The Social Justice Dialogues Cohort Experience (SJDCE) at UMBC invites participants from all perspectives and experiences to engage in meaningful conversations across difference. Rooted in intergroup dialogue theory, SJDCE provides a space to learn and practice the skills, tools, and mindsets necessary for effective communication across diverse identities and lived experiences — with courage, empathy, and openness.

The Social Justice Dialogue Cohort Experiences at UMBC are 8 two-hour dialogue circles that bring together students, faculty, and staff, to engage in sustained, facilitated dialogue across difference. Each cohort meets weekly within one of UMBC's vibrant cultural centers: The Mosaic, The Pride Center, and The Gathering Space.

In a time of growing polarization and deepening social divides, and fear surrounding living authentically, the Social Justice Dialogues Cohort Experience (SJDCE) offers a way forward, not through debate or persuasion, but through connection, listening, and shared learning.

Cohorts will be split between faculty/staff and students (both undergraduate and graduate), allowing participants to forge meaningful relationships with peers similarly passionate about social change, leadership and humanizing pedagogies. 

Students interested in applying for the pilot program can do so here. Additionally, faculty and staff can nominate students by emailing csjdialogue@umbc.edu by March 10.

Faculty and staff can apply here. Applications are due by March 12.

This is a pilot that is a part of a larger research project, meaning cohort sizes are limited and the 2026 sessions will be used to collect data for assessment purposes.

These events 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.
To view the original myUMBC post click the link below:
https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/csjd/posts/157087

To strengthen transparency and ensure graduate students stay informed about discussions with university leadership, the Graduate Student Association (GSA) is sharing summaries from the Fall semester Town Halls and Meet & Confer meetings.

For the first time, GSA is formally compiling and distributing these updates to the broader graduate student community. These reports include discussions from:

• College-level Senator Town Halls: 

CAHSS Senators Report, CNMS Senators Report, COEIT Senators Report

 • Student Affairs Senator Town Hall: 

Student Affairs Senators Report

• GAAC Town Hall and Meet & Confer discussions with university leadership: 

GAAC Report

These summaries highlight key themes raised by graduate students, administrative responses, and ongoing follow-up conversations. Our goal is to close the feedback loop, increase transparency, and ensure that graduate students are aware of the advocacy efforts taking place on their behalf.

GSA will continue working with campus leadership to address concerns raised during these sessions and will provide updates as conversations progress.

If you have additional feedback or issues you would like GSA to raise in future discussions, please feel free to reach out at 

gsa@umbc.edu

gsapresident@umbc.edu

Thank you for staying engaged in the graduate student community.

—
UMBC Graduate Student Association (GSA)

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) election process for the 2026–2027 academic year is officially underway. 

Please review the updated election timeline and key details below. We encourage all graduate students to participate in the process by submitting nominations, learning about candidates, and voting.

NOMINATION FORM

 Election Timeline

• March 8, 2026 – GSA Election Nomination Form Deadline (updated deadline)
• March 9 – March 13, 2026 – Student Eligibility Check Period
• March 13, 2026 – Candidate Notification and Campaigning Details Shared
• March 23 – March 25, 2026 – Senator & E-Council 3-Minute Speech Recordings
(In-person preferred; locations will be communicated soon)
• March 26, 2026 – Speech Recordings Released on myUMBC
• March 27 – March 30, 2026 (until 5 PM) – Voting, Elections & Campaigning (Senators only)
• March 30, 2026 – E-Council & Senate Speaker Candidate Notification
• April 1, 2026 – E-Council & Senate Speaker 1-Minute Speech + Q&A at the Senate Meeting (1pm in person)
• April 10, 2026 – Final Election Results Announcement

Important Note for GAAC Candidates:

Candidates running for GAAC positions will be voted on specifically by Graduate Assistants (GAs) and should not campaign to the broader graduate student population.

Questions?

Please reach out to the GSA Election Committee Co-Chairs or committee members:

Election Co-Chairs
• Reena – rkale1@umbc.edu
• Neil – kneil1@umbc.edu

Election Committee Members
• Apurv – ja92776@umbc.edu
• Aditya – adityak7@umbc.edu
• Tanmay – tanmayp1@umbc.edu

We encourage all graduate students to stay engaged and participate in shaping the future of the UMBC Graduate Student Association.

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.

Spring Semester Open Forums