Grad students, you’ve powered through papers, projects, and late-night study sessions, now let us power your morning!
Swing by for FREE breakfast today from 10 - 11 AM as we celebrate everyone graduating this semester. Come grab a bite and hang out with OGSL!
It's still Allergy and Asthma Awareness month, and we’re spotlighting key facts to raise awareness, promote safety, and highlight resources available to our UMBC community.
Approximately 33 million people in the U.S. have at least one food allergy. Conditions range in severity but can carry serious health risks, especially when triggers go unrecognized or untreated. From emergency room visits due to anaphylaxis to rising concerns about food allergens like sesame, understanding these conditions is essential for building an inclusive and informed campus.
At UMBC, our Student Disability Services (SDS) team recognizes that not all experiences of asthma or allergies rise to the level of a disability or create barriers in educational or work environments, but for some, the symptoms can be so severe that adjustments, accommodations, or alternatives may be necessary to ensure full participation and access.
Visit sds.umbc.edu for tools, emergency response guides, and more information on how to assist someone experiencing an allergic reaction or other medical emergency.
Did you know that at UMBC, our Dining Services are committed to supporting students with food allergies and celiac disease?
We recognize that starting college can be stressful, especially for students with dietary restrictions. UMBC Dining offers personalized support to make sure every student can eat safely on campus. Key features of our allergy support program include:
One-on-one consultations with Campus Dietitian Adam Sachs, RDN, LDN, where students can discuss their allergies, dietary needs, review menus, and create an individualized dining plan.
Your S.P.A.C.E. (Special Prepared Allergy Controlled Eating) at True Grit’s, a designated area with allergy-safe products including rice milk, Lactaid, gluten-free bread and cereal, and a dedicated gluten-free toaster.
“Delicious Without” Station at True Grit’s, offering meals prepared without the 9 most common allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish, shellfish, dairy, wheat, eggs, and sesame) and gluten. These meals are made with separate equipment and utensils to minimize cross-contact.
Ongoing support from trained chefs and dining staff to help students feel safe and confident in their dining choices.
Ingredient transparency through our online database and clearly labeled menus to assist students in making informed decisions.
Students and families are encouraged to reach out before the semester starts to establish a dining plan tailored to their needs. To schedule a meeting or ask questions, contact Adam Sachs at umbcrd@umbc.edu or 443.612.8331.
Learn more about allergy-friendly dining options at UMBC:
https://dineoncampus.com/UMBC/allergyceliac-options
Facts and Figures Credit: FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education)
by Katlynn Seghetti!
One of the main struggles people have getting involved with activism is getting started, knowing where to go, what your strengths are, and how long you can keep going. Ironically, I’m having the same issue with this blog post. At the beginning of the semester, I had a grand plan of detailing a long list of things I’ve done, and providing places for readers to go to get involved. Coming up to the end, I’ve been struggling with the concept of being ‘done’.
What have I ‘done’? What ‘counts’ as success? Everyone around me is so affirming that Good Things Have Happened because of my work, which I know, logically, is true. There is still a part that feels like the work is incomplete, and the perfectionist in me doesn’t like incomplete endings.
But, that’s really what you have to do, make sure the project continues after you leave it. Activism that can continue is the goal, and inspiring others to take your place (and, of course, change it up in their unique way). What I hope I’ve done, if the title is any indication, is helping make UMBC feel more like a ‘home’ for neurodivergent folk. Home is a loaded word, in my mind, but the ‘home’ I want is one rooted in support and care; unconditional and enduring. A ‘home’ is something you feel comfortable leaving and coming back to, even if you don’t have a reason why.
A lot of firsts happened this semester: the UMBC Neurodiversity Club, Headspace’s creation, and other events centering neurodivergent people. I know, without a doubt, I’ve done well. But I could do more. Another year as an undergrad student, and I can iron out the details, make better what’s in place, another B.A, do a real GWST capstone project around autism.
Then I think, “and then what”? With activism, it seems like you will always find more work. It simply will just be there. What hits harder now, is that with RFK Jr. as head of HHS, and his apparent disdain for the lives of autistic people, the feeling of not doing ‘enough’ is heavy. Part of this is likely fear because of chronic illnesses, wanting to make sure I do good while my body is still (relatively) in decent shape. I know UMBC has so many students willing to cause some trouble, and they (you) will keep up the move to a more (neuro)diversity-affirming world. We are far from being a ‘home’ yet, but there’s attention on where we’re struggling, and more space has been intentionally carved out for us.
I thought it would be clever to leave this off on an unsatisfying conclusion, but I think instead, I’ll leave off with a few significant organizations that I found so helpful (and most are run but autistic individuals!)!
Please, get involved with the neurodivergent community in some way, especially if you aren’t. It will be odd, it will feel uncomfortable, but that is how you know you’re learning and unlearning and relearning. Take care of yourselves, and a reminder that activism can look like anything, loud and quiet, big and small!
]]>Lea-Pearl Njei, biological sciences; Caly Ferguson, mechanical engineering; and Jariatu Kargbo, biological sciences, have each received the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship for the 2025 – 2026 academic year. The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation strives to promote a strong STEM workforce in the U.S., and Njei, Ferguson, and Kargbo are among this year’s 441 awardees nationwide. Since 2005, 34 UMBC students have been awarded a Goldwater Scholarship.
“Caly, Lea-Pearl, and Jariatu emerged from a field of well-qualified students to represent UMBC in the Goldwater competition,” shares April Householder ’95, director of undergraduate research and prestigious scholarships. “They worked with me and the Goldwater faculty committee to strengthen their applications, and their dedication paid off. For several years in a row, UMBC has had multiple winners for this extremely competitive award.”
President: Aminah Amjad
Chief of Staff: Saad Khan
Vice President: Ahmet Kaan Aydin
Treasurer: Pranit Pramod Patil
Secretary: Linda Appeynarh
Speaker of the Senate: Javed Tamboli
Grants Review Panel Chair: Hima Mansi Nagabhirava
Graduate Assistants Advisory Committee (GAAC) Chair: Milind Rampure
Graduate Experience, Achievement, and Research Success Committee (GEARS) Chair: Arya Honraopatil
Equity of Funds Committee Chair: Xixellonje Nebihu
Student Affairs Senators (who represent the entire graduate student population): Kaushik Chinthala and Javed Tamboli from COEIT, Kennedy Davis from CNMS, and Taylor West from CAHSS
COEIT Senators: Reena Kale, Sri Kavya Narravula, Sri Lakshmi Bhavya Sowjanya, and Divya Sri Sreeram
CAHSS Senators: Yannick Bopda, Nia Hampton, Diane Placide, and Ridwan Islam Sifat
Hosted by EKTA – Indian Graduate Student Organization at UMBC. Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with vibrant cultural performances, an open dance floor to show off your moves, a mind-blowing magic show, and of course, delicious food that’ll make you feel right at home!
THIS EVENT IS FREE - All you need to do is show up!
Tomorrow - UC Ballroom - May 17th, 2025 - 4PM
See you there!
UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all. The film has open captioning, ASL and audio description are available upon request. A range of accessible seating options are available. For additional inquiries about access or accommodation, please email tjakpa@umbc.edu with "Tea Time with Tori" in the subject line.