Looking for support with your academic or professional writing? The Graduate Writing Advisor offers free, confidential guidance for all UMBC master's and doctoral students—across any discipline!

Whether you're brainstorming, drafting, or polishing your work, Harshal can help you improve clarity, structure, and style. Assistance is available for:

• Course papers, theses, and dissertations

• Resumes, CVs, and cover letters

• Research proposals, journal articles, and more

Availability:
Monday: 1–7 PM
Tuesday: 1:30–7 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM–1:30 PM
Friday: 12–4 PM

Format:
Appointments available in person, online, or asynchronously. Include your focus and any materials (e.g., prompt or draft) when booking.

Location: Commons 308
Email: gsawa@umbc.edu
Book now: https://gsa.umbc.edu/writing-advisor

Did You Know Not All Disabilities Are Visible?

This week (October 19–25) is Invisible Disabilities Week — a time to raise awareness and support for those living with non-visible conditions.

An invisible disability is a physical, mental, or neurological condition that may not be apparent from the outside but can significantly affect a person's daily life, movements, senses, or activities.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple yet powerful symbol that lets people discreetly share that they have an invisible disability and may need extra time, understanding, or support. The movement began in the United Kingdom and is now recognized across Great Britain, Ireland, and Scotland — and it's spreading worldwide.

If you notice someone wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, please show kindness, patience, and understanding. Displaying a sunflower symbol on your office door, reception area, or workspace helps communicate that people with hidden disabilities are welcome and supported.

Living with a hidden disability can make everyday life more challenging — and these challenges are not always easy to recognize or understand. Wearing the Sunflower is a way to promote empathy and inclusion.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program officially launched at UMBC in Spring 2025!

GSA is looking for two dedicated graduate students to co-chair the Elections Committee and oversee the 2026–2027 GSA elections. This is a great leadership opportunity—especially for those graduating in 2026!

Eligibility:

• One co-chair must be a current GSA Senator or Executive Council member.
• One co-chair must be a graduate student not currently serving as a GSA officer, senator, or committee chair.
  Note: Serving on this committee means you cannot run for any other GSA positions in Spring 2026.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all aspects of the election process.
• Establish and review election policies and eligibility criteria.
• Vet candidates and resolve election-related concerns.
• Ensure transparent publication of results.

Commitment:

• Start: November 15, 2025 | End: April 2026
• ~5 hours/week, including meetings every Tuesday (11 AM–12 PM, Commons 229) and 2nd Wednesday of each month (1–3 PM).
• Includes a stipend for your service.

Timeline:

• Q&A of Shortlisted Candidates: November 11, 2025
• Senate Vote Results: November 12, 2025
• Committee Formation: November 25, 2025
• Elections for GSA 2026-2027 Begin: February 2, 2026
• GSA 2026-2027 Election Results: First week of April 2026

How to Nominate Yourself: SELF NOMINATIONS ONLY
Submit your name, student ID, headshot, short bio (250 words), and statement of interest (500 words) by Wednesday, November 5, 2025, using the link below:
Nomination Form

You must be logged into your UMBC account to access the form.

 For any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out at gsapresident@umbc.edu

This October is not only Disability Identity Awareness Month, but also Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Awareness Month—a crucial time to raise awareness about the violence affecting students on college campuses and throughout the world.

Sexual Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Among People with Disabilities
Research shows that individuals with disabilities are at an increased risk for experiencing sexual and intimate partner violence.

• More than one in four women and one in five men in the United States live with a disability.

• Women with disabilities are more likely to experience rape, sexual violence, and stalking.

• Men with disabilities are at higher risk for sexual coercion, unwanted contact, and psychological aggression by an intimate partner.

• Having a disability is associated with an increased risk of sexual coercion and harassment, both in person and online.

These statistics highlight the need for ongoing education, prevention, and advocacy to create safer environments for all individuals. By fostering open dialogue and promoting prevention strategies, we can work toward building respectful and inclusive communities.

Upcoming Events Hosted by the UMBC Women's Center

Wednesday, October 22 – Start By Believing
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | The Commons, Room 329
A workshop for faculty and staff to learn how to respond to student disclosures of trauma.

Monday, October 27 – Self-Defense Workshop
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | RAC 130 (Fitness Room B)
A practical workshop focused on self-defense techniques and personal safety awareness.

Wednesday, October 29 – In Her Shoes
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | UC 310
An interactive workshop that illustrates the difficult choices survivors face while navigating safety and support systems.

By participating in these events and continuing these conversations, we can honor survivors, support those affected, and commit to ending campus violence through education, awareness, and collective action.

Hosted by the Women's, Gender, and Equity Center.

The Festival of Lights, Diwali, is a five-day celebration that began this year on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

The festival's main night of Lakshmi Puja is on Monday, October 20, 2025, and is a profound spiritual observance symbolizing the universal triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

Diwali is primarily celebrated by those of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths, along with some Buddhists, but its message of hope and renewal is shared by communities worldwide. 

During this special time, homes are illuminated with colorful lights and traditional clay lamps, or diyas. The lighting of these lamps, along with celebratory fireworks meant to ward off evil spirits, signifies a spiritual awakening and the coming of prosperity. It is a time for family gatherings, sharing traditional sweets and savory foods, and strengthening bonds with loved ones.

The Five Days of Diwali 

1. Dhanteras (Oct 18)

2. Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali (Oct 19)

3. Lakshmi Puja (The main day: Oct 20)

4. Goverdhan Puja, Balipratipada, or Annakut (Oct 21 or 22, depending on region)

5. Bhai Dooj, Bhai Tika, or Bhai Bij (Oct 22 or 23, depending on region)

From all of us at the Mosaic, we wish you and your loved ones a Diwali that brings warmth, peace, and lasting prosperity. Have a joyful Festival of Lights!

The Human Research Protections & Integrity (HRPI) team has released the Fall 2025 IRB Newsletter — check out their upcoming webinar series and important reminders for student and faculty PIs!

IRB Support Webinar Series

• Faculty Advisor Essentials: Supporting Student PIs of Human Subjects Research
  Monday, Nov 3 | 12 – 1 PM | Register Here

• Student PIs Conducting Human Subjects Research
  Friday, Nov 14 | 12 – 1 PM | Register Here

Reminder: UMBC's IRB reviews social-behavioral-educational research only — clinical trial projects must go through a clinical site's IRB.

We'd Love to Visit!
Invite HRPI staff to your faculty meeting or research class to learn about human subjects research protections. Email IRB@umbc.edu to schedule a visit!

Learn More: research.umbc.edu/institutional-review-board-human-subjects

Download the flyer below for all of the info!

Hey Grad Students,

It's time to take a break from the labs, books, and endless coding! Join us TONIGHT (Friday, October 17th) at Lecture Hall 1 for a FREE Movie Night hosted by GEARS and OGSL.

Each October, the nation observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month to honor survivors, remember those who have passed, and raise awareness about the ongoing fight against breast cancer. Since 1989, breast cancer death rates in the United States have declined by 44 percent. This progress reflects decades of education, research, and early detection efforts that have saved more than half a million lives.

For over forty years, Breast Cancer Awareness Month has inspired communities to take action. Through increased awareness, screenings, and access to care, we continue to make strides in prevention and treatment.

UMBC Breast Cancer Awareness Walk
The UMBC Sisterhood, in collaboration with the Black Student Union (BSU) and Curl Pwr, invites the campus community to participate in the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk.

Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Erickson Field, UMBC Campus

This event is dedicated to supporting those currently battling breast cancer, celebrating survivors, and honoring the lives of those who have passed. Members of the UMBC community are encouraged to walk together in solidarity, fostering hope and awareness across campus.

Join the Walk Here!

Learn More and Take Action
The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) offers free educational resources to help individuals learn about early detection, survivorship, and healthy living. Access these materials to support continued education and awareness efforts:

• Early Detection: Step-by-step guides to help recognize early signs and symptoms.

• Survivorship: Resources for those navigating life after treatment.

• Healthy Living: Tools and cookbooks promoting wellness and risk reduction.

Together, we can continue to advance education, awareness, and support for all those affected by breast cancer.

For UMBC students and employees who may be going through breast cancer treatments or surgical recovery while in classes or on the job, please know that support may be available to you via the temporary disability accommodation process, if needed.

In addition, our partners in Human Resources are also a resource to employees to discuss leave benefits, such as FMLA, that may be needed for support during diagnosis, treatment, or recovery. Do not hesitate to contact the Accessibility & Disability Services department with inquiries.

In honor of all those affected by breast cancer, all ADS/SDS staff will wear pink on Fridays throughout October to show support and raise awareness within the UMBC community.