This event is 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.

The Social Justice Dialogues Cohort Experience (SJDCE) at UMBC invites participants from all perspectives and experiences to engage in meaningful conversations across difference. Rooted in intergroup dialogue theory, SJDCE provides a space to learn and practice the skills, tools, and mindsets necessary for effective communication across diverse identities and lived experiences — with courage, empathy, and openness.

The Social Justice Dialogue Cohort Experiences at UMBC are 8 two-hour dialogue circles that bring together students, faculty, and staff, to engage in sustained, facilitated dialogue across difference. Each cohort meets weekly within one of UMBC's vibrant cultural centers: The Mosaic, The Pride Center, and The Gathering Space.

In a time of growing polarization and deepening social divides, and fear surrounding living authentically, the Social Justice Dialogues Cohort Experience (SJDCE) offers a way forward, not through debate or persuasion, but through connection, listening, and shared learning.

Cohorts will be split between faculty/staff and students (both undergraduate and graduate), allowing participants to forge meaningful relationships with peers similarly passionate about social change, leadership and humanizing pedagogies. 

Students interested in applying for the pilot program can do so here. Additionally, faculty and staff can nominate students by emailing csjdialogue@umbc.edu by March 10.

Faculty and staff can apply here. Applications are due by March 12.

This is a pilot that is a part of a larger research project, meaning cohort sizes are limited and the 2026 sessions will be used to collect data for assessment purposes.

These events 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.

Commuter Week continues with Good Afternoon Commuters!

This Tuesday, GAC is extra special! Looking for your next off-campus home?

Join us at the Off-Campus Housing & Resource Fair at GAC on March 3, 2026, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM in the University Center Ballroom. where multiple off-campus housing communities will be there to meet YOU! Ask questions, explore options, compare amenities, and find the place that fits your vibe and budget.

We'll be serving favorites like Chicken Picatta, Charm City Pasta, Caesar salad, and plenty more to fuel your afternoon.

https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/ocss/events/151520

Name: Tanzila Malik

Pronouns: She/her 

Semester of Internship: Spring 2026

Major: Gender and Women's Studies

Current Class Level: Senior 

This semester I completed a(n)...:  Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): District Office of Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03)

Location of the Organization (City, State): Columbia, MD

Title of position: Congressional Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:

As a Congressional Intern working in a district office, I deal a lot with constituents in Maryland District 3. Our district is home to many federal workers, military families, veterans, which are the people I tend to assist on a day-to-day basis. One of my main roles is intaking casework from our constituents, as we guide them through issues they're having with federal agencies. The cases we deal with are mostly related to the Internal Revenue Service, the Office of Personnel Management, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Veterans Affairs. The second key role I play, is answering opinion calls, emails, and letters. Our constituent base is very active in advocating for the issues that they are passionate about. For example, as of late, many calls have been about concerns over increased ICE presence in the district and across the country. When we receive these opinion calls, we log them into our system for our outreach person to follow up with the constituents. It also helps us track what issues constituents are concerned about, which the Congresswoman gets a report of to stay informed on constituents' views/opinions.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

In October 2025, I heard about this position through a newsletter from the UMBC Political Science department. My friend, Bianca Canales, who is an alumni of UMBC, also worked for Congresswoman Elfreth. I reached out to Bianca to ask for advice, and about her experience working in the district office. She spoke very highly about the job and the team, and encouraged me to apply. After taking some time to think it over, I decided to apply for the internship. With help from the UMBC Career Center, I updated my resume, and prepared for the interview. A few weeks later, I got a call saying I had been accepted for the job, and I began working in early January 2026.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Alumni Networking, UMBC Political Science email list

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?

I have enjoyed the camaraderie in the office, as I work with a team of wonderful people who are passionate about what they do. Because this is Congresswoman Elfreth's first term in office, there is a lot of opportunity to take on responsibilities as an intern, that may not have been possible otherwise. I feel like so much more than "just an intern" because the team trusts us to take on challenging tasks and make the most of this experience. The House Intern Resource Office has also been great in supporting and developing us interns as future public service leaders.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

Working in the district office means I work directly with constituents, whether it be through casework or opinion calls. Oftentimes, I have long phone conversations with people who have been dealing with difficult life circumstances. And while we can't guarantee a favorable outcome for their case, sometimes all they need is a listening ear. I feel the difference it makes for constituents, just having a real person to talk to, who genuinely cares about helping them, instead of turning them away. That is an incredible feeling for me, and is the thing that excites me to go to work everyday.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

Don't compare yourself to others. You are worthy, capable, and bring your own unique experiences to the table. I often deal with imposter syndrome, feeling like I don't belong to certain spaces. I have to remind myself though, that regardless, I am still in space just like everyone else. Never forget, you worked hard to make it to where you are now. Be proud of yourself for that, and don't let anyone make you feel like you're not enough.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.

"I feel fulfilled by the work that I do, knowing that in some way, I am making a difference in someone's life."

Happy Monday! Take a look at the events that will take place at The Mosaic Center this week: 

Monday, 3/2/2026 | Music & The Mosaic 12-1 PM 

Wednesday,  3/4/2026 | Trivia Noon 12 - 1 PM 

We hope to see you at our upcoming events and sponsorships! Questions regarding Mosaic programming can be sent to our email: themosaic@umbc.edu. 

The Mosaic Center and all events 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

If your internship helped you get to where you are today, consider paying it forward!