To all our hardworking graduate students: we see the late nights in the lab, the endless research, and the dedication you pour into your work every single day. You are a vital part of what makes UMBC move.

Graduate Student Appreciation Week (GSAW) is our way of hitting "pause" on the grind so you can take up space, find your rhythm, and be celebrated for the incredible impact you have on this campus. From wellness sessions to game nights and a formal prom, this week is all about you. You’ve earned the right to relax, connect, and enjoy the community you help build.

FOLLOW OGSL ON myUMBC FOR ALL GSAW INFO!

Pre-GSAW Kickoff Events

TODAY - Game Night with Military and Veterans

• Friday, April 3 | 3–6 p.m.
• Gameroom, The Commons

TOMORROW - Grad Outing to Dave & Busters

• Saturday, April 4 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Off Campus

GSAW Event Schedule

Grad Wellness Day | Monday, April 6

• Wellness Tabling 
• 1–3 p.m.
• The Commons, Main Street

• Candle Making 
• 3–5 p.m.
• The Commons, Room 329

• Break the Mold (Pottery & Networking)
• 4–6 p.m. 
• The Commons, Fireside Lounge (with The Office of Health Promotion)

GEARS Research Symposium & 3MT

• Tuesday, April 7 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• UC Ballroom

Grad Bingo Night

•  Wednesday, April 8 | 4–7 p.m.
•  UC Ballroom
• RSVP & FOLLOW OGSL ON myUMBC

Grad Cultural Day

• Thursday, April 9 | 12–4 p.m
• UC Ballroom

Career Paths by The Graduate School

• Thursday, April 9 | 5–8:30 p.m.
• Fireside Lounge, The Commons

Grad Prom & Awards

• Friday, April 10 | 5–8 p.m.
• UC Ballroom
• RSVP & FOLLOW OGSL ON myUMBC

Note:All programs and events are open to full participation by all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category.

It's the grand finale of Graduate Student Appreciation Week! Put down the red pen and step away from the data—it's time to celebrate the brilliance, resilience, and diverse journeys of our graduate community. Join us for a multicultural evening designed to honor students from all backgrounds and every corner of the world.

This is an event to come as you are and celebrate graduate life in whatever way feels right to you. Whether your style is casual, formal, or cultural, all forms of self-expression are welcome. Expect an atmosphere filled with music, joy, and recognition aswe honor our award winners and the hard work you put in every day.

Follow OGSL on myUMBC and get FREE tickets for Grad Prom & Awards!

There is no pressure and no rules to follow—just an opportunity to be in community and celebrate the global rhythm we've built together. You aren't just a part of UMBC; you are the heartbeat of our innovation. Let's close out the week in style!

When: Friday, April 10 | 5–8 p.m.

Where: UC Ballroom

Grab your Hacky Sack and djembe come jam with us! 

Bring your drum and join in @URCAD, Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in the RAC!

11:00-11:15am, RAC Stage

UMBC Drum Circle-  Improvisational drum jam featuring UMBC faculty, staff, and students. With INDS professors Steven "Dr. Upcycle" McAlpine, and Jose Arenas Gomez, Anna Folange, and members of the Retriever Music Society. You can hear them on sunny afternoons on the steps of Academic Row outside of the UC getting their groove on.

URCAD.umbc.edu

Hello everyone!

Due to unforseen circumstances, the Retriever Essentials Free Farmers Market has been cancelled. 

We will instead be fully stocked with fresh produce in our pantry for tomorrow morning, 04/03.

We sincerely apologize for any inconviences

Start the official Graduate Student Appreciation Week by focusing on you!

Whether you want to learn about health resources or get hands-on with a creative project, we have a full afternoon dedicated to your mental and physical wellness.

• Wellness Tabling: 1–3 p.m. | The Commons, Main Street

• Candle Making: 3–5 p.m.  | The Commons, Room 329

• Break the Mold (Pottery & Networking): 4–6 p.m. | The Commons, Fireside Lounge 

Follow OGSL on myUMBC for all things GSAW!

Dear Graduate Students,

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) election voting for the academic year 2026–2027 is now open, and we invite you to participate.

Before casting your vote, please use your UMBC email account to access the candidate videos and take a few minutes to review them so you can make an informed decision:
Drive Link: Senator Nominee Speeches

How to Vote:

1. Visit the voting page: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/officialgsaelections
2. Log in to your myUMBC account.
3. Under the Posts section (as shown in the screenshot), you will find:
   • A post for your respective college’s Senator election
   • A post for the Student Affairs Senator election
4. Accept the invite to vote (if you haven’t already) and open both posts and
5. Cast your votes as follows:
   • Select and rank your top 4 candidates for your college Senator position.
   • Select and rank your top 4 candidates for the Student Affairs Senator position.

Important Notes:

• Please ensure you vote in both posts (your respective college and Student Affairs).
• Follow all voting guidelines and respect the election process.

Voting is open now and will close on Sunday 5th April 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Your participation is important in shaping graduate student representation at UMBC. We encourage you to review the candidates and cast your vote.

Best Regards,

Reena Kale and Neil Kpamegan

Election Committee Co-Chairs.

World Autism Awareness Day 2026

The 2026 observance of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), held under the theme “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value,” highlights and affirms the dignity and worth of all autistic people as part of our shared human future.  Grounded in the principles of human rights and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this vision sees the inclusion of neurodiversity as crucial to sustainable development.

When societies embrace neurodiversity, they strengthen creativity, resilience, and innovation, laying the foundation for more just, inclusive, and sustainable communities. This year’s discussion explores the role of neurodiversity in shaping policies that advance health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, economic opportunity, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, and strong institutions.

By affirming that autistic lives are integral to our collective progress and the achievement of the SDGs, the observance calls for a future where difference is respected, dignity is protected, and every autistic person can thrive.

Date: April 2, 2026

Learn more:
UN – World Autism Awareness Day
WHO – World Autism Awareness Day 2026

Key ways to celebrate and create impact in 2026 for Autism Awareness Day, Month, and all year:

• Wear Blue & Light It Up: Participate in the global "Light It Up Blue" initiative by wearing blue clothing or ribbons to spark conversations.
• Support & Donate: Donate to or volunteer with autistic-led organizations, or support autism-friendly businesses.
• Engage in Education: Read books, watch films, or listen to webinars by autistic individuals to learn more about their experiences.
• Participate in Events: Join or organize an event, such as a Spectrum 5K walk/run/roll.
• Advocate for Inclusion: Improve accessibility in your community by helping create sensory-friendly spaces, supporting inclusive events, or participating in advocacy initiatives.
• Leverage Official Resources: Use educational materials from respected organizations like the National Autistic Society and WHO.

Hi Everyone!

As said in the newsletter, our Free Farmers Market for today and next week will be held in the Center for Wellbeing. We hope to see you there!

Hello everyone, we hope you’ve had a great semester so far! We’re half way through already!

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Updates and Events:

The Global Pantry Initative:

We’re expanding our pantry’s flavors from around the world to highlight different cultures in our diverse community! For the month of April, we will be offering ingredients from West African and East Asian regions. Stop by and explore while supplies last!

Free Farmers Market Temporary Room Change on 04/02 and 04/09:

Thursday, April 2nd & April 9th. Center for Wellbeing

Our Free Farmers Market for the first two weeks will be in the Center For Wellbeing from 2:00pm - 2:45pm!

Special Earth Day Free Farmers Market

Monday, April 20th 12-1pm. Commons Terrace.

We’ve partnered with Chartwells, Student Success Initiatives, and the Office of Sustainability to bring you an additional Free Farmer’s Market during the Earth Day Fair! This market will be outside on the Commons Terrace and will be our biggest market yet.

Money Smart Week Session - How to make it work: Smart ways to use campus and community resources:

Wednesday, April 15th 12-1pm. Commons 318.

We’re hosting a session to teach how to navigate campus and community resources. We understand that a good budget can only get you so far when it’s stretched thin. We’re here to tell you that you’re not bad with money, we’re experiencing a challenging economy. With that in mind, you can still make it work by taking advantage of existing resources both on and off campus!

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Data:

In the month of March, we’ve distributed 8.3k lbs worth of food and other household essentials, with over 2k visits to our pantry! This also includes calculations from our Free Farmers Market on Thursdays, our mini pantry in the police station, and vending machine.

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Suggestion Box:

To improve our services, and try to address everyone's different needs, we would love to hear your feedback!

https://forms.gle/oUvd1EaMcmmasKFn8

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Thank you so much for taking the time to read  our newsletter.

If you have any questions about what we provide, volunteering opportunities, or general inquiries, feel free to email us at retrieveressentials@umbc.edu at any time!

Sincerely,

The Retriever Essentials Team

URCAD is Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in the RAC!
For the full schedule see:urcad.umbc.edu

Amy Taylor, Margot Anthony | Power and Control: The Impact of Religious Cults on the Lives of Women | Lauren Allen | Social Work | RAC Arena, 2-3pm, Poster #67

Stephanie Williams and Willow Brandy |Powerand Control: The Impact of Religious Cults on the Lives of Women| Kerri Evans | Social Work | RAC 230 | 11:00-11:15