Have you been seeing more announcements or emails related to AI tools or usage on campus?Do you have questions regarding the recent guidelines that were shared on the use ofartificial intelligence (AI) tools in the classroom? Would you like your voice heard, or wouldappreciate having student perspectives brought to the forefront of these conversations relating to AIpolicy and guidelines? 

The AOK Library would like to hear from you! If you would like to come together in a safe space to discuss AI use on campus, please stop by room 259 in the Library for two student only,student focused, in-person listening sessions happening soon (please see dates and times below and in our events page). Faculty will not be present, and conversations thatoccur within the space will remain anonymous to protect students' identities. All majors are welcome! 

There will be free pizza and drinks, and participants will be offered the chance to grab free swag, in addition to bonus library privileges! 

Session 1: Wednesday, February 25th, 12:00pm-1:00pm (Room 259)

Session 2: Wednesday, March 4th, 12:00pm-1:00pm (Room 259)

We encourage students interested in participating to register and add the individual events to their calendars!

These listening sessions are supported by the AOK Library, in partnership with Computer Science & Electrical Engineering, Information Systems, and the Dresher Center. We thank you for your support!

Stop by Coffee Mondays to grab a free cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and take a breather between classes.

Whether you're coming to study, chat, or just refuel, this is your weekly reminder to slow down and connect with fellow grad students.

Where? Office of Graduate Student Life (Commons 308)
When? Every Monday | 10am - 2pm
Come as you are — pajamas, laptops, and coffee orders welcome.

FOLLOW OFFICE OF GRADUATE STUDENT LIFE ON myUMBC FOR ALL THE INFO

Join The Mosaic as we celebrate, honor, and uplift our Black and African American community. This February marks 100 Years of Black History and serves as a reminder of the impact of Black history on our country. We acknowledge the profound contributions and influence of Black and African Americans that have shaped our nation's history, while also celebrating their cultural influences, resilience, love, and service. We pay tribute to the ongoing representation, creativity, and artistic expression that enriches our communities. 

As we honor the Association for the Study of African American Life and History theme, "Century of Black History Commemorations," we reflect on a legacy of brilliance that has fundamentally shaped our country. A continued and steady reminder that Black history is a true testament of US history. ASALH states, "From Negro History Week to Black History Month, ASALH has carried forth the tradition, and the observances have become part of the warp and weft of American culture and increasingly the global community. For our 100th theme, the founders of Black History Month urge us to explore the impact and meaning of Black history and life commemorations in transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world." (Association for the Study of African American Life and History). For more information about ASALH 2026 Black History Month, click here. 

National recognition may have arrived in 1976, yet the legacy of Black excellence has always been woven into the fabric of our society. We celebrate not just the milestones of the past, but also the vibrant culture and creativity of the present. For The Mosaic, 'Inclusive Excellence' means ensuring this celebration isn't confined to a single month. We remain committed to honoring and elevating the history and ongoing contributions of the Black and African American community year-round.

Throughout February, join our UMBC community in celebrating with events and programs. Consider connecting with one of our many student organizations, such as BSU, BGSO, the Association for Black Artists, and the African Student Association, for more events! 

Hear Our Stories: Celebrating Black History Month

Monday, February 2, 2026 

11:30 AM - 1 PM

Commons Mainstreet (in front of the Bookstore)

Join The Mosaic: Center for Cultural Diversity & The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being as we read and highlight Black and Africana stories through children's literature.

Music & The Mosaic (Black History Month × The Grammys Edition!)

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

12 - 1 PM | 2B23 The Commons

Join us in a laid-back, vibrant setting where music, culture, and conversation come together. This pop-up will explore the impact of Black artists on the music industry, iconic Grammy moments, and the cultural influence of Black music across genres.

Black Excellence Summit

Friday, February 6, 2026

Our 2026 theme, "Roots of Success: Grounded in Community," highlights our foundational belief in the indispensable power of building and maintaining a shared community. We deeply value the rich diversity among our students, staff, and faculty, which is a key source of UMBC's strength. However, the reality for some of our community members, particularly those who are Black, often feel a gap in a shared cultural or racial community. To honor our theme, we aim to cultivate an environment where Black students, staff, and community members are not only heard and seen but also feel grounded in our shared community. Through the Black Excellence Summit, we are evolving the concept of Black Excellence. We hope to redefine it away from appealing to external societal norms, and instead, focus on celebrating the richness of the Black experience within our community, recognizing and fostering success in all its genuine forms.

BSU Groove Theory: BES After Party! 

Friday, February 6, 2026

7 - 10 PM | UC Ballroom 

The Official Black Excellence Summit After Party! Come dressed up for our soul train themed get together and be ready for a night full of music, dance, and fun!

Divine 9 Greek Night 

Thursday, February 12, 2026 

6:30 PM | Chesapeake Arena 

It's Greek Night at UMBC! Rep your letters and bring the energy as the Black Student Athlete Alliance and BSU take the court.

Black History Month Discussion Panel - Black History: Under Attack, but yet Unbroken

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

3:30 - 5 PM | The Commons 329

In collaboration with the Department of Africana Studies and the Women's, Gender, and Equity Center, please join them for their Black History Month Discussion Panel titled "Black History: Under Attack, but yet Unbroken." This year's theme aims to highlight the current suppression of Black history and explore how censorship, distortion, and systemic narratives shape collective memory. Be part of an honest discussion to preserve Black history, resist oppression, and reclaim truth for future generations through academia.

Spring semester can be a lot — classes, research, work, life. Retriever Integrated Health (RIH) is offering support groups and skill-building workshops this semester to help you feel grounded, focused, and connected.

Whether you're looking to manage anxiety, strengthen relationships, improve executive functioning, or connect with other grad students, there's a space for you.

This Spring, RIH is offering:
• Anxiety Toolbox workshops to help you understand and manage anxious thoughts
• Executive functioning skill-building workshops focused on time management and organization
• Graduate student support groups to connect in a confidential, supportive space
• Interpersonal and relationship-focused groups
• Healing-centered groups for navigating family challenges

Most groups require a brief initial consultation, while workshops are open to all UMBC students with no intake required.

Spring 2026 | In-person & virtual options available
Learn more, view dates, and register through the RIH myUMBC page or your RetrieverCare portal.

Taking care of your mental health is part of your success — you don't have to do it alone.

UMBC Community,

Please see the dining hours below for Thursday, January 29 and Friday, January 30.

True Grit's Dining Hall

• Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM

• Continental Breakfast: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

• Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Dinner: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM

• Late Night: 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM

True Grit's Market

• Open from 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM

Retail Locations

• Chick-fil-A: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Starbucks: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Einstein Bros. Bagels: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

For the most up-to-date dining hours and any additional changes, please visit Dine On Campus.

Thank you!

This January marks the inaugural National Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, a nationwide initiative led by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment at SAMHSA. The month is dedicated to raising awareness about the effectiveness of evidence-based treatments, reducing stigma, and removing barriers to recovery.

Whether you are seeking support, caring for a loved one, or working as a provider, this is an opportunity to learn, share resources, and take action. SAMHSA's Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month toolkit includes free materials such as social media graphics, suggested messaging, virtual backgrounds, and educational resources to help amplify this important message.

Treatment works, and recovery is possible. Join the movement by accessing the engaging with SAMHSA's resources and toolkits and supporting awareness efforts throughout the month.

The library follows all campus closures for inclement weather and other emergencies. Therefore, all due dates will be extended until campus reopens. Any overdue fines for equipment that accrue while campus is closed will be waived. 

Some users may receive automated emails informing them that items are due during the time campus is closed. Please disregard these messages and return the items once the campus reopens. 

Stay safe and warm!