We recognize that the return to in-person classes and on-campus activities, while navigating Covid compliance, has been difficult. We are excited to welcome students into our new Center for Well-Being (CWB), which was developed to support students' physical, mental and spiritual well-being. But, we also recognize that the transition from the former shared interfaith space to the new shared Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being has been challenging. We appreciate the work of students and student organizations who have advocated to ensure that students' concerns regarding the hours and access are being heard.
As a result of ongoing conversations with students about their needs, we can share the following updates regarding access to the Gathering Space:
Gathering Space Reservations:
Gathering Space Hours:Reservations for use of the Gathering Space are officially open. Religion and Belief organizations can reserve the space using 25Live. Reservations are approved by i3b and are prioritized for Religion and Beliefs organizations. Please note that the number of people who can use the space at any given time is currently limited by COVID requirements.
The Gathering Space is now open 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. daily. Due to safety considerations, students are not able to use the space outside of staffed hours.
We recognize that our students need safe, comfortable, and convenient spaces to gather and to pray. We also know that there is high demand for Religion and Belief students to use the Gathering Space. While we do not yet know what the ideal long-term solution is, we are working with impacted students to help them meet their spiritual needs. Our current work includes:1. For instances where the Gathering Space is reserved and unavailable, we have identified other campus spaces for students. This includes two spaces on the first floor of the CWB including:
We also have spaces available including:
We plan to share additional information about access to each space soon.
2. At the request of our students, the Division of Student Affairs has committed to making training available for their staff on inclusion of diverse religious communities and religious practices.3. We know that the work is not yet done. We pledge to continue to work with students and community members to identify issues and to actively work toward solutions.
We thank our community for their commitment to our students and for their partnership in these sometimes challenging conversations. UMBC deeply values the diversity of our students, including the religious diversity represented across our campus. If you have concerns to share or would like to partner in this work, please contact Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging (i3b) at i3b@umbc.edu or Dr. Jasmine Lee directly at jaslee@umbc.edu.
We've a phenomenal pool of students running for the freshman student representative elections. Voting ends September 24 by 11:59 PM, and the new representative will be announced the following weekend.
1) Precious Sesay
"CWIT has so far been a great opportunity to meet new people and bond with everyone. I believe that being the freshman representative would allow me to connect with more of the CWIT community while simultaneously being able to contribute to the events that we will have in the future. I care about the CWIT community members and I believe that I would do a great job representing our best interests.
I was previously part of the CWIT escape room committee and I am currently a member of the BEST of CWIT committee. Joining both of these gave me the opportunity to expand upon my collaboration skills. It also allowed me to learn to contribute creatively in ways that I never have before and I got the chance to connect with amazing people. I know that with my previous and current experience of being a part of the CWIT community that I would be able to help curate a better CWIT experience if I were elected freshman representative."
2) Wendy Bickersteth
"A strength of mine is being able to take in multiple perspectives and propose a solution that targets the core of an issue. As the Freshman Representative, I will value open communication with my cohort by getting to know them individually and listening to their opinions on what would be best for our group. The idea of being able to create an impact, no matter how small or big, is a primary goal of mine and has been for years, so having the opportunity to aid in a program that opened social and career-based doors for me is something I cannot ignore. I also look forward to the stressful nights, the doubt-filled moments, and the complex challenges. I understand that taking on this position means facing obstacles that I have not dealt with before— going through the light and dark of freshman year leaves room to find the shades of gray of learning."
3) Amber Khan
"I am running for CWIT Student Council Freshman Representative because this position will give me the opportunity to interact with women who are experienced in the STEM careers a lot of us are hoping to pursue and then share what I learn from them with the rest of the freshman in the club so that they can benefit from that information. This position will also help me to become a voice for the freshman affiliates of CWIT thus creating an environment that can help many freshman become more knowledgeable about opportunities in their field of interest."
4) Sanju Biju
"I worked in many organisations and events as a volunteer and program head. I had come across many serious situations and overcame all those difficulties. Moreover, I would like to support Asian-American and Pacific Islander individuals, in particular women."
Do you have a disability or have you experienced life with a disability?
Are you interested in disability justice?
Have you had any good, bad, interesting experiences with access at UMBC?
Fill out an anonymous survey to guide our upcoming discussion about disability justice on an institutional and interpersonal level, the current state of the movement, and what it means to be an ally!
As part of Monday 9/27's CSJ 101: Disability Justice at UMBC and Beyond, we invite you to share a little bit about your experiences with disability justice at UMBC or outside of campus. Please note: This survey is anonymous and is not collecting any identifying information unless you opt into it at the end.