Please join us on Friday, April 3 from 12:00-12:45 p.m. for a brief update on BookFest planning. We will share our confirmed schedule of events, advertising materials, and discuss volunteer opportunities. If you are unable to make it, we will circulate meeting minutes and action items via myUMBC. 

Every month, we raise awareness of disabilities, chronic illnesses, rare conditions, and health-related challenges that affect individuals. March is also Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and impact of women throughout history—including women with disabilities who have shaped advocacy, policy, education, and culture.

Women with disabilities have always been part of history, though their stories are often overlooked. From activists and leaders to artists and innovators, their contributions continue to push society toward greater accessibility, inclusion, and equity. This month, we not only recognize their impact but also recommit to amplifying their voices and advancing opportunities for future generations.

We are also highlighting Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, Brain Injury Awareness Month, Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week and Month. Each of these observances reminds us that awareness leads to understanding, understanding leads to action, and action can create meaningful change. Together, we can support research, promote accessibility, reduce stigma, and build a more inclusive and informed community for all.

March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

Source: Cerebral Palsy Guide

March is dedicated to raising awareness about cerebral palsy (CP), promoting inclusion, and advocating for better research, treatment, and support. Cerebral palsy is the most common lifelong physical disability, affecting movement, muscle control, and coordination. More than 1 million people in the United States are living with CP, and approximately 10,000 babies are diagnosed each year.

Cerebral palsy impacts each individual differently, but for many, everyday tasks such as commuting, working, or socializing can require significant energy and effort. Increased awareness helps improve access to healthcare, education, employment opportunities, and accessibility.

March 25 is recognized as Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day, a time to highlight lived experiences and advocate for inclusion. Many people show support by wearing green, the official color symbolizing hope and progress, and by sharing information using #GoGreen4CP.

Why awareness matters:
• Promotes better healthcare and early intervention
• Encourages inclusive education and workplaces
• Supports research and policy improvements
• Reduces stigma and increases understanding

You can get involved by:
• Wearing green and sharing awareness online
• Promoting accessibility in schools and workplaces
• Advocating for research funding and disability rights

This month reminds us that continued advocacy and awareness are essential to ensuring individuals with CP have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Source: Brain Injury Association of America

Every March, Brain Injury Awareness Month highlights the experiences of individuals living with brain injuries while promoting education, advocacy, and support. Millions of people are affected by brain injuries each year, and many face long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.

This observance emphasizes that no one with a brain injury is alone. By sharing stories and raising awareness, we help build a community rooted in understanding, inclusion, and dignity.

Brain Injury Awareness Month encourages individuals, families, and communities to take action by amplifying voices and supporting ongoing advocacy efforts.

You can help by:
• Sharing your story to inspire and connect with others
• Raising awareness through conversations and social media
• Supporting organizations through fundraising efforts
• Becoming an advocate for policies that support brain injury survivors

Every conversation, story, and effort contributes to providing help, hope, and healing for individuals and families affected by brain injuries.

March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month

Source: National Bleeding Disorders Foundation

Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month has been recognized for nearly 40 years, originally established in 1986 as National Hemophilia Awareness Month. Today, it represents a broader community, including individuals living with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and other rare bleeding disorders.

These conditions affect the body's ability to properly form blood clots, which can lead to prolonged or spontaneous bleeding. Awareness efforts have played a critical role in improving early diagnosis, advancing treatments, and strengthening community support.

This month is about inclusion, education, and empowerment for all individuals affected by bleeding disorders, regardless of age, gender, or background.

You can support by:
• Sharing educational resources and personal stories
• Participating in awareness campaigns and events
• Using social media to spread information
• Encouraging early diagnosis and access to care

Together, we can continue to raise awareness, support research, and uplift the voices of those in the bleeding disorders community.

March 8–14 is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week, and March is MS Awareness Month

Source: National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week shines a light on the realities of living with MS, a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. MS symptoms can include fatigue, pain, cognitive changes, and mobility challenges—many of which are invisible to others.

This year's theme emphasizes that MS is often "unseen," highlighting the hidden challenges individuals face daily. Even when symptoms are not visible, they can significantly impact a person's quality of life.

While research has led to meaningful progress, there is still no cure for MS. Continued awareness and advocacy are essential to advancing treatments and improving quality of life.

You can take action by:
• Sharing stories to increase understanding of invisible disabilities
• Participating in fundraising challenges and awareness campaigns
• Donating to support research and resources
• Educating others about the realities of MS

MS Awareness Week reminds us that behind every diagnosis is a person navigating complex challenges, and that awareness and support can make a powerful difference.

Women with Disabilities Making an Impact

In honor of Women's History Month, we recognize a few women with disabilities—past and present—whose contributions have made a lasting impact. Some of these women fought for civil rights and the freedom of Black people, while others championed disability advocacy, accessibility, and inclusion. Together, their courage and leadership continue to inspire change and progress for all.

• Noor Inayat Khan
• Judy Heumann
• Lydia X. Z. Brown 
• Alice Wong
• Sojourner Truth
• Harriet Tubman (Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Celebration link)
• Fannie Lou Hamer

Effective immediately,  UMBC Accounts Payable is implementing the IRS accountable plan for employee reimbursements to ensure compliance with federal tax regulations.  

NON-TAXABLE:    Employee reimbursements that are business related and submitted for reimbursement within the "60-day IRS Safe Harbor" will be treated as non-taxable to the employee.  Travel related reimbursement should be submitted through Concur, while non-travel reimbursements should be submitted through PAW on a payment request.

POTENTIALLY TAXABLE:     Employee reimbursements that are business related and submitted for reimbursement more than 60 days after the date incurred, Accounts Payable (AP) will contact the requester to determine whether there are extenuating circumstances for the delay. 

If no extenuating circumstances apply, the AP professional will guide the requester on the process for submitting the reimbursement through payroll -- Payroll taxes will apply.

All COEIT undergraduate students are invited to complete the 2026 COEIT Undergraduate Student Voice & Experience Survey.

This survey aims to understand your experiences in your major, classroom interactions and environment, campus involvement and resources, and the diversity and inclusion within COEIT. As this is the first time we're offering this survey since 2016, your feedback is incredibly valuable in helping the COEIT community collect critical benchmarking data.

Take the Survey Here: https://umbc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5iI6xaFXbYdbZGu 

Survey Deadlines & Prize Drawing:

• Priority Deadline: Monday, March 23, 2026

• Final deadline: Friday, April 10, 2026 

• Incentive: Complete the survey by the priority deadline (3/23/26) and select "yes" for the very last survey question to provide your email. This email address will only be used to enter you into a prize drawing to receive $25 Retriever Dollars (multiple winners will be selected!). Your email address will not be linked to your survey responses.

All students studying a COEIT major received an email from Dean van Briesen that includes the survey link and additional details. 

We encourage you to complete this important survey by the deadline!