On Monday, August 31, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. in University Center 312, UMBC’s Center for Democracy and Civic Life is hosting Democracy in the Making, a community art event where we’ll reflect on the kind of democracy we want to live in and what it takes to build it together.

As we kick off a new semester, come meet new people, share stories about the experiences that have shaped us, and imagine what democracy could look like in our communities and everyday lives. Then we’ll put some of those ideas on paper, exploring the hopes, ideas, and possibilities we hold for our collective future.

Write a poem, make a zine, draw, and more.

Whatever art you create will be yours to keep.

RSVP for this event here.

Refreshments and art supplies will be provided. 

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

This program 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.

Democracy in the Making · Center for Democracy and Civic Life · myUMBC

Join the Office of Disability Access and Resources for our Open House and learn more about the people, programs, and resources that support accessibility at UMBC! This is a great opportunity to connect with the DAAR staff, discover the work we do, ask questions, learn how we create access for students throughout their academic journey as well as provide resources for employees with disabilities.

Stop by to:
• Meet the team and learn about our services
• Participate in our Open House scavenger hunt and get to know the people behind accessibility support
• Discover resources and support available to students and staff
• Ask questions about accommodations and accessibility
• Enjoy free snacks and win some swag!

Whether you are a new or returning student, faculty/staff with questions, or just curious and want to learn more about our office and disability inclusion, we invite you to stop by and connect with us as we kick off a new semester!

• Date: September 2, 2026

• Location: Math/Psychology Building (MP) Room 222

• Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• RSVP HERE!

Posted on behalf of the Office of Disability Access and Resources (Previously Student Disability Services)

Hello everyone!

Unfortunately, Retriever Essentials will be closed at 2:00pm tomorrow (8/26/2026). If you are in dire need of food or other items, the police station mini-pantry will be completely stocked.

Please plan your trip accordingly, and we apologize for any inconviences.

Hello everyone! We hope your Fall Semester is starting off strong!

For those who are unaware, over the summer we've upgraded our system to PantrySoft! This is a seamless process for not only our staff, but you as well!

Before you visit our pantry today, if you haven't already, please sign up for PantrySoft using the QR code shown on the flyer. If you have any questions, please email us at retrieveressentials@umbc.edu

Happy First Day of Classes! Whether you are stepping onto campus for the very first time or returning for another exciting year of research and discovery, the Office of Graduate Student Life (OGSL) is here to help you start your semester off right.

Join us for the very first Coffee Monday of the year! Grab a free hot cup of coffee or tea, pick up a pastry, and take a well-deserved breather to celebrate day one. It’s the perfect, low-pressure spot to meet fellow grad students, say hi to the OGSL team, and ease into your fall routine.

• When: Monday, August 24 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Where: Office of Graduate Student Life (Commons, Room 308)

• Who: All new and returning UMBC Graduate Students

No need to stay the whole time—feel free to drop in, fill your mug, and head to your first lecture or lab, or hang out and make some new friends.

We are so glad you’re here, and we can’t wait to cheer you on this year. Welcome home, Retrievers!

Interested in the future of microcredentials at UMBC? Join us for an orientation to the Microcredential Advisory Committee (MAC) and learn more about how UMBC is working to strengthen and expand its microcredential ecosystem.

The MAC brings together partners from across UMBC to help inform the strategic development of microcredentials and support a thoughtful, sustainable approach to digital credentials across the university.

During this session, we will:

• Learn about the MAC, its purpose, history, and role in UMBC’s broader microcredential ecosystem
• Explore our work to date, including how the MAC has helped shape the development of microcredentials at UMBC
• Introduce this year’s three strategic subcommittees and the areas of work they will focus on during the 2026–27 academic year
• Discuss opportunities for collaboration and engagement across the UMBC community
• Look ahead at where we hope to take microcredentialing at UMBC in the coming year

Whether you’re already involved in microcredentials, curious how they might support your learners or programs, or simply interested in learning more about this emerging area of work, you’re welcome to join us.

All members of the UMBC community are welcome to attend! Faculty, staff, students, and extended community members — if you’re interested in learning more about microcredentials or getting involved with the MAC’s work, we’d love to have you join us.

RSVP

Interested in attending or a copy of the recording? Click "Sign Up" in the myUMBC event and be sure to add it to your calendar! Registered participants will receive a calendar invitation.

We will record the session for those who can't attend live.

Questions? Interested in getting involved? Reach out to Collin Sullivan, Program Director for Digital Credential Innovation, at collinsullivan@umbc.edu

Posted on behalf of the Microcredential Advisory Committee. 

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is recruiting 3 graduate students to join the Equity of Funds (EoF) Committee for the 2026–2027 academic year!

As an EoF Committee member, you will play a critical role in ensuring GSA funds are distributed fairly and transparently while tracking member performance and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:
• Review GSA-funded events and programs
• Track GSA member performance and accountability
• Maintain financial records and submit committee reports
• Attend all committee meetings (Time commitment: 3–4 hrs/week)

Why Join?
• Gain valuable leadership and governance experience
• Build skills in reporting, auditing, and policy enforcement
• Make a direct impact on how student resources are managed at UMBC

Interested in promoting equity and transparency on campus? Apply now to join the team!

Submit your application here!
https://forms.gle/y8NxS7Hx1cPkZKnL7

Hello everyone!

The Fall Semester is here! Retriever Essentials is back to our regular hours of 11:30am - 5:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Thursday we are closed, but come to our Free Farmers Market at the Center for Well-being!

Good Morning Commuters (GMC) is back this fall! Join us throughout September for breakfast, community, and opportunities to connect with fellow commuter students.

Tuesday, September 1 — Breakfast Biscuits | 8:30 AM–11:00 AM | Commons Sports Zone

Tuesday, September 8 — French Toast Breakfast | 8:30 AM–10:00 AM | Commons Sports Zone

Tuesday, September 15 — True Grits Breakfast | 8:30 AM–10:00 AM | True Grit’s Dining Hall

Tuesday, September 22 — Breakfast Burritos | 8:30 AM–11:00 AM | Commons Sports Zone

Tuesday, September 29 — Good Afternoon Commuters | 12:00 PM–2:00 PM | UC 312

All commuter students are welcome to join us. Follow Commuter Connections on MyUMBC for updates, event details, and upcoming programs.

Start your morning the UMBC commuter way.

Join us for breakfast with fellow commuters and connect with helpful on-campus resources. There's no better way to kick off your day!

Good Morning Commuters (GMC) takes place every Tuesday from 8:30–11:00 AM *except one a month when Good afternoon Commuters (GAC) is held* and is complimentary with your Commuter Gold Card.

Gold Cards are a one-time purchase per academic year and can be bought at any GMC event (cash only):

• $5 for Commuter Students

• $10 for Residential & Graduate Students

We can't wait to see you there!

https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/ocss/events/154863