The Election Board recently received an election complaint against the statements made by Sedat Sefik in his “All Election Candidates” bio on SGA’s webpage where he stated he has been involved with SGA “as a Finance Board member and First-Year Ambassador.”  The complaint alleged violations of the following election rule: 

Rule 13. “Making false statements of fact to promote or discredit a candidate orally, visually, or in writing, or misleading people about the voting process, either intentionally or because the person making the statements did not take reasonable steps to verify their accuracy, is prohibited.  True statements and statements of opinion or intention are welcome except when they violate UMBC rules. Infractions involving false statements about an opposing candidate or intentionally misleading people about the voting process will be considered especially serious violations.” 

After careful review, the Election Board has found the complaint to be valid related to the alleged Rule 13 violation on the grounds that, while candidate Sefik has shadowed Finance Board in his role as an SGA FYA in Fall of 2024, he has never been a member of SGA Finance Board.  

In response to the violation, the Election Board has decided to move forward with the following sanctions: 

• Candidate Sefik’s “All Election Candidates” bio on SGA’s webpage has been updated to read that he has been “involved with SGA as a First-Year Ambassador.” Candidate Sefik is able to request additional edits if they meet with the approval of the Election Board. 
• The posting of an acknowledgement of the misleading statement on candidate Sefik’s social media spaces, which must first be submitted to the Election Board for approval. The statement must be approved and posted by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026. 

The Election Board wants to reiterate that any student who believes that they have witnessed an Election Rules violation should report a complaint to the Election Board, remembering that complaints must be filed by 48 hours after an alleged violation is discovered OR by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 19th-- whichever is earliest. 

Thank you. 

Hello Everyone,

Thank you to everyone who went to our previous event. This week we will have a regular General Body Meeting.

We will meet this Wednesday (4/8) from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM in the Sondheim Building room 107.

Also we curently have our elections going on. To cast your vote please fillout the ballot at the following link: https://forms.gle/bowWHhoKrvuBCJZs8 

Elections will end on April 14th so please cast your vote before the 14th. 

Thank you!!!

Faculty navigate political conversations in their classrooms whether they plan to or not. When we understand politics broadly as the processes through which we figure out how to live together, rather than strictly as voting gameplay, these moments are not just unavoidable but pedagogically important. Faculty already bring experience to managing complex classroom dynamics, and this workshop builds on that foundation by offering a dialogic perspective designed specifically for conversations across political difference. Participants will explore what it looks like to hold commitments to both free expression and inclusive community in practice, examine the particular dynamics that make political dialogue feel high-stakes, and co-develop guiding questions they can adapt to shape their own classroom strategy when these moments arise. This workshop will be facilitated by Ricky Blissett (Center for Democracy and Civic Life).

To RSVP and get the link for this event, visit the original post on the Faculty Development Center's myUMBC, and they will send you a Google calendar invitation with a WebEx link one hour before the session. If you register less than an hour before the session, you will receive the WebEx link when you register. Please email fdc@umbc.edu if you have any questions. If you have registered and find that you can no longer attend, please kindly release your spot so that others may attend.

(Counts toward the ALIT Certificate)
(Counts toward the INNOVATE Certificate)

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is now soliciting interest for unpaid Interns in the Bureau of Economics for Summer 2026.  This is a great opportunity for rising juniors and seniors with coursework in Economics, Statistics, Data Science, or Computer Science.

Below is application information for any students that might be interested in the position. We are open to this position being part of a person’s academic course of study (e.g., used for credit or independent study).

Duties:

In this role, you will gain real-world experience by working alongside PhD economists to protect consumers and promote competition in the US economy. Interns work with economists to support FTC matters, including:

o   Providing economic and statistical analysis in support of antitrust investigations, consumer protection cases, and rulemaking.

o   Conducting academic research and developing reports on the functioning of markets in the economy.

The ideal candidate for this position has:

o   A strong interest in and intuition for applied microeconomics.

o   Proficiency in programming languages widely used in economics, statistics, and/or data science such as Stata, R, or Python.

o   Excitement about conducting data analysis on a wide range of datasets in support of consumer protection and competition missions of the FTC.

o   Interest and aptitude in working with PhD economists on economics research projects that serve the mission of the FTC.

o   A desire to grow and build on skills in data analysis and microeconomics.

Position details:

o   Internships will run approximately from late May/June through mid-August, with exact start and end dates determined based on candidate availability.

o   The job location will be on site at the FTC Headquarters Building in Washington DC.

o   Candidates should plan to be on-site full-time at the FTC during the duration of the internship.

How to apply:

o   Send a resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcript to econ_interns@ftc.gov

o   The deadline for applications is 4/12/2026 at 11:59PM EST.

Tips for the application

o   Cover letter: A strong cover letter will include the following:

§  A discussion of your interest in economics and the FTC.

§  Details on your experience with statistics, econometrics, and programming, including through coursework, class projects, employment, or any other experience.

§  Details about your interest and experience with economic research, including any noteworthy projects, employment, or oral presentations.

§  Details about your interest and experience in public policy, including in any topics related to antitrust or consumer protection, though these are not required.

§  Any other relevant experience or interest.

Kick off Graduate Student Appreciation Week by actually putting yourself first. Whether you’re looking for wellness hacks or want to get your hands a little messy with a creative project, we’ve cleared the schedule for you.

THE BEST PART: We’re giving away wellness goodies all afternoon! Snag some face masks, hydrating hand lotions, and more to keep the spa vibes going at home.

Join us for a full afternoon of slowing down and recharging:

• 1–3 PM | Wellness Tabling: All the resources you actually need. (Main Street)

• 3–5 PM | Candle Making: Pour some light into your week. (Room 329)

• 4–6 PM | Break the Mold: Pottery, networking, and zero talk about your thesis. (Fireside Lounge)

The Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery, Dresher Center for the Humanities, and UMBC Department of English invite you to celebrate National Library Week and UMBC BookFest, April 19-25, 2026

Monday, April 20

12:00 - 1:00 PM: Banned Books Read-In | Library Rotunda

Exercise your freedom to read! Learn more about book challenges and bans in the United States, spend some time reading books that have been banned or challenged, and find out which 10 books were most frequently banned or challenged in 2025.

4:00 - 7:00 PM: Our Stories Matter: Books, Arts, and Community | Library 7th Floor

Make a mosaic that celebrates individual and community stories, embracing and amplifying all voices. This program is part of a series that will continue through 2026.

Tuesday, April 21

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: BookMarkIt | Library Plaza

Celebrate all things books with letterpress printing, zinemaking and swaps, a book drive, giveaways, and more!

3:00 - 5:00 PM: Find the Library at Transfer-Palooza! | UC Ballroom

Hey, transfer students! We will be at Transfer-Palooza with information about library services, plus stickers and swag!

5:00 - 6:30 PM: One Maryland, One Book: An Evening with Lawrence Burney, Author of No Sense in Wishing | UC 302

The author of the 2026 One Maryland One Book selection will join Assistant Professor of English Chris L. Terry to reflect on his essay collection, growing up in Baltimore, and his deep relationship to music. Refreshments will be served.

Wednesday, April 22

4:00 - 5:00 PM: A New Model: The Barack Obama Presidential Library with Dr. Kenvi Phillips, Barack Obama Presidential Library Director | Library 7th Floor

With approximately 95% of its records created digitally, the Obama Presidential Library is the first digital repository among the 16 presidential libraries stewarded by the National Archives and Records Administration. The library is constantly developing new pathways to process and make records available to the public. This talk will explore how the library is bridging the gap between traditional brick-and-mortar library needs and expectations and digital possibilities. Refreshments will be served.

4:00 - 6:00 PM: BCPL Mobile Services Visit | Library Plaza

Learn about the various mobile services offered by the Baltimore County Public Library - available for free to all UMBC community members!

Thursday, April 23

12:00 - 1:00 PM: Lunch and Learn: Library Advocacy Workshop | Library Room 259 

Join the Maryland Library Association to learn how everyone can be an advocate for library access and services. Lunch will be provided.

4:30 - 6:00 PM: Freedom to Read: A Panel on Libraries and Democracy | Library Gallery

Book challenges and censorship efforts are on the rise across our state and nation. What can we do to protect the right to read and ensure access to library services? Join this timely conversation with Maryland librarians, the Maryland State Library Agency, and Citizens for Maryland Libraries. Refreshments will be served.

Friday, April 24

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Decorate a Library Tote Bag | Library Atrium

You need something to carry all those books! Stop by the library atrium to decorate your own totebag. All supplies will be provided.

All Week

Monday-Friday 12-4: Drop-in button-making | Alan and Wendy Wilson Innovation Lab

Use old book pages and covers to create one-of-a-kind buttons!

All library open hours: Drop-in blackout poetry | Library 1st Floor

Upcycle an old book page into a new piece of literature.

The semester is moving quickly and it is time to LOCK IN -- for this semester AND the next! 

With the last day to withdraw (or change to a S/U grading method) behind us, you are now officially "in it to win it" with all of your Spring 26 classes!

This is also a great time to try stepping things up by adding in at least ONE new study habit. Have you been keeping up with the ASC resources like tutoring or SI Pass? Maybe not as regularly as you would like?!? Book an appointment via TracCloud today and recommit to a successful semester.

OR -- try adding in ONE more study technique like an online flashcard maker like Quizlet or Anki. 

If time management is your main concern, habit-trackers like Forest, Flora, and Habitica can gamify your responsibilities and encourage you to set AND keep to a better schedule. 

Better yet, make sure that you have checked in with your assigned advisor for clearance to register for Fall 2026 classes and along the way you can also discuss your course standing and possible areas for improvement.

As a reminder, ALL returning UMBC students will be eligible to register for Fall 2026 classes by the END OF NEXT WEEK (Friday 4/17). In order to take advantage of your earliest registration date/time (determined by the number of earned credits), you will need to meet with your advisor ASAP and make sure that there are no other registration holds on your account. Examples of registration holds include financial, health, ECR training, and judicial requirements/restriction. You do NOT need to remove all of these other holds before meeting with you assigned advisor and advising availability is limited during this time. You can view your assigned advisor (and registration holds) via your myUMBC account AND a complete list of advising assignments can be found at this website (by major). 

Success is often a state of mind and your CNMS Advising team is HERE FOR IT! Let's finish the semester strong and be set up for success in the Fall! LET'S GO RETRIEVERS!

On Friday, April 10, 2026, we’re migrating our ticketing system to Request Tracker (RT) 6. This is a major update focused on dramatically improving system speed, tightening our security, and preparing our system for modern AI tools. Click here to learn more from our vendor. 

Impact & Downtime

• When: Friday April 10 - Sunday, April 12 

• Downtime: The system will be offline for maintenance starting at 6 PM on Friday, April 10, to finalize the migration. While we expect the upgrade activities to be shorter, we’re holding the entire weekend for potential upgrade activities. 

• No action is required on your part; the update will be applied automatically.

Key Changes & Improvements

A Faster, Customizable Interface

If you spend your day working in queues, you will immediately feel the difference in RT 6:

• Lightning-Fast Interactions: The system now uses modern web technology (HTMX) to load different parts of the page in parallel. Instead of waiting for full-page reloads every time you update a ticket, edit a field, or use "Quick Create," changes happen instantly inline.

• Custom Page Layouts: You are no longer stuck with a one-size-fits-all view. You can now arrange widgets, prioritize the fields you actually use, and declutter your ticket views to match your specific workflow.

• Independent Refresh: Do you have a saved search that you monitor? Searches can now auto-refresh on their own independent timers without reloading your entire dashboard.

• Cleaner Design: The entire interface has been upgraded with a modern framework, making complex ticket histories much easier to read and navigate.
  
  

Under-the-Hood Priorities 

Beyond the UI, we are moving to RT 6 to solve two major backend goals:

1. Enterprise-Grade Security
   Protecting internal requests and data is our top priority. Moving to this version ensures we stay compliant with the latest security standards.

2. Laying the Groundwork for AI
   While you won't see "AI buttons" on launch day, RT 6 is the necessary foundation to get us there. The updated architecture allows us to start testing AI integrations later this year. Once stable, we will explore tools to support our users, including:

   • Smart Summaries to instantly catch you up on long, complex ticket threads.
   • Response Drafting to speed up common replies.
   • Automated Categorization to route tickets more efficiently.
   • MCP Server access for advanced users to interact via workflow tools (learn more).
     
     

Need Assistance?

Support Portal: Request Tracker (RT)

The first draft of the above announcement was generated using AI and edited by the Division of Information Technology Communications and IT teams.

Happy Monday Pre-Pharmers ! 

Our E-board Applications are now OPEN! 

Being a part of our E-board not only prepares you for being a leader, but also allows you to work with students who have similar professional goals as you! If you are interested in being a part of Pre-Pharmacy Society and getting leadership experience, fill out the form attached below. 

Forms will close on April 27th, so please make sure to submit before the due date. Depending on the number of applicants, we may also conduct interviews, so please keep that in mind as you complete your application and look out for an email update from me after submission. 

Pre-Pharm Club E-board App
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlINf26skuhKdhnxY1NXzyXgIUG5MKlWwlF4tgrdea0_EHvQ/viewform?usp=dialog

Good luck to everyone applying!

Please consider volunteering your time to support the 2026 Mathematics Olympiad. This event will be hosted on April 18th at UMBC by the Maryland Science Olympiad. Additional event information will be linked below!

• This opportunity is open to undergraduate students, graduate students, post-doctoral candidates, and faculty members!
• We still need volunteers especially for events such as Bungee Drop, Eng CAD, MAchines and Materials Science.
• We also need help behind the scenes, especially UMBC students to serve as concierges at registration tables and events since folks from the Maryland Science Olympiad not familiar with campus will need to be pointed in the right direction. 
• Volunteer sign-ups are managed through this link

Please reach out to Justin Webster (websterj@umbc.edu) with any additional questions!

Event Info & Logistics:

• Tournament Logistics
• Tournament Schedule