3-Minute Thesis Competition

Why Participate?

The Graduate School is searching for a tenured faculty member to fill the open Associate Dean for Graduate Education position, ideally to begin in January 2026. This is a twelve-month appointment with the possibility of renewal on an annual basis. Nominations and self-nominations are welcomed. 

Potential candidates must possess:

• at least five years of experience as a graduate faculty member to include some leadership experience at the department and/or institutional level (e.g., as a graduate program director, department chair, etc.) 

• a significant record of scholarship, teaching, and supervision of masters and/or doctoral students

• a demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and student success

• level of service experience appropriate for a tenured associate or full professor 

Please submit nominations and self-nominations to Lauren Cummings (laurenc6@umbc.edu), no later than Friday, November 14 by 5 p.m. Nominations and self-nominations should include a 1-2-page statement and the prospective candidate's current C.V. Finalists will be interviewed immediately, with the goal of announcing an appointment by the end of the semester. 

Position description:

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

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

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.

Where: ITE 456 (in-person) + Virtual (Webex): link • Password: qpJ2dzMZ9z8

When: Wednesday, Oct 15th, 12:00 pm –1:00 pm

Who: Graduate Assistants only (TAs, RAs, graders, peaceworkers)

Join GAAC for a campus-wide Town Hall focused on the issues that matter most to GAs. Come meet your GAAC reps, share concerns, and help shape our Meet & Confer agenda with university leadership. Free pizza & drinks (veg/halal options)—grab a slice, share your voice!

Survey Incentive (QR shared at the event)

Complete Our Meet & Confer input survey (QR will be shown in-person and on the virtual screen). 
3 Lucky winners who complete the full survey will each receive $50 in Retriever Dollars.
One entry per GA; winners notified via UMBC email

Why Attend? 

• Get clear, practical answers on benefits, workload, and policies

• Raise concerns directly (or submit anonymously)

• Help prioritize topics GAAC elevates at Meet & Confer

Discussion highlights