The Global Asias Initiative (GAI) at UMBC is holding a workshop to help support and curate an exhibit of creative works produced by students that relate and help illustrate understandings and relationalities to Asia as understood through a Global Asias framework. In the workshop, students will read and unpack a text written by Tina Chen (Global Asias: Method, Architecture, and Praxis) in order to better understand Global Asias, a theoretical, multidisciplinary framework that brings together the fields of Asian American and Asian Studies. We will work together to create an exhibit of student work that translates and explains Global Asias as an analytical lens to the campus and wider public. 

Students will arrive to the first session with a project they have either completed in a prior class or with a project in mind as well as having read an assigned text on Global Asias. Together with faculty mentors, we will discuss the text and clarify any questions in order to strengthen our collective understanding of the Global Asias framework.

In the second session, students will work to hone their project and work on writing artist statements that explain to a public audience how their piece reflects Global Asias–what Global Asias concept(s) does their piece draw on? How can we see that concept or process illustrated or represented in the piece? 

Participating in this workshop will help strengthen public writing skills, hone reading skills, and is an opportunity you can put on your resume/CV. 

Please make sure to keep available 5/1 for the exhibition install date and 5/4 for the Exhibition Reception.  

Applications are due Wed, February 11, 2026 by 11:59pm.

Application Process:

By 11:59pm on Wed., Feb.11, 2026: Submit responses via the following application form: https://forms.gle/3WBUUEA9NyrC16QU6 

Make sure to include:

• 1-2 sentence description of project 

• 2-3 sentence statement of why you're interested in participating 

WORKSHOP TIMELINE:

Session 1 (Friday 2/27, 12:00-2pm): reading & activity that asks that helps guide the revision of their project and helps them brainstorming their "artist statement"

In between sessions: students send advanced drafts

Session 2 (Friday 4/10, 12:00-2pm): bring workshopped/revised project, share. finalize and create connections between pieces.

(lunch will be provided)

Exhibition Install date: Friday, 5/1

Exhibition Reception: Monday 5/4

PAYMENT DISBURSEMENT:

Participating students will receive a $300 stipend. Receiving the stipend is dependent on completion of both workshop sessions and installing their piece in the exhibition. 

CONTACT INFO:

Please reach out to Dr. Mika Thornburg at mthornburg@umbc.edu, Dr. Tamara Bhalla at tbhalla@umbc.edu or Priya Bhayana at priyab@umbc.edu with any questions.

We have located knowledgeable entrepreneurs to present on important topics to help YOU learn more about entrepreneurship. You don't want to miss any of these incredible events this Spring!

We'll kick off with the First Friday Fair @EntrepreneurShop in the Commons on Friday, February 6th from 10 am- 2 pm!  If you're a creator or entrepreneur, be sure to sign up for a table space!  Or come explore what other UMBC students are creating and Check out this page for more info.  

Next, come hear Chris Ewing's talk  "From Beer Pong to Medtech: The Evolution of an Entrepreneur" on Friday, February 13th and learn about his journey as an entrepreneur!

Then join us at the Idea Pitch Day on February19th to get ready for our spring Business Plan competition, the CBIC!  Present your idea and get feedback to help you prepare it for submission, or come listen and perhaps join a team!

On March 4th, learn how AI can help you launch your startup faster and more efficiently in a workshop led by Dr. Tim Oates!

The semester is just beginning!  Check out our Spring Events and add them to your calendar!

Reminder: Today is the final day to register for Ms. JD's Pre-Law Application Accelerator onine panel discussion. 

"Transitioning from Undergrad to Law School & Beyond" featuring Attorneys from Weil Gotshal & Manges, LLP

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 28th 

Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET

Location: Virtual Event

Registration Link

Are you an undergraduate student considering law school and the career opportunities that follow? 

Join Ms. JD for an engaging one-hour discussion with four accomplished attorneys from diverse geographies, practice areas, and backgrounds.

Moderated by Ms. JD, this session will provide:

• Insights on the journey from undergrad to law school

• Strategies for navigating the admissions process

• Guidance on building a successful legal career

• A behind-the-scenes look at Weil, including its culture, practice areas, and global presence

This event is free and open to all students. This is an excellent opportunity to learn directly from practicing attorneys and gain valuable guidance for your path to law school.

Ms. JD is a national organization that helps women in law find community and opportunity at every stage in their career, from aspiring attorneys to seasoned professionals.