Oct 10 | 10 AM – 12 PM
Reserve your spot: ocss@umbc.edu
Have questions, ideas, or concerns about graduate student life at UMBC? Want to learn more about upcoming initiatives or share your feedback directly with GSA leadership?
Join the GSA President during weekly office hours! This is your opportunity to:
Ask questions about GSA policies, events, and funding.
Share your experiences and suggestions.
Connect with leadership in an open, welcoming space.
Your voice matters—stop by, even if it's just to say hello!
Commons 308
Every Wednesday, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
We've got a great lineup of games waiting for you—Codenames, Sequence, Sushi Go Party, Exploding Kittens, and more! Also, chances to win great cash prizes!
Whether you're a board game pro or just looking to unwind, this is the perfect chance to connect, laugh, and have fun. Don't miss it—bring your friends and join the fun!
Join the Student Affairs Senators on Tuesday, September 23 from 11am – 1pm in Commons 331 for Paint N’ Chat. This is a chance to explore the many resources UMBC offers while enjoying a fun, creative break!
Featured campus resources include:
Retriever Integrated Health
The Women’s Center
Retriever Essentials
Student Technology Resources
The Academic Success Center
Location: Commons 331
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 23, 11am – 1pm
Come paint, chat, and connect with the offices dedicated to supporting your success at UMBC!
]]>The October Dissertation House will be held on October 2nd and 3rd at UMBC, Commons Building, Room 329.
What is Dissertation House?
This is a free, two-day, writing-intensive event designed for all master's and Ph.D. students working on a significant writing project, whether it's a master's thesis, a research publication, a doctoral research proposal, or a dissertation. We've created a space to help you focus, free from distractions, and to give you the dedicated time you need to make significant progress.
Two Levels of Engagement
We are offering two different options to ensure you get the support that's right for you. All participants will work in the same space and attend workshops tailored to the academic progress of those in attendance. These workshops are designed to help you overcome writing roadblocks, improve your relationship with your advisors, learn project management skills, identify resources, etc.
Level 1: The Writing Intensive
This is a two-day event from 9 AM to 4 PM, providing a dedicated writing space and an accountability group to help you stay on track. This is ideal for students who face challenges setting aside focused time for their writing. You must plan to attend both days, full-time.
Level 2: Personalized Coaching (Not required to participate, but very beneficial, and limited space is available- 10 spots!)
In addition to participating in everything from the Level 1 Writing Intensive, Level 2 participants will get personalized support from our dissertation coach. Our coach provides specialized, one-on-one assistance to students completing a master's thesis or doctoral dissertation. To be eligible for Level 2, you will complete a supplemental part of the Dissertation House interest form that asks you to upload a writing sample. This gives the coach an idea of your writing style and how to tailor support for you. The coaching session helps you overcome writing challenges, improve productivity, and opens the door to keep working with the coach for the rest of the year after attending Dissertation House, for free!
Important Details
Space is limited due to room capacity, so please fill out this easy-to-complete form to let us know you are interested in attending. Please save the dates and plan to attend the full two days. We know it's a significant time commitment, but it has proven to be incredibly effective for those who need a focused environment to advance their writing.
Here's what previous participants had to say about the event:
"I have achieved more this week than I would have in a typical month. Having professionals on-hand to assist me, and having structured time to do the work has been invaluable." (Carter-Veale et al., 2016).
"I had nothing on paper, I now have an overall outline and I feel that I will be able to get finished now. This workshop has helped me become 'unblocked.' I have been at UMBC for 4 ½ years and was in danger of just quitting." (Carter-Veale et al., 2016).
Decisions will be made by September 26th, so we are closing the application on September 25th.
We look forward to seeing you there!
If you have questions or need particular accommodations, please email us at promise@umbc.edu.
All GSPD services and programs are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.
Looking to get more connected as a graduate student? Join us RIGHT NOW, Monday 9/22, from 12–2 PM on Commons Main Street for a special Graduate Student Organization (GSO) edition of Mini Involvement Fest!
This is your chance to:
✅ Meet current Graduate Student Organizations (GSOs)
✅ Meet your Graduate Student Association (GSA) representatives
✅ Learn how to get involved in the graduate student community
✅ Build connections beyond the classroom and lab
Stop by, say hi, and find the group that's right for you—because graduate life is better when you're connected!
Grab your free sweatshirt!
]]>Tea, hot chocolate, and freshly brewed coffee are waiting for you this Monday! Come grab a warm drink, connect with other grad students, and start your week on the right note.
Location: Commons 308
Time: 10am - 1pm
]]>Dear UMBC Community,
Retriever Integrated Health is pleased to announce that the QuantiFERON (TB blood test) Clinic in partnership with Quest Diagnostics has been extended through Thursday, September 24. This extension gives more time for students, faculty, and staff to complete their TB screening right here on campus.
Extended Clinic Details
New Dates: Now through September 24
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Center for Well-Being
No Appointment Needed – Just Walk In!
Why TB Screening Matters?
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that can affect the lungs and spread through the air. Many academic programs, clinical placements, internships, and employment opportunities require TB screening as part of their health clearance. Getting tested on campus ensures you meet these requirements conveniently and on time.
Who Should Attend?
Students with TB screening requirements for classes, programs, or internships
Faculty and staff needing a TB test for employment or professional purposes
Anyone interested in confirming their TB status for personal health
What to Expect?
The clinic uses the reliable QuantiFERON blood test, conducted by Quest Diagnostics. No appointments are necessary during the extended period, just walk in between 9 AM and 4 PM. Please bring your campus ID and insurance card if available.
Take this opportunity to prioritize your health and help protect the UMBC community.
Questions?
Contact Retriever Integrated Health at 410-455-2542 or visit health.umbc.edu
Looking to get more connected as a graduate student? Join us TODAY, Monday 9/22, from 12–2 PM on Commons Main Street for a special Graduate Student Organization (GSO) edition of Mini Involvement Fest!
This is your chance to:
✅ Meet current Graduate Student Organizations (GSOs)
✅ Learn how to get involved in the graduate student community
✅ Build connections beyond the classroom and lab
Stop by, say hi, and find the group that's right for you—because graduate life is better when you're connected!
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