3-Minute Thesis Competition

Why Participate?

Halloween is a time of excitement, costumes, and community fun — but for children with food allergies, it can also be stressful and even dangerous. The Teal Pumpkin Project, an initiative by FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), helps make Halloween safer and more inclusive for all trick-or-treaters.

By placing a teal pumpkin on your porch or displaying one of FARE's printable signs, you signal that you are offering non-food treats — such as stickers, small toys, bubbles, or glow sticks — in addition to traditional candy. This simple act ensures that children with food allergies or dietary restrictions can enjoy the fun of Halloween without fear of an allergic reaction.

Candy Facts: Staying Safe This Spooky Season

Help all trick-or-treaters have fun without worrying about accidental exposure to allergens!
Always check labels carefully, and when in doubt, contact the manufacturer before consuming.

• Candy Corn: Often contains egg whites and sometimes sesame oil. If labeled egg-free, double-check for other potential allergens.

• Mini or "Fun Size" Candy: May have different ingredients than full-size versions. Always read the label.

• Last Year's Favorites: Ingredients can change — a candy that was safe last year might not be this year.

• Candy Without Labels: If the product isn't clearly identified, it's safest to discard it or trade it for another treat.

• Licorice: Often contains wheat as a binding ingredient — check labels if you have a wheat allergy.

• "Allergy-Free" Candy: There is no such thing as completely "allergy-free" candy. While the top nine allergens cause most reactions, over 200 allergens have been reported.

• Dark Chocolate: Can contain traces of milk, which are unsafe for those with milk allergies, even if tolerated by those with lactose intolerance.

How You Can Participate:

• Add your home or event to the official Teal Pumpkin Project Map so families can plan allergy-safe routes.

• Display a teal pumpkin or sign to show your participation.

• Provide non-food treats in a separate bowl from candy to ensure safety and inclusion.

• Encourage friends and neighbors to join the movement and help spread awareness.

Together, we can make Halloween a time of joy and inclusion for every child.
Learn more here and add your home to the map!

Let's bring the magic of Halloween to everyone — one teal pumpkin at a time!

Looking for support with your academic or professional writing? The Graduate Writing Advisor offers free, confidential guidance for all UMBC master's and doctoral students—across any discipline!

Whether you're brainstorming, drafting, or polishing your work, Harshal can help you improve clarity, structure, and style. Assistance is available for:

• Course papers, theses, and dissertations

• Resumes, CVs, and cover letters

• Research proposals, journal articles, and more

Availability:
Monday: 1–7 PM
Tuesday: 1:30–7 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM–1:30 PM
Friday: 12–4 PM

Format:
Appointments available in person, online, or asynchronously. Include your focus and any materials (e.g., prompt or draft) when booking.

Location: Commons 308
Email: gsawa@umbc.edu
Book now: https://gsa.umbc.edu/writing-advisor

Did You Know Not All Disabilities Are Visible?

This week (October 19–25) is Invisible Disabilities Week — a time to raise awareness and support for those living with non-visible conditions.

An invisible disability is a physical, mental, or neurological condition that may not be apparent from the outside but can significantly affect a person's daily life, movements, senses, or activities.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple yet powerful symbol that lets people discreetly share that they have an invisible disability and may need extra time, understanding, or support. The movement began in the United Kingdom and is now recognized across Great Britain, Ireland, and Scotland — and it's spreading worldwide.

If you notice someone wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, please show kindness, patience, and understanding. Displaying a sunflower symbol on your office door, reception area, or workspace helps communicate that people with hidden disabilities are welcome and supported.

Living with a hidden disability can make everyday life more challenging — and these challenges are not always easy to recognize or understand. Wearing the Sunflower is a way to promote empathy and inclusion.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program officially launched at UMBC in Spring 2025!

GSA is looking for two dedicated graduate students to co-chair the Elections Committee and oversee the 2026–2027 GSA elections. This is a great leadership opportunity—especially for those graduating in 2026!

Eligibility:

• One co-chair must be a current GSA Senator or Executive Council member.
• One co-chair must be a graduate student not currently serving as a GSA officer, senator, or committee chair.
  Note: Serving on this committee means you cannot run for any other GSA positions in Spring 2026.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all aspects of the election process.
• Establish and review election policies and eligibility criteria.
• Vet candidates and resolve election-related concerns.
• Ensure transparent publication of results.

Commitment:

• Start: November 15, 2025 | End: April 2026
• ~5 hours/week, including meetings every Tuesday (11 AM–12 PM, Commons 229) and 2nd Wednesday of each month (1–3 PM).
• Includes a stipend for your service.

Timeline:

• Q&A of Shortlisted Candidates: November 11, 2025
• Senate Vote Results: November 12, 2025
• Committee Formation: November 25, 2025
• Elections for GSA 2026-2027 Begin: February 2, 2026
• GSA 2026-2027 Election Results: First week of April 2026

How to Nominate Yourself: SELF NOMINATIONS ONLY
Submit your name, student ID, headshot, short bio (250 words), and statement of interest (500 words) by Wednesday, November 5, 2025, using the link below:
Nomination Form

You must be logged into your UMBC account to access the form.

 For any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out at gsapresident@umbc.edu

This October is not only Disability Identity Awareness Month, but also Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Awareness Month—a crucial time to raise awareness about the violence affecting students on college campuses and throughout the world.

Sexual Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Among People with Disabilities
Research shows that individuals with disabilities are at an increased risk for experiencing sexual and intimate partner violence.

• More than one in four women and one in five men in the United States live with a disability.

• Women with disabilities are more likely to experience rape, sexual violence, and stalking.

• Men with disabilities are at higher risk for sexual coercion, unwanted contact, and psychological aggression by an intimate partner.

• Having a disability is associated with an increased risk of sexual coercion and harassment, both in person and online.

These statistics highlight the need for ongoing education, prevention, and advocacy to create safer environments for all individuals. By fostering open dialogue and promoting prevention strategies, we can work toward building respectful and inclusive communities.

Upcoming Events Hosted by the UMBC Women's Center

Wednesday, October 22 – Start By Believing
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | The Commons, Room 329
A workshop for faculty and staff to learn how to respond to student disclosures of trauma.

Monday, October 27 – Self-Defense Workshop
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | RAC 130 (Fitness Room B)
A practical workshop focused on self-defense techniques and personal safety awareness.

Wednesday, October 29 – In Her Shoes
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | UC 310
An interactive workshop that illustrates the difficult choices survivors face while navigating safety and support systems.

By participating in these events and continuing these conversations, we can honor survivors, support those affected, and commit to ending campus violence through education, awareness, and collective action.

Hosted by the Women's, Gender, and Equity Center.