Peerada Phoomsiri will present her resarch at URCAD on Wednesday, April 22 from 9:40-9:55am in RAC 230.

Title: Rewarding Relationships: An Ethnographic Study of Volunteers with the Special Olympics

Mentor: Bambi Chapin, Anthropology

Abstract:

Giving those with intellectual disabilities a chance to shine in athletic settings is exactly what the Special Olympics aims to do. But what about the volunteers who help make these events possible? Volunteer work with the Special Olympics is described by the organization as “rewarding for all” and “about creating lifelong friendships.” This research aimed to study these friendships created in an athletic setting by engaging in participant observation through the role of a volunteer. Volunteering at Special Olympics basketball games in Maryland afforded a glimpse of the interaction’s volunteers have with others in the program. The observed interactions show that volunteers contribute towards a positive environment through the relationships they form. As facilitators of events and fans of athletics, volunteers both contribute to and benefit from their role in the Special Olympics. By better understanding the significance of relationship-building in motivating volunteer engagement and what facilitates that, this research offers organizations useful information in supporting the volunteer labor on which they rely.

For the full schedule of URCAD events see: URCAD.umbc.edu

Kick off Graduate Student Appreciation Week by finding your competitive rhythm.

Join us and the Military and Veterans Office for a night of board games, video games, and community.

You deserve a break from the research—come hang out!.

HAPPENING NOW FROM 3-6PM

COMMONS GAMEROOM

To all our hardworking graduate students: we see the late nights in the lab, the endless research, and the dedication you pour into your work every single day. You are a vital part of what makes UMBC move.

Graduate Student Appreciation Week (GSAW) is our way of hitting "pause" on the grind so you can take up space, find your rhythm, and be celebrated for the incredible impact you have on this campus. From wellness sessions to game nights and a formal prom, this week is all about you. You’ve earned the right to relax, connect, and enjoy the community you help build.

FOLLOW OGSL ON myUMBC FOR ALL GSAW INFO!

Pre-GSAW Kickoff Events

TODAY - Game Night with Military and Veterans

• Friday, April 3 | 3–6 p.m.
• Gameroom, The Commons

TOMORROW - Grad Outing to Dave & Busters

• Saturday, April 4 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Off Campus

GSAW Event Schedule

Grad Wellness Day | Monday, April 6

• Wellness Tabling 
• 1–3 p.m.
• The Commons, Main Street

• Candle Making 
• 3–5 p.m.
• The Commons, Room 329

• Break the Mold (Pottery & Networking)
• 4–6 p.m. 
• The Commons, Fireside Lounge (with The Office of Health Promotion)

GEARS Research Symposium & 3MT

• Tuesday, April 7 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• UC Ballroom

Grad Bingo Night

•  Wednesday, April 8 | 4–7 p.m.
•  UC Ballroom
• RSVP & FOLLOW OGSL ON myUMBC

Grad Cultural Day

• Thursday, April 9 | 12–4 p.m
• UC Ballroom

Career Paths by The Graduate School

• Thursday, April 9 | 5–8:30 p.m.
• Fireside Lounge, The Commons

Grad Prom & Awards

• Friday, April 10 | 5–8 p.m.
• UC Ballroom
• RSVP & FOLLOW OGSL ON myUMBC

Note:All programs and events are open to full participation by all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category.

It's the grand finale of Graduate Student Appreciation Week! Put down the red pen and step away from the data—it's time to celebrate the brilliance, resilience, and diverse journeys of our graduate community. Join us for a multicultural evening designed to honor students from all backgrounds and every corner of the world.

This is an event to come as you are and celebrate graduate life in whatever way feels right to you. Whether your style is casual, formal, or cultural, all forms of self-expression are welcome. Expect an atmosphere filled with music, joy, and recognition aswe honor our award winners and the hard work you put in every day.

Follow OGSL on myUMBC and get FREE tickets for Grad Prom & Awards!

There is no pressure and no rules to follow—just an opportunity to be in community and celebrate the global rhythm we've built together. You aren't just a part of UMBC; you are the heartbeat of our innovation. Let's close out the week in style!

When: Friday, April 10 | 5–8 p.m.

Where: UC Ballroom

Grab your Hacky Sack and djembe come jam with us! 

Bring your drum and join in @URCAD, Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in the RAC!

11:00-11:15am, RAC Stage

UMBC Drum Circle-  Improvisational drum jam featuring UMBC faculty, staff, and students. With INDS professors Steven "Dr. Upcycle" McAlpine, and Jose Arenas Gomez, Anna Folange, and members of the Retriever Music Society. You can hear them on sunny afternoons on the steps of Academic Row outside of the UC getting their groove on.

URCAD.umbc.edu

Hello everyone!

Due to unforseen circumstances, the Retriever Essentials Free Farmers Market has been cancelled. 

We will instead be fully stocked with fresh produce in our pantry for tomorrow morning, 04/03.

We sincerely apologize for any inconviences

Start the official Graduate Student Appreciation Week by focusing on you!

Whether you want to learn about health resources or get hands-on with a creative project, we have a full afternoon dedicated to your mental and physical wellness.

• Wellness Tabling: 1–3 p.m. | The Commons, Main Street

• Candle Making: 3–5 p.m.  | The Commons, Room 329

• Break the Mold (Pottery & Networking): 4–6 p.m. | The Commons, Fireside Lounge 

Follow OGSL on myUMBC for all things GSAW!

Dear Graduate Students,

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) election voting for the academic year 2026–2027 is now open, and we invite you to participate.

Before casting your vote, please use your UMBC email account to access the candidate videos and take a few minutes to review them so you can make an informed decision:
Drive Link: Senator Nominee Speeches

How to Vote:

1. Visit the voting page: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/officialgsaelections
2. Log in to your myUMBC account.
3. Under the Posts section (as shown in the screenshot), you will find:
   • A post for your respective college’s Senator election
   • A post for the Student Affairs Senator election
4. Accept the invite to vote (if you haven’t already) and open both posts and
5. Cast your votes as follows:
   • Select and rank your top 4 candidates for your college Senator position.
   • Select and rank your top 4 candidates for the Student Affairs Senator position.

Important Notes:

• Please ensure you vote in both posts (your respective college and Student Affairs).
• Follow all voting guidelines and respect the election process.

Voting is open now and will close on Sunday 5th April 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Your participation is important in shaping graduate student representation at UMBC. We encourage you to review the candidates and cast your vote.

Best Regards,

Reena Kale and Neil Kpamegan

Election Committee Co-Chairs.

World Autism Awareness Day 2026

The 2026 observance of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), held under the theme “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value,” highlights and affirms the dignity and worth of all autistic people as part of our shared human future.  Grounded in the principles of human rights and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this vision sees the inclusion of neurodiversity as crucial to sustainable development.

When societies embrace neurodiversity, they strengthen creativity, resilience, and innovation, laying the foundation for more just, inclusive, and sustainable communities. This year’s discussion explores the role of neurodiversity in shaping policies that advance health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, economic opportunity, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, and strong institutions.

By affirming that autistic lives are integral to our collective progress and the achievement of the SDGs, the observance calls for a future where difference is respected, dignity is protected, and every autistic person can thrive.

Date: April 2, 2026

Learn more:
UN – World Autism Awareness Day
WHO – World Autism Awareness Day 2026

Key ways to celebrate and create impact in 2026 for Autism Awareness Day, Month, and all year:

• Wear Blue & Light It Up: Participate in the global "Light It Up Blue" initiative by wearing blue clothing or ribbons to spark conversations.
• Support & Donate: Donate to or volunteer with autistic-led organizations, or support autism-friendly businesses.
• Engage in Education: Read books, watch films, or listen to webinars by autistic individuals to learn more about their experiences.
• Participate in Events: Join or organize an event, such as a Spectrum 5K walk/run/roll.
• Advocate for Inclusion: Improve accessibility in your community by helping create sensory-friendly spaces, supporting inclusive events, or participating in advocacy initiatives.
• Leverage Official Resources: Use educational materials from respected organizations like the National Autistic Society and WHO.

Hi Everyone!

As said in the newsletter, our Free Farmers Market for today and next week will be held in the Center for Wellbeing. We hope to see you there!