This April, the Division of Institutional Equity has a full lineup of events and opportunities for the UMBC community. All events and opportunities across the division are open to full participation by all community members. Here’s how you can get involved!

April 1 – 16 | The Commons: 004

Clothesline Shirt Making & Rally Sign Making

Join the Women’s, Gender and Equity Center throughout April to create shirts for the Clothesline Project and rally signs for the Take Back the Night march. Supplies will be available all month, with completed shirts displayed on April 9 and 16. Participants are invited to contribute to ongoing awareness efforts, with later creations featured in future exhibits, including Relationship Violence Awareness Month.

April 1 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | University Center 312

Trans Week of Visibility Panel and Resource Fair: Visibility in Higher Education

Join the Pride Center and Women’s, Gender, & Equity Center for a panel and resource fair celebrating Trans Week of Visibility. This event will feature a facilitated panel discussion, community resources, and opportunities for connection centered on trans and non-binary experiences in higher education. Attendees can engage in meaningful dialogue, enjoy refreshments, and explore resources supporting visibility and inclusion.

April 6 | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm | The Commons: 328

Green Dot Training: An Interactive Bystander Training

Join the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center and the Division of Student Affairs for a hands-on bystander intervention training as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This interactive session equips participants with practical tools to help prevent power-based violence, including sexual and partner violence. Attendees will also have the opportunity to earn a digital credential to showcase their training and commitment to creating safer communities.

April 7 | 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm | The Commons: 329

Crafting Your Story: Crochet & Connect

Join Social Justice Dialogue Facilitation Fellows for a creative and reflective afternoon of crochet, storytelling, and dialogue. Participants will learn basic crochet techniques while engaging in guided conversations around identity, growth, challenges, and community. No experience is needed, materials, snacks, and refreshments will be provided.

April 7 | 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm | The Commons: 004

Sexual Assault 101: Consent on Campus – How to Support a Survivor

Join the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center in partnership with Turnaround Inc. for an interactive workshop. This session explores the realities of sexual violence on college campuses, including consent, myths, and prevalence. Participants will engage with real-life scenarios and gain practical tools to support survivors and foster a culture of respect and accountability.

April 8 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Virtual

Start by Believing: Supporting Disclosures of Sexual Violence

Join the Division of Institutional Equity and UMBC Campus Police for a workshop designed to help faculty and staff confidently respond to disclosures of sexual violence. Participants will learn about the Start by Believing campaign and build skills to support survivors in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered way. This session aims to strengthen a culture of support, safety, and accountability across the UMBC community.

April 8 | 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm | Engineering 027

ADS Film Screening: Being Michelle

Join the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services for a screening of Being Michelle, highlighting the powerful story of a deaf, autistic woman who endured incarceration and systemic neglect. The film explores her resilience and the impact of support through her connection with a blind life coach, Kim Law. Come watch, reflect, and engage. Popcorn will be provided.

April 9 & 23 | 3 pm - 4:30 pm | The Commons: 2B23

SistaCare

Join the Center for Social Justice Dialogue for SistaCare - a community care and dialogue group that provides a supportive space to explore the experiences of Black/Africana women and femmes on campus while fostering connection, reflection, and care. These sessions invite participants to learn, share, and build community, and are open to all individuals. Event details: [April 9] [April 23].

April 9 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | The Commons: 004

Movie Night: Nevertheless

Join the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center for a special evening screening of Nevertheless (2020), directed by Sarah Moshman. This documentary shares powerful, intersectional stories of individuals impacted by sexual harassment across industries, connecting to the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements. Come watch, and engage in reflection and conversation on preventing sexual misconduct. Pizza, popcorn, and sweet treats will be provided.

April 10, 15, 24 & 28 | Multiple Times | In-person & Virtual

UMBC Talks: Inclusive Excellence

Join the Center for Social Justice Dialogue and Center for Democracy and Civic Life for a series of 90-minute, co-facilitated dialogues designed to shape UMBC’s shared definition of inclusive excellence. These interactive sessions invite students, faculty, and staff to engage with a drafted framework, share perspectives, and contribute to guiding the university’s future vision and strategic direction. Each session offers space for meaningful conversation across different campus experiences. Event details: [April 10] [April 15] [April 24:10am & 2pm] [April 28].

April 13 | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | AOK Library Gallery

Guest Lecture: Silent No Longer

Join the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services for an upcoming conversation with Robert Stack on advancing disability rights and addressing systemic barriers. The conversation will also highlight his new book, Silent No Longer: Advancing the Fight for Disability Rights, which explores critical issues within the disability services industry. Attendees can expect insights into profit-driven care, disparities in funding, and challenges impacting quality support. This session invites the community to engage in meaningful dialogue and advocate for more equitable and dignified care systems.

April 14 | 11:30 am - 1 pm | Virtual

Inclusive Excellence In Action Series

Join us for the second session of this semester’s Inclusive Excellence in Action series, “Skills to Center Humanity in the Academy: Responding to Anti-DEI Efforts Across Higher Education”. This session will equip participants with practical tools, strategies, and key takeaways to strengthen inclusive leadership, relationship-centered engagement, and humanizing approaches that foster learning and beloved community across campus.

 April 15 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Virtual

 Supervisors: Navigating Accommodations and FMLA from Referrals to Implementation

Join Human Resources and Accessibility & Disability Services for an upcoming session designed for UMBC supervisors on supporting disability inclusion in the workplace. The session will review FMLA leave and disability accommodation processes, with a focus on navigating accommodations and extended leave requests. Open to supervisors, this online session will deepen understanding of FMLA and accommodations while building capacity for inclusive excellence at UMBC.

April 15 | 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Virtual

Culture Conversations

Join the Office of Community and Culture for a facilitated conversation on “Sustaining Transformative Relationships". Participants will learn how to cultivate relational practices that strengthen connection, reduce harm, and support more sustainable ways of working together.

April 15 | 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm | University Center:302

Circles for Beloved Community

The Office of Community and Culture invites faculty and staff to gather in facilitated spaces to build trust and understanding. These circles offer an opportunity to slow down, connect across roles and experiences, and practice being in community together.

April 16 | 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm | The Commons: Mainstreet

UMBC’s Take Back the Night 2026

Join the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center for an evening of solidarity and action during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This event features a resource fair, survivor speak-out, campus march, and opportunities for community reflection and healing. Attendees are invited to stand against sexual violence, support survivors, and engage in building a safer campus community, with self-care spaces and support resources available throughout.

April 17 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Virtual

Dis/Ability On The Job: Accommodations and FMLA 101 for Non-Supervisors

Join Human Resources and Accessibility & Disability Services for an upcoming session tailored for UMBC employees on supporting disability inclusion in the workplace. This session will review FMLA leave and disability accommodation processes, with a focus on managing one’s own health conditions and returning to work. Open to all employees, this online event offers an opportunity to deepen knowledge and contribute to a more inclusive and supportive workplace at UMBC.

April 20 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | The Commons: 318

Building Better Days (Tools for Daily Engagement): The 80/20 Principle 

Join UMBC’s Davonya Hall and Danielle Woody from Towson University for an interactive session on applying restorative practices in everyday workplace interactions. This session explores the 80/20 principle, emphasizing proactive relationship-building as the foundation for a healthy and supportive community. Participants will gain practical tools and strategies to foster trust, accountability, and meaningful engagement in their daily work.

April 23 | 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm | The Commons: 004

Survivor Self-Care Day

Join the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center for a restorative afternoon of trauma-informed self-care during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This event offers survivors and allies space to relax and decompress through activities such as yoga, acupuncture, health check-ins, and crafting. Participants are invited to prioritize healing, wellness, and community care in a supportive environment.

Discussion Group Meetings

Join the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center this month for weekly discussion group meetings! Connect, share, and grow through spaces such as Grad Connect, We Believe You, Rebuilding Manhood, Spectrum, Women of Color Collective, Women and Gender Minorities in STEM, Returning Adult Learners, Athletics Group, Between Femmes, and Head Space. Visit https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/womenscenter/events?mode=upcoming&page=1 for more information and schedules for each group.

Employee Annual Title IX Training Requirement

Pursuant to UMBC's Interim Policy on Sex Discrimination, Sex-Based Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct, all faculty (including adjunct faculty), staff (regular and contingent), and student-employees (including teaching assistants and graduate assistants) are required to complete Title IX training each year. Employees who have not yet completed the training requirement should review the instructions and complete the outlined series of three asynchronous modules as soon as possible. New employees should complete training within 60 days of hire.The training will cover topics such as an overview of the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (ECR), what constitutes prohibited conduct under university policy, responding to a disclosure, procedures for reporting and resolving reports of prohibited conduct, trauma-informed care, confidentiality, and other applicable policies and procedures. Additional information regarding the training may be found in ECR's training FAQs. If you still have questions, please contact ECR at ECRtraining@umbc.edu.

I'm a transfer international student looking for a private room in a 2-bedroom apartment or house (shared bath, kitchen, and hall are perfectly fine). I'm aiming to move in June or July.

I'm easygoing, adaptable, and take pride in being a respectful and considerate housemate. Having lived in shared spaces before, I understand the importance of clear communication, mutual respect, and keeping common areas tidy.

If you have a space available or know of one, I'd love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out via email atkkotey1@umbc.eduor text me at667-512-7706.

Looking forward to connecting!

The Teaching and Learning Strategic Planning Subcommittee would like to invite all faculty to a town hall to solicit faculty input on the teaching and learning pillar statement and goals for the strategic plan.

Virtual Faculty Town Hall
Tuesday, April 74:00 - 5:00 pm
Register to attend here.  
myUMBC event posting: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/planning/events/152905

Faculty Town Hall
Wednesday, April 8
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Engineering 027
myUMBC event posting: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/planning/events/152889

All members of the UMBC community may contribute input at: https://umbc.edu/leadership/strategic-plan/

Hello folks!

If you haven't seen the Pride Center's Trans Day of Vicibility Resource Fair and Panel, it's happening TODAY from 1-4pm in UC312. Please join us for TDOV. We will be joined by several community organizations that provide resources and support to our trans, gender expansive, and non-binary siblings. We will also hear from a panel of folx with lived experiences about what it means for them to be visible in higher education contexts. Come be in community with us!

See full event poster below:

https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/thepridecenter/events/152590

I am looking for either a studio or a private room in a 2 bed, 2 bath townhouse/apartment for a May move-in. Please reach out to me at ndas2@umbc.edu if you have something available.

 Hello Paradise Route Riders,

On Wednesday, April 1, 2026. - The construction crews have closed portions of Mainden Choice Lane beginning at Mainden Choice Lane & Mt Ridge Rd. and detoured all traffic effective immedately.

The following bus stops will be affected during this period:

• 19. Maiden Choice La. & Symmington Ave.
• 20. Frederick Rd. & Paradise Ave.
• 21. Frederick Rd. & Nunnery La.

To minimize inconvenience, riders are encouraged to utilize the following alternative locations for pickups. 

• • Alternative: Please use Stop Garden Ridge. Rd
  • Alternative: Please use Stop Belle Grove Rd. & Frederick Rd.

If you need immediate assistance or clarification regarding pickup locations, please don't hesitate to contact our office at 410.455.2454. 

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this necessary road closure. We want you to know that our priority is to ensure your safety and minimize disruptions to your travel plans.

Safe Travels,

Transit Team

Hi everyone!

Please join us today for our spring social at free hour (12-1 PM) to hang out with other bio students. We'll have games, pizza, and upperclassmen to talk about the major with. 

We'll be in MEYR256 @ 12PM, hope to see you there!

UMBC staff, students, and alumni shared their expertise and contributed to national conversations on civic learning at several conferences in March. 

American Association for State Colleges and Universities’ American Democracy Project Summit (Chicago, March 15-16)

Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff Dr. David Hoffman, director; Tess McRae ‘22, assistant director for connective learning; Ann Tropea, assistant director for engaged media; and Arisbeth Valencia, undergraduate student and SGA senator, participated in this annual summit. Dr. Hoffman spoke at the opening plenary session about the Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Theory of Change, a set of guiding ideas for the American Democracy Project for which he was the lead author. 

UMBC alumnae Romy Hübler '09, M.A. '11, Ph.D. '15, director, Office of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility, Towson University, and and Markya Reed '18, M.A.'23, assistant director of operations, Center for Social Concern, Johns Hopkins University, also spoke during the opening session. 

In addition, along with Dr. Timothy Eatman, professor of urban education and dean of the Honors Living-Learning Community at Rutgers University-Newark, and Dr. Justin Vaughn, professor and director of the Center for Applied Civic Leadership, Coastal Carolina University, Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Hübler co-led a design lab focused on building connections necessary to create and sustain a thriving democracy across professional roles, institutions, and communities.

Dr. Hoffman serves as a member of the ADP Steering Committee and Tess McRae is UMBC’s campus liaison.

Compact26 (Chicago, March 15-17)

In addition to Dr. Hoffman, McRae, Tropea, and Valencia, Matt Hoffman, director of the Center for Religion, Spirituality and Pluralism; Eric Ford, executive director of public service programs, Shriver Center; and Uday Sharad Joshi, TRHT community arts specialist, Shriver Center, participated. Matt Hoffman co-led a session called “Promoting Pluralism Practices in Higher Education” with colleagues from Interfaith America/AASCU’s Pluralism Cohort. The panel was organized by Cassie Meyer, director of campus partnerships for Interfaith America. Hoffman shared about the work that he has been doing with Dr. Jasmine Lee in the Division of Institutional Equity and Dr. Renique Kersh to promote civic pluralism on campus at UMBC.

Valencia wrote a reflection on her participation in the ADP Summit and Compact26 on LinkedIn.

SNF Ithaca Leadership Summit (Newark, DE, March 19)

Dr. Hoffman participated in this gathering of about 40 academic leaders to address “Advancing Constructive Engagement through Civil Discourse.”

The Division of Student Affairs (DoSA) was proudly represented at NASPA's 2026 Annual Conference in Kansas City, where a dynamic group of professionals contributed to national conversations on belonging, leadership, and student success.

Attendees included staff from across the division. Together, they engaged in professional development, networking, and knowledge-sharing with colleagues from across the country.

VPSA

• Ebony Brown, Executive Coordinator

• Briana Lawson, Director of Staff Culture and Wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing

• Dr. Rae Chresfield, Director of Health and Wellbeing

Residential Life

• DiAvanti Bedford, Assistant Director for Residential Education for Conduct & Care

• Ka'Lynn Ruth, Graduate Assistant, Residential Experience

Student Belonging

• Jennifer Artis, Director of Student Life and Success for Graduate, Adult Learners, and Commuters 

• Mitchell Everett, Assistant Director, Graduate Student Life

• Griselda Flores, Director, Essential Needs and Connections

• Angelina Jenkins, Assistant Director, The Mosaic Center

• Serena Studivant, Assistant Director, Commuter Student Success

Student Engagement

• Tori Ciorra, Assistant Director, Student Organizations

• Jen Ewing Fox, Assistant Director, Leadership and Governance

• Lesa Goodhue, Special Assistant to the Dean of Students

DoSA's presence was especially impactful through several conference presentations. Highlights included sessions on impostor syndrome and graduate student wellbeing, commuter and adult learner belonging, supervision best practices, professional development for frontline staff, and identity-based experiences in higher education. These presentations reflected the division's strong commitment to advancing inclusive excellence and supporting diverse student populations.

Studivant showcased the Commuter Connections initiative through two poster presentations, further elevating the importance of creating inclusive and supportive environments for commuter students. Her work was recognized nationally with a NASPA Excellence Award, highlighting DoSA's leadership in advancing commuter student success and belonging.

NASPA 2026 provided an opportunity for DoSA staff to both learn from and contribute to the field of student affairs. The conference experience reinforced the institution's ongoing dedication to fostering belonging, innovation, and student-centered practices.

DoSA continues to lead with purpose, amplifying voices, sharing knowledge, and shaping the future of higher education.

If you have leftover food after an event, please consider sharing that real-time information with the campus community! 

Retriever Essentials is now using an app called Share Meals which is an upgrade from the previous "Where's Free Food At" notification board. This app allows anyone to post about food left over at campus wide events. To get started, download the appvia iOS or Android and log in using your university credentials. If you are publicizing food, please indicate the start and end time for when food is available for grabs, not when the event itself starts and ends.