GSA News

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 13:55:34 -0400

Writing Tip of the Week:
Be yourself.
Students often try to write based on what they think the professor wants to see (stylistically). While your writing assignment should address the specific requirements of the given assignment, trying to mimic the style/tone of a research paper you read for the assignment will come off as cheap and uninteresting. Additionally, writing as yourself and for yourself will demonstrate a deeper understanding of the assignment and the course knowledge. The information should be there, but the way in which the information is presented should be entirely your own. Try explaining aloud to a friend or peer what you are trying to write, and use that as a template for the tone of your paper.

OCT 5 3 PM
We Believe You Discussion Group
We will be talking about communication! The Commons : Women's Center

The We Believe You Discussion Group creates space to center the experiences of survivors of gender-based harm.
Spring 2023: We are meeting biweekly on Thursdays at from 3pm-4pm.
For questions or for accessibility requests, contact us at womenscenter@umbc.edu
The Pride Center for LGBTQIA2+ Diversity is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual, 2-spirit, "+" (LGBTQIA2+)-centered communal space that envisions, nurtures, and advocates for a flourishing, healthy, and inclusive LGBTQIA2+ community. We do this through connection, expression, social justice, and student leadership development-based initiatives.
Their hours starting next week are:

Mondays: 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Tuesdays: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Wednesdays: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Thursdays: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Fridays: 1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

If you have any questions, concerns, or want to know more about the group, email us at womenscenter@umbc.edu

This discussion-based program follows the Women's Center Brave Space model to provide a welcoming environment and thoughtful community to engage in conversations focused on support and healing for survivors of sexual violence. This group centers the experiences of survivors and their allies; we request that students do not use this space for class research or interviews.
Please note: UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors. If you have difficulties accessing any of the materials on our site or any of our events or discussions, please contact us so that we can provide an alternative format and/or remedy any accessibility challenges.

OCT 11 6 PM

Small Sensibile Chill Night

Join us for Magic: The GatheringUniversity Center : 201D

It's Small. It's Sensible. It's Chill. Come out to our fourth Small Sensible Chill Night of the semester! Nothing more than just a fun time meeting new people and playing games. No Big Crazy Fun Nights here!

We will be playing a few games of MTG Commander! MTG is a table top trading card game, with endless possibilities of cards for a deck. Come with your favorite low to medium power level decks. If you want to learn, we will be teaching and providing decks to learn with as well!

We recommend watching this quick starter video before you come by!
If you need to request a disability-based accommodation or have any questions? Contact us at i3b@umbc.edu. For our uploaded event recordings, attendee lists, works cited, and other materials, please check out our Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging (i3b) Events Drive. Materials will be available in this Google Drive within one business week after the event unless otherwise specified.

Mondays: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Tuesdays: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesdays: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Thursdays: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Fridays: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Mosaic: Center for Cultural Diversity (Originally named UMBC's Multicultural Center) is dedicated to creating an environment that supports cross-cultural education and collaboration at UMBC. This space was created out of the work of students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community partners that saw the need for a student-centered space for cultural learning and identity development after the disbandment of The Office of Multicultural Affairs. The Mosaic's commitment is to empower all UMBC to be culturally conscious and informed members of our community. Doubling as a lounge and office space, this space is rarely empty. Guests frequently have discussions about their hot topics in pop culture, media, or sharing their personal experiences. A safe and inclusive space for all UMBC community members of all backgrounds, The Mosaic strives to develop innovative programs and initiatives that celebrate cultural diversity, equality, and social justice. This space is open and staffed year-round. The Mosaic is reservable upon request after hours of operations.

The Mosaic: Center for Cultural Diversity (i3b)

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebration, Upcoming Events, & More!

September 15th to October 15th is National Hispanic Heritage Month. Throughout this time, i3b, UMBC and country celebrates the important contributions, heritage, and culture of all Hispanic and Latinos in the United States.

Honoring our Hispanic/Latin(e/x) community and their influence on our country, we recognize culture and traditions that have shaped all of our communities. We impart to all at UMBC to partake in understanding and uplifting the stories, experiences, passions, love, and history of our Hispanic/Latin(e/x) community. Hispanic Heritage Month further celebrates the traditions, cultures, families, love, and service all Hispanic and Latin(e/x) folks.

History of Hispanic Heritage Month

Beginning on September 15th, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the anniversary of independence of the Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, dating back to 1968. Additionally, Mexico, Chile, and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period with Dia de la Raza on October 12th.

The term Hispanic, referring to the racial and ethnic groups of folks from hisphanophone (Spanish Speaking) countries, that were historically colonized by Spain. This term is inclusive to those of Spanish origin. The term Latino, excludes Spain, but includes non-Spanish speaking Latin American countries such as Belize, Brazil, Guyana, and Haiti. Some folks may have ethnic roots from Latin America, and may use either, neither, or both Hispanic and/or Latino.

In the month of September and October, i3b is partnering on events in celebration of our Hispanic/Latin(e/x) communities.

The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being

The Center for Well-Being, 103

The Gathering Space serves as a spiritually-centered space where students and UMBC community members can gather at the intersection of religion, faith, spirituality, and other lived experiences. The Gathering Space prioritizes individual religious practice, opportunities to explore holistic well-being connected to religion and spirituality, and creating opportunities to engage across difference, by centering the importance of interfaith work and dialogue. Within the GS, three core themes are emphasized: radical love & belonging, spiritual well-being, and energetic pluralism. The Gathering Space opened Fall 2022 and works with all UMBC students, including 22+ religion and belief organizations.

Gathering Space Hours

Mondays: 8:00am - 10:00pm

Tuesdays: 8:00am - 10:00pm

Wednesdays: 8:00am - 10:00pm

Thursdays: 8:00am - 10:00pm

Fridays: 8:00am - 10:00pm

The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being (i3b)

OCT 19 5:30 PM

Spirituality @ UMBC?

Hungry for spirituality? Unsure where to begin? Start here.The Center for Well-Being : 103

Are you looking for spiritual fulfillment, but unsure where to start?
Are you spiritual, but not religious?

Are you unsure about where to find spirituality and well-being conversations at UMBC?

Swing by The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being, Room 103, on Thursday October 19th from 5:30-7:00pm to join the conversation.

Join i3b & the Office of Health Promotions as we hold space for the spiritual and make space to find sacredness in the ordinary. We will spend time engaging in spiritual practices and open the floor to conversation about spirituality and where we find it on campus.

Also: come visit our tables on Main Street in the Commons from 12:00-1:00 on Wednesday, October 18th and Thursday, September 19th for to-go spirituality/mindfulness bags!