In the fall of 2024, Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design Katie Heater '09, visual arts, and MFA '13, imaging and digital arts, was invited by Dr. Renique Kersh, vice president for student affairs, to collaborate on a visual art initiative to highlight and promote UMBC's commitment to inclusive excellence. Dr. Kersh wanted to explore how this core value could be reflected visually in several locations in The Commons – a student-centered building – through the eyes of UMBC students. "Place is so important to building community, and it is even more meaningful when students have a voice in how that place is formed," Dr. Kersh said.

In response, Heater integrated the project into her spring 2025 Professional Practices in Graphic Design course, a senior/junior-level seminar and studio class that provides students the opportunity to apply design thinking while gaining professional skills and real world, client-facing experience. The students were tasked with exploring what inclusive excellence means to them and then developed ways to visually represent these ideas within the building.

Through class discussions and reflection, students defined inclusive excellence as "UMBC's commitment to equality and engagement which enriches the diverse community and its dedication to multiculturalism, academic success, and honors everyone who studies, works, and lives here"; "A culture that celebrates diversity, honors the complex and varied lives of students and staff, and allows members of the community to become the driving force behind the way the institution functions"; and "When diversity meets representation."

Over the course of several weeks, students were divided into three design teams, each with a designated creative lead. Each group created visual language, mockups, and processes by which to create site-specific artworks in The Commons. Students then formally presented their work to Dr. Kersh, along with Student Affairs Communications and Marketing (SACM) and Commons facilities leadership and staff, who provided constructive feedback on their ideas.

"I was really wowed by the students' presentations," said Heater. "It blew me away, seeing how they distilled their ideas and experiences about inclusive excellence at UMBC, from their own experiences to their classmates', and as part of a community."

While only one artwork was expected to be chosen, two initiatives received the green light to move forward and become prominent installations at the west entrance and in the Mezzanine Gallery. Over the remainder of the semester, groups refined their work to incorporate feedback and meet professional standards while maintaining the integrity of their original artistic visions.

Seniors also expressed their gratitude at being invited to contribute meaningfully to the visual fabric of the UMBC community before they graduate.

Petra Janka '25 said, "ART 426, Professional Practices in Graphic Design, has been such an encouraging and eye-opening course. One of the things I've valued most is how the class prepares us for the real world—especially in terms of professional expectations and how to navigate them. The Division of Student Affairs project is definitely a highlight for me. It gave us a real sense of what it's like to collaborate as a team on a client-focused project, from brainstorming ideas to presenting a final product. It taught us how important it is to listen closely, adapt our ideas to meet client needs, and work together to bring a shared vision to life. 

"It's been a great experience—definitely a meaningful challenge to dive into and really explore what inclusive excellence means, not just as an academic term but within the context of our own community."

The project, part of UMBC's Arts+ initiative, was completed and installed by commonvision students Shomapti Hussein '25 and Thomas Hammond '25, under the print and installation guidance of Tori Richner '22, print production associate, and the supervision of SACM staff. (Pictured in thumbnail)

All members of the UMBC community are invited to spend time with these installations, reflect on what inclusive excellence means to them, and engage in discussions with fellow community members.

Join the Center for Social Justice Dialogue for a fun and reflective evening of storytelling, dialogue, and community! We'll be learning about the importance of storytelling and how stories can be told through stitching. Come for a chance to stitch your own story, make some new friends, and enjoy some snacks and refreshments.

Storytelling is a powerful and multifaceted practice that is deeply rooted in our identities, values, experiences, and connections with each other. With the upcoming holiday season, highlighting and centering Indigenous stories and voices is essential in challenging and decolonizing dominant narratives. 

At our event, we'll learn about the importance of storytelling and how stories have been told through stitching, especially in Indigenous communities, then have the opportunity to do our own stitching and storytelling. Come for a chance to stitch your own story, make new friends, and enjoy some snacks and refreshments. 

Visit this event page to RSVP (helpful, but not required to attend), or copy-and-paste the following URL into your browser: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/csjd/events/148027

To request accommodation(s) or to inquire about event accessibility, please get in touch with the Center for Social Justice Dialogue via email, csjdialogue@umbc.edu, with "Stitching Your Story" in the subject line. This event is open for 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."

Thanks to the generous donations of the UMBC community, the Save-a-Swipe program has seen record-setting results this fall! The program allows community members to donate meal swipes, creating a pool of meals that become available to students who have been identified by trained staff as experiencing food insecurity. Save-a-Swipe is a collaboration between Retriever Essentials, Retriever Card Center, and Dining Services.

• Fall 2025:  1,050 meal swipes were donated to the program from meal plan holders.

• Spring 2025:  1,050 meal swipes were donated to the program from meal plan holders.

• Fall 2024:  260 meal swipes were donated to the program (110 from meal plan holders + 150 from Dining Services/Chartwells).

• Spring 2024:  315 meal swipes were donated to the program (165 from meal plan holders + 150 from Dining Services/Chartwells).

Given the amazing growth in donations, Dining Services will be working with Retriever Essentials on alternative ways to support the pantry.

Community members also have the opportunity to donate food and other items to Retriever Essentials through Parking Services' Food for Fines program, and have one parking citation of $50 or less reduced to a warning. The program is now running through November 14 at 4 p.m. 

"The program encouraged me to think deeply about identity, privilege, and systemic inequality, while also helping me develop skills to create meaningful social change."

"In my DoIT role, I will use what I learned at STRiVE to foster better communication and collaboration among my team. Understanding different perspectives and being mindful of diverse experiences will help me create a more supportive and inclusive work environment."

Start building your skills to manage anxiety — Happening today!

Date: Monday, November 3, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: The Commons, Room 318

Anxiety Toolbox is a series of 3 workshops designed to help people learn about anxiety and some basic skills to help identify and manage anxious thoughts and behaviors.