community,
We write to you today to share the following updates and reminders.
We distributed federal immigration enforcement cards across campus. The card and related FAQs are available on our Federal Orders and Actions website. The cards have been printed in English and Spanish and have been distributed to locations such as the Center for Global Engagement and the Mosaic Center.
The Office of General Counsel created a guide for supervisors and employees whose departments may be visited by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The purpose of these visits is to verify information in certain employment-based visa petitions, such as those supporting H-1B employees. The USCIS immigration officers may take photographs of the workspace, review documents, speak with the sponsored employee, and interview other personnel to confirm the employee’s work location, hours, duties, etc. It is important to note that these are fact-finding visits, not ICE enforcement operations. Please refer to the guide for instructions on what to do if your department is visited by a USCIS immigration officer.
David Di Maria, vice provost for global engagement, shared an email, “Responding to International Incidents,” on Friday, March 6. The email details how UMBC monitors and responds to international incidents and the resources provided to our community. We encourage you to review this email to be aware of how UMBC supports our community during these times.
Finally, here is an update on our Division of Research and Creative Achievement grants and budget for this year:
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As of February 12, 2026, nine previously canceled federal awards have been reinstated.
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Our total impact following the reinstatements remains a loss of approximately $14 million, which represents about 4 percent of UMBC’s annual federally funded research portfolio.
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Research expenditures totaled $151 million in FY24 and $185.8 million in FY25. We anticipate that FY26 (closing September 30, 2026) will not exceed FY25’s total but will remain consistent with FY24, the year with the second-highest level of research expenditures in UMBC’s history.
If you have any questions about this information, please reach out to a member of the Federal Orders and Actions Team.
Thank you.
Regards,
The UMBC Federal Orders and Actions Core Team
Valerie Sheares Ashby, President
Manfred H. M. van Dulmen, Provost and Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs
Tanyka M. Barber, Vice President, Institutional Equity and Chief Diversity Officer
Kacey Hammel, Chief of Staff to the President
Renique T. Kersh, Vice President, Student Affairs
Paul A. Meggett, Vice President and General Counsel
D. Paul Monteiro, Vice President, Government Relations and Community Affairs
Karl V. Steiner, Vice President, Research and Creative Achievement
Lisa K. Van Riper, Vice President, University Communications and Marketing
David L. Di Maria, Vice Provost, Global Engagement
Yvette Mozie-Ross ’88, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Planning
Ana Oskoz, Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs
Anupam Joshi named 2025 AAAS Fellow
Anupam Joshi, vice provost and chief AI officer for UMBC, has been named a 2025 Fellow for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). AAAS is one of the world’s largest general scientific societies and the publisher of the Science family of journals.
Joshi is among nearly 500 scientists, engineers, and innovators who have been elected 2025 fellows for their scientifically and socially distinguished achievements throughout their careers.
Joshi is a pioneer in data management and security for mobile and ad-hoc networks using AI approaches. His research interests are at the intersection of AI and systems. Over the last decade, Joshi has explored this intersection to improve cybersecurity—using distributed AI approaches for attack detection and resilience in CPS/IoT systems that undergird critical infrastructure and policy-driven approaches to security and privacy.
In addition to serving as vice provost and chief AI officer, Joshi is the Oros Family Professor and director of the UMBC Cybersecurity Institute. A prolific scholar, Joshi obtained a B.Tech degree from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi in 1989, and a master’s and Ph.D. from Purdue University in 1991 and 1993.
A tradition dating back to 1874, election as a AAAS Fellow is a lifetime honor, and all fellows are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity. Joshi is the ninth fellow to be elected from UMBC throughout its history. Phyllis Robinson was the most recent UMBC fellow elected in 2024.
“This year’s AAAS Fellows have demonstrated research excellence, made notable contributions to advance science, and delivered important services to their communities,” said Sudip S. Parikh, AAAS chief executive officer and executive publisher of the Science family of journals. “These fellows and their accomplishments validate the importance of investing in science and technology for the benefit of all.”
Important—Announcing the Strategic Plan Survey ↗
Dear UMBC Community,
On behalf of the Strategic Plan Steering Committee, I invite you to share your perspectives on UMBC’s strategic plan via this survey. The survey includes five sections, each aligned with one of the university’s strategic pillars. As a reminder, the pillars are:
- Cultivate organizational innovation and vitality
- Redefine excellence in research and creative achievement
- Strengthen Maryland and its communities
- Advance student opportunity and success
- Transform teaching and learning
You can choose which sections you would like to complete based on your interests and experiences. The survey is also designed to capture additional ideas you may have for strengthening these five focus areas. Please note that each section of the survey will take approximately 10 – 15 minutes to complete and all responses are anonymous and confidential.
We also invite you to visit the strategic planning website for current information, including a new feedback form now available on the home page.
Finally, as our pillar subgroups prepare to introduce their engagement activities, be sure to follow the myUMBC Strategic Planning group for information about scheduled engagement events. We will also continue to email the UMBC campus community about additional opportunities to engage in the planning process.
We hope that you will complete the survey by Tuesday, April 7. Your insights, ideas, and feedback are essential as we continue the planning process.
Thank you for your support.
Regards,
Charissa S. L. Cheah
Professor, Psychology and Asian Studies Affiliate Faculty
Chair, Strategic Plan Steering Committee
Happy Monday: A Thank-You Following MSCHE’s Site Visit ↗
Dear UMBC Community,
As we return from Spring Break, I want to thank the many members of our community who helped welcome the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) evaluation team earlier this month. It was a busy few days of conversations for the visitors, who hosted open sessions with faculty and staff and met with students and many others across campus as part of the extensive process to reaffirm the university’s accreditation.
While we will receive a final report later this spring, I am happy to share that the visit went very well. In their conversations across the university, the team experienced what so many of us see every day: the clarity of our vision, the excellence of our work, our commitment to inclusive excellence, and our shared dedication to student success and to advancing knowledge through research. It was equally as helpful to hear the areas where we can continue to grow and improve, and we look forward to that work together.
One part of the visit that brought me particular pride was the time the visitors spent with our students. They showed up exactly as they are—thoughtful, authentic, kind, curious, and engaged—and they represented themselves and UMBC so well.
Finally, I would like to recognize and thank the members of our Self-Study Steering Committee and its co-chairs, Associate Vice Provost Connie Pierson ’90, M.A. ’92, Professor Orianne Smith, and Provost Manfred van Dulmen, as well as the members of the core team and the many colleagues whose leadership and preparation made the visit a success.
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby
UMBC Watch Parties – NCAA 2026
Want to cheer on UMBC’s men’s basketball team as they travel to the NCAA tournament? Find a watch party here!
UMBC v. Howard University
University of Dayton Arena, Dayton, OH
March 17, 2026
6:40 p.m.
You can watch the game live on truTV at 6:40 p.m.
Dayton, Ohio Pre-Game Reception
Hosted by the Retriever Club
Hotel Ardent, Bistecca – Italian Steakhouse
137 North Main Street, Downtown, Dayton, Ohio 45402
4 – 6 p.m.
Planning to attend? Email eventsrsvp@umbc.edu to let us know!
Baltimore-Area Watch Parties
Sorrento of Arbutus
5401 East Dr, Halethorpe, MD 21227
State Fare
748 Frederick Rd, Catonsville, MD 21228
Jimmy’s Famous Seafood
6526 Holabird Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224
Claddagh Pub
2918 O’Donnell St, Baltimore, MD 21224
Happy Monday: The Power of Artistic Expression ↗
Dear UMBC Community,
I recently attended a theatrical reading on our campus that has stayed with me in meaningful ways. The work was a one-trans-woman show about memory, becoming, and transitioning later in life. It was honest, brave, and funny—inviting everyone in the room into reflection, a shared sense of connection, and laughter.
As I sat in the audience, I was reminded that the work of a university is not just to create and acquire knowledge, but to do so in ways that help us grow in our humanity together—to meet one another’s lives and experiences with openness, respect, and care.
I left the show feeling grateful for the profound talent and scholarship within our community, for the power of artistic expression, for the space our campus provides for courageous and meaningful work, and for the joy that emerges when learning brings us closer to one another.
I hope that this reflection of an example of the inspiration I find every day at UMBC brings some comfort and light in these increasingly challenging times for our country and our world.
With appreciation,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby
Responding to International Incidents ↗
Dear Campus Community,
I am writing to update you on UMBC’s approach to responding to international incidents, specifically in light of any ongoing international conflicts. I understand that these events may cause significant distress and uncertainty, particularly for members of our UMBC community with personal or academic connections to the regions impacted.
The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff are our highest priorities. While incidents occur daily worldwide, we recognize some events can impact the ability of our community members more than others to travel freely, conduct research, complete their studies, or pose a direct threat to personal health, safety, and security. The following are the steps we take when such international incidents occur.
How UMBC Responds to International Incidents
When an international incident occurs, whether that is an armed conflict, a disease outbreak, or a natural disaster, UMBC follows this protocol:
1. Reach Out to Impacted Community Members
- Travelers
Per UMBC’s International Travel Policy, all university-affiliated international travel must be registered with the university. This ensures that staff in the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) receive automated notifications when UMBC travelers are impacted by incidents classified by our insurance provider, risk intelligence company, or the U.S. Department of State as high or extreme risk. Additionally, we manually consult the International Travel Registry to confirm students, faculty, and staff currently located in or scheduled to transit through the impacted region.
If UMBC has travelers in an impacted region, CGE staff will reach out to those travelers to confirm their safety, assess their immediate needs, and provide assistance as necessitated by the circumstances. Assistance ranges from simply sharing information to working with our insurance provider to coordinate an authorized medical or security evacuation.
- International Students and Scholars
CGE staff message international students, faculty, and staff from impacted countries and whose immigration records are managed by UMBC. In addition to reminding individuals of available campus resources, CGE shares notices regarding any special provisions (e.g., Special Student Relief and Temporary Protected Status) made available to impacted individuals by the U.S. government.
2. Engage Campus Partners
CGE coordinates with campus partners to support UMBC community members impacted by international incidents. A small and agile International Rapid Response Team is available to assess immediate and long-term impacts and identify campus resources available to those impacted.
3. Monitor Developments
Regardless of whether or not UMBC has travelers in an impacted region on university-affiliated travel, we continue to monitor significant international incidents to look for potential escalations or expansion to other areas where university travelers are present. If warranted, we will require requests for university-affiliated travel to impacted regions to be reviewed and approved by UMBC’s International Travel Review Committee, which includes faculty and staff representatives. If it seems evident that risks will spread to neighboring regions, university travelers in those areas may be proactively advised to depart their location. Please note that we do not monitor personal travel.
How UMBC Monitors International Incidents
To ensure our decisions are based on the most accurate and current information, UMBC uses several resources that are not available to the general public:
- AlertTraveler: AlertTraveler, which is a component of UMBC’s International Travel Registry, provides real-time alerts to CGE staff when high-threat incidents occur in locations where university travelers are present.
- AXA Assistance / Crisis24 Horizon: As part of UMBC’s international travel insurance policy, UMBC is supported by AXA Assistance, which offers 24/7 medical, travel, and technical support, and Crisis24 Horizon, a comprehensive security and travel risk management platform that enables CGE staff to analyze international incidents and assess emerging threats.
- Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC): This is a partnership between the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and private sector organizations, including higher education institutions. OSAC provides UMBC with unclassified security analysis, country-specific risk advisories, and direct access to analysts and regional security officers who can help with security assessments and incident response. In addition to receiving a daily update on global health, safety, and security incidents, UMBC belongs to several communities within OSAC focused on specific concerns.
- Additional Channels: We also leverage information provided by foreign governments, our network of peer institutions, and international partners to stay current as events unfold and to predict future developments.
Resources for University Travelers
If you are planning international travel, please ensure you utilize the following resources:
- AlertTraveler App: All university travelers should download the AlertTraveler App, which integrates directly with UMBC’s International Travel Registry system. AlertTraveler provides real-time security alerts specific to your location. It also includes a “Check-in” button that allows you to instantly notify CGE staff that you are safe during an emergency.
- Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI): All travelers going abroad on university-affiliated trips are required to enroll in the CISI international travel insurance policy. In addition to standard medical benefits, CISI provides critical non-insurance services ranging from assisting with replacement of lost medications to authorizing medical and security evacuations. Please download the CISI Traveler App to access your insurance materials and services on your phone. Travelers may also enroll any dependents accompanying them on university-affiliated trips in the CISI international travel insurance policy at their own expense.
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): Prior to traveling internationally, all U.S. citizens should enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s free STEP Program. This free service registers your trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, enabling travelers to receive timely updates and alerts unique to their location. Enrollment in STEP also helps the U.S. Department of State to contact your family in the event of an emergency.
Resources and Support
Like the state of Maryland, UMBC is a diverse and globally-engaged community. Our faculty, staff, and students have family, friends, and academic collaborators worldwide. For many, the concept of home stretches across borders, cultures, and timezones. We recognize that national and world events beyond our campus can have a significant impact on the overall well-being of our community members.
As a community of inquiring minds, it is important that we all remain committed to maintaining a global perspective. Staying informed of world events, seeking to understand viewpoints different from our own, and offering support to classmates and colleagues impacted by incidents that may seem to be a world away are three key ways to assist our global community at UMBC.
Finally, you are encouraged to review the resources mentioned below and utilize these resources if you need assistance or support.
- Retriever Integrated Health offers individual counseling and group counseling services to students.
- UMBC’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides employees with access to free confidential counseling and connections to attorneys who can help with a variety of issues, including immigration concerns.
- The Office of International Students and Scholars is available to consult on immigration-related travel issues for individuals holding F-1, H-1B, and J-1 immigration status.
- Review the U.S. Department of State’s Advice for U.S. Students Abroad, which includes remaining aware of your surroundings, keeping a low profile, avoiding crowds and demonstrations. Also, keep a list of resources, emergency contacts, and your insurance information on your person at all times.
- Prepare for the unexpected by reviewing the U.S. Department of State’s International Travel Checklist.
Sincerely,
David L. Di Maria, Vice Provost for Global Engagement