Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

Given the improving health situation in the U.S. and many other countries, we are providing this update to prior communications regarding international travel. A new International Travel Process is now available to faculty, staff, and students. Requests can be submitted beginning August 1, 2021. Requests are subject to general out-of-state travel approval policies and UMBC’s existing International Travel Policy. 

Failure to obtain formal approval prior to making international travel arrangements will result in denial of reimbursement regardless of the funding source and unauthorized travelers will not be covered by UMBC’s international travel insurance plan.Student organizations should await guidance from the Division of Student Affairs for international travel during the fall 2021 semester. 

As outlined in the policy, all requests for international travel must be submitted via UMBC’s International Travel Registry. In addition to enabling the University to assess the risks associated with the proposed international travel, the system provides the traveler with access to risk intelligence information and enables them to request assistance while abroad. 

The University will evaluate the known risks of international travel based on levels established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of State. These include:

• CDC COVID-19 Notices 

• CDC Travel Health Notices 

• U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories 

Requests to travel through or to international destinations subject to an elevated risk level will require additional screening by UMBC’s International Travel Review Committee. If the request is approved, then the traveler will receive location-specific guidance for mitigating risks. 

If you choose to travel abroad, understand that you may experience difficulty departing from the U.S., and you may be subjected to mandatory testing, quarantine, and other requirements upon arrival at your international destination. When seeking to return to the U.S., you may experience travel disruptions or travel bans impeding your ability to return. Additionally, the ability of U.S. Embassies and Consulates to provide services to travelers remains severely limited in many countries. 

All travelers on University-related international business travel are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the start date of their travel unless approved vaccine exemption documentation is on file with the University. Travelers with approved exemptions should understand that some foreign governments will deny visa applications and/or prohibit entry into their country if the traveler is not able to provide proof of vaccination. All travelers are responsible for determining if they are able to meet the visa and/or entry requirements of destination and transit countries prior to initiating the process for obtaining approval for international travel.

In addition to university travel, The Center for Global Engagement is also working closely with international and campus partners to offer a limited and carefully reviewed portfolio of education abroad programs starting with Winter 2022 and Spring 2022. More information is available here.

If you have questions about international travel, please contact David Di Maria, Associate Vice Provost for International Education, at dimaria@umbc.edu.

Provost Philip Rous

Vice President for Administration and Finance Lynne Schaefer

COVID-19 Planning Coordinating Committee Co-Chairs

Dear UMBC Community,

Last week, a Federal District Court in Texas issued a ruling on litigation challenging the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The Court ruled that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security violated the Administrative Procedure Act in establishing and continuing DACA and held that the Biden Administration must freeze the acceptance of new DACA requests. While the Administration does still have the ability to process renewal requests, we are understandably concerned about this ruling and its impact on our students.

To advocate for the safety and financial security of our students, I am joining University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay Perman and more than 200 presidents and chancellors from across the nation in signing a letter to U.S. Senate leadership urging them to pass the bipartisan Dream Act of 2021. This legislation would provide “dreamers, their families, and the employers who depend on them much-needed certainty following years of legal limbo.” This legislation is aligned with our UMBC community value of inclusion, and we will continue to do whatever we can to support our determined students who study under DACA. We are hopeful that we will be able to welcome more of these impressive students into our community with the support of this new Dream Act. 

Students who are affected by this news, or who are looking for community and support, can contact Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion and Belonging (i3b) and their Retriever Immigrants United discussion group. Students who need support and assistance with their DACA application and related processes can contact the Center for Global Engagement. The Counseling Center is also available to serve students in need of emotional support. Please call (410) 455-2472 on weekdays or the after-hour support line at (410) 455-3230. 

President Freeman Hrabowski

Dear Retrievers, 

We are so excited to begin welcoming you back to campus next month. In fact, we cannot wait to begin introducing and reintroducing some of our favorite campus traditions such as Playfair, Convocation, Involvement Fest, and many others! In an effort to ensure your full participation in those traditions, it is important that you meet all UMBC health and safety guidelines including receiving and documenting your COVID-19 vaccine. 

All students who will be commuting to campus for the Fall 2021 semester must report their complete vaccine or receive an exemption by Friday, August 20th. Failure to meet this deadline will result in progressive discipline up to and including campus restriction and cancellation of classes. 

In order to be fully vaccinated, you must be two weeks past your second shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or your first shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This means that you need to plan ahead as you will need to receive your first dose this week if you are receiving a two dose series. 

Residential students received separate instructions regarding the requirements they must complete in order to move in. We understand that not all of our international students will have access to a vaccine, more information is available for international students here. 

Thank you for all you are doing to maintain the health and safety of our community and we look forward to seeing you next month! 

Nancy Young

Vice President, Student Affairs