Discussion-Based Programs

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).

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 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 every other week during the fall semester on Tuesdays from 1-2pm. 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 meet every other week during the fall semester on Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30pm. For the most accurate meeting times, visit our myUMBC events page. 


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 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. WOCC will meet every other week during the fall semester on Mondays from 11:30-12:30pm. For the most accurate meeting times, visit our myUMBC events page.


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 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. Between Femmes will meet every other week during the fall semester on Thursdays from 4-5pm. For the most accurate meeting times, visit our myUMBC events page.


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. Rebuilding Manhood will meet every other week during the fall semester on Wednesdays from 1-2pm. For the most accurate meeting times, visit our myUMBC events page.


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 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. Women and Gender Minorities in STEM will meet every other week during the fall semester on Thursdays from 3-4pm. For the most accurate meeting times, visit our myUMBC events page.

 

*A gender minority is defined as someone whose gender identity or expression differs from thier assigned sex at birth.

 


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.