To strengthen transparency and ensure graduate students stay informed about discussions with university leadership, the Graduate Student Association (GSA) is sharing summaries from the Fall semester Town Halls and Meet & Confer meetings.

For the first time, GSA is formally compiling and distributing these updates to the broader graduate student community. These reports include discussions from:

• College-level Senator Town Halls: 

CAHSS Senators Report, CNMS Senators Report, COEIT Senators Report

 • Student Affairs Senator Town Hall: 

Student Affairs Senators Report

• GAAC Town Hall and Meet & Confer discussions with university leadership: 

GAAC Report

These summaries highlight key themes raised by graduate students, administrative responses, and ongoing follow-up conversations. Our goal is to close the feedback loop, increase transparency, and ensure that graduate students are aware of the advocacy efforts taking place on their behalf.

GSA will continue working with campus leadership to address concerns raised during these sessions and will provide updates as conversations progress.

If you have additional feedback or issues you would like GSA to raise in future discussions, please feel free to reach out at 

gsa@umbc.edu

gsapresident@umbc.edu

Thank you for staying engaged in the graduate student community.

—
UMBC Graduate Student Association (GSA)

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) election process for the 2026–2027 academic year is officially underway. 

Please review the updated election timeline and key details below. We encourage all graduate students to participate in the process by submitting nominations, learning about candidates, and voting.

NOMINATION FORM

 Election Timeline

• March 8, 2026 – GSA Election Nomination Form Deadline (updated deadline)
• March 9 – March 13, 2026 – Student Eligibility Check Period
• March 13, 2026 – Candidate Notification and Campaigning Details Shared
• March 23 – March 25, 2026 – Senator & E-Council 3-Minute Speech Recordings
(In-person preferred; locations will be communicated soon)
• March 26, 2026 – Speech Recordings Released on myUMBC
• March 27 – March 30, 2026 (until 5 PM) – Voting, Elections & Campaigning (Senators only)
• March 30, 2026 – E-Council & Senate Speaker Candidate Notification
• April 1, 2026 – E-Council & Senate Speaker 1-Minute Speech + Q&A at the Senate Meeting (1pm in person)
• April 10, 2026 – Final Election Results Announcement

Important Note for GAAC Candidates:

Candidates running for GAAC positions will be voted on specifically by Graduate Assistants (GAs) and should not campaign to the broader graduate student population.

Questions?

Please reach out to the GSA Election Committee Co-Chairs or committee members:

Election Co-Chairs
• Reena – rkale1@umbc.edu
• Neil – kneil1@umbc.edu

Election Committee Members
• Apurv – ja92776@umbc.edu
• Aditya – adityak7@umbc.edu
• Tanmay – tanmayp1@umbc.edu

We encourage all graduate students to stay engaged and participate in shaping the future of the UMBC Graduate Student Association.

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.

Where? Office of Graduate Student Life (Commons 308)
When? Every Monday | 10am - 2pm
Come as you are — pajamas, laptops, and coffee orders welcome.

Need quick feedback on your writing? Stop by Writing Advisor Wednesday Walk-Ins (WAWA) for brief, supportive consultations—no appointment needed.

Wednesdays | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Commons 308

Bring short questions or drafts and get immediate guidance from the writing advisor. Perfect for resume review, cover letters, polishing papers, personal statements, or applications.

Curious about what the Office of Graduate Student Life is all about?

We're popping up in the ITE Atrium! Stop by to learn more about our events, resources, leadership opportunities, and how we support grad students across campus. Whether you're new, almost done, or somewhere in between — we've got something for you.

Come say hi, ask questions, and see how you can get involved. We'd love to meet you!

Where? ITE Atrium
When? 11am - 1pm

The Neurodiversity Alliance offers over 50 paid national internship opportunities for neurodivergent students and recent graduates ages 18 to 26. Interns get the opportunity to work alongside national staff mentors and peers from across the country to advance our mission in meaningful ways, while developing core leadership and professional skills for life.

Intern roles are available in various functional areas of our organization and will include everything from marketing and social media to developing resources for our online community, to helping grow our community, or serving on our national advisory council.

What's Included

• All-expense paid trip to our National Neurodiversity Leadership Summit in Denver, CO on August 4-9, 2026.

• Internship stipend of $3,000 for Academic Year roles ($300 a month for 10 months)

• Personalized leadership toolkit with exclusive ND Alliance branded apparel and promotional items.

• Opportunity to gain professional skills, build your resume, and meet new people.

How to Apply:

• Visit https://thendalliance.org/paid-internships/

• Priority consideration is given to students who are actively involved in The Neurodiversity Alliance community. Don't have a local chapter in your area? Join our online community today to get involved through virtual activities and events.

• Visit thendalliance.org/register to register and get involved.

Deadline: April 15th, 2026