The Festival of Lights, Diwali, is a five-day celebration that began this year on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

The festival's main night of Lakshmi Puja is on Monday, October 20, 2025, and is a profound spiritual observance symbolizing the universal triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

Diwali is primarily celebrated by those of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths, along with some Buddhists, but its message of hope and renewal is shared by communities worldwide. 

During this special time, homes are illuminated with colorful lights and traditional clay lamps, or diyas. The lighting of these lamps, along with celebratory fireworks meant to ward off evil spirits, signifies a spiritual awakening and the coming of prosperity. It is a time for family gatherings, sharing traditional sweets and savory foods, and strengthening bonds with loved ones.

The Five Days of Diwali 

1. Dhanteras (Oct 18)

2. Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali (Oct 19)

3. Lakshmi Puja (The main day: Oct 20)

4. Goverdhan Puja, Balipratipada, or Annakut (Oct 21 or 22, depending on region)

5. Bhai Dooj, Bhai Tika, or Bhai Bij (Oct 22 or 23, depending on region)

From all of us at the Mosaic, we wish you and your loved ones a Diwali that brings warmth, peace, and lasting prosperity. Have a joyful Festival of Lights!

The Human Research Protections & Integrity (HRPI) team has released the Fall 2025 IRB Newsletter — check out their upcoming webinar series and important reminders for student and faculty PIs!

IRB Support Webinar Series

• Faculty Advisor Essentials: Supporting Student PIs of Human Subjects Research
  Monday, Nov 3 | 12 – 1 PM | Register Here

• Student PIs Conducting Human Subjects Research
  Friday, Nov 14 | 12 – 1 PM | Register Here

Reminder: UMBC's IRB reviews social-behavioral-educational research only — clinical trial projects must go through a clinical site's IRB.

We'd Love to Visit!
Invite HRPI staff to your faculty meeting or research class to learn about human subjects research protections. Email IRB@umbc.edu to schedule a visit!

Learn More: research.umbc.edu/institutional-review-board-human-subjects

Download the flyer below for all of the info!

Hey Grad Students,

It's time to take a break from the labs, books, and endless coding! Join us TONIGHT (Friday, October 17th) at Lecture Hall 1 for a FREE Movie Night hosted by GEARS and OGSL.

Each October, the nation observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month to honor survivors, remember those who have passed, and raise awareness about the ongoing fight against breast cancer. Since 1989, breast cancer death rates in the United States have declined by 44 percent. This progress reflects decades of education, research, and early detection efforts that have saved more than half a million lives.

For over forty years, Breast Cancer Awareness Month has inspired communities to take action. Through increased awareness, screenings, and access to care, we continue to make strides in prevention and treatment.

UMBC Breast Cancer Awareness Walk
The UMBC Sisterhood, in collaboration with the Black Student Union (BSU) and Curl Pwr, invites the campus community to participate in the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk.

Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Erickson Field, UMBC Campus

This event is dedicated to supporting those currently battling breast cancer, celebrating survivors, and honoring the lives of those who have passed. Members of the UMBC community are encouraged to walk together in solidarity, fostering hope and awareness across campus.

Join the Walk Here!

Learn More and Take Action
The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) offers free educational resources to help individuals learn about early detection, survivorship, and healthy living. Access these materials to support continued education and awareness efforts:

• Early Detection: Step-by-step guides to help recognize early signs and symptoms.

• Survivorship: Resources for those navigating life after treatment.

• Healthy Living: Tools and cookbooks promoting wellness and risk reduction.

Together, we can continue to advance education, awareness, and support for all those affected by breast cancer.

For UMBC students and employees who may be going through breast cancer treatments or surgical recovery while in classes or on the job, please know that support may be available to you via the temporary disability accommodation process, if needed.

In addition, our partners in Human Resources are also a resource to employees to discuss leave benefits, such as FMLA, that may be needed for support during diagnosis, treatment, or recovery. Do not hesitate to contact the Accessibility & Disability Services department with inquiries.

In honor of all those affected by breast cancer, all ADS/SDS staff will wear pink on Fridays throughout October to show support and raise awareness within the UMBC community.

Facilities Management and the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services are hosting a review and update of construction projects that enhance accessibility, improve the physical environment of UMBC, and benefit the entire community while supporting accessibility for people with disabilities.  Maja Tokic, Campus Planner, will be leading the Facilities presentation. 

Note the in-person location change: ENG 027

While the event is complete, the slides are attached as a reference.  The recording of the program will be posted to the event site (click the website button)  as soon as the captioning is edited for accuracy.

Click Here To Join Online 

Password: rWvKwYtU823 (79859988 when dialing from a phone or video system)

Learn about elevator replacement progress, accessible design within renovation, and more! Current/planned projects will be discussed and campus members (especially those with disabilities) are encouraged to share ideas, some may inform the proposal process for UMBC's participation with the AccessMD Program. The presentation goes well beyond that program - and ideas from the lived experience of people with disabilities are especially important to this event.  

Daniel Teague, Acting Director of UMBC Transit will also present on both UMBC Transit as a partner for disability inclusion, as well as accessibility within UMBC Transit services.

If you are not able to attend:

Submit questions and ideas ahead of the discussion via this link. 

UMBC's  Accessible Route Map is linked here as a resource. Ideas for additional projects are also welcome at any time, please share them with FM Campus Planning via Maja Tokic, Campus Planner and Stephanie Lazarus, ADA/Section 504 Coordinator via slazar@umbc.edu / 410-455-5745.  Bring UMBC accessibility concerns to the attention of Accessibility & Disability Services at any time via this linked reporting form.