To all our hardworking graduate students: we see the late nights in the lab, the endless research, and the dedication you pour into your work every single day. You are a vital part of what makes UMBC move.

Graduate Student Appreciation Week (GSAW) is our way of hitting "pause" on the grind so you can take up space, find your rhythm, and be celebrated for the incredible impact you have on this campus. From wellness sessions to game nights and a formal prom, this week is all about you. You’ve earned the right to relax, connect, and enjoy the community you help build.

FOLLOW OGSL ON myUMBC FOR ALL GSAW INFO!

Pre-GSAW Kickoff Events

TODAY - Game Night with Military and Veterans

• Friday, April 3 | 3–6 p.m.
• Gameroom, The Commons

TOMORROW - Grad Outing to Dave & Busters

• Saturday, April 4 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Off Campus

GSAW Event Schedule

Grad Wellness Day | Monday, April 6

• Wellness Tabling 
• 1–3 p.m.
• The Commons, Main Street

• Candle Making 
• 3–5 p.m.
• The Commons, Room 329

• Break the Mold (Pottery & Networking)
• 4–6 p.m. 
• The Commons, Fireside Lounge (with The Office of Health Promotion)

GEARS Research Symposium & 3MT

• Tuesday, April 7 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• UC Ballroom

Grad Bingo Night

•  Wednesday, April 8 | 4–7 p.m.
•  UC Ballroom
• RSVP & FOLLOW OGSL ON myUMBC

Grad Cultural Day

• Thursday, April 9 | 12–4 p.m
• UC Ballroom

Career Paths by The Graduate School

• Thursday, April 9 | 5–8:30 p.m.
• Fireside Lounge, The Commons

Grad Prom & Awards

• Friday, April 10 | 5–8 p.m.
• UC Ballroom
• RSVP & FOLLOW OGSL ON myUMBC

Note:All programs and events are open to full participation by all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category.

It's the grand finale of Graduate Student Appreciation Week! Put down the red pen and step away from the data—it's time to celebrate the brilliance, resilience, and diverse journeys of our graduate community. Join us for a multicultural evening designed to honor students from all backgrounds and every corner of the world.

This is an event to come as you are and celebrate graduate life in whatever way feels right to you. Whether your style is casual, formal, or cultural, all forms of self-expression are welcome. Expect an atmosphere filled with music, joy, and recognition aswe honor our award winners and the hard work you put in every day.

Follow OGSL on myUMBC and get FREE tickets for Grad Prom & Awards!

There is no pressure and no rules to follow—just an opportunity to be in community and celebrate the global rhythm we've built together. You aren't just a part of UMBC; you are the heartbeat of our innovation. Let's close out the week in style!

When: Friday, April 10 | 5–8 p.m.

Where: UC Ballroom

Start the official Graduate Student Appreciation Week by focusing on you!

Whether you want to learn about health resources or get hands-on with a creative project, we have a full afternoon dedicated to your mental and physical wellness.

• Wellness Tabling: 1–3 p.m. | The Commons, Main Street

• Candle Making: 3–5 p.m.  | The Commons, Room 329

• Break the Mold (Pottery & Networking): 4–6 p.m. | The Commons, Fireside Lounge 

Follow OGSL on myUMBC for all things GSAW!

Dear Graduate Students,

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) election voting for the academic year 2026–2027 is now open, and we invite you to participate.

Before casting your vote, please use your UMBC email account to access the candidate videos and take a few minutes to review them so you can make an informed decision:
Drive Link: Senator Nominee Speeches

How to Vote:

1. Visit the voting page: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/officialgsaelections
2. Log in to your myUMBC account.
3. Under the Posts section (as shown in the screenshot), you will find:
   • A post for your respective college’s Senator election
   • A post for the Student Affairs Senator election
4. Accept the invite to vote (if you haven’t already) and open both posts and
5. Cast your votes as follows:
   • Select and rank your top 4 candidates for your college Senator position.
   • Select and rank your top 4 candidates for the Student Affairs Senator position.

Important Notes:

• Please ensure you vote in both posts (your respective college and Student Affairs).
• Follow all voting guidelines and respect the election process.

Voting is open now and will close on Sunday 5th April 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Your participation is important in shaping graduate student representation at UMBC. We encourage you to review the candidates and cast your vote.

Best Regards,

Reena Kale and Neil Kpamegan

Election Committee Co-Chairs.

Take a break from the mid-week grind for one of our favorite traditions: Bingo Night! Join the GSA and the OGSL for an evening of prizes, snacks, and good vibes.

When:Wednesday, April 8 | 4–7 p.m.

Where:UC Ballroom 

Get your ticket today!

FOLLOW OGSL ON myUMBC FOR ALL THINGS GSAW!

We're taking the Graduate Student Appreciation Week celebration off-campus! Join your fellow grad students for an afternoon of arcade games and food at Dave & Buster's. It's the perfect Saturday reset before the full week of events begins.

Space is limited for this off-campus excursion, so please make sure to RSVP at the link below to secure your spot!

• When:Saturday, April 4 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

• Where:Off Campus

• RSVP: https://forms.gle/vYrSWN3WCgcLYMJg6

FOLLOW OGSL ON mUMBC FOR ALL THINGS GSAW!

As we prepare for Graduate Student Appreciation Week (April 3–10), the Office of Graduate Student Life (OGSL) is excited to invite GSOs, academic departments, campus partners, and faculty/staff to participate in several of our upcoming events.

We are currently gathering interest for the following opportunities:

• Grad Wellness Day– Monday, April 6 | 1–3 PM | Commons Main Street(tabling for departments and organizations)
• Bingo Night– Wednesday, April 8 | 5–8 PM | UC Ballroom(GSO tabling only)
• Grad Culture Day– Thursday, April 9 | 12–4 PM | UC Ballroom(tabling, performances, and cultural demonstrations)

These events are designed to foster connection, highlight resources, and celebrate the diversity of our graduate student community. Your participation plays an important role in creating an engaging and inclusive experience.

If you’re interested in participating, please complete the interest form here:
https://forms.gle/A4ZHQNX6FxUmVNko8

The form will allow you to indicate which events you’d like to be part of, how you plan to engage (tabling, performance, demonstration), and any logistical or A/V needs.

Please submit your response by Wednesday, April 1 to assist with planning and space coordination.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Mitchell Everett, meverett1@umbc.edu. We appreciate your partnership in making GSAW a meaningful and student-centered experience.

We have extended the deadline for the UMBC Annual Research Symposium to April 2nd, 11AM! Featuring poster presentations showcasing research from all colleges at UMBC, this is a great opportunity to share ideas, engage with research from across campus, and connect with fellow scholars.

Registration form here!

Date: April 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: UC Ballroom

Who You Are:

• A graduate or undergraduate student from any college at UMBC who wants to share their research with the university community.

What to Expect:

• Poster Presentations from students across CAHSS, COEIT, and CNMS. Come and explore groundbreaking work from all corners of UMBC.

• $2,500 Prize Pool across four categories:

  • BEST of CAHSS (College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences)

  • BEST of COEIT (College of Engineering and Information Technology)

  • BEST of CNMS (College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences)

  • Provost's Choice Award

  • People's Choice Award

• Buffet Lunch for All Attendees – Enjoy a catered lunch featuring a variety of cuisines to accommodate diverse dietary preferences.

• Limited Free Poster Printing is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are encouraged to bring posters they have already prepared for previous conferences or presentations.

Whether you are presenting your research or just want to explore the exciting projects happening across UMBC, we welcome you to participate in this celebration of academic excellence.

Click the link here to register today, or scan the QR code in the flyer! Full URL below:

https://forms.gle/AYC5NiG917QULX8NA

Follow our Instagram @gears_umbc for other updates on events and things! 

Stop by Coffee Mondays to grab a free cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and take a breather between classes.

Whether you're coming to study, chat, or just refuel, this is your weekly reminder to slow down and connect with fellow grad students.

Dear UMBC Community,

We are pleased to announce that nominations are now open for several awards recognizing outstanding contributions within our UMBC community. We encourage you to nominate individuals, faculty, staff, organizations, and student athletes who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and meaningful impact.

Please use the appropriate form below for the specific award you would like to nominate someone for. You only need to complete the form for the award you are submitting a nomination for.

Submit nominations by April 1st, 2026. 

All awardees will receive a plaque and a $250 honorarium

1. The Jessica Soto Perez Memorial Award. Open to all graduate students EXCEPT E-Council or Senators: Award Nomination Form 

1. Community Leadership Award. Open to GSA E-Council and Senators with multiple roles: Award Nomination Form
   

2. Current GSA Senator Award: Current GSA Senator serving a full academic year in good standing:Award Nomination Form

1. Graduate Student Athlete Award Nomination. Open to UMBC graduate students who demonstrate excellence in both academics and athletics: Award Nomination Form

1. The Donald Creighton Outstanding Faculty Award. UMBC faculty who actively mentor and support graduate students: Award Nomination Form

1. The Outstanding University Staff Award: Award Nomination Form
   

2. The Outstanding GSO Award. Graduate Student Organization (GSO) that significantly enhances the graduate student experience: Award Nomination Form

Thank you for helping us recognize the outstanding members of our community.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.