UMBC is one of just 10 universities nationwide to be invited to join the 2025-26 Advanced Campus Pluralism cohort, a collaboration between Interfaith America and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). UMBC has received $25K to create a strategic plan to develop practices that lead to deeper engagement across differences, and integrate practices into the university's work in inclusive excellence. It will include partnerships between the Divisions of Student Affairs and Institutional Equity, as well as the Provost's Office and Academic Affairs, with input from campus leadership and stakeholders.

"We are thrilled to be joining this cohort of public universities committed to engaging civic pluralism on their campuses," said Matt Hoffman, director of the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Pluralism in the Division of Student Affairs. "This grant will serve as a moment to intentionally pause and chart a course for how civic pluralism and the work of supporting religious and spiritual diversity can be a core part of UMBC's larger value of inclusive excellence. Through strategic partnerships, our planning team will be seeking out innovative ways to lift up the work already being done and seek outcomes that will impact our entire campus community."

Civic pluralism focuses on mutual dignity, shared responsibility, and principled engagement across lines of difference and emphasizes deep relational commitments to equity, belonging, and democratic coexistence. In the past few years, UMBC has expanded and invested in the shifting and growing needs of its campus religious and spiritual communities, building on an institutional commitment to inclusive excellence. The university is committed to creating spaces and resources for students with closely held religious and spiritual identities to find belonging on campus. 

UMBC's strategic plan will inform and guide how the university community will relate, learn, and build community across the diverse institution. Building a robust strategic plan for advancing pluralism on campus allows UMBC to continue to be responsive to the changing demographic needs of students, staff, and faculty as well as UMBC's historic commitment to "welcome and [inspire] inquisitive minds of all backgrounds." 

Dr. Jasmine Lee, associate vice president for community and culture and co-director of the Center for Social Justice Dialogue in UMBC's Division of Institutional Equity, said, "The beauty of this grant opportunity is that we get to receive funding to support work that is already happening on our campus. At UMBC, we are not new to civic pluralism - we call it inclusive excellence. The funding and principles driving the work of advancing civic pluralism through AACSU and Interfaith America are directly aligned with our vision of inclusive excellence at UMBC and will help us continue to bolster the meaningful work taking place."

UMBC will also use the grant funds to develop plans under three commitment areas: Capacity Building, Co-curricular Engagement, and Curricular Experiences. Staff who will be leading aspects of this work include Hoffman and Dr. Lee, with Dr. Renique Kersh, vice president for student affairs, as the executive sponsor.

Capacity Building will focus on updating a definition for inclusive excellence and how it incorporates and overlaps with civic pluralism; expanding the role of the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Pluralism and creating a partnership with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life, as well as building out the existing collaborations with the Center for Social Justice Dialogue and the institutionalization of restorative practices. Additionally, capacity building will focus on amplifying opportunities for faculty, staff, and students alike to develop and practice competencies and skills for dialoguing across difference, resolving conflict, and building bridges to collaborative solutions. 

Curriculum and Scholarships will focus on inventorying existing pluralism work on campus; creating a micro-credentialing and/or certificate program in civic pluralism; and developing opportunities for students, staff, and faculty to engage in transformative experiences and collaborations through existing or new programming.

Co-Curricular Engagement will focus on ongoing pluralism programming and student fellows, providing leadership opportunities, and reinforcing UMBC's commitment to pluralism beyond the classroom.

The grant will also fund The Dialogue Symposium: Bringing Colleges and Communities Together at UMBC on January 29, 2026. The symposium aims to highlight and strengthen dialogue practices that make campuses more connected, inclusive, and resilient. Grounded in the work of the Difficult Dialogues National Resource Center, this year's theme, "Dialogue as a Campus and Community Approach," explores how institutions and organizations can embed dialogic practices across curricular, co-curricular, and administrative spaces.

The Division of Institutional Equity joins the Indigenous Peoples Union and our many campus community members in recognizing and honoring Native American Heritage Month.

National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November to honor the traditions, languages, and stories of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island communities, ensuring their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation. This month, the Division of Institutional Equity invites you to engage through our "Read, Watch, Listen, Participate" list to celebrate, connect, and explore on and off campus.

To request accommodation(s) or to inquire about event accessibility, please get in touch with each program office directly. All sessions are 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..

Events
November 15 | 2pm - 6pm | Timonium Fairgrounds
Indigenous Peoples Union Retreat 

Join IPU at the Baltimore American Indian Center's 49th Powwow to engage in sacred intertribal celebrations of life, heritage, and community. More information about the event, registration and transportation can be found here.

Explore

Engage in a virtual tour to learn about American Indian Historic Spaces and Places in East Baltimore, a project by Dr. Ashley Minner, a former UMBC professor.

Read

• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot
• Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith
• Lost Kingdom: Hawaii's Last Queen, the Sugar Kings and America's First Imperial Adventure by Julia Flynn Siler
• We Are Water Protectors by  Carole Lindstrom

Watch

• Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner.
• Rez Ball
• Te Ata
• The Grizzlies
• Rutherford Falls (comedy series) 

Listen

• All My Relations podcast
• Native Pride playlist 
• Toasted Sister Podcast
• Indigenous Music Spotlight playlist 

This November, the Division of Institutional Equity has a full lineup of events and opportunities for the UMBC community. All events and opportunities across the division are open to full participation by all community members. Here's how you can get involved!

Office of Accessibility and Disability Services

Accessibility Tour: Wayfinding, Skywalks, and Resources

Join the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services for a guided tour of UMBC's "Campus on a Hill" on November 10th & 19th. Accessibility is everyone's responsibility, and this is a great opportunity to learn about campus accessibility features, challenges, and how you can be an effective Accessibility Ally! Registration and additional information about the tours can be found here: [November 10 & November 19]

Office of Equity and Civil Rights

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities Under Title IX

This virtual training session will cover topics such as an overview of the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (ECR),  what constitutes prohibited conduct under university policy, responding to a disclosure, procedures for reporting and resolving reports of prohibited conduct, trauma-informed care, confidentiality, and other applicable policies and procedures. Registration and additional information can be found here [ November 10 & November 21]

Mandatory Annual Title IX Student Training

UMBC is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the campus community and is committed to maintaining a campus environment that is free from sex discrimination, including both sexual and gender-based harassment and violence. To help meet these goals, UMBC requires all students to complete an online educational program on topics including consent, bystander intervention, sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, stalking, and related topics. All students are required to complete this training at the start of each academic year. The online training can be accessed at UMBC's Vector Solutions login page. For questions, please see the Student Training FAQ page or email ecrtraining@umbc.edu.

Community and Culture Unit

November 4 | 11:30 am - 1 pm | Virtual
Inclusive Excellence in Action 

Join us for the first session of this fall's Inclusive Excellence in Action series " Using Microaffirmations to Foster Psychological Safety for Faculty and Staff ". Participants will reflect on our shared responsibility to uplift one another, especially when safety falters, and leave equipped with a practical, values-grounded toolkit of microaffirmations to nurture respect, belonging, and inclusive excellence across campus. 

Cultural Heritage Month Celebrations

November is Native American History Month. Stay tuned for our 'Read, Watch, Listen, Participate' post.

Center for Social Justice and Dialogue

November 11 | 5:30 pm - 7 pm | The Commons : 327
Stitching Your Story 

Join the Center for Social Justice Dialogue for a fun and reflective evening of storytelling, dialogue and community. Attendees will learn about the importance of storytelling and how stories cand be told through stitching. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

November 19 | 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Virtual
Building Bridges Across Differences: A Dialogue for Everyday Series

Join the Center for Social Justice and Dialogue for the final session of this series, "Imagining Justice & Belonging Together". Participants will explore actionable ways to foster a culture of care, connection, and collective responsibility. 

Women's, Gender, and Equity Center (WGEC) 

Quilt Square Making for Trans Day of Remembrance
November | During open hours

Leading up to Transgender Day of Remembrance, the WGEC invites community members to make a quilt square to honor those who have lost their lives to transphobia. 

Discussion Group Meetings

Note: All programs, events, and opportunities are open to full participation by all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and University nondiscrimination policies.

Join us for Inclusive Excellence in Action, a semesterly series highlighting key inclusion, belonging, access practices and behavior at UMBC. Each session will offer practical insights into the work in these areas, share valuable resources, and equip participants with actionable skills and behaviors to foster inclusivity in their personal and professional lives. This engaging series will inspire and empower our community to implement inclusive excellence daily.

November 4, 2025, 11:30 am - 1 pm (Virtual)
Using Microaffirmations to Foster Psychological Safety for Faculty and Staff 
Speaker: Bina Patel Ph.D 

Grounded in UMBC's vision of redefining excellence through an inclusive, collaborative culture, this Inclusive Excellence in Action session invites us to harness the small, intentional gestures—microaffirmations—that strengthen psychological safety and everyday belonging. Whether it's affirming someone's name or pronouns, giving thoughtful recognition, or inviting quieter voices into the conversation, these actions disrupt exclusion, foster dialogue, and reinforce trust. Together, participants will reflect on our shared responsibility to uplift one another, especially when safety falters, and leave equipped with a practical, values-grounded toolkit of microaffirmations to nurture respect, belonging, and inclusive excellence across campus. Register here: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/doie/events/147642

December 9, 2025, 11: 30 am - 1 pm (Virtual)
Applying Student-focused Microaffirmation Tools and Practices to Foster Belonging and Inclusion.

Speaker:  Floyd Cheung, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion; Professor of English Language & Literature and American Studies.

This session centers on embedding microaffirmations and microresistance into everyday campus life. Participants will learn how to proactively address bias, respond confidently to microaggressions, and foster a sense of belonging through intentional gestures and effective communication strategies. Drawing on Dr. Floyd Cheung's research and experience, participants will walk away with practical, values-driven tools, such as OTFD and ACTION, to build inclusive and trusted spaces for students and colleagues alike. Register here:https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/doie/events/147644

The Division of Institutional Equity joins the Pride center for LGBTQIA2+ and our many campus community members in recognizing and celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month.

National LGBTQ+ History Month is observed each October in the United States to celebrate the histories, contributions, and cultural diversity of lesbian, gay, bigender, bisexual, transgender, queer, and allied communities. This month, the Division of Institutional Equity invites you to engage! Join UMBC-based programs by registering below and engage further through our "Read, Watch, Listen, Participate" list to celebrate, connect, and explore.

To request accommodation(s) or to inquire about event accessibility, please get in touch with each program office directly. All sessions are 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.

Events on campus

October 6 | 3 pm - 5 pm | The Commons Main Street

National Coming Out Week Tabling

October 7 | 1 pm - 3 pm | University Center: 101

Qt HangOUT: Pizza Party and Bracelet Making with QPOC

October 8 | 1 pm - 2 pm | University Center: 101
IPV Awareness Month Survivor Advocate Office Hour

October 8 | 2  pm - 3 pm | The Commons: 004
Spectrum: Cookies and Coming Out 

October 8 | 4 pm - 5:30 pm | University Center: 101
Queerios Cereal Mixer

Read

Dive into powerful stories from queer authors and characters. Pick up one of these books to celebrate LGBTQ+ history, resilience, and joy through the written word.

• Gentleman Jack : The Real Anne Lister by Anne Choma

• ⁠Young mungo by douglas stuart 

• Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo 

• ⁠Mr Loverman by  Bernadine Evaristo

•  ⁠Nobody Needs to Know by Pidgeon Pagonis

Watch

Celebrate LGBTQ+ history on screen! Add these films and shows to your watchlist and experience stories of love, identity, and authenticity across genres

• But I'm a cheerleader 

• The King and the clown 

• Bohemian Rhapsody 

• Carol

• Nimona

Listen

Podcasts have long been a powerful part of LGBTQ+ culture and history. Tune into these stories that amplify queer voices, share lived experiences, and inspire connection.

• Queery podcast by  Cameron Esposito

• Spotify's Pride Classics playlist 

• Making Gay History podcast 

• Chosen Family podcast 

The Division of Institutional Equity joins the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services and our many campus community members in recognizing and honoring Disability Identity Awareness Month. 

Disability Identity Awareness Month, typically observed each October, is a month-long celebration of the history of the disability rights movement and the accomplishments of people with disabilities. At UMBC, our commitment to inclusive excellence means honoring the creativity, culture, and perspectives of our disability communities, focusing on inclusion, joy, and access. This month, the Division of Institutional Equity invites you to engage through our "Read, Watch, Listen, Participate" list. Join the UMBC-based programs by registering below!

To request accommodation(s) or to inquire about event accessibility, please get in touch with each program office directly. All sessions are 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.

Events on Campus

Join us at UMBC events throughout the month to connect and learn together.

October 13 | 4:30 pm – 7 pm | University Center  310

Disability Awareness Month Film Screening: Quad Life 

October 15 | Noon | Hybrid, ILSB 101

Campus Accessibility: Facilities Management & ADS Project Discussion

October 15 | 4 pm | Hybrid

Ancient Studies Week Lecture: Disability and Ideal in Archaic Greek Art

October 17 | Noon | Math & Psychology 222

Accessible Documents and Course Materials: PDFs, PPTs, and more.

Read

Dive into these books that uncover the history, culture, and lived experiences of people with disabilities.

• Demystifying Disability by Emily Ladau

• The Pretty One by Keah Brown

• Such a Pretty Girl: A Story of Struggle, Empowerment, and Disability Pride by Nadina Laspina

• Rolling Warrior by Judith Heumann

• Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig

Watch

Explore films and documentaries that spotlight disability activism, creativity, and everyday resilience.

• Then Babara met Alan (2022)

• Shameless: The Art of Disability (2006)

• Unrest (2017)

• Atypical (2021)

• This Close (2018)

• Love on the Spectrum (Netflix)

Listen

Hear directly from activists, storytellers, and community members shaping disability culture.

• The Accessible Stall podcast 

• Disability Visibility Podcast by  Alice Wong 

• Power Not Pity podcast 

• Talk Disability podcast

• Disability Matters podcast with Joyce Bender

This October, the Division of Institutional Equity has a full lineup of events and opportunities for the UMBC community. All events and opportunities across the division are open to full participation by all community members. Here's how you can get involved!

Office of Accessibility and Disability Services

Accessibility Tour: Wayfinding, Skywalks, and Resources

Join the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services for a guided tour of UMBC's "Campus on a Hill" on October 3rd, 8th and 29th. Accessibility is everyone's responsibility, and this is a great opportunity to learn about campus accessibility features, challenges, and how you can be an effective Accessibility Ally! Registration and additional information about the tours can be found here: [October 3rd] [October 8th] [October 29th]

October 13 | 4:30 pm – 7 pm | University Center:  310 Disability Awareness Month Film Screening: Quad Life 

Join the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services for an exclusive screening of Quad Life, the inspiring story of a young Black father who becomes a quadriplegic and pursues his passion as an artist and sound designer. Popcorn will be provided, and there will be a live Q&A with the main actor after the screening.

October 15 | 12 pm | Hybrid, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building 101 Campus Accessibility: Facilities Management & ADS Project Discussion

Facilities Management and the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services are hosting a session to review current and planned construction projects that enhance accessibility and improve UMBC's physical environment. Attendees will learn about elevator replacements, accessible design in renovations, and other initiatives, with opportunities to provide input. The event especially values insights from people with disabilities, which may inform projects and UMBC's participation in the AccessMD Program. Registration is required for attendance.

October 21 | 12 pm | Online FMLA & Job Accommodations (Non-Supervisors) 

This session for non-supervisors at UMBC reviews FMLA leave and disability accommodation processes, focusing on supporting employees with their own health conditions. Attendees will strengthen their ability to foster a disability-inclusive workplace and gain a deeper understanding of these processes.

October 27 | 11 am | Online FMLA & Job Accommodations (Supervisors) 

This session for supervisors at UMBC reviews FMLA leave and disability accommodation processes, with a focus on handling accommodation requests and extended leave. Attendees will enhance their ability to foster a disability-inclusive workplace and gain a deeper understanding of these processes.

Office of Equity and Civil Rights

Mandatory Annual Title IX Student Training

UMBC is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the campus community and is committed to maintaining a campus environment that is free from sex discrimination, including both sexual and gender-based harassment and violence. To help meet these goals, UMBC requires all students to complete an online educational program on topics including consent, bystander intervention, sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, stalking, and related topics. All students are required to complete this training at the start of each academic year. The online training can be accessed at UMBC's Vector Solutions login page. For questions, please see the Student Training FAQ page or email ecrtraining@umbc.edu.

October 7 | 3 pm - 4:30 pm | The Commons: Lower Flat Tuesdays
Relationships Unfiltered: The Good, the Bad, and the Toxic

Join UMBC students, faculty, and staff for an open conversation about boundaries, expectations, and communication in relationships. The event will begin with a "Red or Green Flag" activity, followed by a Q&A session where questions about trust, feedback, and respecting boundaries will be discussed by the panelists. 

Community and Culture

October 28 | 1 pm - 3 pm | Online

Fostering Fairness: Bias Awareness Training for Search Committees

This session explores how unconscious biases can affect every stage of recruitment and selection, from evaluating qualifications to determining "fit" and potential. Using real-world examples and research, participants will examine how bias may appear differently in staff versus faculty searches and influence candidate pools, interviews, and final decisions. Through guided exercises and discussion, attendees will learn strategies to identify, interrupt, and reduce bias, promoting fairness and equity in hiring.

Culture Conversations Fall 25

Critical Religious Pluralism: Confronting Hate, Building Belonging

Join us this October for a three-part hybrid series that explores how a values-driven approach can deepen understanding and support for religious diversity. Through interactive sessions, you'll explore the intersections of faith and culture and gain practical skills to foster communities where all beliefs are respected and valued. Register for the sessions here.

Cultural Heritage Month Celebrations

October is LGBTQ+ and Disability History Month. Stay tuned for our 'Read, Watch, Listen, Participate' posts.

Center for Social Justice and Dialogue

October 15 | 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Virtual

Building Bridges Across Differences: A Dialogue for Everyday Series

Join the Center for Social Justice and Dialogue for the second session of this series, " Understanding Identity in Community". Participants will explore how their visible and invisible identities shape experiences, relationships, and belonging at UMBC. 

Women's, Gender, and Equity Center (WGEC) 

Discussion Group Meetings
Join the Women's, Gender, and Equity Center this month for their weekly discussion group meetings! Connect, share, and grow through spaces like Grad Connect, We Believe You, Rebuilding Manhood, Spectrum, Women of Color Collective, Women and Gender Minorities in STEM, and Head Space. Visit https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/womenscenter/events?mode=upcoming&page=1 for more information and schedules for each group meeting.

October 9 | 4 pm - 5 pm | Virtual

Returning Adult Learners Meeting

Join the Returning Adult Learners Scholars & Affiliates Program to connect, learn, and grow with fellow undergraduate students aged 25 and older returning to college. This meeting will cover Brave Spaces, work-life balance, and ways to feel more supported on campus.

October 22 | 4 pm - 6 pm | The Commons: 329

Start by Believing : Supporting Disclosures of Sexual Violence

This workshop is for faculty and staff who may be the first point of contact for survivors. Participants will learn about the Start by Believing campaign, build confidence in responding to disclosures of sexual assault, harassment, or domestic violence, and help foster a survivor-centered, trauma-informed campus community.

Note: All programs, events, and opportunities are open to full participation by all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and University nondiscrimination policies.

Overall Series Description

This fall's culture conversations is a three-part series that explores how a values-driven approach can deepen understanding and support for religious diversity. The series will address antisemitism, Islamophobia, and biases related to non-western religious and spiritual traditions, which can encompass a wide range of global traditions present at UMBC, including those common in South Asia such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. Together, we will explore the intersections of faith and culture, building the skills to create communities where all beliefs are respected and valued.

A mix of in-person and virtual sessions will be provided this semester.

RSVP here: https://umbc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_09DlqMyjcC3YlBI

Session Descriptions

The Division of Institutional Equity is launching a new series titled "Culture Conversations"– a set of semesterly conversations that deepens our collective understanding of the diverse experiences, identities, and perspectives that shape UMBC. The series will focus on new, relevant themes each semester.

Faculty and staff are invited to participate in engaging discussions with nationally recognized scholars and practitioners from both UMBC and beyond. A mix of in-person and virtual sessions will be provided this semester.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION! More information coming soon! 

All events and opportunities are open to 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.