An official ballot dropoff box is now available in The Commons between the CIC desk and Flat Tuesdays. Any registered Maryland voter may submit a mail-in ballot. For more information, contact the Center for Democracy and Civic Life at civiclife@umbc.edu

President Sheares Ashby has signed the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge's commitment to 100% voter participation. UMBC has joined more than 625 college presidents and chancellors in committing to full student voter registration and participation in all elections. By signing the pledge, UMBC has committed to ensuring all eligible students are able to register to vote and cast informed ballots in the general elections and beyond. Further, the University has committed to fostering campus cultures that support nonpartisan student civic learning, political engagement and student voter participation. 

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge is a nonpartisan, national initiative of the 501c3 Civic Nation, recognizing and supporting campuses as they work to increase nonpartisan democratic engagement and full student voter participation. The Challenge encourages higher education institutions to help students form the habits of active and informed citizenship, and make democratic participation a core value on their campus. 

In April 2023, UMBC was recognized for increasing democratic engagement, and Musa Jafri ‘24 was named to the Student Voting Honor Role. 

B.A.: Critical Carceral Studies

Indicate any other major, minor, certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation record:

• Certificate in Spanish Studies
• Honors College

Degree Mentors

• Dr. Michael Casiano, Assistant Professor of American Studies
• Dr. Jodi Kelber-kaye, Associate Director of the Honors College
• Carrie Sauter, Assistant Director of the Individualized Study Program

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

During my first two years at UMBC, I was mostly taking Political Science, Africana Studies, and Gender & Women's Studies classes. I enjoyed most of my classes, but I found myself wanting to study something more specialized while integrating each of those disciplines. I was encouraged to learn more about INDS, where I met Ms. Sauter, and felt that the support of the program, in addition to the freedom I had to incorporate my social justice interests into my academic pursuits, made it the right major for me!

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

After graduation, I'll be more involved in labor and anti-imperialist organizing in the DMV. Although it was mostly within the context of jails and prisons, my INDS degree allowed to study the systematic nature in which capitalism, imperialism, white supremacy, and other forms of oppression interact to keep various peoples marginalized. My degree has also supported the development of my organizing and problem-solving skills, and will enable me to navigate different organizing situations. From an abolitionist standpoint, I understand that the way the carceral system functions is also reflected in everyday life, and that resolving issues of mass incarceration and over-policing will require a broad restructuring of society which I hope to help advance through my organizing work.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program
• Honors College Student
• Women's Center Student Staff
• Queer People of Color Community Vice-President (2021-2022), President (2022-2023), Treasurer (2023-2024)
• Writing Center Tutor
• DC Peace Team Social Media Intern
• Maryland Justice Project Intern
• National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens Intern

For more information on Sara's INDS journey please click here: