Retriever Robotics is heading to the VexU World Championships, representing UMBC on the biggest stage in collegiate robotics. We've put in the hours, done the work, and now we will reap the rewards.

The Bookstore is hosting their 2nd annual book fair for world book day. It can run now through Thursday, April 23 on your screens.

Thank you for spreading the word!

It’s not too late to join the party! 🌍✨

Cultural Day is in full swing at the UC Ballroom, and the vibes are unmatched. We’re having a blast just hanging out, chilling, and celebrating the diverse cultures that make our UMBC community so incredible.

Whether you’re just finishing up class or need a mid-day break, swing by to recharge and connect!

What's Waiting For You

• Free Goodies: We have free treats and swag up for grabs while supplies last! 🎁

• Chill Atmosphere: Everyone is having a great time hanging out, playing games, and listening to music.

• Grad Prom Tickets: Don't forget to grab your tickets for our final GSAW celebration—Grad Prom & Awards! It’s happening tomorrow, Friday, April 10, from 5–8 p.m. 🎟️✨

Repost from the Center for Social Justice Dialogue 

Position Overview:

Position Type: Internship, Stipend, Undergraduate Student, Graduate Student

Handshake ID: Job #10935546

Hiring Manager: Wendy Low

Term: Academic Year 2026-2027 

Year Stipend: $1500 ($750/semester) 

Estimated Start Date: August 2026 

Application Deadline: For priority, apply by April 26. Applications welcome until position filled. 

Internship Description:

Do you always find yourself talking about social justice? Are you the friend in your group who's always adding “nuance” to the conversation? Then we’re looking for you! Social Justice Dialogue Facilitation Fellows work for the Center for Social Justice Dialogue and are supervised by professional staff within the Center. 

The main role of this internship is to support the work of the Center for Social Justice Dialogue (CSJD) in cultivating a campus community where everyone feels empowered and equipped to engage in difficult dialogue across differences of identity, background, and lived experience. Built on a foundation of Intergroup Theory and other social justice education frameworks, interns will co-create and deliver workshops on topics of identity, social justice, and dialogue to student populations. Further, students will support projects including MediaBytes, Your Story Belongs Here, InterACT, FYS: Race, Social Justice, and Dialogue, and other departmental programs. They may also support collaborative dialogue programs in partnership with other departments on campus (e.g. The Women’s Center, Center for Democracy and Civic Life, Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging, etc). Facilitators are expected to work a maximum of ten hours a week which includes weekly staff meetings to engage in deep learning, prepare for workshops, and continue developing student-focused programming. Interns engage in ongoing training, reviewing key activities, facilitation skills, and foundational introductions to various social justice concepts. Interns must be available for these training sessions as well as program retreats.

Upon the completion of more advanced training (including Restorative Practices) and a full year of participation, students will have the opportunity to apply to a “senior internship” position to facilitate higher stakes dialogues.

General Responsibilities:

• Develop, facilitate, and promote peer-led workshops on topics related to identity, social justice, and dialogue to student populations 

• Engage in ongoing learning and development connected to dialogue and facilitation

• Co-create the continued foundation for IDEAL and InterACT programs, as well as contribute ideas and content for workshop curriculum 

• Support CSJD programming through attendance, marketing/promotion, co-facilitating activities within larger dialogues and workshops, etc.

• Meet with the primary supervisor and attend regular student staff meetings (dependent on student availability)

• Serve as departmental “student liaison,” gathering information about current student “hot topics” and  needs and wants connected to dialogue 

• Serve as an ambassador for IDEAL and InterACT programs, as well as CSJD more broadly 

• Follow all area regulations within the Code of Conduct (this is provided during the staff onboarding process)

• Fulfill all other duties and responsibilities as appropriate and assigned (including, but not limited to occasional  oral / written reflections, time tracking, etc.)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be a full-time, matriculating undergraduate or graduate student at UMBC;

• Must have and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (semesterly checks will be conducted);

• Must be able to commit to a minimum of Spring Semester for at least 10 hours per week; oppurtunity to renew

  • Interns are strongly encouraged to enroll and fulfill all the requirements PRAC098 offered through the Career Center each semester, but especially for their first full semester of the internship program. Learn more about PRAC here.

• Must be committed to being a positive role model and demonstrate leadership skills;

• Must demonstrate ability to interact and communicate mindfully in person and online with diverse students, staff, faculty, and other campus community members;

• Must be flexible with schedules depending on relevant programs, events and/or student professional development opportunities; 

• Must have flexibility to work evening and weekend hours on occasion;  

• Must attend all training sessions

• • Please hold the following dates for upcoming programs:
    • Training is likely to occur for 2-3 days August 10-14, 2026. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with designing/implementing and facilitating programs

• Demonstrated experience with myUMBC, Gmail, Google Drive, Canva, Instagram, Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and/or Illustrator 

• Demonstrated basic knowledge in any of the following areas: the relationship between identity, power, privilege and oppression, intersectionality, social justice-related theories, intergroup dialogue (e.g. Critical Race Theory, Feminist/Womanist Theory, Queer Theory, Social Identity Theory)

• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience through student organization leadership, civic engagement and/or activism

• Have summer and winter availability; and

• Have verbal, spoken, and/or written multilingual skills

This internship 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.

To apply, find the position on Handshake with the ID: 10935546

HRSTM is thrilled to kick off our annual HRSTM Week with an inspiring keynote from Marci Walton, MA, MS.! 

In today's rapidly evolving workplace, the ability to adapt and learn is more than a skill; it's a necessity. While many understand the concept of a "growth mindset," many find it challenging to incorporate it into daily practice. Marci will guide us through the essential shift from static thinking to dynamic action, sharing proven best practices for making growth a permanent habit rather than a fleeting goal.

Join us for an engaging session designed to help you dismantle mental barriers, embrace challenges as opportunities, and cultivate the resilience needed to excel in any environment.

The session will be held Monday, April 20th from 10:30am to 12pm in the Fine Arts: Recital Hall

Click the attachment to learn more about Marci's background and expertise! 

NOTE: This is an in-person only event

Click here to register

Five-Year Commemoration of the Walter Lomax Act

Honoring Mr. Lomax: Champion for restorative justice

Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026

Time: 7:30 - 9 PM

Location: Performing Arts & Humanities Building (PAHB): 132

This event will feature Mr. Lomax, elected officials, members of the Maryland state government, and others integral in the passing of the Act, which compensates wrongly convicted and incarcerated individuals. 

All are welcome!

Presented by the Department of English, The School of Public Policy at UMBC, The Dresher Center for the Humanities, The Shriver Center, the Department of American Studies, and the Department of Political Science.

On April 6, 2026, Zareen Taj of LLC Cohort 22 successfully defended her dissertation and earned the title of Doctor of Philosophy.  Her degree will be conferred in May.

Her virtual defense went smoothly and she gave a powerful presentation of her dissertation research, Journey of a Scholar-Activist: An Autoethnographic and Multimodal Inquiry.

The program wishes to acknowledge the guidance and commitment of Zareen's committee:

Co-Chairs:

            Tania Lizarazo, Modern Languages, Linguistics and Intercultural Communication

            Joby Taylor, The Shriver Center

Members:   

            Tanya Saunders, Language, Literacy, and Culture

            Sally Scott, Community Leadership

            Melissa Skye Kerr Chiovenda, George Mason University

Congratulations, Dr. Taj!

The Women's, Gender, & Equity Center will be closed tomorrow, Friday, 4/10, and next Friday, 4/17. 

Staff will be available virtually throughout this time. If you have any questions or concerns, please email womenscenter@umbc.edu.

The WGEC is open to all individuals regardless of their sex, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.
 
UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors. If you have difficulties accessing any of the materials on our site or any of our events or discussions, please contact us so that we can provide an alternative format and/or remedy any accessibility challenges. For questions or for accessibility requests, contact us at womenscenter@umbc.edu.

UMBC-Shady Grove STEM Exploration Day – Join Us!

UMBC-Shady Grove invites you to attend STEM Exploration Day, an in-person event at The Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Maryland, on Thursday, April 16th from 3:00–7:00 pm.

This is a great opportunity for Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering students who are interested in completing the last two years of their degrees at our Montgomery County campus to see the facilities and meet the faculty!

Participants may attend the afternoon session (3:00–5:00 pm), the evening session (5:00–7:00 pm), or both. Throughout the event, rotating interactive activities will highlight our Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Translational Life Science Technology bachelor’s degree programs.

Event activities include:

• General information sessions for each academic program

• Guided lab tours and simulations

• Student organization highlights

• Campus tours

Light refreshments and parking waivers will be provided.

Please see the attached UMBC-Shady Grove STEM Exploration Day flyer for additional details. We look forward to welcoming you to campus and connecting with you!

For questions, contact sgcoeitadvising@umbc.edu.

ADVANCE and Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) is hosting an ADVANCE Distinguished Speaker event:

🗓 Thursday, April 16
🕓 4:30–5:30 PM
📍 UC 312

Dean Jeanne M. van Briesen, Dean of COEIT, will present “Confluences in Life and Research.”

This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from and connect with the new Dean of COEIT. We encourage our members to attend and to share this event within your networks.

Please see the attached flyer for additional details.