Need a mid-day boost? Stop by Commons 308 for free coffee from Dunkin' Donuts — while supplies last!

Come grab a cup, chat with fellow grad students, and recharge before your next class.
Hurry — it's first come, first served!

The first session of the popular Anxiety Toolbox workshop series is happening this Monday. It's the perfect opportunity to learn practical skills for understanding and managing anxiety.

UMBC is partnering with Trellis Strategies to launch the Student Financial Wellness Survey (SFWS) — a short, confidential survey about how you manage money and pay for college. Your responses will help UMBC better understand and address students' financial needs.

Survey opens: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Closes: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Look for your unique survey link in your UMBC email from Trellis Strategies (check spam/junk if you don't see it).

Prizes:

• $5 Retriever Dollars — First 500 students to complete the survey

• $5,000 Scholarship — One UMBC student will win for the 2025–2026 academic year

• $50 Amazon Gift Card — National drawing (50 cards available!)

• All current UMBC undergraduate and graduate students

• Must be 18 or older

How to Participate:
Check your UMBC email for your unique survey link from Trellis Strategies and complete the survey by November 11.

Let your voice shape the future of financial wellness at UMBC — and get rewarded for your time!

Questions?
Email financialsmarts@umbc.edu

3-Minute Thesis Competition

Why Participate?

The Graduate School is searching for a tenured faculty member to fill the open Associate Dean for Graduate Education position, ideally to begin in January 2026. This is a twelve-month appointment with the possibility of renewal on an annual basis. Nominations and self-nominations are welcomed. 

Potential candidates must possess:

• at least five years of experience as a graduate faculty member to include some leadership experience at the department and/or institutional level (e.g., as a graduate program director, department chair, etc.) 

• a significant record of scholarship, teaching, and supervision of masters and/or doctoral students

• a demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and student success

• level of service experience appropriate for a tenured associate or full professor 

Please submit nominations and self-nominations to Lauren Cummings (laurenc6@umbc.edu), no later than Friday, November 14 by 5 p.m. Nominations and self-nominations should include a 1-2-page statement and the prospective candidate's current C.V. Finalists will be interviewed immediately, with the goal of announcing an appointment by the end of the semester. 

Position description:

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

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