What is The Mosaic?
The Mosaic is a center for resources, community building, and staff support, and is a lounge space for UMBC community members of all backgrounds to use for lounging, programming, small events, and small gatherings. We strive to develop innovative programs & initiatives that celebrate cultural diversity while advocating for inclusion, equity, & social justice.
Cool, so what do you do?
We host various events centered around diversity, equity, inclusion, & social justice (DEISJ). We help students find community with peers who are like them and peers who are unlike them. We are also a resource for both undergraduate & graduate students who have questions about race, ethnicity, nationality, and/or citizenship status.
Are you in a meeting? Can I come in? I do not identify as a person of color, is this space for me?
Yes, we welcome people of all races, ethnicities, & nationalities/citizenship statuses. If we are having a closed meeting, we may lock our doors, but please come in if we are open.
Are you a student organization? How can I join?
No, we’re not a student org. The Mosaic is one of three identity-based centers within the department for Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, & Belonging (i3b) and is funded by our Student Engagement Fee.
How can I use the space?
You can visit the Mosaic to eat lunch, study, & chat with your friends or us, to seek any resources you may need, or find a space to rest in between classes. The Mosaic is also designated as an accessible space for prayer, reflection, meditation &/or to pick up a bag from our campus pantry, Retriever Essentials.
I’m a student org leader; how can I collaborate with you?
You can reserve our space, cross-promote an event/resource, or we can collaborate together. The Mosaic is available to reserve for any department or organization via 25Live evenings and weekends during The Commons Hours of Operations. Though the space is open to all, due to the nature of our work, we will prioritize reservations and collaborations related to racial, ethnic, and international DEISJ-based work.
I’m not an undergraduate student, is this place for me?
Yes, we welcome all UMBC community members, including undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, staff, & alumnx. However, some of our programs may only be appropriate for particular campus community members.
Who can I talk to about my [religious/spiritual/ethnic/racial/LGBTQIA+] identity?
For each center in i3b, we have full-time and student staff members dedicated to serving students of a particular identity.
Can I report an act of bias, harassment, or discrimination here?
Yes, you can report incidents of bias here. However, please recognize that as university staff, both our professional & student staff are mandated reporters. As such, we must report to the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI), which handles all bias & hate-related issues on campus. You can submit an anonymous OEI report online.
When are you open?
It varies by semester, day, university holidays, & staffing. Please check the front door for our most up-to-date hours. Please note that the space capacity is subject to change according to CDC & UMBC guidelines. Though the space is open & staffed year-round, The Mosaic is only available for reservations in the Fall & Spring semesters and not reservable during Summer & Winter Sessions.
Anything else I should know?
We are also just fun people; we would really like you to come in just for a chat or to find a cozy place away from home. You should also check out our Linktree account to connect with us virtually or to just see what’s going on in our i3b community!