Hey everyone,

We have a limited amount of breakfast available in Commons 308. Because quantities are small, we expect everything to be gone in about 20 minutes. If you're nearby, come grab a plate before it runs out!

On the Menu:

• Scrambled Eggs

• Potatoes

• Turkey Bacon

• Fruit

• Coffee & Juice

The Simons Foundation’s Life Sciences division is now accepting applications for its latest Simons Graduate Fellowships in Ecology and Evolution request for applications (RFA). These awards provide support for students entering U.S.-based Ph.D. programs with a plan to perform research in ecology and evolution. We are particularly interested in interdisciplinary research that jointly considers processes on both ecological and evolutionary timescales, or that links studies of ecology and evolution to other STEM fields, including physics, computer science, mathematics, chemistry and other areas of biology, especially genetics.

Key Dates

• Fellowship application deadline: June 30, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Eastern time
• LOI notification: October 30, 2026
• Acceptance deadline (finalists only): April 15, 2027
• Full proposal deadline (finalists only): May 27, 2027
• Award notifications: July 1, 2027
• Fellowship start date: August 1, September 1 or October 1, 2027

All LOIs must be submitted electronically through the Simons Award Manager (SAM).

APPLY HERE!

As we head into the final stretch of the semester, UMBC Dining Services has plenty of treats to keep you fueled, focused, and smiling. Check out our lineup of events for the rest of May:

🥩 May 6 (Wed) | Prime Night — True Grit’s

🥤 May 6 (Wed) | National Beverage Day Pop-up — University Center

🏡 May 7 (Thu) | Taste of Home — True Grit’s

🥞 May 12 (Tue) | Midnight Breakfast — The Commons

🧑‍🍳 May 13 (Wed) | Teaching Kitchen — True Grit’s

📚 May 13 (Wed) | Study Day Pop-up — University Center

🍦 May 19 (Tue) | Ice Cream Social — True Grit’s

Mark your calendars and come grab a bite with your friends! Good luck with your finals, Retrievers—you've got this!

Getting ready to move out for summer break? Consider donating your gently used items to the Retriever Re-Store, UMBC’s move out donation collection program that aims to redistribute the items to other students who can give them a new life!

Donate items such as:

Kitchen appliances 

School supplies

Small furniture 

Desk organizers

Decorative items

Arts + Crafts 

Pots/pans and dishes

Mirrors

Non perishable food items

and more! 

At this time, we will NOT accept clothing, bedding, or items that should be trashed.

You can find donation collection bins near your RA desk in each residence hall, the ACC lobby, and Walker clubhouse starting May 6th through the close of the semester! Shop for free from collected donations at the Retriever Re-Store pop up shop in Upper Flat Tuesdays.

Want to drop off donations directly to the store? Schedule a drop off appointment with us via email at sustainability@umbc.edu

Help us divert waste from the landfill and redistribute pre-loved goods for free among our campus community! Sign up for a collection volunteeer shift to get first dibs on incoming donations. Email the Office of Sustainability at sustainability@umbc.edu with any concerns or questions.

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.

UMBC's Center for Democracy and Civic Life in collaboration with the Graduate Student Association will host Dinner with Friends, an engaging, facilitated conversation that will connect you with other members of the UMBC community. The program will take place on April 29, 2026 from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the University Center, UC 312. The Center for Democracy and Civic Life will provide a catered dinner.

Attendees will be seated together in small groups and have the opportunity to participate in conversations in one of three topic areas:

• Transit access
• Student housing
• Graduate student employment

RSVP today to reserve your seat at this popular dinner program and select your conversation topic of interest!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email the Center for Democracy and Civic Life at civiclife@umbc.edu.

Pro- Bono

Free legal advice for Tenants

Hello Retrievers! Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) are offering free 30-minute legal consultations for all UMBC students and staff who need legal advice concerning their leases, on May 13 and May 15 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm!

Please select your in-person/virtual slot by reaching out on: ocss@umbc.edu

What is a tenant?

A tenant is an individual or entity who occupies or possesses land or property owned by another person (the landlord), typically in exchange for rent payments. Tenants are legally recognized through a lease agreement, which outlines their rights, responsibilities, and duration of occupancy. 

• Pro Bono (5).png Flyer 

Greetings CAHSS Graduate students, Faculty, and Staff, 

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) invites you to our upcoming Graduate Student CAHSS Town Hall on April 29th at 12:00 PM in Commons 331. As we navigate the current academic year, your voice is the most critical tool we have for driving policy changes, improving funding structures, and enhancing student well-being. 

This is your direct line to GSA leadership and university administration. Whether you have concerns about stipends, housing, GA/lab culture, or want to hear about upcoming initiatives, we want you in the room. 

The CAHSS graduate senators are committed to bridging the participation gap between our graduate students and the GSA. We want to ensure our CAHSS graduate community is fully aware of-and benefiting from - all available campus opportunities. In preparation for the townhall meeting, we are asking graduate students to complete the CAHSS GSA Participation Survey. Your feedback is very important for helping us understand how GSA can better serve our college.

Additionally, the GSA is currently seeking CAHSS Senators (paid appointment) for the 2026-2027 academic year. If you are interested in representing your peers, or would like to nominate a colleague, please email gsasenatespeaker@umbc.edu (GSA Senate Speaker) and Kneil1@umbc.edu (GSA Elections Chair) for information. 

BYDB: Building Your Digital Brand

Hosted by the Office of Professional Programs, GEARS, and the Career Center

📥 Please RSVP by pressing "Sign-up" above this message!

📅 April 28 | 5:00–7:00 PM

📍 UMBC Commons, Rm. 329

😋 Snacks available!

Whether you're job hunting, networking, or just starting to think about your professional presence online, this is the event for you! Join us for BYDB: Building Your Digital Brand,  an interactive workshop designed to help you craft and strengthen your digital identity in today's competitive landscape.

Who You Are:

• A graduate or undergraduate student looking to build or refine your online professional presence

What to Expect:

• Tips and strategies for building a strong, authentic digital brand
• Guidance on optimizing your LinkedIn, portfolio, and other professional platforms
• Networking opportunities with fellow students and career professionals
• Resources and support from the UMBC Career Center and Office of Professional Programs

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your existing presence, this is a great chance to invest in yourself and your future career.

Follow us on Instagram @gears_umbc for updates on upcoming events!

Got an idea that could change campus life? It’s time to step into the tank! 🦈💡

The GSA Student Affairs Senators are hosting the Graduate Student Shark Tank, and we want to hear your pitches. Whether it's a new student resource or a campus improvement, this is your chance to get your ideas in front of university administrators and staff.

Here is everything you need to know:

The Details

• 🗓 Date: April 28

• 🕐 Time: 1:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Commons 329

• 🍱 Bonus: Enjoy FREE Biryani while you pitch!

The Format

• Pitch: 1–2 minutes to sell your idea.

• Q&A: 1 minute of questions from our "Sharks."

• Rewards: Win prizes for the best ideas!