RSVP BY TODAY for our end of the year Celebration & Awards! 

Student Belonging (formerly known as Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, & Belonging, or i3b) in the Division of Student Affairs has hosted celebration ceremonies for Latinx, Black, and LGBTQIA+ / queer students for several years. This year, we are excited to add the Asian Cultural Celebration & Awards to the lineup. These three affinity events will honor and celebrate the achievements of UMBC's outstanding community members and graduating students.

5th Annual Black & Latine/x Celebration & Awards

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. 

Skylight, The Commons 3rd Floor

This celebration is in recognition of the achievements of UMBC's Black and Latina/e/o/x graduating students as well as contributing community members. Black and Latine/x students have made invaluable contributions to the wider UMBC community. This celebration is in recognition of Black and Latine/x graduating students and of all the allied staff, faculty, alumni, and programs that work to support them.

During the gathering, we’ll enjoy food together, we’ll showcase keynote speakers, student musical and dance performances, and award presentations to honor student contributions, as well as the faculty and staff who’ve contributed to their success.

Light refreshments and appetizers will be served starting at 5:30 pm for all guests in attendance. 

Graduates must check in no later than 5:45 p.m. The program will begin promptly at 6 p.m. 

Dress code: We encourage all attendees and graduates to dress in their "celebration best." While cap and gown are not required, we would be thrilled to see attendees embracing cultural attires.

For those interested in attending, RSVP HERE (https://forms.gle/Vz5i9n36YTRZws4D8)! Graduates that RSVP between Monday, April 14th and Monday, April 28th at 6pm will be highlighted during the event and receive honorary graduation cords.

Folx are still welcome to attend even if there is no RSVP. Graduating students can register to be recognized day-of, but food and seating is only guranteed for those who RSVP'ed.

If you have any questions, please email Angelina R. Jenkins, Assistant Director for The Mosaic: Center for Cultural Diversity at arjenkins@umbc.edu. 

This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy. 

RSVP BY TODAY for our end of the year Celebration & Awards! 

Student Belonging (formerly known as Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, & Belonging, or i3b) in the Division of Student Affairs has hosted celebration ceremonies for Latinx, Black, and LGBTQIA+ / queer students for several years. This year, we are excited to add the Asian Cultural Celebration & Awards to the lineup. These three affinity events will honor and celebrate the achievements of UMBC's outstanding community members and graduating students.

Inaugural Asian Cultural Celebration & Awards

Thursday, May 15, 2025

5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. 

University Center Ballroom 3rd Floor

This celebration commemorates the achievements of graduating UMBC students while celebrating the vast cultural diversity of Asian communities and heritage on our campus. We recognize the difficulty of choosing just one identifier or term to capture the vast diversity of all people with heritage in the Asian continent, representing 49 countries and hundreds of cultures. We seek to honor the breadth of experience of people across Asia - East, South, Southwest, West, and Central Asia. 

During the gathering, we’ll enjoy food together, we’ll showcase keynote speakers, student musical and dance performances, and award presentations to honor student contributions, as well as the faculty and staff who’ve contributed to their success.

Light refreshments and appetizers will be served starting at 5:30 pm for all guests in attendance. 

Graduates must check in no later than 5:45 p.m. The program will begin promptly at 6 p.m. 

Dress code: We encourage all attendees and graduates to dress in their "celebration best." While cap and gown are not required, we would be thrilled to see attendees embracing cultural attires.

For those interested in attending, RSVP HERE (https://forms.gle/1Yg5fMgzj2VsdfGC8)! Graduates that RSVP between Monday, April 14th and Monday, April 28th at 6pm will be highlighted during the event and receive honorary graduation cords.

Folx are still welcome to attend even if there is no RSVP. Graduating students can register to be recognized day-of, but food and seating is only guranteed for those who RSVP'ed.

If you have any questions, please email co-chairs: Priya Bhayana, Project Manager, Global Asias Initiative at priyab@umbc.edu and Angelina R. Jenkins, Assistant Director for The Mosaic: Center for Cultural Diversity at arjenkins@umbc.edu. 

This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy. 

This is it your last chance to step up, lead, and make your voice count!

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is closing nominations for the Graduate Senate. If you've been thinking about running, now is the time to act. Don’t miss the opportunity to shape the graduate experience for over 2,500 students at UMBC.

Why Run?
Develop impactful leadership skills
Influence campus-wide decisions
Be part of a passionate, change-making team
And yes it’s a paid position!

Open Position:

• Graduate Senate – Advocate for your department and fellow graduate students

Submit Your Nomination Today:

Senate: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfsTgHcAaB7oYHSHGf1GHBvvdACumKChvnvP1DUObtYqbBj-g/viewform?usp=dialog

Deadline: Thursday, April 24 at 11:59 PM

This is your opportunity to lead with purpose and leave your mark on UMBC. Don't miss out!

If you have any questions or need additional information, feel free to contact the GSA Election Committee Chairs:

Aijaz Shaik – rx21259@umbc.edu

Eswari Harika Bathina–dg18853@umbc.edu

Let this be your moment to lead, represent, and inspire. Your graduate community needs YOU!

#UMBCGSA #LeadWithGSA #MakeADifference