How do I join a group?
All of our groups are open to walk-ins throughout the year. If you are not able to come to meetings because of scheduling conflicts, please know that meeting schedules change each semester/school year. If you want more information about a group or if you’d like to sign up for email reminders from group leaders, please email us at womenscenter@umbc.edu.
For the most up-to-date information about each of these discussion group meetings, we encourage people to look at our myUMBC events page as all discussion group meetings are posted there and include information about joining (both online and in-person).
Women and Gender Minorities in STEM
A discussion-based program that centers the experiences of women and gender minorities* pursuing careers in any STEM field, focusing on topics related to women and gender-minorities in STEM. This discussion group is also open to those who are allies regardless of their sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This discussion-based program follows the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center Brave Space model in order to create a community environment that fosters learning and critical discussion. This group centers women and gender minorities studying in STEM fields; we request that students do not use this space for class research or interviews.
*A gender minority is defined as someone whose gender identity or expression differs from thier assigned sex at birth.
Between Femmes
Between Femmes is a discussion-based program that centers the experiences of women and feminine-identified students who identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum and is open to those who are allies, regardless of their sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This structured, topic-based program discusses sexuality and sexual orientation with a focus on intersectionality and provides a safe space for women and feminine-identified students to share their feelings and experiences with other women. This program follows the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center Brave Space model in order to create a community environment that fosters learning and critical discussion. This group centers the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community; we request that students do not use this space for class research or interviews.
Rebuilding Manhood
Rebuilding Manhood aims to promote healthy and multifaceted identities of masculinity throughout UMBC’s campus community. This discussion-based program follows the Brave Space model for consciousness-raising and critical thinking related to gender norms and variations which will be explored parallel to conversations of race and ethnicity, economic status, sexual orientation, religion, privilege, gender identity, oppression, and other aspects of individual and cultural identity. Alongside the exploration of masculinity, Rebuilding Manhood will mobilize men as allies in gender equity and the prevention of violence in order to support a positive campus climate around gender. This group centers those who identify as men and is open to all individuals regardless of their sex, gender, race, ethnicity, or national origin; we request that students do not use this space for class research or interviews.
Returning Adult Learners Scholars + Affiliates Program
This program is designed to support undergraduate students over the age of 25 returning to college later in life. Students receiving a returning adult learner scholarship are required to participate in this program designed to support their personal, academic, and career goals of adult learners at UMBC. All adult learners at UMBC are invited to attend the monthly meetings and workshops designed specifically to meet the needs of adult students. All workshops and events are posted via our myUMBC events page.
Spectrum
The Spectrum Discussion Group makes space for UMBC community members who identify as trans, genderqueer, gender fluid, outside of the gender binary, those who are questioning their gender identity, as well as those who are allies, regardless of their sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This discussion-based program follows the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center Brave Space model to provide a welcoming environment and thoughtful community to engage in conversations focused on the experiences of the transgender community. This group centers trans and/or non-binary experiences; we request that students do not use this space for class research or interviews.
We Believe You
We Believe You is a support group for survivors of gender-based harm, offering community-building, support, and healing through weekly topics. We will explore topics including: self-care, boundary-setting, and empowerment after trauma.
Whether you’re a returning participant or it’s your first time stopping by, we’d love to have you join the discussion. No prior attendance is needed—everyone is welcome! Come as you are, bring your thoughts (or just come to listen), and let’s navigate these important conversations together.
Taking place weekly, the We Believe You discussion group aims to create a safe space to center the experiences of survivors of gender-based violence. This group will adhere to the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center Brave Space model to provide a welcoming environment and thoughtful community to engage in conversations focused on support and healing for survivors.
Women of Color Collective
All self-identified women and femmes of color students, staff, and faculty are welcome to share their stories and learn about others’ experiences at Women of Color Collective. This discussion-based program follows the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center Brave Space model to provide a welcoming environment and thoughtful community to engage in conversations focused on the intersections of gender and race. This group centers the experiences of women and femmes of color and is open to all individuals regardless of their sex, gender, race, ethnicity, or national origin; we request that students do not use this space for class research or interviews.
Writing Accountability Group
Join us for our new weekly Writing Accountability Group (WAG) – sponsored by Grad Connect at the Women’s, Gender, & Equity Center! This event is for any graduate student who is working on a long-term writing project (e.g., thesis, dissertation, candidacy portfolio, manuscript) and who might be struggling with getting started, making progress, or who just needs some extra peer support during their writing process.
Please note: These groups 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.