Launch program to foster the development of innovative programs that attract new students and retain current students
Update: UMBC’s IDEA Initiative has selected two faculty teams to pioneer new interdisciplinary bachelor’s programs. These programs break down academic silos to prepare students for Maryland’s emerging workforce needs. With career-readiness at their core, they embody UMBC’s mission by providing an exceptional, accessible education that empowers students to drive change.
Committee Members: Crystal Williams (AVP for Curriculum Development) & Anupam Joshi (Vice Provost)
Project Lead:
Crystal Williams
Launch task force to re-envision general education program
Update: We are developing a general education program that provides students with a distinct UMBC experience alongside their major, providing intellectual breadth and interdisciplinary exploration and preparing them to be active citizens in Maryland and the world.
Committee Members: Susan McDonough (Co-Chair – History), Peggy Re (Co-Chair – Visual Arts), Camee Maddox-Winfield (SAPH), Katie Morris (Social Work), Karin Oen-Lee (Visual Arts), Marc Olano (CSEE), Tanya Olson (English), Brad Peercy (Math/Stat), Jessica Pfeifer (Philosophy), David Rosenbloom (Ancient Studies), Maria Sanchez (Mechanical Engineering), Jasmine Shumaker (Library), Paul Smith (Chemistry), Yolanda Valencia (GES), Kyung-Eun Yoon (MLLI)
Project Lead:
Peggy Re
Strengthen and systematize global and international curricular efforts across the colleges and schools at UMBC
Update: During the 2025-2026 academic year, nineteen faculty from across all three colleges participated in the Global Learning Lab. Projects developed during the Lab have helped to expand the number and diversity of study abroad offerings, introduce Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) into UMBC classrooms and assist departments to perform curriculum mapping in an effort to understand how global learning supports student learning outcomes while maintaining progress toward degree. In February 2026, UMBC’s Global Learning Lab was recognized with the Innovative Excellence in Internationalization Award from the Association of International Education Administrators.
Committee Members: David Di Maria (Champion within CGE), Ana Oskoz (Champion within Faculty Affairs), Katherine Heird (Trainer), Samantha Sullivan (Education Abroad Staff), Alicyn Curtis (Education Abroad Staff)
Project Lead:
David Di Maria
For comments or questions, please email provost@umbc.edu