Ed Orser, American Studies, on WYPR-88.1 FM to Discuss New Book on Gwynns Falls Trail

A profile of Ed Orser, professor of American studies, is scheduled for the Oct. 15 broadcast of Maryland Morning with Sheilah Kast, the morning news and cultural affairs program produced by WYPR-88.1 FM in Baltimore. Orser will discuss his new book, The Gwynns Falls: Baltimore Greenway to the Chesapeake Bay.

Faculty Promotion and Tenure

From: Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, President
Elliot Hirshman, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
One of the hallmarks of UMBC as an Honors University is the outstanding caliber of its faculty. Each year dozens of faculty members undergo a comprehensive and rigorous review leading to promotions in rank and, for some, the awarding of academic tenure. The standards for promotion and for tenure at UMBC are very high, and successful candidates must demonstrate that their contributions in scholarship/ research/creative activity, teaching/mentoring, and service to their profession, the university, and their academic department meet these high standards. During academic year 2007-2008, 20 faculty members received promotion and tenure or promotion to the rank of professor.

SA Admissions Live

From: Michael Büsges, SA Project Director
I am pleased to announce that the SA project has met its first major milestone. As of today, the admissions module is “live,” and we will enter all graduate, undergraduate and English Language Center applications for summer and fall 2009 into the SA database. Additionally, the Graduate School and graduate program directors will be the first to utilize UMBC’s new document imaging solution called ImageNow. Through ImageNow, GPD’s and GPC’s will have enhanced access to applicant support material as well as the ability to enter admissions decisions directly into the SA database.

Human Resources Announces Employees of the Quarter (October-December)

Human Resources has announced the Employees of the Quarter for October 1-December 31, 2008: Lori Smith-Watson, assistant director of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation, and Anthony Jackson, plumber in Facilities Management.

President Hrabowski’s Convocation Address

President Hrabowski spoke to incoming UMBC students on August 26. Read his Convocation address here: www.umbc.edu/aboutumbc/welcome/convocation2008.html.

Ready, Set, Learn about the New Student Administration (SA) System

You’ve heard about Student Administration (SA), but do you know how it will impact you or how you will use it?

Supporting UMBC’s Transfer Students

When Provost Art Johnson stepped down as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs on June 30, he not only left a legacy of success from his 10-year tenure, but a new scholarship to support students transferring to UMBC.

A. Charles Catania, Psychology, to Retire

A. Charles Catania, professor of psychology, is retiring at the end of the spring 2008 semester after serving in the department for 35 years. The department will host his retirement celebration on Thursday, May 29, 4-8 p.m. on the 7th floor of the Albin O. Kuhn Library. If you plan to attend, RSVP to Elaine O’Heir at oheir@umbc.edu by Tuesday, May 20.

Call for Nominations: Jakubik Family Endowment Staff Award for Student Success (Deadline: 5/30)

The Office of Undergraduate Education is now accepting letters of nomination for the first annual Jakubik Family Endowment. The family of current and former members of the UMBC community has created an endowment to recognize outstanding UMBC staff. Stan Jakubik, his wife, Jan, and daughter, Stephanie, hope the award will recognize staff who play a critical role in supporting student success. The awardee will receive $500 in recognition of his or her service.

Passing of Louis Cantori, Professor Emeritus of Political Science