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<NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="94168" important="false" status="posted" url="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/94168">
<Title>UMBC Pilots COVID-19 Symptom Tracking and Testing</Title>
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    <span>Dear UMBC Community,</span><br><span> </span><br><span>UMBC has begun the transition from fully remote operations toward limited on-campus activity. As part of this process, we are launching a pilot COVID-19 symptom tracking and testing program for the small number of faculty, staff, and students approved to be on campus this summer. Even as we plan to have a low-density campus, we know that testing and daily symptom tracking are essential to support campus health and safety.</span><br><span> </span><br><span>University Health Services is coordinating on-campus testing for July 13 and 14, 2020, through a process developed in collaboration with the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Testing will be outdoors, under tents or similar cover, to support safe physical distancing. It will involve a simple, rapid nasal swab.</span><br><span> </span><br><span>Please note that only a small number of UMBC community members will be invited to participate in this initial testing effort. It is specifically for those who have been approved to be on campus this summer, and testing is by appointment only. All faculty, staff, and students included in the pilot will receive a personal email within the next day with additional details. </span><br><span> </span><br><span>We invite all UMBC community members to learn more about the </span><a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/jp5cxe/jdozdbc/n4vquz" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Retrievers Return Roadmap</a><span>. Community members seeking to report a case of COVID-19 may do so through the </span><a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/jp5cxe/jdozdbc/3wwquz" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Retrievers Return website</a><span>. Please contact </span><a href="mailto:covid19@umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">covid19@umbc.edu</a><span> with questions. </span><br><span> </span><br><span><em>Philip Rous, Provost<br>Lynne Schaefer, Vice President of Administration and Finance<br>Nancy Young, Vice President of Student Affairs</em></span>
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<Summary>Dear UMBC Community,   UMBC has begun the transition from fully remote operations toward limited on-campus activity. As part of this process, we are launching a pilot COVID-19 symptom tracking and...</Summary>
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<NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="94106" important="true" status="posted" url="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/94106">
<Title>July 2: Retrievers Return Action Update</Title>
<Tagline>Resources and Upcoming Events</Tagline>
<Body>
<![CDATA[
    <div class="html-content"><span><p><span><strong>Campus Status: </strong>The University is open, with employees working remotely. UMBC’s physical campus remains closed. Maryland is currently under a </span><a href="https://governor.maryland.gov/2020/05/13/stage-one-governor-hogan-announces-gradual-reopenings-with-flexible-community-based-approach/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>Safer at Home</span></a><span> Order. </span></p>
    <br><p><span>The latest campus updates are posted on the </span><a href="http://covid19.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>Retrievers Return website</span></a><span>. </span></p>
    <br><h4><span>Student Services and Support</span></h4>
    <br><ul>
    <li><p><span>The Career Center will host “</span><a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/careers/events/83865" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>Working Virtually: A Day in the Life</span></a><span>” on Monday, July 6, at 12 p.m.</span></p></li>
    <li><p><span>Check out upcoming </span><a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/summerspecialprograms/posts/94001" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>virtual “Summer Session: Beyond the Classroom” July events</span></a><span>. You can watch the June events </span><a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/summerspecialprograms/posts/93417" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>here</span></a><span>.</span></p></li>
    <li><p><span>The </span><a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/careers/events/84067" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>Tech Virtual Career Fair</span></a><span> will be Tuesday, July 14, 1 – 4 p.m. Network with leading technology companies from the Northern Virginia/D.C. area that are currently hiring.</span></p></li>
    <li><p><span>Student Affairs staff are </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&amp;v=GOTgWjd7RNA&amp;feature=youtu.be" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>here to help you stay connected</span></a><span> (video).</span></p></li>
    <li><p><span>Watch a recording of the </span><a href="https://umbc.webex.com/recordingservice/sites/umbc/recording/play/296e2b01b8c84163a78567a2cc343baa" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>June 26 student town hall</span></a><span> (video).</span></p></li>
    </ul>
    <br><h4><span>Business Continuity and Staff Support</span></h4>
    <br><ul>
    <li><p><span>The next event in the Women's Center's Faculty/Staff Summer Care Series will focus on </span><a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/womenscenter/events/83933" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>"Permission to Feel"</span></a><span> and will take place on July 9. Participants are asked RSVP by July 7 to express their interest.</span></p></li>
    <li><p><span>Effective July 1, UMBC moved from a hiring pause to a hiring freeze for all vacant regular and contingent I and II exempt and non-exempt staff positions. Departments with a critical staffing need may continue to submit a hiring exception request. Further details on the University’s hiring exception process can be found </span><a href="https://hr.umbc.edu/hiring-exception-process/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>here</span></a><span>.</span></p></li>
    <li><p><span>Supervisors and Department Heads are strongly encouraged to set aside 10 minutes to read “</span><a href="https://umbc.box.com/s/h3gsxp8fzrvbq5rb2yfer415vlkscx9k" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>Supporting Remote Employees: A Resource for Supervisors and Department Heads</span></a><span>.” This guide was developed by Human Resources to help supervisors understand of the challenges employees now face and offer useful suggestions for how to address them. </span></p></li>
    </ul>
    <br><h4><span>Campus Access</span></h4>
    <br><ul>
    <li><p><span>UMBC’s physical campus remains closed and employees continue to work remotely. Only employees with permission from their supervisor, approved researchers, and/or approved students should be on campus. </span></p></li>
    <li><p><span>If you have a one-time emergency need to visit campus, call UMBC Police Deputy Chief Bruce Perry at (443) 677-2195 or Lieutenant Derrick Johns at (410) 207-0850.</span></p></li>
    </ul>
    <br><h4><a href="https://www.umbc.edu/together/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>UMBC Together</span></a></h4>
    <br><ul><li><p><span>Visit the UMBC Together myUMBC group for a </span><a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/umbctogether/posts/94045" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>weekly events spotlight</span></a><span>.</span></p></li></ul>
    <br><span>If you have questions or concerns, please email </span><a href="mailto:COVID19@umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>COVID19@umbc.edu</span></a><span>.</span></span></div>
]]>
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<Summary>Campus Status: The University is open, with employees working remotely. UMBC’s physical campus remains closed. Maryland is currently under a Safer at Home Order.    The latest campus updates are...</Summary>
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<NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="94073" important="false" status="posted" url="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/94073">
<Title>UMBC Inclusion Council</Title>
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    <span>Dear Members of the UMBC Community,<br><br>We are writing to update you on our campus response to addressing systemic racism in our community and nationally. <br><br>We are grateful to all of you who shared your experiences and ideas with us over the past few weeks in town hall meetings and personally. We heard you, and we share your sense of urgency. We are committed to living out our UMBC values and to taking action.<br><br>We have consulted with campus leaders to appoint a UMBC Inclusion Council, consisting of students, faculty, staff, and alumni working with the campus community. The team’s work begins immediately, and their first meeting will be held in July. <br><br>The Inclusion Council has been given the charge of providing advice and guidance from a variety of perspectives to the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI), to act as ambassadors for the office across campus, and to provide a venue for discussion of issues as they arise. The Council will hold monthly joint meetings with the University Steering Committee (USC) and the Campus Equity Advisory Council (CEAC), a subcommittee of the USC. <br><br>The Council will work with the campus community to identify short- and long-term goals and recommendations. In addition, they will bring many more colleagues into this work by establishing subcommittees.<br><br>The Inclusion Council includes: <br><br><strong>Co-Chairs</strong><br>Ariana Arnold, Director, Office of Equity and Inclusion <br>Keith J Bowman, Dean, College of Engineering and Information Technology<br><br><strong>Administrative Lead</strong><br>Candace Dodson-Reed ’96, President’s Chief of Staff and Executive Director, Office of Equity and Inclusion<br><br></span><span><strong>Members</strong><br>Keisha Allen, Assistant Professor, Education<br>Shannon Ashley ’21, Mathematics and Psychology<br>Tamara Bhalla, Associate Professor and Acting Chair, American Studies <br>Nadia BenAissa ’20, Founder, We Believe You<br>Rob Bennett, Lecturer, English<br>Carole McCann, Professor and Chair, Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies<br>Mehrshad Fahim Devin ’22, Biology and Physics, SGA President <br>David Di Maria, Associate Vice Provost, International Education<br>Eric Ford, Director, Choice Program<br>Chris Hawn, Assistant Professor, Geography and Environmental Systems<br>Loren Henderson, Professor, Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health<br>Tammy Henderson, Lecturer, Africana Studies <br>Michael Hunt ’06, M13, Doctoral Student, Language, Literacy, and Culture, and Director, McNair Scholars Program<br>Thomas Jasmine ’20, Chair, Black Student Union<br>Jasmine A. Lee, Director of Inclusive Excellence, Student Affairs <br>Christine Mallinson, Professor of Language, Literacy, and Culture, and Director, Center for Social Science Scholarship  <br>Marcela Mellinger, Associate Professor, Social Work<br>Teresa Michel ’04, Admissions Specialist, Graduate School<br>Ashley Minner, Professor of the Practice, American Studies<br>Jess Myers, Director, Women’s Center<br>Autumn Reed, M.A. ’08, Ph.D. ’14, Assistant Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs, and Director, STRIDE<br>Chris Steele, Vice Provost, Division of Professional Studies<br>Nicole Telfer, Doctoral Student, Applied Developmental Psychology, and Founder, Black Graduate Student Association<br>Shelly Wiechelt, Associate Professor and Chair/Associate Dean, Social Work<br>Melody Wright, Academic Business Specialist, Biological Sciences, and President, Non-Exempt Staff Senate<br><br>We will continue this open dialogue and invite all to share thoughts by emailing the Office of Equity and Inclusion at <a href="mailto:oei@umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">oei@umbc.edu</a>. We are committed to inclusive excellence in action and have a variety of resources available on the <a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/30zrwe/jdozdbc/3s1brz" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">OEI website</a>. <br><br>We realize there is much more work for us to do and that it impacts us all. Thank you for your commitment to listening together, learning together, and working together to create lasting change.<br><br><em>President Freeman Hrabowski and Provost Philip Rous</em></span>
    </div>
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<Summary>Dear Members of the UMBC Community,  We are writing to update you on our campus response to addressing systemic racism in our community and nationally.   We are grateful to all of you who shared...</Summary>
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<PostedAt>Tue, 30 Jun 2020 18:37:59 -0400</PostedAt>
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<NewsItem contentIssues="true" id="94071" important="true" status="posted" url="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/94071">
<Title>A Step Towards Wholesome Eating</Title>
<Tagline>A Special thanks to Erica and Helena for joining us today!</Tagline>
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<![CDATA[
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    <h6>OCA Mocha and Retriever Essentials have jointly initiated the program: <em>Towards Wholesome Eating.</em> The goal of this program is to increase access of adequately nutritional food for the food insecure members of our community. In the pilot run today, we delivered six food boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables.</h6>
    <h6><br></h6>
    <div><img src="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/news/000/094/071/bd353d5f31ead8f6e041b9310d975f2a/Towards2.png" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>
    <h6>We, at OCA Mocha and Retriever Essentials, would especially like to thank Erica D’Eramo, Assistant Director of the Center for Women in Technology (CWIT), and Helena Dahlen, Executive Administrative Assistant at Division of Information Technology (DoIT), for helping us in delivering the boxes promptly to our students. </h6>
    <h6>
    <br>We will soon announce a date for the official launch and grand virtual opening of <em>Towards Wholesome Eating</em>! Stay tuned!</h6>
    <h6>
    <br>If you would like to make a donation towards this cause, please visit our Gritstarter page <a href="https://gritstarter.umbc.edu/p/wholesome-eating/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">here</a>.  </h6>
    
    
    
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<Summary>OCA Mocha and Retriever Essentials have jointly initiated the program: Towards Wholesome Eating. The goal of this program is to increase access of adequately nutritional food for the food insecure...</Summary>
<Website>https://gritstarter.umbc.edu/p/wholesome-eating/</Website>
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<PostedAt>Tue, 30 Jun 2020 17:11:16 -0400</PostedAt>
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<NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="94066" important="true" status="posted" url="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/94066">
<Title>June 30: Retrievers Return Action Update</Title>
<Tagline>Reminder: Faculty and Staff Town Halls</Tagline>
<Body>
<![CDATA[
    <div class="html-content">
    <div>
    <strong>Campus Status:</strong> The University is open, with employees working remotely. UMBC’s physical campus remains closed. Maryland is currently under a <a href="https://governor.maryland.gov/2020/05/13/stage-one-governor-hogan-announces-gradual-reopenings-with-flexible-community-based-approach/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Safer at Home</a> Order. </div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>The latest campus updates are posted on the <a href="http://covid19.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Retrievers Return website</a>. If you have questions or concerns, please email <a href="mailto:covid19@umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">covid19@umbc.edu</a>.</div>
    <div><br></div>
    <h4>Student Services and Support</h4>
    <div><ul>
    <li>The Women’s Center hosts a <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/womenscenter/events/84032" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Pride Celebration with Ms. QueenEarth</a> via Instagram Live on Tuesday, June 30, at 7 p.m.</li>
    <li>The Career Center presents <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/careers/events/83749" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Alumni Perspectives: Intern Like a Pro</a> online this Wednesday, July 1, at 12 p.m. </li>
    <li>The Academic Success Center offers <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/academicsuccesscenter/posts/94035" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">resources for Summer Session I finals week</a>.</li>
    <li>The <a href="http://counseling.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">UMBC Counseling Center</a> remains open this summer and is offering individual counseling for students. To make an appointment, please call (410) 455-2472. The after- hours support line is (410) 455-3230.</li>
    </ul></div>
    <h4>Business Continuity and Staff Support</h4>
    <div><ul>
    <li>The Faculty Senate is hosting a town hall on Tuesday, June 30, at 3:30 p.m., and the Professional Staff Senate and the Non-Exempt Staff Senate are hosting one on Wednesday, July 1, at 4 p.m. Log in information and the opportunity to submit questions in advance for the faculty and staff town halls is available <a href="https://covid19.umbc.edu/upcoming-town-halls/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">here</a>.</li>
    <li>Join us for <strong>Parenting/Caregiving Strategies During Challenging Times: A Round Table Discussion</strong>, on July 1 from 2-3 p.m. Presenters are Fritzie Charne-Merriwether, Student Affairs, and Lisa Gray, Mosaic, Interfaith and Pride Centers. From images of violent policing and racial justice uprisings to the deaths of loved ones and the stress of isolation due to COVID-19, it’s a lot for anyone to grasp right now. As a parent or caregiver for children, it is especially challenging. Spending consecutive days inside trying to balance it all – work demands, child care, homeschooling – all while keeping your own and your child’s worries and stress under control can be daunting. We invite parents and caregivers to join us for a roundtable discussion on coping strategies during these challenging times. This discussion will be informal yet supportive and will offer a guided opportunity for parents and caregivers to share their challenges, fears, victories and inspirations with fellow colleagues within the division. To join us for this conversation, please email Fritzie Charne-Merriwether (<a href="mailto:charne@umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">charne@umbc.edu</a>) to reserve your space.</li>
    </ul></div>
    <h4>Campus Access</h4>
    <div><ul>
    <li>UMBC’s physical campus remains closed and employees continue to work remotely. Only employees with permission from their supervisor, approved researchers, and/or approved students should be on campus. </li>
    <li>If you have a one-time emergency need to visit campus, call UMBC Police Deputy Chief Bruce Perry at (443) 677-2195 or Lieutenant Derrick Johns at (410) 207-0850.</li>
    </ul></div>
    <h4><a href="https://www.umbc.edu/together/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">UMBC Together</a></h4>
    <div><ul><li><a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch/posts/93899" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch/posts/93899</a></li></ul></div>
    <div><br></div>
    </div>
]]>
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<Summary>Campus Status: The University is open, with employees working remotely. UMBC’s physical campus remains closed. Maryland is currently under a Safer at Home Order.      The latest campus updates are...</Summary>
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<NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="94015" important="false" status="posted" url="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/94015">
<Title>Updates on Return to On-Campus Work planning</Title>
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<![CDATA[
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    <div><span><span>As UMBC plans to welcome a limited number of students, faculty, and staff back to our physical campus this summer and into the fall, the Fall Planning Coordinating Committee has created a <a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/faffwe/jdozdbc/3cdapz" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><strong>Return to On-Campus Work Plan</strong></a>. This plan lays out several phases and provides departments tools to request campus access for vital services. <strong>We anticipate remote work continuing for the majority of employees for the foreseeable future.  </strong><br><br>We know that this continues to be a challenging time for many in our community and their families. This plan has been designed to prioritize the well-being of employees and the safety of the work environment. In addition, the plan will be adapted as our understanding of COVID-19 evolves.</span></span></div>
    <div><span><span>The plan emphasizes several core concepts for moving forward:</span></span></div>
    <ul>
    <li><span>Proceed thoughtfully, consistently, and deliberately when making decisions.</span></li>
    <li><span>Be compassionate and flexible. Supervisors/Department Heads are asked to work with employees who may have childcare concerns, are in a high-risk group, or have other circumstances that warrant special consideration. Be mindful of the anxiety that employees may be feeling.</span></li>
    <li><span>Be ready to adjust based on guidance from USM, CDC, and/or state and local governments.</span></li>
    <li><span>Implement scheduling in a fair manner.</span></li>
    <li><span>Communicate often.</span></li>
    </ul>
    <div><span><span>We are currently in Phase 1 of the plan – Summer Pilot Research Activities and Preparation for Limited Return to Campus (June 15 - August 2, 2020). During Phase 1, employees who can effectively work remotely will continue to do so. A limited number of employees are working on campus, including some faculty who have been approved to return to work on campus for research and creative achievement purposes. Visitors and students not approved to be on campus are strongly discouraged from coming to campus.  </span><br><br><span>Phase 2 will begin on August 3, 2020. During Phase 2, most employees will continue remote work. A limited number of faculty and staff will work on campus to offer specific services that support the student experience, research and creative achievement, and campus operations. Only those employees who have received the necessary return to on-campus work approval will be permitted to work on campus.<br><br>Please visit the updated Employees section of the <a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/faffwe/jdozdbc/j5dapz" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Retrievers Return website</a> to view the plan in its entirety. The site includes information on the process supervisors and department heads can use to create and submit a Return to On-Campus Work application. It also provides information on safety standards that will be required of departments with returning employees, as well as accommodation processes for employees who may be unable to return to campus. We will be updating the website regularly and adding additional information on health and safety precautions and resources. There are also a variety of supports and resources available on the website for employees and their families. <br><br>Next week, shared governance groups are hosting two <strong>town halls with members of the Fall Planning Coordinating Committee</strong>. The Faculty Senate is hosting a town hall on Tuesday, June 30, at 3:30 p.m., and the Professional Staff Senate and the Non-Exempt Staff Senate are hosting one on Wednesday, July 1, at 4 p.m. Login information for both is available <a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/faffwe/jdozdbc/zxeapz" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">here</a>.<br><br>If you have questions about this plan and your individual situation, we encourage you to first reach out to your supervisor to discuss your concerns and understand their future plans for your team. If you have additional concerns, or wish to discuss a situation confidentially, please reach out to <a href="mailto:COVID19HRresponseteam@umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Human Resources</a>.<br><br><em><span>Provost Philip Rous and Lynne Schaefer, Vice President for Administration &amp; Finance</span><br><span>Fall Planning Coordinating Committee Co-chairs</span></em></span></span></div>
    </div>
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<Summary>As UMBC plans to welcome a limited number of students, faculty, and staff back to our physical campus this summer and into the fall, the Fall Planning Coordinating Committee has created a Return...</Summary>
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<NewsItem contentIssues="true" id="94009" important="false" status="posted" url="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/94009">
<Title>RT Security Update</Title>
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<![CDATA[
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    <div>Over the last 10+ years DoIT has developed nearly 200 forms for various offices across campus, providing enhanced business processing options. These forms deliver a better user experience, and a more efficient process while also allowing information to be captured in a structured manner prior to the creation of an RT ticket. </div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>On the evening of 6/23/2020, DoIT applied a security enhancement to address a new issue, referred to as clickjacking, from within these forms. The goal was to provide the necessary security enhancement transparently, with no interruption to campus users. </div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>The DoIT team of Collier Jones, Jacob Lutz, and Paul Riddle collaborated earlier this summer to develop the strategy to deal with this security concern. Once the strategy was determined, Jacob Lutz architected a solution that avoided a major effort of individually adjusting each form used by the community. </div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>While the majority of users were not impacted after the security solution was applied, we were alerted that a few older forms reacted adversely to the change. Jacob was able to resolve the 2 incidents identified very quickly.</div>
    <div><br></div>
    <h5>How do RT forms and authentication work? </h5>
    <div><br></div>
    <div><ul>
    <li>Authentication is enforced for all UMBC software via Single Sign On. Most campus users experience this as they log into myUMBC.</li>
    <li>Once you have authenticated in a browser session (logged in) you are able to open up many tabs accessing various UMBC software without being prompted to log in. </li>
    <li>If you are already logged in somewhere in a browser session with your UMBC information when initiating a RT form, you will not see any change at all. </li>
    <li>In the past, if the RT form was the initial software to be accessed within that browser session, you would be prompted to login via the normal login prompt below.<img src="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/news/000/094/009/889823b59e4946c262348782d54afc70/G8aDSRXw8UKvxC-DuoxJtgChjmwRSkAvO98i1ERwVzIuwGO797JMzxigtqvsg5zdS84sp_NVNbZY43azXHhwRHXhwhn5dzdB7m7nHCxflArY9U8pPA93WFsrE2AAFIf1ZefDGYVP.png" width="70%" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;">
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    </ul></div>
    <div>Now, however, if the RT form is the initial software to be accessed within that browser session, with the new security, you will be presented with a new Login prompt below. </div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div><img src="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/news/000/094/009/3d29fb5278af9da98e9e7c9d3c97b9e2/tKkALYoCscRV2uyFlRyxBA6VdJ6jxJj4sIQKikrtdhbWck1rtWgDVeTuRD9p9FvLZZjy6_4VG9LYYMbVSPOhfzjHVW7IBZ5PzX301TfJiSD2zo1db_Mh-daadedxt2SA-KUi38dz.png" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>Upon clicking this Login button a new tab will be created and you will be provided with the familiar, normal login prompt below. Yes, this is an extra step, but it was the only way available to achieve security without some major rework of all your existing forms.</div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div><img src="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/news/000/094/009/889823b59e4946c262348782d54afc70/G8aDSRXw8UKvxC-DuoxJtgChjmwRSkAvO98i1ERwVzIuwGO797JMzxigtqvsg5zdS84sp_NVNbZY43azXHhwRHXhwhn5dzdB7m7nHCxflArY9U8pPA93WFsrE2AAFIf1ZefDGYVP.png" width="70%" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>*Note that this only impacts RT forms if they are accessed prior to authentication.</div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>Please <a href="https://doit.umbc.edu/request-tracker-rt/doit-myumbc-tsc/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">submit</a> an RT ticket if you have any issues or questions. If unable to submit a ticket please contact Joe Kirby at <a href="mailto:kirby@umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">kirby@umbc.edu</a>
    </div>
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<NewsItem contentIssues="true" id="93981" important="true" status="posted" url="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/93981">
<Title>Joint Statement on Trans Health Care</Title>
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<![CDATA[
    <div class="html-content"><span><p><span>Joint Transgender and Gender Non-Binary (TGNB) Health Statement</span></p>
    <p><span>Counseling Center</span></p>
    <p><span>University Health Services</span></p>
    <p><span>Women’s Center</span></p>
    <p><span>Campus Life’s Mosaic, Interfaith, and Pride Centers</span></p>
    <br><br><p><span>We celebrate the monumental ruling from the Supreme Court on June 15, 2020 that upholds protections for the LGBTQ+ community against discrimination in the workplace. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, discrimination on the basis of sex is prohibited and this ruling declares that this includes discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.</span></p>
    <p><span><br></span><span>At the same time, we are deeply troubled by new Federal guidelines that place limitations on non-discrimination protections in healthcare by removing the inclusion of transgender and gender non-binary (TGNB) individuals. We are troubled not only by the ruling, but also the fact that these decisions were made during Pride Month, on the fourth anniversary of the Pulse nightclub massacre, and in the midst of both a global pandemic and a movement to defend and affirm Black lives. </span></p>
    <br><p><span>The erasure of these healthcare rights for TGNB people can significantly impact their access to health insurance, resources, and providers, making it more likely for them to experience inequities and unfair treatment in healthcare. Moreover, these guidelines do not align with UMBC’s commitment to inclusive excellence. We feel it is essential to reaffirm our support of the trans and non-binary communities at UMBC.</span></p>
    <br><p><span>We want to assure our UMBC community that, regardless of this change at the federal level, Maryland state law protects healthcare access (including insurance coverage) for transgender and gender non-binary people. Other states may not have the same protections. UMBC students who have out-of-state health insurance that might not be as inclusive can select our student health insurance to be covered in Maryland. </span></p>
    <br><p><span>The Counseling Center and University Health Services are available for questions, support, and guidance around getting your healthcare needs addressed in an inclusive and affirming manner. </span><span>The Women's Center and </span><span>The Mosaic, Interfaith, and Pride Centers</span><span> will also continue to hold steadfast in our commitment to providing support services and educational programs, and will advocate for trans and non-binary community members' well-being and belonging. </span></p>
    <br><p><span>Your identities are valid. Always. You are deserving of equitable and affirming care. Always.</span></p>
    <p><span>We see you. We believe you. You matter. Always.</span></p>
    <br><p><span>We also offer the following non-exhaustive list of local resources as options for affirming care in the areas of physical and mental health, legal support, housing and food security, and community advocacy:</span></p>
    <br><p><a href="http://freestate-justice.org/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>Free State Justice</span></a></p>
    <p><a href="https://www.transhealthcaremd.org/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>Trans Healthcare Maryland</span></a></p>
    <p><a href="https://www.chasebrexton.org/about-us" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>Chase Brexton Health Care</span></a></p>
    <p><a href="http://www.pridecentermd.org/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>The Pride Center of MD</span></a></p>
    <p><a href="https://www.heartsandears.org/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>Hearts and Ears, Inc.</span></a></p>
    <p><a href="https://www.joybaltimore.org/who-are-we" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>Joy Baltimore</span></a></p>
    <p><a href="https://centerforblackequity.org/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>Center for Black Equity (LGBTQ Focus)</span></a></p>
    <br><p><span>On Campus Resources Include:</span></p>
    <p><a href="https://counseling.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>Counseling Center</span></a><span>: </span><span>The Trans Support Group is a group for transgender, non-binary, gender nonconforming, and gender questioning students. The group is discussion based with topics based on group consensus, with flexibility to explore current issues faced by group members. Look out for recorded webinars based on the Trans Support Group as well as news regarding Trans Support Group in the Fall semester.</span></p>
    <p><a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/lgbtqfsa" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Association </span></a></p>
    <p><a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/lgbtqstudentunion" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>LGBTQ Student Union</span></a><span> and the </span><a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/qpoc" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>Queer and Trans People of Color (QPOC) Student Org </span></a></p>
    <p><a href="https://oei.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>Office of Equity and Inclusion</span></a></p>
    <p><a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/themosaic" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>The Mosaic, Interfaith and Pride Centers</span></a></p>
    <p><a href="https://uhs.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>University Health Services</span></a></p>
    <p><a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/womenscenter" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"><span>Women’s Center</span></a><span>: </span><span>Spectrum is a discussion group for </span><span>community members who identify as trans, genderqueer, gender fluid, outside of the gender binary, and/or those who are questioning their gender identity. Spectrum </span><span>will begin meeting virtually again in the Fall.</span></p>
    <br><br></span></div>
]]>
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<Summary>Joint Transgender and Gender Non-Binary (TGNB) Health Statement  Counseling Center  University Health Services  Women’s Center  Campus Life’s Mosaic, Interfaith, and Pride Centers    We celebrate...</Summary>
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<NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="93983" important="false" status="posted" url="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/93983">
<Title>Recent Immigration Actions and Travel Updates</Title>
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    <span>In recent weeks, there have been a series of developments related to immigration and international travel policies that affect our community. We wish to take this opportunity to provide an update, resources for those affected, and affirm our university value of welcoming inspiring and inquisitive minds from all backgrounds.<br><br><strong>Recent Developments</strong><br>We were heartened that the Supreme Court ruled that the Department of Homeland Security could not dismantle the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which permits qualified people who arrived in the United States as children to work, study, and remain in the U.S. on a renewable permit. Our commitment to helping these students succeed is unchanged.<br><br>In addition, there have been a series of executive actions aimed at reducing access to the U.S. for international community members and their families. A <a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/7j5bwe/jdozdbc/7jdqoz" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Presidential Proclamation</a> issued on June 22 prohibits those seeking H, J, and L visas from entering the U.S. with certain exceptions. International Education Services (IES) has compiled information regarding this and other relevant executive actions on its <a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/7j5bwe/jdozdbc/nceqoz" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">website</a> and is available to answer specific questions from students, faculty, and staff. International students, faculty, and staff are an essential and treasured part of our UMBC community and we are looking forward to continuing that connection in the fall, even as the current pandemic is requiring physical distance between us. <br><br><strong>Community Support</strong><br>We know that this is a stressful time for those who are impacted by these decisions and we encourage you to seek support. IES will be hosting a <a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/7j5bwe/jdozdbc/34eqoz" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">virtual town hall</a> on Monday, June 29, at 3 p.m. eastern for anyone in the UMBC community who would like more information about these decisions.  <br><br>Students in need of emotional support are encouraged to contact the <a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/7j5bwe/jdozdbc/jxfqoz" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Counseling Center</a>. Community members in need of a safe space for advocacy and relationship-building are encouraged to contact the <a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/7j5bwe/jdozdbc/zpgqoz" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Mosaic Center</a>. Faculty and staff can access individual support through our <a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/7j5bwe/jdozdbc/fihqoz" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Employee Assistance Program</a>. If you feel you have been affected by racism, discrimination, or xenophobia, please know that the <a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/7j5bwe/jdozdbc/vaiqoz" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Office of Equity and Inclusion</a> is available to support you.<br><br><strong>Travel Updates</strong></span><br><span>Given recent U.S. and foreign government policy actions regarding immigration matters, reduced availability of commercial flights, and the changing spread of the virus, ongoing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines will continue to make travel to and from other countries risky and difficult. Following guidance from the Governor, all University-related out-of-state travel for faculty, students, and staff is currently suspended.  For safety purposes, the <a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/7j5bwe/jdozdbc/b3iqoz" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> continues to recommend against all nonessential international travel. Considering all of these circumstances, we caution our community against personal international travel at this time in order to avoid problems with reentry.</span>
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]]>
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<Summary>In recent weeks, there have been a series of developments related to immigration and international travel policies that affect our community. We wish to take this opportunity to provide an update,...</Summary>
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<NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="93977" important="true" status="posted" url="https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/93977">
<Title>June 25: Retrievers Return Action Update</Title>
<Tagline>Faculty and Staff Town Halls</Tagline>
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    <strong>Campus Status: </strong>The University is open, with employees working remotely. UMBC’s physical campus remains closed. Maryland is currently under a <a href="https://governor.maryland.gov/2020/05/13/stage-one-governor-hogan-announces-gradual-reopenings-with-flexible-community-based-approach/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Safer at Home Order</a>. </div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div>The latest campus updates are posted on the <a href="http://covid19.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Retrievers Return website</a>.</div>
    <div><br></div>
    <h4>Student Services and Support</h4>
    <div><ul>
    <li>The Student Government Association and the Graduate Student Association are hosting a town hall meeting on <strong>Friday, June 26 at 5 p.m.</strong> to answer questions about plans for the fall semester. You can submit questions in advance <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFtcxUIxb7VJ2ryFCX6qg0_yv1mZ-XioTe5KQLUoWIry5KFA/viewform" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">here</a>. Login information is posted <a href="https://covid19.umbc.edu/upcoming-town-halls/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">here</a>.</li>
    <li>Students are now able to drop off library materials on campus. Click <a href="https://covid19.umbc.edu/files/2020/06/Library-Drop-Off-Map.pdf" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">here</a> for a campus map with drop-off locations.</li>
    <li>Mosaic, Interfaith, and Pride Centers present a virtual <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/themosaic/posts/93906" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration</a> as part of [re]fresh Fridays, on June 26 at 8 p.m.</li>
    <li>The Career Center hosts <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/careers/events/83745" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Leveraging LinkedIn and Networking</a>, an online webinar, Monday, June 29, at 12 p.m.</li>
    </ul></div>
    <h4><span>Business Continuity and Staff Support</span></h4>
    <div><ul>
    <li>Log in information and the opportunity to submit questions in advance for the faculty and staff town halls is now available <a href="https://covid19.umbc.edu/upcoming-town-halls/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">here</a>.</li>
    <li>The latest update on the FY 2021 budget is available <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights/posts/93956" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">here</a>. </li>
    <li>The Women’s Center is hosting <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/womenscenter/events/83910" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Lost + Found: Faculty + Staff Summer Care Discussion Series</a>.</li>
    </ul></div>
    <h4><span>Campus Access</span></h4>
    <div><ul>
    <li>UMBC’s physical campus remains closed and employees continue to work remotely. Only employees with permission from their supervisor, approved researchers, and/or approved students should be on campus. </li>
    <li>If you have a one-time emergency need to visit campus, call UMBC Police Deputy Chief Bruce Perry at 443-677-2195 or Lieutenant Derrick Johns at 410-207-0850.</li>
    </ul></div>
    <h4><a href="https://www.umbc.edu/together/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">UMBC Together</a></h4>
    <div><ul>
    <li>Don’t miss the last session of the Resilience Building Webinar Series: <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/ucs/events/83771" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">You’ve Got This!</a> on Tuesday, June 23 at 11 a.m.</li>
    <li><a href="https://news.umbc.edu/library-of-congress-commissions-umbcs-daniel-pesca-to-bring-new-work-of-music-to-the-public-during-pandemic/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">The Library of Congress commissions UMBC’s Daniel Pesca to bring new work of music to the public during pandemic</a></li>
    </ul></div>
    <div>If you have questions or concerns, please email <a href="mailto:covid19@umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">covid19@umbc.edu</a>.</div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div><br></div>
    </div>
]]>
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<Summary>Campus Status: The University is open, with employees working remotely. UMBC’s physical campus remains closed. Maryland is currently under a Safer at Home Order.      The latest campus updates are...</Summary>
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