After a Challenging Week: Campus Resources Supporting Staff

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 15:45:35 -0400

Dear UMBC Community Members,

Black Americans have been subjected to over 400 years of structural violence and racism. We, the Executive Committee of the Professional Staff Senate, believe everyone is entitled to fair and human treatment from law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Sadly, this has not been the case for the Black community. At UMBC, we will continue to work to make resources available to work through recent events, foster greater understanding, and address these issues to change our society for the better.

As we reflect on this challenging week following the national uprising in response to the recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other Black Americans, we know you, your colleagues, and friends are experiencing these events in incredibly different ways. To support you in this moment, we wanted to amplify the important work of our colleagues across the campus community who provide support for staff, faculty, and students by sharing some campus resources and offices that are available in these challenging times. We recognize that this is not a comprehensive list and apologize to any who we've missed.

UMBC Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA)
The Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) consists of all Black Faculty and Staff currently employed by UMBC.

myUMBC: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/bfsa

Campus Life's Mosaic, Interfaith, & Pride Centers
The centers are for diversity education and collaboration on UMBC's campus. They are committed to empowering all campus constituents to be socially aware and responsible members of our community.

Website: campuslife.umbc.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/mosaic-center/
myUMBC: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/themosaic

Great Resource for this Moment: Black Lives Matter...Still: A Community Call to Black Beauty, Remembrance and Action

Office of Equity and Inclusion
If you feel you have been affected by racism or discrimination, please know that the Office of Equity and Inclusion is available to support you. You can access their online reporting form here. Even if you do not want to formally report an incident, the office can still point you to resources and offer support.

Website: oei.umbc.edu

The Women’s Center
In addition to programming and support for students, the Women’s Center provides space specifically for staff to discuss issues including being a caregiver, navigating gender in the workplace, and more. The Women's Center prioritizes their work and support from a critical social justice lens with a deliberate focus on women, gender, anti-racism, and feminism.

Website: womenscenter.umbc.edu
myUMBC: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/womenscenter

Great Resource for this Moment: Learning to be anti-racist: Calling IN white people and non-Black people of color

UMBC Counseling Center
Please find a non-exhaustive list of resources on the history of systemic racism, anti-racism resources, resources for Black communities, and resources for parents raising anti-racist children.

Great Resource for this Moment: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/ucs/posts/93562

Statement/Resources Regarding Racism & Systemic Oppression: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/ucs/posts/93609

LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Association
This is a space for information about the LGBTQ Faculty and Staff association to be available to the campus community.

myUMBC: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/lgbtqfsa

Employee Assistance Program
The EAP provides a variety of services to UMBC employees including free confidential counseling, work-life solutions, and more.

Website: hr.umbc.edu/benefits/benefit-information/employee-assistance-program

UMBC Together
UMBC Together is a community-led initiative that supports staff, faculty, and students as our community collectively navigates the new landscape of working and learning remotely.

Website: umbc.edu/together
myUMBC: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/umbctogether

Thank you for all you do to make UMBC a special community that prioritizes care, support, and, above all, inclusive excellence. Please take care of yourselves, your families, and your communities during this difficult time.

Respectfully yours,
The Executive Committee of the Professional Staff Senate