Discussion-Based Programs

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).

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's flyer, decorated with an astral background and "Spectrum" written in curved text in pink, blue, purple, and yellow. All gender symbols in the same colors are stacked to the left.

Spectrum

The Spectrum Discussion Group makes space for UMBC community members who identify as trans, genderqueer, gender fluid, outside of the gender binary, and/or those who are questioning their gender identity. This discussion-based program follows the Women’s 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. Spectrum will meet during the spring semester every other Monday from 2-3pm. For the most accurate meeting times, visit our myUMBC events page.

 

We Believe You

Hosted in collaboration with the Women’s Center and the student organization We Believe You, this discussion group creates space to center the experiences of survivors of sexual violence. This discussion-based program follows the Women’s Center Brave Space model to provide a welcoming environment and thoughtful community to engage in conversations focused on support and healing for survivors of sexual violence. This group centers the experiences of survivors and their allies; we request that students do not use this space for class research or interviews. We Believe You Discussion Group will every other week during the spring semester on Tuesdays from 3-4pm. For the most accurate meeting times, visit our myUMBC events page. 

 

The outline of a raised fist is drawn next to the words "Women of Color Collective," all against a watercolor background of pink, yellow, white, orange, blue, and sea green.

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 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; we request that students do not use this space for class research or interviews.  WOCC will meet during the spring semester on a monthly basis. For the most accurate meeting times, visit our myUMBC events page.

 

graphic with pale yellow background and a collage of STEM-related icons. In large text "WOMEN IN STEM."

Women and Gender Minorities in STEM (on hiatus)

A discussion group for UMBC’s women and gender minorities in STEM. Each discussion will take place monthly and will be hosted by a different faculty member from the STEM disciplines focusing on a different topic related to women and gender minorities in STEM. This discussion-based program follows the Women’s Center Brave Space model to provide a welcoming environment and thoughtful community to engage in conversations focused on the experiences of women and other gender minority students studying in the STEM fields. Stay tuned to our myUMBC events page for discussion dates and times. 

 

a pink and blue graphic with "between women" written in bubble letters

Between Women (on hiatus)

Between Women is a discussion-based program that centers the experiences of women and feminine-identified students who identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. 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 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. 

In order to best accommodate all of our community members during the pandemic, some of our Women’s Center’s discussion groups may be offered virtually. Virtual/in-person joining information for each discussion group meeting is available via myUMBC.

All of our groups are open to walk-ins throughout the year. As long as you fit the criteria of the group (described above for each group), you are welcome to attend any of the meetings. 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.

UMBC USG Students are invited and encouraged to attend any of these discussion group meetings (whether in-person or when offered virtually).


Please note: UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors. If you have difficulties accessing any of the materials on our site or any of our events or discussions, please contact us so that we can provide an alternative format and/or remedy any accessibility challenges.