Located in the link provided below are some go-to guides for essential resources and support networks catering specifically to your unique needs. We understand that graduate life can be demanding, and sometimes additional challenges may arise. You can explore a range of services aimed at providing assistance and fostering a supportive environment for your experience at UMBC.

From helplines like the Stronghearts Native Helpline and the National Teen Dating Helpline to specialized organizations such as Project Sakinah, Muslimat Al-Nisaa Shelter, and the GLBT National Help Center, the focus is on providing assistance tailored to various needs and backgrounds.

Additionally, there is regional support through organizations like TurnAround, the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, and the Baltimore County Domestic Violence Referral Program, ensuring individuals have access to local resources.

Recognizing the importance of cultural sensitivity, there are resources specifically designed for communities, including the Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project. The resources also address the digital dimension of safety with tools like the Tech Safety Toolkit, Digital Safety Wheel, and the Data Broker Opt-Out List.

This post serves as a one-stop guide for anyone seeking information and assistance related to relationship violence. Whether you're a survivor, friend, or ally, these resources are here to empower and support you on your journey towards safety, healing, and positive relationship dynamics. Your well-being matters, and help is just a call or click away.

https://ecr.umbc.edu/relationship-violence-resources/

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Last year’s cooking competition was a massive success, so why not do a second season?!

Anyone can participate as long as you’re affiliated with UMBC! Students, professors, faculty, club, doesn’t matter.

Qualification: Just like last time, your submission must consist of 1 appetizer and 1 entree. While last year was exciting, to make it a little more interesting, your team must consist of 2 dishes with one of them being strictly vegetarian. In terms of the grading rubric, your recipe’s creativity, detail, ingredients, flavor and texture, and your use of a Retriever Essentials ingredient will determine if you’re picked! For further understanding, see the rubric here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rp_dEAJYi2adqa5CtCWDe5RoJMDNsXZb0QONuPvlUM4/edit?usp=sharing

Submit your recipe ideas through the link listed below. 3 teams will be selected consisting of 3-4 people. You will have until March 31st, 2024 to sign up and the actual cooking competition will be held at True Grits on Thursday, April 25th from 4:00pm-6:00pm.

https://forms.gle/yc2udJYHoerHc4MW6

Important: When you submit, PLEASE have a P.O.C (Point of Contact). This person will be the source of communication between Chartwells, us, and most importantly, your team! Unless 

Notice (Super Important): On that day specifically, if you bring in a donation of any canned goods, snacks, etc. you can get into True Grits completely free. However, there are some things we can not take. These include…

• Already eaten or opened food

• Prepared food

• Cans that don't have labels of what they are

• Rotten/Spoiled food (Obviously)

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Michael at mfakus1@umbc.edu

Again, here’s the link to sign up! Remember you have until the end of March 31st!

https://forms.gle/yc2udJYHoerHc4MW6

The wait is finally over, VITAL is here! 

The Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program is a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and UMBC to help veterans achieve their academic goals. The VITAL program is comprised of VA mental health professionals who can help both student veterans and their universities/colleges by providing and/or assisting with services, resources, and support. 

VITAL can assist with: 

• Enrollment in VA healthcare.

• VA and non-VA resources.

• Academic accommodations.

• Advocacy for student veterans.

• Clinical services for veteran students dealing with various daily stressors, including attention issues, difficulty concentrating, stress, sleep problems, memory issues, anger/irritability, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and PTSD.

Additionally, VITAL can assist with:

• Trainings for faculty/staff.

• Consultation services for faculty/staff.

Dr. Daniel Koster is our on-campus psychologist for the VITAL program and will be on campus every Monday, beginning March 4, to meet with students, faculty, and staff. To schedule a meeting with Dr. Koster, please email him at Daniel.Koster2@va.gov. 

Help us spread the word, this is a great on-campus resource for our veteran population!

For more information about VITAL at UMBC, email Dennis Walker, OCSS assistant director for veterans services and adult learners.