Student Success Initiatives

Group of students and staff in front of Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Student Affairs Success Initiatives prioritizes academic excellence and student success by offering transformative and inclusive experiences to help all students feel welcome and to support their personal growth. We are committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of their background or journey, has the opportunity to thrive and make a meaningful impact at UMBC and beyond. Learn more below and look for additional programming throughout the year!

Student Affairs Success Initiatives Team

Amery Thompson standing in Academic Row in the fall.

Amery Thompson, Director, Student Affairs Success Initiatives
ameryqt@umbc.edu
410-455-1653

Student Support Staff

  • Rianna Minter, Graduate Success Coach
  • Tehillah Homan, Success Leader 
  • Mirna Legesse, Success Leader 
  • David Paz Menendez, Success Leader 
  • Tareek Rankine, Success Leader 
  • Grace Wikner, Success Leader 

From orientation to graduation, Transfer Student Success is here for you! Through a variety of campus partnerships, we support your transition from your previous institution while ensuring you are connected to the UMBC community! Our goal is to create programs that foster a sense of belonging, promote academic excellence, and ensure you’re fully prepared for success at UMBC and beyond.

Diverse group of students grouped together for a photo outside during Transfer Student Week.

Commuter/Transfer Mixer

Connect with peers who share your college experience! Whether you’re a transfer student, a commuter, or both, we provide opportunities to learn from and support each other. The mixer is an opportunity to build meaningful connections with students on similar journeys.

Transfer Student Week

Each October, we dedicate a week to celebrating the transfer student experience. Events and programming are designed to help you connect with your Transfer Success Team, make new connections with transfer students, and enjoy giveaways and meals. Learn more in our Commuter and Transfer myUMBC group.

Tau Sigma is a national honor society that promotes the academic excellence and involvement of transfer students. Members gain leadership experience and help support and develop initiatives for the larger transfer population on campus. For more information contact Chapter President Kerstyn Myers.

Membership Criteria

  • At least 12 credits at UMBC
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
  • Transfer at least 24 credits from a prior institution

The Universities at Shady Grove (USG)

Working with our partners at Shady Grove – which is 100% transfer students – we are committed to building strong connections to our main campus by offering resources and opportunities for engagement.

The First-Gen Network is dedicated to providing programming, resources, and opportunities for connection and growth to first-gen students at UMBC’s main campus and Shady Grove. The network  is supported by caring UMBC faculty and staff who were first-gen college students and want to help UMBC’s first-gen students be successful in their academic career and connect to  social and applied learning experiences.

Golden Ticket

Through a partnership with the Office of Academic and Pre-Professional Advising and Academic Opportunity Programs, we offer first-gen students a welcoming space to ask questions, share experiences, and gain clarity on the goals and expectations of college life at UMBC.! Programs are designed for these students to retrieve their “Golden Ticket” to success. Our goal is to help prevent challenges our first-gen students may face before their time with us.

National First Generation Celebration

November 8 is First-Generation College Celebration Day. We join with campus partners to highlight the voices of our students, embrace their experiences, and, most importantly, give them the opportunity to learn and grow with and from each other. Every year our team partners with offices and student organizations to celebrate our first-gen students!

Alpha Alpha Alphs (Tri-Alpha)

Tri Alpha is A national honor society for first-generation college students that connects you with mentorship and professional development opportunities to help you build connections with peers and professionals! For membership criteria and other information, please contact advisors Amery Thompson or Corris Davis.

Student Success Initiatives celebrates and engages our diverse student population through educational, cultural, social events, and resources. Here are two examples:.

Black Excellence Summit

Join us as we build connections with faculty, staff, and students committed to promoting unity, learning about the Black identity and experience, and showcasing Black culture.

Bachata and Salsa Night

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we promote diversity through dance! Students, faculty, and staff come together to learn the origins of the dances, their connection to the Latin culture, and the communication that happens while dancing.

Collage of 3 photos 1. students in a lecture layout listening to a presentation 2. A group of students at a bowling event. 3. Group of students with President Sheares Ashby on the first day of school.