Momentum in Bloom — A Season of Renewal and Action

March brings the first hints of spring, and with them comes a renewed sense of momentum across our campus community. As days grow lighter, we feel the energy of new ideas beginning to take shape and take root. This month invites us to shift from reflection into purposeful action, turning winter’s insights into meaningful steps forward. It’s a time to nurture emerging projects, strengthen collaborations, and welcome fresh opportunities that align with our shared goals. Just as early buds signal the season ahead, the efforts we invest now help lay the groundwork for growth in the months to come.

Across campus, we see creativity awakening in classrooms, offices, and common spaces as colleagues come together with renewed enthusiasm. These everyday interactions remind us that progress thrives in supportive environments where voices are welcomed and encouraged. As we continue building on the warmth and connection of previous months, March becomes a bridge between intention and action. In this season of renewal, we celebrate the possibility that blossoms when our community moves forward together.

If you ever want to connect — to share a concern, ask a question, or just say hello — our anonymous feedback form is always open.

April 16: UMB’s Got Talent 2026

Hosted by the University Student Government Association, Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, and the Council for the Arts & Culture, this annual celebration of our community’s creativity is back and better than ever.

Join us as we cheer on UMB’s most talented faculty, staff, and students.

Date: April 16
Time: Show starts at 5 p.m. (wraps up about 8 p.m.)
Location: MSTF Leadership Hall (685 W. Baltimore St.)

RSVP to attend in person.

Performance spots are currently filled, but you can still submit your art by completing the interest form.

Register for Strategic Plan Town Halls

The 2027-2031 Strategic Plan co-chairs, Jenny Owens, ScD, MS, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs, and Yolanda Ogbolu, PhD, NNP, FNAP, FAAN, the Bill and Joanne Conway Dean of the School of Nursing, will host several town halls to discuss the overall process for UMB’s 2027-2031 Strategic Plan and gain feedback from the University community on the plan’s themes, goals, objectives, and more.

Register for a Town Hall Event

March 24: Title II Digital Accessibility Town Hall

UMB Title II Task Force co-chairs Emily Hurst, MSLS, dean of the Health Sciences and Human Services Library and associate vice provost, and Christina Cestone, PhD, MA, assistant vice provost of faculty affairs, will lead a virtual town hall discussion about new digital accessibility requirements under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Date: March 24, 2026
Time: 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Virtual

Register for the Title II Digital Accessibility Town Hall

March 24: UMB Reads! Virtual Spring Book Discussion

Join the UMB Reads! community at noon March 24 for our virtual discussion of "The Courage Gap: 5 Steps to Braver Action" by Margie Warrell, PhD.

For those who were unable to join at the kickoff, here are the details:

Book: "The Courage Gap: 5 Steps to Braver Action" by Margie Warrell

Ebook link

Audiobook link 

Unable to join on the 24th?

Join the UMB Reads! Microsoft Team to be kept up-to-date on the UMB Reads! Book Club and mark your calendar for the hybrid, final discussion on April 22!

March 26: Launch Your Life Well-Being Webinar: ‘Eating Healthy on a Budget’

In recognition of National Nutrition Month and our March financial well-being focus, this interactive webinar blends smart budgeting with practical nutrition strategies. Learn how to stretch your food dollars, shop intentionally, use grocery tools effectively, and prepare simple, healthy, affordable meals.

Date: Thursday, March 26 

Time: 12-12:45 p.m.

Join the webinar.

Hosted by Katie Kecman, Senior Wellness Specialist

Open to all UMB faculty and staff.

If you have any questions, please contact HRWell@umaryland.edu.

Launch Your Life is a program within Human Resources, part of Administration and Finance.

UMB Annual Wellness Fair 2026

The Annual UMB Wellness Fair will take place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the SMC Campus Center on the second floor. The wellness fair is an event to help strengthen the culture of well-being at UMB comprised of more than fifty vendors, student leaders, campus partners, and community organizations who come together to share a wealth of resources designed to help attendees prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional wellness. 

Date: Tuesday, Apr. 14, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: SMC Campus Center, 2nd Floor Ballrooms

If you are interested in registering as a vendor for the 2026 Wellness Fair, please email abreon@umaryland.edu.

April 22: Register for the UMBPACE Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon

Registration is open for the next University of Maryland, Baltimore's Professional Administrative(s) Committed to Excellence's (UMBPACE) Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon on April 22 at 11 a.m.  

The speaker will be Anna Borgerding, MA, assistant vice president, Facilities and Operations, UMB, who will discuss "The Art of Evolving: Thriving When the Ground Shifts."

The event will also include exhibits and lunch.

Registration is required.

Date: April 22 
Time: SMC Campus Center, Elm Ballrooms A and B

Exhibits open at 11 a.m.
Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m.

This event is open to all UMB support staff!  

LYL Wellbeing Webinar: Eating Healthy on a Budget

Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM

In recognition of National Nutrition Month and our March Financial Wellbeing focus, this interactive webinar blends smart budgeting with practical nutrition strategies. Learn how to stretch your food dollars, shop intentionally, use grocery tools effectively, and prepare simple, healthy, affordable meals.

Join the webinar

Hosted by Katie Kecman, Senior Wellness Specialist
Open to all UMB faculty and staff.

Questions? Email HRWell@umaryland.edu

Earth Month 2026

Check out the Earth Month 2026 webpage, which has everything you need to know for Earth Month. The Office of Sustainability will be hosting various events throughout the month of April. 
 

Save the Date: UMBPACE Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon on April 22

Please save the date for the next University of Maryland, Baltimore's Professional Administrative(s) Committed to Excellence's (UMBPACE) Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon on April 22 at 11 a.m.  

The event will include a speaker, exhibits, and lunch. Registration will be required. Please mark your calendar and look for more information soon!

April 22 

Exhibits open at 11 a.m.

Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m.

SMC Campus Center, Elm Ballrooms A and B

This event is open to all UMB support staff!  

What’s something you’ve accomplished on the Staff Senate during your time as a Senator?
This is my first year serving on the Staff Senate, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed representing UMB on the Council of University System Staff (CUSS). Through this role, I’ve been able to collaborate with staff from other USM institutions and advocate to the Board of Regents on issues that impact staff satisfaction. One of the highlights of my experience was attending Advocacy Day with the USM Joint Councils of Faculty, Staff, and Students in Annapolis, Maryland. I had the opportunity to represent the University System of Maryland (USM) and meet with state legislators to advocate for support in key areas such as USM’s operating budget, tuition relief for Maryland students, and overall system funding. This experience also gave me the chance to speak with Delegate Sarah Wolek about the critical importance of sustaining the USM budget.