A message on behalf of our colleagues in the Department of English, the Dresher Center for the Humanities, and the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery. View the original post to register for this event. Learn more about UMBC’s National Library Week x Bookfest 2026 and see the full list of events.

Maryland’s Freedom to Read Act, passed in 2024, ensures that “library materials and resources remain accessible to the public and cannot be removed solely because someone disagrees with their viewpoint alone.” Yet, book challenges and censorship efforts are still on the rise across our state and nation.

What can you do to protect the right to read and to ensure access to our nation’s library services? Join us for a panel of distinguished library professionals and advocates to learn more!

• Morgan Miller, Maryland State Librarian

• Stacey Nunn, Library Media Specialist, Southwest Academy Magnet School for Science and Engineering and finalist for School Library Journal’s School Librarian of the Year

• Christine Feldmann, Anne Arundel County Public Library

• Andrea Lewis, President of Citizens for Maryland Libraries

This event is supported in part by the Maryland State Library Agency. Refreshments will follow the program.

A message on behalf of our colleagues in the Department of English, the Dresher Center for the Humanities, and the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery. View the original post to register for this event. Learn more about UMBC’s National Library Week x Bookfest 2026 and see the full list of events.

What should you know about the current assaults on authors, readers, libraries, and librarians? How can you better advocate for libraries, access to reading materials, and the freedom to read? 

Join facilitators Allison Jennings-Roche (UMBC Alum and Associate Director of Digital Initiatives and Collections at The University of Baltimore Library & Archives) and Tif Sutherland (Calvert Library and Maryland Library Association) for a lunch-and-learn.

Participants will...

• Develop an understanding of the historical and political contexts fueling the current surge in censorship and attacks on libraries across the country.

• Learn how libraries, advocacy organizations, and library workers are responding to the threats posed by anti-democratic, pro-censorship movements and how they can support their local librarians.

• Identify and practice rhetorical strategies to respond to the spurious attacks on library workers and collections. They will also brainstorm practical actions that they can take to protect libraries, the freedom to read, and their local communities.

This event requires registration. Lunch will be provided and space is limited to 30 participants, so please secure your spot no later than April 20. REGISTER HERE!

Campers! We are so excited to welcome you all to Camp Pride, from April 27th to May 1st!

The Office of Health Promotion welcomed a new director, Brittany Goetsch, in October 2025. One of our Peer Health Educators, Kimia, interviewed her. Check it out below.

Kimia: Hi, Brittany! Thank you so much for meeting with me today. I’m excited to learn more about your work and the impact of the Office of Health Promotion here at UMBC. I have a few questions for you, and I’d love to hear your responses. Are you ready?

Brittany: Yes!

Kimia: Awesome. To start off, can you tell us a little bit about your background and what led you to pursue a career in health promotion?

Brittany: That’s a great question to start off. I have a background in public health; I have my Master's in Public Health. Previously, before grad school, I was in the Peace Corps in Peru and focused on health promotion, providing health information and health education to the young people in my town. I worked with children, middle-school-aged kids, as well as high schoolers. I focused primarily on high schoolers and then some young adults as well. We did some health groups and health programming with young adults in their college years. Then, I went to grad school and spent the last eight years at Johns Hopkins University at the Center for Communication Programs, focusing on international health and implementing a knowledge management project for family planning that was funded through USAID.

Kimia: What inspired you to join UMBC and take on the role of Director for the Office of Health Promotion?

Brittany: As I mentioned in my background, I’ve been passionate about health education, providing health education, and thinking strategically about health education programming and promotion throughout my career. The enthusiasm within this community is contagious. Everyone I spoke with was deeply engaged in their work, driven by a shared, passionate focus on the students. It is a motivating atmosphere, and I love to be a part of such an active, supportive, and dedicated community.

Kimia: So, as the Director, what does a typical day of work look like for you, and what are some of your key responsibilities regarding ongoing projects?

Brittany: That’s a great question! I am still in an intentional learning phase; mapping out how various departments and student initiatives interconnect. Because 'student health and well-being' is such a broad landscape, I’m focused on defining the specific role the Office of Health Promotion plays in helping students become their healthiest selves.

A major part of my work involves evaluating how we collaborate across the university to achieve that goal. I’m currently auditing our mission and objectives to ensure our programming remains relevant to an evolving student body. Specifically, I’m looking at assessment; how do we move beyond tracking participation to measuring real impact? I want to know if students are not only gaining knowledge but actually shifting their behaviors.

Alongside that strategic work, I collaborate closely with our Peer Health Educators. My goal is to ensure their experience is more than just a role, it’s a professional foundation that equips them with the leadership, communication, and collaboration skills they’ll need for future careers in health promotion.

Kimia: Looking ahead, what is your vision for the Office of Health Promotion over the next few years?

Brittany: My vision for the Office of Health Promotion is really to be a leader in the conversation on student health and well-being. I want our Office to be a place where students can come to learn about health and well-being, but also to be a place where students can come to be heard and to have their voices included in the conversation. I want to make sure that we are providing programming that is relevant to students, that is accessible to students, and that is meeting students where they are.

Kimia: As you mentioned, the Office of Health Promotion runs so many impactful programs. Could you highlight a few recent initiatives that you are particularly interested in expanding or developing further?

Brittany: That’s a great question, and I think that’s an evolving question. We continue to have conversations as a staff and with the Peer Health Educators to see where we can grow and where it makes more sense to take a step back. I think there are wonderful events that we've put on recently. The Peer Health Educators are creative and inspiring to me in the ideas they have come up with related to those events and really engaging the student body.

There are several different things we’re looking at as the Office of Health Promotion to expand into: how we update our workshop programming, how we better promote our workshop programming, and also how we engage with and promote our Mind Spa locations. 

Kimia: So, you mentioned the Mind Spa. Could you tell us a little bit more about what that is and how students can access it?

Brittany: Yeah, definitely! The Mind Spa is a really cool resource here on campus. It’s essentially a space for students to relax, de-stress, and take a break from their busy lives. We actually have several different locations across campus: The Center for Well-Being, Patapsco, Elk/Terrace apartments and the Library, third floor. 

The Center for Well Being, Elk/Terrace apartment and Pataopsco locations feature at least one massage chair, sand play, a relaxation corner with mats/pillows, sound and water machine and aromatherapy.

Students can visit any of these spots to use the resources by swiping their IDs. We are currently looking at ways to promote these spaces even more so every student knows they are available.

Kimia: Those sound great! Why do you think health promotion and student well-being are so important, especially in a university setting?

Brittany: I think student health and well-being are so important because they are the foundation for everything else that students do. If students are not healthy, if they are not well, they are not going to be able to be successful in their classes, they're not going to be able to be successful in their jobs, and they're not going to be able to be successful in their relationships. So, I think it's really important that we're providing students with the tools and the resources they need to be healthy and well.

Kimia: Definitely. How can students get involved with the Office of Health Promotion, and what advice would you give to someone who wants to make a positive impact on campus health?

Brittany: There are so many ways for students to get involved!

• Currently we are accepting applications for the Peer Health Educator program. This is a great way to learn more about health and well-being and to help other students learn as well. The application can be found on our myUMBC page and the link tree in our Instagram.

• Speaking of Instagram, students can follow us at @umbcohp, and/or email us at ohp@umbc.edu.

• Students can attend our workshops and our events. We have a lot of great programming throughout the year. Check out our myUMBC page to learn more!

• We are always looking for feedback from students! If you have ideas for programming or ways that we can better serve the student body, please let us know.

Brittany (cont.): As for advice, I would say to start small. You don't have to change the world overnight. Even small changes can make a big impact. And don't be afraid to ask for help. There are so many people here at UMBC who want to see you succeed and who want to help you be healthy and well.

Kimia: Those sound like amazing resources. Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with the UMBC community?

Brittany: I think the main thing I’d like to share is just that we’re here for you. Our goal is to support your health and well-being and help you become your healthiest self. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions or if you want to get involved. We are always looking for ways to better serve the student body.

Kimia: That’s great. Thank you so much for your time and for sharing all of this, Brittany. It’s been a pleasure talking with you today!

Brittany: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure talking with you as well.

Reposted from the Center for Social Justice Dialogue.

Sign up for the April 15 UMBC Talks dinner program (5:30 - 7:30 p.m., UC 312) here.

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Inclusive excellence has long been a cultural touchstone at UMBC. Before now, we haven't had a definition or any other shared language to describe what we mean. This is your chance to inform our definition. Leaders in the Division of Institutional Equity have drafted a framework for inclusive excellence, and we want your input! 

The framework aims to articulate our community's shared commitments in a way that can communicate our values, guide action, inspire new collaboration, and support the development and implementation of UMBC's next strategic plan.

Join The Centers for Social Justice Dialogue and Democracy and Civic Life for UMBC Talks, which are 90-minute, co-facilitated dialogues designed to support your engagement with the framework. Each UMBC Talk will be the same, so please sign up for the one that best suits your schedule. We hope to see you there. Come and leave your mark on this important moment in UMBC's history. 

This session is open to everyone. Conversations will be held in mixed groups.

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UMBC Talks is a collaborative initiative that aims to enhance the sense of community, vibrancy, and well-being at UMBC through guided community conversations that reestablish our commitment to inclusive excellence and foster a sense of pride for what it truly means to be a UMBC Retriever. Using this framework offers a dialogic process for gathering community input on shared values.

If you have any questions about this feedback process, please feel free to reach out to Drs. Ciara Christian and David Hoffman at culture@umbc.edu.

These events are 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.

Wednesday, April 15th, 12-1 PM Wellness Wednesday, Commons Mainstreet

Join the Graduate Student Peer Health Educators for a Body & Mind Rest: Wellness Check In! Stop by to check in with your mind and care for your body. Spin the wheel to answer a trivia question and leave some kind words on our kindness wall. 

Thursday, April 16th, 5 PM - 9 PM, Take Back the Night, Commons Mainstreet

Join OHP as we support the Women's, Gender, and Equity Center in taking a stand against campus sexual violence by attending the Survivor Speak-Out and joining our Campus March.  

*All events are 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.

The following information has been provided by Every Vote Counts, a student-led nonpartisan organization that supports civic engagement. Every Vote Counts is not affiliated with UMBC or the Center for Democracy and Civic Life.

Are you passionate about helping students get registered, informed, and engaged in politics? Are you interested in making an impact beyond UMBC? 

Every Vote Counts (EVC) is a student-led, nonpartisan organization focused on increasing voter turnout and expanding access to elections on college campuses nationwide. The EVC National Student Board (NSB) is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. This could be a great opportunity to gain national civic leadership experience. 

As an NSB member, you will help guide the direction of EVC’s programs and initiatives across 100+ campuses.

The role requires a one-year commitment. All NSB members will receive a $1,500 stipend.

You can find descriptions of each position's responsibilities here.

Apply to be an EVC National Student Board member.

The priority application deadline is Friday, April 17 at 11:59 PM ET. The final deadline is Thursday, April 30 at 11:59 PM ET. Interviews will take place in the weeks following the final deadline.

If you have any questions about the application or selection process, please contact everton@evcnational.org.

Join the Office of Health Promotion and Retriever Integrated Health for a series of student-led conversations on mental health. Connect with fellow students, share your experiences, and be part of shaping how mental health is supported at UMBC.

Sessions are led by current UMBC students from a variety of backgrounds. Together, we’ll explore ways to destigmatize mental health and practice tools to support those experiencing mental health challenges.

Dates & Locations:

• Wednesday, April 22, 2026 · 12–2 PM
  The Commons : Flat Tuesdays
• Monday, April 27, 2026 · 11 AM–1 PM
  The Center for Well-Being : Room 103
• Wednesday, May 6, 2026 · 6–8 PM
  The Commons : Flat Tuesdays (in collaboration with NAMI)

Each session follows a similar format — attend the one that works best for you.

Scan the QR code on the flyer to RSVP.

No registration required — just drop in.

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

Get ready to boost your financial know-how and take control of your future!

Join us for our annual Money Smart Week (Monday, April 13, 2026 – Friday, April 17, 2026), a week dedicated to helping you build smart money habits and make confident financial decisions.

Explore engaging workshops, interactive sessions, and valuable resources designed to meet you where you are—whether you're budgeting for the first time, learning to invest, or planning for your future!

Check out the full schedule by downloading the attached Money Smart Week 2026 Schedule

Visit the Events tab to view all session offerings

Pre-register for sessions directly in myUMBC through each event posting

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself, grow your financial skills, and have some fun along the way. We can’t wait to see you there!

Join us in conversation with author of A Room in Bombay: A Memoir, Manil Suri, and English/MCS Alumnus, Aditya Desai. The event will be held on Thursday, April 16th, starting at 4:30PM in the Library Gallery!

Food will be provided.

About the Author: Manil Suri is the author of the forthcoming memoir, A Room in Bombay, three internationally acclaimed novels, The Death of Vishnu, The Age of Shiva and The City of Devi, and a book on popular mathematics, The Big Bang of Numbers.

He has served as a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times and is a distinguished university professor of mathematics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He is a passionate promoter of both mathematics and the humanities, and has motivated audiences worldwide to embrace both, rather than just one or the other.

Aditya Desai, who will be in discussion with Manil Suri during the event, is a writer, editor, teacher, and activist living in Baltimore, Maryland. He also works with several arts & racial justice organizations in Baltimore including the CityLit Project, Baltimore Youth Arts, and the Asian Pasifika Arts Collective.

More about the book: Indian American author Manil Suri grew up in a large crumbling apartment in Bombay (now Mumbai) which his parents, who were Hindu, shared with three Muslim families. Their single room, at times a refuge from the religious and territorial tensions pervading the apartment, was also a prison that held them captive―his parents stuck in an unhappy marriage, the author unable to explore the dawning realization he might be gay. At age 20, Suri managed to break free and come to the US, where he finally found the freedom to embrace his sexuality and find a life partner. But the room, which still held his parents hostage, kept wrenching him back to Bombay.

By now real estate prices had risen so much that neighbors had begun conspiring to take over the room, causing Suri’s parents to dig in even more. Eventually it was only his mother, Prem, left, who had staked all her happiness on her son but was unable to escape the room’s hold on her. When a rash of mysterious incidents seemed to beset the room, Suri realized how little time he had left to convince Prem that a happier life might await beyond the four walls that both enthralled and imprisoned her.

This remarkable, gripping memoir explores how an abode can shape destiny, while delving into the difficult question of how much to prioritize our parents’ happiness over our own. Inspired by over 2,700 letters the author wrote home over three decades, it is ultimately a testament to the abiding, unbreakable bond tying a son to his mother.

This event has been organized by Asian Studies with support from the Global Asias Initiative.

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.

See the original post here.