In June 2025, the North American Association of Sports Economists (NAASE) announced the establishment of the Coates-Humphreys NAASE Distinguished Research Award, named for UMBC Department of Economics's Dennis Coates and West Virginia University’s Dr. Brad Humphreys. 

Dr. Coates and Dr. Humphreys are the award’s inaugural winners.

The creation of the award honors Dr. Coates’s scholarship in sports economics, including serving as a founding member and President of NAASE and an extensive list of published papers and books. In 2022, he won the NAASE Larry Hadley Service Award which honors outstanding and unusual contributions and service to NAASE and the field of sports economics. 

Congratulations Dr. Coates!

Are you passionate about advocacy, event planning, research, or policy? The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is now recruiting paid committee members for the 2025–2026 academic year! This is your opportunity to grow as a leader, collaborate with fellow students, and support the graduate community at UMBC.

Committee members receive an annual stipend of $1,000 – $1,500 in recognition of their valuable contributions.

You can apply to join the committee through a single application form. You can select up to two committees: APPLY HERE

1) Graduate Experience, Achievements, Research and Successes (GEARS) Committee

Mission: GEARS (Graduate Experience, Achievements, Research and Successes) showcase graduate student creativity, research, and resilience through engaging events.

We are recruiting 5 members for these roles:

• Events Lead: Coordinate and execute events; assist Chair in planning.

• Public Relations Manager: Build campus partnerships; increase engagement.

• Operations Manager: Oversee logistics, attendance, and feedback forms.

• Secretary: Record minutes, maintain event records, support communication.

• Graphics Manager: Design promotional content; manage event marketing.

Time Commitment: 3–4 hours/week

Ideal for creative, collaborative, and organized individuals who love event planning and community building.

2) Grants Review Panel (GRP) Committee

Mission: Review and evaluate GSA grant applications for research and travel support.

We are recruiting 6 members with strong attention to detail and accountability. You need to have at least one semester completed to be a part of this committee.
Responsibilities:

• Review and track applications using Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets

• Maintain accurate records

• Attend all committee meetings

• Communicate promptly and meet deadlines

Skills Needed: Proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, formulas, formatting)
Time Commitment: 3–4 hours/week
Ideal for analytical and detail-oriented individuals with strong communication skills.

3) Graduate Assistant Advisory Committee (GAAC)

Mission: Represent the voice of Graduate Assistants (GAs) by collecting concerns, advocating for fair compensation and benefits, and shaping policy through the USM Meet & Confer process.

We are recruiting 4 Graduate Assistants:

• One each from COEIT, CNMS, CAHSS

• One PhD student in Public Policy as a Legislative Concerns Specialist

Responsibilities:

• Attend one GA Town Hall or tabling event per semester

• Submit monthly report updates and assist with GA Handbook or surveys

• Help draft issue briefs for biannual Meet & Confer meetings

Time Commitment: ~3 hours/week (slightly higher near meetings)
Ideal for GAs passionate about advocacy, policy, and workplace fairness.

Ready to Apply? Click Here!

Use the form above to express your interest in one or more committees. 

We can’t wait to work with you and empower the UMBC graduate student community—one initiative at a time.

The Office of Graduate Student Life (OGSL) is hosting a series of Graduate Student Listening Sessions to hear directly from you—UMBC’s diverse graduate student community. Whether you’re balancing work and school, navigating identity, adjusting to a new environment, or finding your academic path—we’re here to listen.

 Session Themes Include:

• Balancing Life & Learning (Working Professionals & Part-Time Students)

• Global Grad Voices (International Students)

• Inclusive & Intersecting Identities (LGBTQ+ Students, Students of Color, & Students with disabilities)

• STEM & Beyond (STEM and Non-STEM Students)

• Open Sessions (For all graduate students, regardless of background or discipline)

What to Expect:

 Small-group conversations in a supportive space

 In-person & virtual options

 Sessions available during the day and evening

 Light refreshments provided at all in-person sessions

 Why Attend?

Because your experiences help shape the future of graduate student life at UMBC. These sessions inform how OGSL creates community, advocates for resources, and responds to your needs.

 Sessions begin as early as Tuesday, July 15 — so sign up soon!

 https://forms.gle/D3KeKdARz5vTunMGA