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!

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.

Are you a UMBC graduate student looking for a paid campus opportunity that  … 

• supports you as a graduate-level writer?
• provides space and time for you to write and learn with other graduate students?
• prepares you for jobs in research, teaching, and beyond?

Apply now to become a UMB Writing Center Fellow and … 

• develop strategic research and writing practices for graduate and professional work, including thesis and dissertation writing
• join a vibrant network of mentors and student writers from Baltimore-area academic and professional programs
• learn research-based and equitable approaches to mentoring other graduate writers.

Fellows tutor graduate writers, including those writers enrolled in programs designated as undergraduate, online and on-site at University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Writing Center in downtown Baltimore.

The Fellowship begins in early September 2026.

The award amount ranges between $1500-$3000 per semester, depending on your weekly commitment. 

The application will be open from March-August 2026.

Learn more and apply today at the UMB Writing Center Fellowship webpage linked  here. (Complete the UMBC-specific application) 

Reach out to James Wright, Associate Director of the UMB Writing Center, with questions: james.wright@umaryland.edu.

The University System of Maryland is conducting a survey to understand current attitudes toward and opinions of public higher education in Maryland and how it is perceived to impact the state. Because you are a student at a USM institution, we would value your participation. Please consider taking a few minutes to share your opinions by taking the survey.

TAKE THE SURVEY

The survey is being conducted by our marketing partner, BVK, on our behalf. Your responses will remain anonymous and will be automatically submitted to BVK and analyzed only in aggregate with others.

The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete and, as a thank you for participating, you will be given the opportunity to enter a drawing for a chance to win one of fifty $25 Amazon.com gift cards.

Review full drawing rules.

Thank you for your consideration.

TAKE THE SURVEY 

If you have questions about the survey, please send them to USMStudentSurvey@BVK.com

Thanks again!

The Circulation/DML department is pleased to announce the following additions to our collection: the GoPro HERO13, the Rode Wireless GO II microphone kit + adapter, the Acer USB hub, and the Uni SD card reader.

You can request these models--and many more--through our Equipment Holds Page. They are also available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Digital Media Lab on the 2nd floor. (Note: everything is free to borrow for seven days with your campus card.)

Read on for highlights and direct any questions to circlib-group@umbc.edu.

GoPro HERO13 Black Creator Edition

• Creator edition includes microphone + windscreen, light, and combination tripod/remote/power bank
• Three unique formats: photo (27MP), video (up to 5.3K60), and time lapse
• Circulates as a kit in protective case and with bonus quickstart guide

Rode Wireless GO II Microphone Kit

• Kit includes two wireless mics (plus windscreens) and one wireless receiver 
• Dual-channel recording at a range of up to 656 feet
• Easily connect the receiver to a laptop via USB or to cameras with included mic cable

Interview Adapter for Wireless Mic

• An optional adapter that turns a Rode Wireless mic into a handheld device
• Circulates in a convenient carrying case

SD Card Reader

• Plug your SD card directly into your laptop/tablet/phone to transfer files
• Accepts both microSD and SD cards

USB Hub

• Plug multiple devices into one laptop port (USB only)
• Great to use with our Rode podcast microphones

Visit our Equipment Holds Page to place a request or stop by the Digital Media Lab to check them out!

There's no more food in Commons 308, thank you to those that came by.

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!

How to Enter

To secure your spot in the Tank, scan the QR code and submit a brief 2-sentence summary of your idea.

[!IMPORTANT]

Deadline to apply: April 26

Don't let your ideas stay ideas—bring them to life and grab some lunch while you're at it. See you there! 🎓✨

FREE FOOD IN COMMONS 308

Make your own Halal Guys bowl in Commons 308, until supplies last!

Join us at OGSL for Circle Up for Community: OGSL Conversations—a space for graduate students to pause, reflect, and connect through guided conversation.

We’re using a restorative circle format where you can share your experiences, listen to others, and engage in meaningful dialogue around graduate life, stress, and support. There’s no pressure to speak—participate in whatever way feels right for you.

And yes—food is here now from The Halal Guys.

Come through, grab a plate, and be part of a welcoming, non-judgmental space centered on connection, care, and community.

It’s time to celebrate our grads! 🌟 Join The Mosaic for our end-of-year Affinity Celebrations & Awards: 

Asian Cultural Celebration & Awards | May 14 | 5:30 PM 

Black & Latine/x Celebration & Awards | May 18 | 5:30 PM

📍 Location: UC Ballroom, 3rd Floor Dress in your "celebration best" and join us for food, awards, and performances.

Don't forget to RSVP by the deadline to receive your honorary graduation cords! 🎓✨

If you would like to nominate a community member for one of our Affinity Celebration & Awards, you may nominate them here using the Awards Nomination Form or https://forms.gle/TLH8uDwccy5gBJtj8. You may submit multiple nominations for the same or different individuals. Please submit all nominations by April 20th, 2026.