THE DIRECT IMPACT OF YOUR GIFTS:
Campaign Initiatives Supported by Annual Giving

Annual Fund gifts – which are counted as gifts to the Campaign – have a direct impact on academic and other resources for our students. Among the programs and funds aided by the Annual Fund are:

Introductory Course Redesign. UMBC’s emphasis on student success in introductory classes has been supported by additional graduate teaching and student assistantships to complement faculty course instruction. Extra support of students during their introductory classes results in better grades and improved retention.

Black and Gold Scholarships, which support a single deserving student through his or her four years at UMBC. To date, Black and Gold Scholarships have been awarded to seven talented students in majors including geography, economics, biochemistry/molecular biology and political science.

Living Learning Communities, comprised of nine residence halls specialized by subjects including Visual and Performing Arts, Aspiring Teachers, Women in IT, Humanities, Exploratory Majors, Honors, Intercultural Living Exchange, Shriver Living Learning Center (public service), and Women Involved in Learning and Leadership.

Teaching Innovation Initiatives, such as the Chemistry Discovery Center, a problem-based, high-tech learning lab that boosted Chemistry 101 pass rates by 10 to 15 percent since its full launch in fall 2006.

Dissertation Completion Aid, which provides dissertation fellowships and related support to help graduate students complete their research and writing. This important resource allowed UMBC to award a record high 350 master’s and doctoral degrees in 2008.

Writing Intensive Program, which helps professors develop new ways of incorporating writing and other communications skills throughout the curriculum.

Career Services, which has created new initiatives such as a peer advisory program, a video job search advice library, and an internet-based career planning service designed for student – and alumni – use.