Curious about running for GSA? Want to understand the election process or just have questions? This is your chance to learn more, get clarity, and make your voice heard.

Join us for an open town hall to talk all things GSA elections — and yes, there will be pizza.

Monday, February 23
2:00 PM
The Commons – Flat Tuesdays Space

Whether you're considering candidacy or simply want to stay informed, your participation matters. Come grab a slice and be part of the conversation.

Follow @umbc_gsa for updates and visit gsa.umbc.edu for more information.

If you've ever looked at your meal balance and thought, "I probably won't use all of these…" — this is your moment.

Through February 25, you can turn those extra swipes into meals for fellow Retrievers experiencing food insecurity. It's a simple choice that can quietly make someone's week a little easier.

No pressure. Just an opportunity to look out for your own community.

Every swipe shared is one less worry for someone else.

Learn more through the link below.

https://retrieveressentials.umbc.edu/services/save-a-swipe/

Take a break and start your morning with OGSL at our Grad Retriever Breakfast!

Stop by to connect with fellow grad students, enjoy a warm meal, and recharge before the rest of your day.

To-go containers will be available for anyone observing Ramadan or anyone who prefers to take their food to-go.

Thursday, February 19
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Commons 308

Come through, grab what you need, and don't miss it.

Commuter Week 2026 is almost here! 

This year's theme is Welcome to Commuterville, a celebration designed to recognize and support our commuter students at UMBC! 

Throughout the week, we will host a variety of programs focused on connection, resources, and community-building, including:

Commuter Day at the Arena | Saturday, Feb 28 
Students will start with a pre-game mixer at 1:00 PM to connect with fellow commuters and enjoy a meal before cheering on the women's basketball team at the 2:00 PM game. The first 100 commuters at the mixer will receive a giveaway. UMBC students attend the game for free with their student ID and can bring additional guests at a discounted rate. 

Commuter Week Kick-Off | Monday, Mar 2 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Commons Mainstreet
We'll kick off Monday with music, giveaways, and an interactive smoothie bike where students can pedal to power their own drink before heading to class. 

Good Afternoon Commuters and Off-Campus Housing Fair | Tuesday, Mar 3 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | UC Ballroom
In collaboration with Retriever Support Services.  Students can enjoy lunch while exploring on- and off-campus housing options and learning about community resources available to commuters. Some of the off-campus resources available will be: MDTA Key Bridge Rebuild Team, MD EZ Pass, SphereHub)

Crafternoon | Wednesday, Mar 4 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Lower Flat Tuesdays

A relaxed, drop-in style event where students can take a midday break with crafts, snacks, and social time to unwind and recharge between classes.

Black & Gold Mixer | Thursday, Mar 5 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Commons Mainstreet
In collaboration with Student Affairs Success Initiatives and the Office of Institutional Advancement, this networking-style event connects commuter students with peers, alumni, and staff during Black & Gold Rush with food and community.

Students who attend events throughout the week will also have the opportunity to enter a raffle to win a Commuter Connections-branded speaker. The more events they attend, the more entries they earn.

All events are listed on our Commuter Connections myUMBC. 

commonvision can help with resume printing! To help with the process email us the following to: commonvision@umbc.edu:

• Your file
• If it's a Google doc be sure permissions are set to be viewed by everyone

• How many copies you would like

• Single or double sided (if applicable)
• Color or black & white
• Paper type, we have a couple of options:
• Our standard paper for color or b&w
• Resume paper (an additional .30 per sheet)
• If you would like to decide this in person after seeing the paper that is fine

Please note that we will only print these once you come into our office. We will treat these emails as walk-ins and won't have them printed ahead of time.

We only accept Retriever Dollars as payment. You can put cash on your card at the CIC (Commons Information Center) desk in the Lobby of The Commons or put money on your campus card via myUMBC 

Alternatively, you can use the mobile print kiosks to print. Instructions on how to use the kiosks may be of help. A few notes about the kiosk:

• The printers can only print in black and white
• 8.5 x 11" (letter size) is the only size it prints - any other size will cause the printer to lock up/not print so be sure to check your settings.

Be sure to give yourself enough time to have your prints completed, we will do our best to assist you in a timely manner. There will be lines and wait times the day before and the day of the Career Fair - consider printing early!

Want to turn your 'To-Do' list into a 'Done' list this Friday?

Join us to learn more about WAGs and how we can help you achieve your writing goals! 

GEARS and AOK Library presents Writing Accountability Groups for Spring 2026! 

• What: Writing Accountability Groups (WAGs) are voluntary and facilitated by fellow UMBC graduate students.
• Who: WAGs are composed of a group of graduate students (usually 4–8 participants per group) interested in developing writing habits and accountability.
• Why: Develop habits of writing every day for a short, manageable period of time by setting goals and being accountable to WAG peers.
• When: WAG groups meet once a week for 60–90 minutes for 10–12 weeks. The group finds a weekly time mutually convenient to all group members.
  
• Where: The group decides on a mutually convenient location to meet, whether in person or online via WebEx or another videoconferencing platform.