This April, the Division of Institutional Equity has a full lineup of events and opportunities for the UMBC community. All events and opportunities across the division are open to full participation by all community members. Here’s how you can get involved!

April 1 – 16 | The Commons: 004

Clothesline Shirt Making & Rally Sign Making

Join the Women’s, Gender and Equity Center throughout April to create shirts for the Clothesline Project and rally signs for the Take Back the Night march. Supplies will be available all month, with completed shirts displayed on April 9 and 16. Participants are invited to contribute to ongoing awareness efforts, with later creations featured in future exhibits, including Relationship Violence Awareness Month.

April 1 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | University Center 312

Trans Week of Visibility Panel and Resource Fair: Visibility in Higher Education

Join the Pride Center and Women’s, Gender, & Equity Center for a panel and resource fair celebrating Trans Week of Visibility. This event will feature a facilitated panel discussion, community resources, and opportunities for connection centered on trans and non-binary experiences in higher education. Attendees can engage in meaningful dialogue, enjoy refreshments, and explore resources supporting visibility and inclusion.

April 6 | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm | The Commons: 328

Green Dot Training: An Interactive Bystander Training

Join the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center and the Division of Student Affairs for a hands-on bystander intervention training as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This interactive session equips participants with practical tools to help prevent power-based violence, including sexual and partner violence. Attendees will also have the opportunity to earn a digital credential to showcase their training and commitment to creating safer communities.

April 7 | 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm | The Commons: 329

Crafting Your Story: Crochet & Connect

Join Social Justice Dialogue Facilitation Fellows for a creative and reflective afternoon of crochet, storytelling, and dialogue. Participants will learn basic crochet techniques while engaging in guided conversations around identity, growth, challenges, and community. No experience is needed, materials, snacks, and refreshments will be provided.

April 7 | 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm | The Commons: 004

Sexual Assault 101: Consent on Campus – How to Support a Survivor

Join the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center in partnership with Turnaround Inc. for an interactive workshop. This session explores the realities of sexual violence on college campuses, including consent, myths, and prevalence. Participants will engage with real-life scenarios and gain practical tools to support survivors and foster a culture of respect and accountability.

April 8 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Virtual

Start by Believing: Supporting Disclosures of Sexual Violence

Join the Division of Institutional Equity and UMBC Campus Police for a workshop designed to help faculty and staff confidently respond to disclosures of sexual violence. Participants will learn about the Start by Believing campaign and build skills to support survivors in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered way. This session aims to strengthen a culture of support, safety, and accountability across the UMBC community.

April 8 | 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm | Engineering 027

ADS Film Screening: Being Michelle

Join the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services for a screening of Being Michelle, highlighting the powerful story of a deaf, autistic woman who endured incarceration and systemic neglect. The film explores her resilience and the impact of support through her connection with a blind life coach, Kim Law. Come watch, reflect, and engage. Popcorn will be provided.

April 9 & 23 | 3 pm - 4:30 pm | The Commons: 2B23

SistaCare

Join the Center for Social Justice Dialogue for SistaCare - a community care and dialogue group that provides a supportive space to explore the experiences of Black/Africana women and femmes on campus while fostering connection, reflection, and care. These sessions invite participants to learn, share, and build community, and are open to all individuals. Event details: [April 9] [April 23].

April 9 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | The Commons: 004

Movie Night: Nevertheless

Join the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center for a special evening screening of Nevertheless (2020), directed by Sarah Moshman. This documentary shares powerful, intersectional stories of individuals impacted by sexual harassment across industries, connecting to the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements. Come watch, and engage in reflection and conversation on preventing sexual misconduct. Pizza, popcorn, and sweet treats will be provided.

April 10, 15, 24 & 28 | Multiple Times | In-person & Virtual

UMBC Talks: Inclusive Excellence

Join the Center for Social Justice Dialogue and Center for Democracy and Civic Life for a series of 90-minute, co-facilitated dialogues designed to shape UMBC’s shared definition of inclusive excellence. These interactive sessions invite students, faculty, and staff to engage with a drafted framework, share perspectives, and contribute to guiding the university’s future vision and strategic direction. Each session offers space for meaningful conversation across different campus experiences. Event details: [April 10] [April 15] [April 24:10am & 2pm] [April 28].

April 13 | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | AOK Library Gallery

Guest Lecture: Silent No Longer

Join the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services for an upcoming conversation with Robert Stack on advancing disability rights and addressing systemic barriers. The conversation will also highlight his new book, Silent No Longer: Advancing the Fight for Disability Rights, which explores critical issues within the disability services industry. Attendees can expect insights into profit-driven care, disparities in funding, and challenges impacting quality support. This session invites the community to engage in meaningful dialogue and advocate for more equitable and dignified care systems.

April 14 | 11:30 am - 1 pm | Virtual

Inclusive Excellence In Action Series

Join us for the second session of this semester’s Inclusive Excellence in Action series, “Skills to Center Humanity in the Academy: Responding to Anti-DEI Efforts Across Higher Education”. This session will equip participants with practical tools, strategies, and key takeaways to strengthen inclusive leadership, relationship-centered engagement, and humanizing approaches that foster learning and beloved community across campus.

 April 15 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Virtual

 Supervisors: Navigating Accommodations and FMLA from Referrals to Implementation

Join Human Resources and Accessibility & Disability Services for an upcoming session designed for UMBC supervisors on supporting disability inclusion in the workplace. The session will review FMLA leave and disability accommodation processes, with a focus on navigating accommodations and extended leave requests. Open to supervisors, this online session will deepen understanding of FMLA and accommodations while building capacity for inclusive excellence at UMBC.

April 15 | 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Virtual

Culture Conversations

Join the Office of Community and Culture for a facilitated conversation on “Sustaining Transformative Relationships". Participants will learn how to cultivate relational practices that strengthen connection, reduce harm, and support more sustainable ways of working together.

April 15 | 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm | University Center:302

Circles for Beloved Community

The Office of Community and Culture invites faculty and staff to gather in facilitated spaces to build trust and understanding. These circles offer an opportunity to slow down, connect across roles and experiences, and practice being in community together.

April 16 | 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm | The Commons: Mainstreet

UMBC’s Take Back the Night 2026

Join the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center for an evening of solidarity and action during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This event features a resource fair, survivor speak-out, campus march, and opportunities for community reflection and healing. Attendees are invited to stand against sexual violence, support survivors, and engage in building a safer campus community, with self-care spaces and support resources available throughout.

April 17 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Virtual

Dis/Ability On The Job: Accommodations and FMLA 101 for Non-Supervisors

Join Human Resources and Accessibility & Disability Services for an upcoming session tailored for UMBC employees on supporting disability inclusion in the workplace. This session will review FMLA leave and disability accommodation processes, with a focus on managing one’s own health conditions and returning to work. Open to all employees, this online event offers an opportunity to deepen knowledge and contribute to a more inclusive and supportive workplace at UMBC.

April 20 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | The Commons: 318

Building Better Days (Tools for Daily Engagement): The 80/20 Principle 

Join UMBC’s Davonya Hall and Danielle Woody from Towson University for an interactive session on applying restorative practices in everyday workplace interactions. This session explores the 80/20 principle, emphasizing proactive relationship-building as the foundation for a healthy and supportive community. Participants will gain practical tools and strategies to foster trust, accountability, and meaningful engagement in their daily work.

April 23 | 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm | The Commons: 004

Survivor Self-Care Day

Join the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center for a restorative afternoon of trauma-informed self-care during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This event offers survivors and allies space to relax and decompress through activities such as yoga, acupuncture, health check-ins, and crafting. Participants are invited to prioritize healing, wellness, and community care in a supportive environment.

Discussion Group Meetings

Join the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center this month for weekly discussion group meetings! Connect, share, and grow through spaces such as Grad Connect, We Believe You, Rebuilding Manhood, Spectrum, Women of Color Collective, Women and Gender Minorities in STEM, Returning Adult Learners, Athletics Group, Between Femmes, and Head Space. Visit https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/womenscenter/events?mode=upcoming&page=1 for more information and schedules for each group.

Employee Annual Title IX Training Requirement

Pursuant to UMBC's Interim Policy on Sex Discrimination, Sex-Based Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct, all faculty (including adjunct faculty), staff (regular and contingent), and student-employees (including teaching assistants and graduate assistants) are required to complete Title IX training each year. Employees who have not yet completed the training requirement should review the instructions and complete the outlined series of three asynchronous modules as soon as possible. New employees should complete training within 60 days of hire.The training will cover topics such as an overview of the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (ECR), what constitutes prohibited conduct under university policy, responding to a disclosure, procedures for reporting and resolving reports of prohibited conduct, trauma-informed care, confidentiality, and other applicable policies and procedures. Additional information regarding the training may be found in ECR's training FAQs. If you still have questions, please contact ECR at ECRtraining@umbc.edu.

Hello folks!

If you haven't seen the Pride Center's Trans Day of Vicibility Resource Fair and Panel, it's happening TODAY from 1-4pm in UC312. Please join us for TDOV. We will be joined by several community organizations that provide resources and support to our trans, gender expansive, and non-binary siblings. We will also hear from a panel of folx with lived experiences about what it means for them to be visible in higher education contexts. Come be in community with us!

See full event poster below:

https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/thepridecenter/events/152590

Inside DOIE is a monthly series that introduces the faces in the Division of Institutional Equity. This project is an opportunity for our campus community to get to know the team.Role within the Division: Associate Vice President, Community & Culture; Co-Director, Center for Social Justice Dialogue
How long have you been at UMBC?: Since 2019, 2024

How would you describe your role within the Division of Institutional Equity? 

Beyond the titles, within DOIE and across campus, I think of myself and my role as a culture builder, community connector, institutional navigator, and joy pusher, working to lead with love and model inclusive excellence in how I exist and the work I do.

Can you share a moment or experience that shaped your passion for equity and inclusion work?

I started my career as an undergraduate student working at the Center for Multicultural Affairs; that experience, spanning over 3 years, continues to inform my thinking and opened the door for me to (still) be doing this work today.

What is one initiative or project you're currently working on that excites you?

Watching the Center for Social Justice Dialogue grow and expand has honestly been a dream come true. I was introduced to intergroup dialogue theory as part of my Master's program and have been dreaming of and planning for a center like this since 2010. I cannot wait to see the ways it continues to evolve and the impact it leaves on campus.

Outside of work, what's something that brings you joy or helps you recharge? 

I really enjoy roller skating (think Roll Bounce)! Putting on my black suede skates with iridescent wheels and vibing to the music brings me a lot of joy.

Can you share a book/quote/movie or something others can engage with from your perspective of inclusive excellence?

There are so many books I would recommend! The top on my list are Emergent Strategy, Adrienne Maree Brown; All About Love, bell hooks; Healing Resistance, Kazu Haga; Practicing Liberation, Tessa Hicks Peterson

Spring 2026 Highlights:

• MAR 26: Tea Time With Tori: Tech Drop-in & Conversation, MP 222, Noon-2 PM
• MAR 25: Accessibility Tour: Wayfinding, Skywalks and Resources, MP 222, Noon-1:00 PM
• MAR 30: Campus Accessibility Spring Update, Engineering 027, Noon-1:00 PM (Hybrid)
• APR 8: ADS Film Screening: Being Michelle, Engineering 027, 4:00 PM -6:00 PM
• APR 13: Guest Lecture: Silent No Longer, AOK Library Gallery, 3:30 PM -4:30 PM
• APR 15: Supervisors: Navigating Accommodations and FMLA from Referrals to Implementation, Noon-1:00 PM, Virtual
• APR 17: Dis/Ability On The Job: Accommodations and FMLA 101 for Non-Supervisors, Noon-1:00PM, Virtual
• APR 24: Tea Time With Tori: Tech Drop-in & Conversation, MP 222, Noon-2 PM
• APR 24: Digital Accessibility Challenge Day: Review your Site, Content, & Documents (Campus Wide)
  

Contact us: disability@umbc.edu | (410) 455-2459 | sds.umbc.edu

To view the original myUMBC post please click the link below:
https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/posts/157680

Do you know a faculty member or academic department that goes above and beyond to make learning more accessible and inclusive for all students? Now is the time to recognize them!

The UMBC Accessibility Trailblazer Awards celebrate individuals and departments who are pioneers in creating accessible course materials, inclusive content, and teaching practices grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL). These trailblazers help ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn and succeed.

We especially encourage student nominations, but nominations from colleagues are also welcome.

• Deadline to submit nominations: April 30
• Accessibility Trailblazer Award Nomination Form

Awardees will be recognized by the Department of Accessibility & Disability Services (ADS), which houses the Office of Student Disability Services (SDS). They will receive certificates of recognition, be acknowledged by their Deans and senior leadership, and be celebrated with the UMBC student community. Finally, they will also be featured on the ADS bulletin board and highlighted in our quarterly newsletter to recognize their commitment to accessibility and inclusive teaching practices.

Take a moment to recognize someone who is making a meaningful impact on accessibility at UMBC!

Questions? Contact the ADS office at (410) 455-2459 or disability@umbc.edu.

To view the original myUMBC post, please click the link below:
https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/posts/157406

As part of UMBC's ongoing commitment to fostering equitable and inclusive learning and working environments, we are pleased to share our growing training opportunities designed to deepen our community's understanding of religious discrimination and equip faculty and staff with effective strategies to address it. These offerings include two virtual courses and follow-up surveys available through Vector Solutions and in-person sessions facilitated by partners in the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Pluralism.

Faculty, staff, supervisors, and campus partners are encouraged to participate. For enrollment support, submit a request form here or email culture@umbc.edu.

Virtual Trainings via Vector Solutions

1.⁠ Recognizing and Responding to Antisemitism

This course provides an overview of antisemitism, its historical development, contemporary manifestations, and effective strategies for addressing bias in academic settings.
Participants will:

• Build a foundational understanding of antisemitism and how it has adapted over time.

• Learn to identify common expressions of antisemitism in academic and community contexts.

• Explore practical approaches for responding to harmful behaviors, comments, or incidents.

2.⁠ ⁠Recognizing and Responding to Islamophobia

This course introduces the historical context and contemporary experiences of Muslims and Arabs, who are often treated as a single monolithic group. Participants will examine the interpersonal, institutional, and online forms of harm individuals may experience, and develop strategies to counter bias and discrimination in campus settings.

Participants will:

• Understand the historical and social factors shaping Islamophobia.

• Identify common behaviors, comments, and structures that perpetuate harm.

• Learn practical tools for addressing and reducing harmful actions or assumptions.

  
  

In-Person Training: FaithZone Training – Exploring Faith & Spirituality in Higher Education

Available Facilitators:  Matt Hoffman, Director for the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Pluralism; Joseph Vann-Jones, Coordinator for the Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being.

On Thursday, March 19th and Friday, March 20th, the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (ECR) will be closed for in-person visits. 

Staff will be available virtually throughout this time.  If you have any questions or concerns during this time, please email ecr@umbc.edu.

To submit a report regarding sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment, hate, or bias, please file an online report here.