Are you ready to be the voice of your fellow graduate students?
This is your chance to make a real impact on the UMBC campus.

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is now accepting nominations for four College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS) Graduate Senator positions — an opportunity to represent over 2,500 graduate students and shape the future of student life at UMBC.

You can nominate yourself or another eligible graduate student. You or your nomination must be from the CNMS college.

Why Should You Run?

• Gain standout leadership and professional experience

• Influence real decisions that affect the graduate student body

• Collaborate with a passionate and supportive GSA team

• Receive a stipend of $1200 for your service

Eligibility Criteria:

• Open exclusively to all CNMS graduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.)

• Must be in good academic standing (GPA of 3.0 or higher)

• Must be graduating in Spring 2026 or later
  (Senate term ends June 30, 2026)

Senator Responsibilities:

• Represent the concerns and opinions of CNMS graduate students

• Report on Senate proceedings to your constituents

• Attend all Senate Meetings
  Location: In-person, second Wednesday of each month, 1:00–3:00 PM

• Host at least three Town Halls per academic year

• Join and remain active on at least one university committee

How to Nominate:

Submit your nomination (for yourself or someone else) by (extended deadline) August 14, 2025

Nomination Form

For any questions or further information, please contact Aminah Amjad at gsapresident@umbc.edu

Are you ready to be the voice of your fellow graduate students?
This is your chance to make a real impact on the UMBC campus.

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is now accepting nominations for College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS) Graduate Senator positions — an opportunity to represent over 2,500 graduate students and shape the future of student life at UMBC.

There will be an open vote by CNMS Graduate Students of the shortlisted candidates.

You can nominate yourself or another eligible graduate student. You or your nomination must be from the CNMS college.

Why Should You Run?

• Gain standout leadership and professional experience

• Influence real decisions that affect the graduate student body

• Collaborate with a passionate and supportive GSA team

• Receive a stipend for your service

Available Positions:

• 4x CNMS Graduate Senators
  Represent your college and advocate for your peers within the GSA Senate.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Open to all CNMS graduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.)

• Must be in good academic standing (GPA of 3.0 or higher)

• Must be graduating in Spring 2026 or later
  (Senate term ends June 30, 2026)

Senator Responsibilities:

• Represent the concerns and opinions of CNMS graduate students

• Report on Senate proceedings to your constituents

• Attend all Senate Meetings
  Location: In-person, second Wednesday of each month, 1:00–3:00 PM

• Host at least three Town Halls per academic year

• Join and remain active on at least one university committee

• Report back with updates from your assigned committee

How to Nominate:

Submit your nomination (for yourself or someone else) by August 8, 2025

Nomination Form

For any questions or further information, please contact Aminah Amjad at gsapresident@umbc.edu

July 26, 2025, marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As the ADA turns 35 this year, here are some key facts you should know.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed in 1990, was a landmark moment in U.S. civil rights history. It made it illegal to deny someone a job, education, or housing just because of a disability. But the ADA didn’t just happen. It was demanded. Activists crawled up the steps of the U.S. Capitol during the Capitol Crawl to fight for equal rights.

Today, the ADA protects people with both visible and invisible disabilities, like PTSD, ADHD, and diabetes. It also covers far more than physical spaces. Think websites, apps, voice recognition, closed captioning, and screen readers. In fact, in 2022 alone, over 3,000 web accessibility lawsuits were filed under the ADA.

From the U.S. to countries like the U.K., Canada, and Australia, the ADA’s influence is global. And yes, even Siri owes a thank you to the ADA.

Equal access isn’t extra. It’s essential.

Finally, come celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with UMBC's Accessibility and Disability Services AND Student Disability Services. The celebration starts at 10:00 AM at Math/Psych 222 and 212. Stop by, meet our team, get a quick tour of our spaces and learn more about UMBC's disability-focused work and partnerships that support people with disabilities by providing access as well as accommodation services. Additional activities that day include:

• At 12:00 noon we will celebrate the Anniversary of the ADA and have a brief Accessibility Tour of campus in the ADS conference room.
• At 1:00 we will have a demonstration of Assistive Technology.

During the Open House ADS will be running a Disability Film Festival in the spirit of "Nothing About Us, Without Us!" with the screenings of: 

• All Riders
• Le Frere
• Unseen, 
• The Body is a House of Familiar Rooms 
• The Beautiful Colors of Jeremy Sicile-Kira

Popcorn and cake will be served.  We look forward to honoring the anniversary and making more progress together with you and the entire campus community!

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.

UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all.  All films are captioned and have audio description available.  ASL is available upon request.  For additional inquiries about access or accommodation, please email slazar@umbc.edu with "ADA Celebration" in the subject line.

This summer, UMBC is teaming up with the Maryland Department of Disabilities to upgrade nine teaching labs in the Meyerhoff Chemistry Building—marking a major step in fostering inclusive STEM education. The goal: ensure all students, including wheelchair users and those with various disabilities, can fully participate in core chemistry and biochemistry courses.

What's Changing in the Labs?

• Wheelchair-accessible sinks, fume hoods, lab benches, and cabinets

• Lowered equipment stations for independent use

• A research lab redesigned for accessible hands-on experience

Lecture Hall Upgrades Include:

• Wheelchair-accessible seating in multiple locations with fold-down tablets

• TV monitors for better visibility for low-vision students

• Standing desks and seating variations for diverse body types, pregnant students, and orthopedic needs

• Assisted listening tech and designated interpreter areas for students who are Deaf or hard of hearing

Additional accessibility projects include:

• Restroom renovations in the Biological Sciences Building

• Elevator upgrades across multiple academic buildings

“The Office of Accessibility & Disability Services greatly values our longstanding partnership with Facilities Management to assist us in the mission of inclusive access and elimination of barriers for all UMBC community members,” says Tawny McManus, Assistant Vice President for Accessibility.

Learn how these changes are reshaping inclusion in STEM at UMBC: Read more here.