The Board of Regents and the University System of Maryland Student Council (USMSC) introduced the annual Board of Regents Student Excellence Scholarships to recognize exceptionally talented students who are making contributions in various aspects of student life. Applications and letters of recommendation are now available, and are due Friday, February 6.

Undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to nominate themselves for this scholarship. All details, including eligibility and application information, can be found on the scholarship website.

Please share with students now to ensure they have the opportunity and time to apply. Student Affairs Communications and Marketing staff have created the attached images for myUMBC groups and social media channels. If you have any questions about using these images, please email sacm@umbc.edu

Healing from Family Challenges is a six-week group that provides psychoeducation and skills that help address the effects of adverse childhood experiences. It helps the members to recognize how these past challenging experiences might be impacting their current functioning and helps individuals identify healthy ways of coping with their experiences. Students transition from surviving past experiences to thriving in the present. The group creates a safe and supportive environment to develop an alternate way of looking at the past and develop a sense of meaning and purpose that help them thrive today.

Group meets in-person on Thursdays, 3:00 PM-4:30 PM beginning March 5

The first step to joining any group is to complete an Initial Consultation appointment. Please call us at 410-455-2542 or visit the RetrieverCare portal to schedule.

For general group questions, or if you need accommodations for a disability, please send a secure message to CC Front Desk via the patient portal at least one week prior to the start of group and RIH will arrange for services.

This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a five-day immersive learning experience for UMBC undergraduate and graduate students to explore the systemic and human dimensions of complex social issues in Baltimore. Participants will spend much of the week in Baltimore City connecting with local leaders, policymakers, organizations, and community members, to gain a nuanced understanding of the resources and challenges related to their topic areas. The program supports students in linking their knowledge and interests to local contexts, and in identifying pathways for long-term community engagement.

This year's ASB program will take place from Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20, 2026. Participants spend much of the week in small groups, each co-led by UMBC students trained by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life, exploring a specific topic in depth. 

This year's focus areas are:

• Housing Equity and Access
• Justice in Psychiatric Care
• Fostering LGBT+ Belonging in Schools

Complete the ASB 2026 application by TONIGHT at 11:59 p.m. EST. Accepted and waitlisted applicants will be notified via email in late January.

ASB is hosted by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life. More information is available on the the Center for Democracy and Civic Life website.

ASB is open for full participation by all undergraduate and graduate students regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.