Senate

My initiative is focused on UMBC Transit and making sure that students are able to get where they need to go. I started the Student Transit Advisory Council last semester, and this
year I plan to gauge whether or not students want a new UMBC Transit route. Additionally, I
hope to coordinate on parking issues this year, as I know this is an issue that is on the minds of
almost all UMBC students.

My initiative is focused on providing free menstrual products across campus to ensure that all female students have access to essential hygiene items. I also organize “Love your Body Day” each spring semester, an event that promotes education about menstrual and overall
women’s health. The event includes fun activities, free food, and prizes to encourage
participation and awareness. Through this initiative, I aim to reduce stigma, promote health
equity, and create a more supportive campus environment for everyone.

My initiative focuses on making each building accessible to every disabled individual.
We have noticed numerous broken accessibility doors. So right now I am focusing on
documenting which doors on campus needs to be fixed so all students have their accessible
needs.

Friday: 1-12PM

My goal in senate is to improve sustainability on campus and bring together UMBC’s
various sustainability groups. Currently, I am working with a student on a reusable utensils
initiative. I’m also interested in expanding the garden space, creating on-campus composting,
planting more natives, and removing invasive plants.

Tuesday: 2-3PM

Did you know UMBC has a hidden orchard right on campus? My initiative focuses
on revitalizing and expanding this area called The Food Forest! As it is currently a bit neglected
and not producing much fruit. The first phase of this plan is The Food Forest Clean Up Event
that I am working to put on this semester October 24th 12-2pm with the support of Campus
Green Orgs, The Sustainability Office, and Retriever Grounds. The second phase will involve
collaborating with campus experts, such as GES professors and Retriever Grounds, to find out
what other trees/fruits we can plant to expand this area and get the necessary materials for that.
The third phase of this initiative is to get to planting. Finally, the fourth phase is getting the fresh
produce that is cultivated from The Food Forest to Retriever Essentials for everyone on campus
to enjoy.

Thursday: 12-1PM

My initiative focuses on expanding mental health awareness and support at UMBC by
creating accessible training opportunities for students. The goal is to equip students with the
skills to recognize signs of distress, respond effectively, and connect peers with appropriate
resources, and foster a more compassionate and informed campus community.

Friday: 12-1PM

My initiative is focused on improving bathroom signage in buildings across campus, as
it is a major concern raised by students. Many students have expressed their concerns of not
being able to find bathrooms in buildings, especially older ones. I would like to make the signs
larger and clearer, and potentially place directional arrows in the hallways. I would also like to
make bathroom directions accessible for students with disabilities by adding braille, etc.

(Cheska & Sethu)

Our initiative is focused on helping promote and enhance Retriever
Essentials, the free food pantry here on campus. Our goals are to expand food access to our
community members to ensure that each student has what they need to succeed at UMBC,
ultimately eliminating food insecurity here on campus.

Thursday: 12-1PM

My initiatives focus on improving UMBC Dining to be more catered to student’s
feedback. I’ve recently spread out a dining poll, and decided these initiatives based on its
results. First, I will introduce a “Healthy Protein Dessert Corner” at True Grits. Second, I’ll work
on “Increasing Dining Options for Commuters.” This could mean partnering with Grubhub to let students use meal swipes and get free delivery, or teaming up with Chartwells to swap outunpopular menu items for healthier, more appealing choices as a monthly event.

(Sethu & Cheska)

Our initiative is focused on helping promote and enhance Retriever
Essentials, the free food pantry here on campus. Our goals are to expand food access to our
community members to ensure that each student has what they need to succeed at UMBC,
ultimately eliminating food insecurity here on campus.

Monday: 12-1PM

My initiative focuses on improving support for international students on campus. The
initiative seeks to create a survey to gather input directly from international students about the
primary challenges they face in achieving academic and personal success at UMBC. The initiative also proposes establishing an International Student Representative to serve as a dedicated liaison, ensuring that international students’ concerns and needs are heard and
addressed in university decision-making.

Monday: 12-1PM

My initiative focuses on introducing napping pods to UMBC’s campus. Since UMBC is a highly academic environment, many students have early morning classes and late-day commitments, leaving them with little time to prioritize their mental health or physical well-being. As a result, many resort to napping in unsafe or uncomfortable spots around campus. My goal is
to bring this to the library so we can focus on commuters but I want it to be accessible to
everyone.

Wednesday: 2-3PM