According to University System of Maryland policy, current GAs are entitled to "a graduate assistant advisory committee, to be comprised of graduate assistant members who will represent the interests of the institution’s graduate assistants" and who will "meet for discussions with campus administration, including the institution’s vice presidents for academic affairs and administration and the graduate dean, at least twice annually" (see Section VI, "Communication with Administration," of the current USM Policy on Graduate Assistantships at https://www.usmd.edu/regents/bylaws/SectionIII/III711.pdf).
This year we thought our current GAs should directly elect the Chair of GAAC ourselves rather than the Senate, some of whom are not GAs, electing someone on our behalf.

Accordingly, here are your candidates for this year's election:Harshal Chauhancandidate speech & Q&A conducted by GSA Election Committee: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xH2cplcObtI7zSwkBtG0_gf-Y43JOotz/view?usp=sharing
Milind Rampurecandidate speech & Q&A conducted by GSA Election Committee: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xIHVZrYpxl344XbUwqabkE0WIM6grKHX/view?usp=sharing

[UPDATED to the correct link!] Here is a document with their application materials, including candidate statements:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ogMFcjBCw1wWWiv9qkkWpQBHNRc9BP1B/view?usp=sharing

And here is your ballot for voting for your preferred candidate:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfS4oHgvQfcQ_bspCJ1AooZPeoTE0-PlfZAvlX7KbD_0BbxfQ/viewform?usp=dialogYou must be logged into your UMBC Gmail account. You can only submit the form once and will not be able to edit it once you have submitted it.Voting ends at 11:59 PM EDT on Thursday, 8 May 2025.

Please reach out to the Election Committee Co-Chairs if you have any questions:Aijaz Shaik rx21259@umbc.eduHarika Bathina dg18853@umbc.edu

Thank you for your engagement!

Enjoy breakfast with other UMBC commuters and get connected with on-campus resources! There isn't a better way to start your day!

GMC will be hosted every Tuesday morning from 8:30am to 10:30am. It is complimentary with your Commuter Gold Card.

Gold Cards are a one-time per academic year purchase and are available to be purchased at every GMC with cash only.

Gold Cards at  $5 for Commuters

$10 for Residential & Graduate Students 

**if you purchased a Gold Card in Fall 2024 then it is still valid! 

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.

The Office of Graduate Student Life (OGSL) is hiring two 20‑hour/week graduate assistants! Each comes with a $18 K stipend, full tuition remission (fall + spring), and GA health insurance. Both roles are on‑campus and US work authorization is not required.

Graduate Student Writing Advisor

Help fellow grads turn great ideas into polished prose.

• What you’ll do: One‑on‑one writing support (essays → dissertations), run annual Writing & Literature Review Workshops, craft bi‑weekly writing tips, and keep the Writing Advisor website humming.

• You’ll thrive if you: Love mentoring, know your way around style guides (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.), and have a knack for clear, compassionate feedback, especially for writers from diverse disciplines and language backgrounds.

Apply on Handshake (Job #9901827) 

Graduate Research Assistant - Communications Manager

Shape the story of UMBC’s graduate community.

• What you’ll do: Build & execute comms strategies; manage emails, design, OGSL's MyUMBC, and other platforms; collect and analyze engagement data; and research best practices in higher‑ed communication.

• Must‑have: Federal Work‑Study eligibility (per FAFSA).

• Nice‑to‑have: Graphic‑design skills, survey/focus‑group experience, and an eye for storytelling.

Apply on Handshake (Job #9901735)

Key Details for Both Roles

Ready to level‑up your grad journey? Submit one PDF containing resumé, cover letter, references, and (for Writing Advisor) three writing samples to ogsl@umbc.edu, then hit “Apply” on Handshake.

Monday, May 5 · 10 AM - 2 PM
The Commons : 308

We're back to brewing up some free coffee every Monday from 10am-2pm, come join us in Commons 308 for your fresh cup! While supplies last. 

Passionate about Black graduate student success? Join the BGSO E-Board and lead the change!

We’re excited to announce that E-Board positions for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open for the Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO) at UMB/UMBC! The available positions include:

• President

• Secretary

• Treasurer

• Fundraising Chair

If you're a graduate student looking for leadership experience, meaningful connections, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact, we’d love to have you join us! Deadline is June 14th. 

1. Link to BGSO E-Board Positions 
2. Submit your application to run for a position by filling out the Application Form. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

BGSO E-Board

Cookout Celebration of Graduates

Join us for a fun and festive cookout as we celebrate the incredible achievements of our graduates! This laid-back gathering is a chance to honor all of your hard work, dedication, and accomplishments. Bring your appetite and your best celebratory vibes—we’ll have delicious food, music, and plenty of great company. All are welcome. Let’s give our grads the send-off and encouragement they deserve!

Date: Friday, May 2nd 
Time: 12 - 1:50 PM lunch and 2:00 PM Picture
Location: Commons 329
Who's Invited: Graduates, friends, and the community!