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)

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

Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery Fall Semester Hours begining August 24

Building, Study Spaces, and Circulation Desk

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

The Atrium and Retriever Learning Center (RLC) are available 24/7 to current students, faculty, and staff. Swipe your Retriever Card for access after hours.

Public Services

Digital Media Lab

Monday - Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
On-call and appointment service available from 6-8 PM.
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Research Help Desk

Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Select Sundays: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
August 30; September 13 & 20; October 4, 8, & 25; November 8, 15, & 22; December 6 & 13

Research Help Chat

Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Select Saturdays: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
August 29; September 12, 19, & 26; October 3, 17, & 24; November 7, 14, & 21; December 5 & 12
Select Sundays: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
August 30; September 13 & 20; October 4, 18, & 25; November 8, 15, & 22; December 6 & 13

Alan & Wendy Wilson Innovation Lab

Monday - Friday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Library Gallery

Monday - Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Special Collections Reading Room

Monday - Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday: By appointment

Please consider joining the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS) Senator team this academic year to help your fellow Graduate Students.

There are currently 2 out of 4 open spots available. This is a paid position.

Follow this link for more information on what it is to be a CNMS Senator within the Graduate Student Association (GSA).

Apply here.

Posted on behalf of CNMS GSA Senators.

Do you feel unsure about how to get started with a research or writing assignment? Would you like some tips on preparing an annotated bibliography?

This workshop features interactive activities to help you choose research topics that you care about, read academic articles more effectively, and prepare bibliographies that showcase your research skills. Meet Library and Writing Center staff who will share how you can get research and writing help. Come and practice strategies for acing your college writing assignments! 

Note: This workshop is designed especially for first-year and transfer students. To accommodate a variety of schedules, this workshop is being offered three times in different formats (in person, hyflex, online). You only need to attend once! Feel free to attend the format that works best for you. 

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 12-1pm in Library 259 

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 4-5pm Hyflex in Library 259 and online via WebEx

Monday, October 26, 2026 from 6-7pm online via WebEx

*Light refreshments will be provided in Library 259 for the 10/7 and 10/20 sessions

Welcome to UMBC! We are so glad you are here.

Whether you are transferring in, starting mid-year, or picking up where you left off, we are thrilled to have you as part of our diverse, inclusive community. Welcome Retrievers is one of UMBC’s favorite traditions. At the beginning of each semester, departments and offices from across campus come together to welcome new and returning students to UMBC. 

Graduate Students Welcome Events - Starting Aug 19

Join the Welcome Retrievers myUMBC group for updates and information.

Want to know more about events?  Have a question about life on campus?  Want to connect with a current student for some tips? As you find yourself asking questions, send an email to welcomeretrievers@umbc.edu

The Graduate Student Association is seeking graduate student representatives to serve on the Graduate Assistant Advisory Committee (GAAC) for the 2026–2027 academic year.

The GAAC is responsible for providing a platform specifically for GA’s to voice their concerns. We strive to work productively and coordinate with administrators to maintain a positive work environment and bring about positive changes for graduate assistant students. 

We are looking for:

1 representative from CAHSS

📅 Position Start Date: Aug 20, 2026

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will begin immediately. Positions will be filled on a first-qualified, first-served basis, so we encourage interested students to apply as soon as possible.

This is a great opportunity to:

• Gain leadership and service experience
• Contribute to graduate assistants' betterment 
• Work closely with the GSA to support your graduate student community
• Earn a stipend for your time.

If you're interested in serving on the Graduate Assistant Advisory Committee, submit your application today! (https://forms.gle/UXVtCcYR3UhieTDD7)

We look forward to welcoming our new GAAC members!

The Graduate Student Association is inviting graduate students to join the Graduate Experiences, Achievements, and Research Successes (GEARS) Committee for the 2026–2027 academic year.

GEARS helps organize events and programs that showcase graduate research, celebrate student achievements, support professional development, and strengthen the graduate student community.

We are looking for motivated graduate students to support areas such as:

1. Event planning and logistics
2. Operations and registration
3. Outreach and partnerships
4. Communications and organization
5. Graphics and social media

This is a great opportunity to:

- Gain leadership and event-planning experience
- Help organize major events such as 3MT and the Graduate Research Symposium
- Work with campus partners and the GSA
- Support and celebrate graduate student success
- Earn a stipend for your time

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so interested students are encouraged to apply early.

Join GEARS and help bring graduate student research, achievements, and experiences into the spotlight at UMBC!

Submit your application here!