Community Travel Precautions for Spring Break

Dear UMBC Community Members,

As UMBC continues to respond to the worldwide impact of COVID-19 and the campus prepares for spring break, we are receiving a number of inquiries about travel and want to provide you with resources to help you be safe and healthy. For additional information on UMBC’s response to COVID-19, please visit our website. Currently there are no suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 at UMBC. 

Before traveling for spring break, please be sure you are aware of the risks of travel during this time. Please note that UMBC is prohibiting university-related travel to any country that is under a CDC Risk Assessment Level 1, 2, or 3 related to COVID-19. We also strongly advise against any international travel, independent of CDC levels. Non-essential national travel is also not advised. 

If you choose to travel, know that even a country not currently experiencing an outbreak could be declared a high-risk area, resulting in heightened exposure to the virus, difficulty with departure, immigration barriers in returning to the U.S., and possible quarantine or self-isolation upon arriving in the U.S. If you are traveling in the U.S., be aware of how the area you are traveling to may be impacted and plan accordingly.

Finally, no matter where you will be during spring break, remember to keep basic health measures in mind to prevent the spread of any virus. This includes minimizing personal contact, including shaking hands. 

If you are feeling unwell, please stay home and rest. Community members with underlying health conditions, who take medicines that suppress their immune system, who are 65 or older, or who have other risk factors, should consult with their health provider immediately if they have cold or flu symptoms. If you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, call your personal health provider.

Lynne Schaefer, Vice President, Finance and Administration and Nancy Young, Vice President for Student Affairs
Co-Chairs, UMBC Crisis Management Executive Team

]]> Dear UMBC Community Members, As UMBC continues to respond to the worldwide impact of COVID-19 and the campus prepares for spring break, we are receiving a number of inquiries about travel and... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/91148/guest@my.umbc.edu/bc0a496935cc28add729dfcf5049dc5f/api/pixel covid19 UMBC Community News https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 4 0 true Mon, 09 Mar 2020 16:49:01 -0400 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 17:30:28 -0400 COVID-19 Update for UMBC Community Latest updates March 6, 2020

Dear UMBC Community Members,

Given the rapidly changing nature of the COVID-19 situation in the United States, the University System of Maryland has provided us with new guidance addressing the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff, as well as continuity of education and essential operations. 

Faculty are asked to work with their departments and the Division of Information Technology to prepare to move all classes to online instruction. Supervisors will be working with their departments to establish and test telework capabilities. We ask all in our community to focus next week on preparing to implement these recommendations and emergency precautions, so that the campus is well-positioned to respond to further developments as required. As the situation is shifting rapidly, please always check our website for the most up-to-date information.

Knowing that spring break is often a time of travel, please note that UMBC is prohibiting university-related travel to any country that is under a CDC Risk Assessment Level 1, 2, or 3 related to COVID-19. We also strongly advise against any international travel, independent of CDC levels. Non-essential national travel is also not advised.

We are also asking our entire community to help us prepare for social distancing measures that can reduce the spread and transmission of COVID-19. We encourage community members to take steps now to reduce the spread of disease, such as moving meetings to online platforms. 

UMBC is not canceling classes or shutting down offices at this time. We are responding to a request from Chancellor Perman to “verify that [we] can go to an online environment quickly should the need arise.” Questions can be submitted to Covid19@umbc.edu. 

We appreciate your partnership, calm, and innovation during this difficult time. Please continue to take basic precautions to prevent the spread of influenza, COVID-19, and other communicable illnesses in your community. Detailed prevention information and updates on UMBC’s response can be found on our website. 

Lynne Schaefer, Vice President, Finance and Administration and Nancy Young, Vice President for Student Affairs Co-Chairs, UMBC Crisis Management Executive Team



]]> Dear UMBC Community Members, Given the rapidly changing nature of the COVID-19 situation in the United States, the University System of Maryland has provided us with new guidance addressing the... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/91094/guest@my.umbc.edu/a63ca9cbdce7fb6d7350c545484dc14e/api/pixel covid19 UMBC Community News https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 8 1 true Sat, 07 Mar 2020 09:19:32 -0500 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 17:31:56 -0400 COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates
Dear UMBC Community,

Given current news regarding COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, we want to assure you that UMBC is actively addressing the virus’ impact on our community and taking steps to be as prepared as possible for a variety of situations. If you have not already done so, please bookmark this website, which we will continue to update regularly. We are working closely with the University System of Maryland (USM) and the Baltimore County Health Department to receive regular updates on the spread of the virus and prevention efforts. Currently there are no suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 at UMBC.

In accordance with guidance provided by USM and an overabundance of caution, UMBC is suspending all university-related student travel to any country that is under a CDC Risk Assessment Level 1, 2, or 3, related to COVID-19. Faculty and staff travel is suspended to any level 3 country. Finally, students, faculty, and staff returning from a level 1, 2, or 3 country should self-isolate for 14 days upon return. Additional guidance will be provided. If you are considering traveling, please review the CDC’s risk assessment by country. If you have questions about UMBC’s travel policy, please reach out to David Di Maria, Associate Vice Provost for International Education, at 410-455-2624 or dimaria@umbc.edu.

In the following days, we will also be updating the website to include additional prevention and preparation information. The most effective preparation for this virus includes the following health measures:
In addition, please consider your preparations if the virus begins to spread in the Maryland community. Obtain a 90-day supply of any prescription medications in case of drug shortages and avoid contact with sick individuals. It may eventually be prudent to also avoid large-scale social gatherings. We will provide additional guidance should this become warranted.

UMBC’s Incident Management Team is meeting regularly to coordinate UMBC’s response to both the COVID-19 virus and influenza. We continue to implement elevated cleaning protocols across campus to minimize the spread of communicable diseases.

We understand that this situation may cause a wide variety of emotional responses in our community members. The Counseling Center has assembled a helpful list of self-care tips. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about UMBC’s response to this evolving situation.

Lynne Schaefer, Vice President, Finance and Administration and Nancy Young, Vice President for Student Affairs
Co-Chairs, UMBC Crisis Management Executive Team
]]> Dear UMBC Community, Given current news regarding COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, we want to assure you that UMBC is actively addressing the virus’ impact on our community and taking steps... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/90938/guest@my.umbc.edu/49912e832c4cd1561e49827d06bdb1cf/api/pixel covid19 UMBC Community News https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 7 9 true Tue, 03 Mar 2020 10:31:35 -0500 Tue, 03 Mar 2020 11:34:30 -0500 Updates from the Office of Equity and Inclusion
Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

I am writing to update you on developments from UMBC’s newly established Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI). The office is responsible for promoting and coordinating the University's core values of inclusive excellence and equity, and will have primary responsibility for managing UMBC’s efforts related to Title IX and civil rights issues. The office will ensure compliance with sexual misconduct and non-discrimination laws, regulations, and policies through prompt, fair investigations, education and training, and outreach and engagement.

The team has been focused on building its infrastructure while continuing to provide services to community members affected by discrimination and sexual misconduct. Our new director, Ariana Arnold, started on January 13, 2020, and has met with staff, faculty, and students across the UMBC community. We have also officially launched the new online reporting form for sexual misconduct and/or discrimination which permits anonymous reporting by students, faculty, and staff.

Nearly all students, faculty, and staff have completed the mandatory online and/or in-person training related to sexual misconduct in the last year. If you are a student and you have not completed the mandatory training, we encourage you to complete the Consent and Respect training as soon as possible so that you may register on time and optimize your course selection options. The Office of Equity and Inclusion will continue to develop and deliver regular mandatory training to all students, faculty, and staff to fulfill UMBC's commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our campus community.

We are also welcoming the following new staff:
  • Mikhel Kushner will join the office in late March as the Title IX Coordinator. Mikhel has a Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Mikhel joins us from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, where she served as the Executive Director of Diversity and Inclusion and Title IX Coordinator. She is returning to the UMBC family as she was the first Director of the UMBC Women’s Center from 2000-2009.

  • B. Ever Hanna joined UMBC and OEI on February 25 as the Training and Case Manager. Ever holds a Juris Doctor from Villanova University and a Bachelor of Science from Boston University. They join us after serving as the Policy Director for End Rape on Campus, a national survivor advocacy organization. Prior to this, Ever was a social worker and educator.
We will continue to provide updates throughout the coming months as we hire additional team members, fully launch the new OEI website, and increase the breadth of our training resources. We appreciate the support of the campus as we continue UMBC’s efforts to improve our response to sexual misconduct and discrimination and build a more inclusive community. 
Please join me in welcoming Mikhel and Ever to our UMBC community.

Candace Dodson-Reed '96, Chief of Staff, Executive Director, Office of Equity and Inclusion, Office of the President
]]> Dear Members of the UMBC Community, I am writing to update you on developments from UMBC’s newly established Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI). The office is responsible for promoting and... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/90851/guest@my.umbc.edu/7c87d731b8a4df713092a5504834daeb/api/pixel UMBC Community News https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 3 0 true Fri, 28 Feb 2020 12:10:19 -0500 COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates
Dear UMBC Community,

We continue to closely monitor COVID-19, the new coronavirus first detected in China, and its potential impact on our community. If you have not already done so, please bookmark this website, which is updated regularly. Currently there are no suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 at UMBC and no confirmed cases in the state of Maryland. We are working closely with the University System of Maryland and the Baltimore County Health Department to receive regular updates on the spread of the virus and prevention efforts.

Since our last communication, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new travel guidance and UMBC is updating its recommendations accordingly. The CDC identifies three levels of travel advisories: Warning Level 3 (avoid all non-essential travel); Alert Level 2 (practice enhanced precautions); and Watch Level 1 (practice usual precautions). There are currently two countries with Warning Level 3 advisories for COVID-19: China and South Korea. Due to these elevated advisories, UMBC students are not permitted to travel to China or South Korea on university business at this time. We also strongly discourage faculty and staff business travel to China and South Korea while the elevated advisories are in effect.

UMBC will suspend student travel to any other country that is elevated to a Warning Level 3 advisory by the CDC. We are closely monitoring the situations in Iran, Italy, and Japan (currently all Alert Level 2) and students studying abroad in countries with an Alert Level 2 should be prepared to return to the U.S. should circumstances change. Decisions to suspend a program and instructions on next steps will be communicated directly to impacted students and their designated emergency contacts. Students planning to travel abroad in the summer or fall will also receive further communication from the Office of International Education Services. Faculty and staff members with questions about international travel should contact David Di Maria, Associate Vice Provost for International Education, at 410-455-2624 or dimaria@umbc.edu.  

UMBC’s Incident Management Team is meeting regularly to coordinate UMBC’s response to both the COVID-19 virus and influenza and would like to remind you of the following recommendations:
We will continue to issue regular communications during this time of heightened concern.
]]> Dear UMBC Community, We continue to closely monitor COVID-19, the new coronavirus first detected in China, and its potential impact on our community. If you have not already done so, please... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/90842/guest@my.umbc.edu/f9cc8eae97267d0723b299d45e445f74/api/pixel covid19 UMBC Community News https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 4 0 true Fri, 28 Feb 2020 09:58:15 -0500 Tue, 03 Mar 2020 12:12:01 -0500 Changes to Supplemental Retirement Plans
The University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents recently announced changes to the Supplemental Retirement Plans effective February, 18, 2020. This memo from the USM Office of the Chancellor provides additional detail on the following changes:
  • New Roth 403b options available through TIAA and Fidelity;
  • Updated investment menu and the addition of a self-directed brokerage option;
  • Changes to retirement fees; move to a flat fixed fee of $45 per participant; and
  • New Retirement Choice (RC) and Retirement Choice Plus (RCP) Contracts through TIAA.
While no action is required on your part, this is a good time to review your retirement contributions to ensure you are saving enough for your future. Financial advisors are available once a month on UMBC’s campus. Regular and contractual employees are eligible to participate in any of our Supplemental Retirement Plans. For forms, deadlines and more information please visit the HR website.

UMBC Human Resources
]]> The University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents recently announced changes to the Supplemental Retirement Plans effective February, 18, 2020. This memo from the USM Office of the... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/90808/guest@my.umbc.edu/eeefbb1165e2a6c53253d3f040068014/api/pixel UMBC Community News https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 0 0 true Thu, 27 Feb 2020 12:31:31 -0500 Save the Date: 2020 Presidential Faculty & Staff Awards
Save the Date! The 2020 Presidential Faculty & Staff Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 2, 2020, in the University Center Ballroom. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.; the program will begin at 12 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

The program will celebrate the accomplishments of this year's campus- and system-wide award recipients and will also include a mid-year State of the University update.

More information to follow!
]]> Save the Date! The 2020 Presidential Faculty & Staff Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 2, 2020, in the University Center Ballroom. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.; the program will... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/90801/guest@my.umbc.edu/8975c4850935a041627b9f8112ab7e11/api/pixel UMBC Community News https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 1 0 true Thu, 27 Feb 2020 11:54:15 -0500 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

We know that many in our community continue to be concerned about the potential impact of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. We want to assure you that the university is staying informed about the potential threat, planning for the health and safety of all in our community, and taking steps to curb the spread of influenza on campus. For additional information on COVID-19 and the University’s response, please visit this website, which will be updated regularly.

We are regularly monitoring information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on this virus and its effects in the United States. Currently there are no suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus at UMBC and no confirmed cases in the state of Maryland. In addition, the CDC believes that this virus is not currently spreading in the United States.

As directed by the University’s Emergency Operations Plan, UMBC has convened our Incident Management Team, which is now meeting regularly to coordinate UMBC’s response to both the COVID-19 virus and influenza, a current health concern in Maryland. The university is currently implementing a range of precautions in response to influenza, including:
  • Elevated cleaning protocols across campus to minimize the spread of communicable diseases,
  • Prevention education posters and digital signage, and
  • Increased campus communication.
We want to remind our community members of the following health and safety tips:
  • If you are sick, please stay home and rest. Avoid crowded places like dining halls, classrooms, restaurants, and the RAC or other fitness centers to prevent spreading illness to others. 
  • Community members with underlying health conditions or who take medicines that suppress their immune system who have cold or flu symptoms should contact their health provider immediately. 
  • If you are sick and unsure if you need medical attention, please contact University Health Services at 410-455-2542. 
  • If you have not already done so, please consider getting a flu shot, which should be available at local pharmacies or from your primary care doctor.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the university’s response to this important issue.

Philip Rous, Provost and Nancy Young, Vice President for Student Affairs
]]> Dear Members of the UMBC Community, We know that many in our community continue to be concerned about the potential impact of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. We want to assure you... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/90591/guest@my.umbc.edu/c6d30b27e4c607ed3a588a5c404ed948/api/pixel covid19 UMBC Community News https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 5 1 true Wed, 19 Feb 2020 13:10:14 -0500 Tue, 03 Mar 2020 12:12:23 -0500 Academic Year 2020-2021 Computer Replacement Initiative
Dear Faculty and Staff,

This is to announce the Computer Replacement Initiative (CRI) for the Academic Year 2020-2021. CRI is being extended across the campus to all faculty and staff; each division has developed the criteria to be used in that division. This continues to be an important initiative as we strive to provide our faculty and staff with the technology tools needed to carry out our academic mission.

Funds available for the CRI continue to be limited and consequently we anticipate that we will not be able to fund all the meritorious applications. Within Academic Affairs, the procedures for this year’s CRI will be the same as last year’s and we will also maintain the same subsidy levels as before. Specifically, the subsidy for a laptop is $1,000 and the subsidy for a desktop is $600. The goal for this differential is to promote the purchase of laptops by faculty and staff based on the advantages provided by laptops in the areas of academic continuity, sustainability, portability, and teaching with technology as we continue to enhance our pool of classrooms.  Those wishing to purchase a different configuration may apply the subsidy amount toward the purchase of a customized computer configuration. All computers should minimally be purchased with a three-year warranty.

In order to ensure delivery and installation is completed in advance of the start of the fall 2020 semester, the schedule for this CRI cycle is again rather compressed. The new machines will be ordered in early June 2020, with installations planned for completion by the start of the fall semester. Given the success achieved during the previous years with a single procurement and mass distribution of PCs, we will continue with a similar program this year. As in the past, we will have several “standard” configurations included in this procurement. The minimum and recommended configurations for desktops and laptops can be found here.

The CRI has always required cost sharing of new computers. As indicated above, we will provide a subsidy of $600 for a desktop and $1,000 for a laptop.  
 
We will place a bulk purchase with Dell so machines can be delivered and installed in advance of the start of the fall 2020 semester. Individuals will have the option of using the bulk purchase or ordering their customized unit from either Dell or another vendor. I encourage you to participate in this bulk purchase plan given the benefits we have seen in the past. Your department will be charged a one-time amount depending on which option you select. The options available and the exact department cost share for each option will be announced in March 2020 as soon as we have the information from Dell.

The timeline for this year’s CRI is:

The application form is available here. First priority for funding is given to requestors with a computer that falls below the minimum standard and who have explained the need for a new computer under the mandatory narrative on the form. If you have questions about the CRI or these instructions, please contact Vice Provost Tony Moreira at (410) 455-6576, or Executive Administrative Assistant Susan Mocko at (410) 455-6577.

Philip Rous, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
]]> Dear Faculty and Staff, This is to announce the Computer Replacement Initiative (CRI) for the Academic Year 2020-2021. CRI is being extended across the campus to all faculty and staff; each... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/90434/guest@my.umbc.edu/451bf1b3e308ce989823b7a5cb29db8c/api/pixel UMBC Community News https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 2 0 true Thu, 13 Feb 2020 11:33:41 -0500 Thu, 13 Feb 2020 11:35:02 -0500 Join the #BlackAndGoldRush UMBC Giving Day, Feb. 27, 2020
UMBC’s third 24-hour Black and Gold Rush is Thursday, February 27. Last year, a record 1,554 alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends made gifts to the university.

YOU can make an enormous difference! Become a giving day social media ambassador and share details and images about this special day. Let’s reach together and continue to make big breakthroughs and transform lives.

Become an Ambassador »

Social media isn’t your thing? Want to get involved in another way? You can support Giving Day 2020 right here on campus by volunteering for an hour or two on Main Street! Please fill out this form by Friday, February 14 so we can get our catering order in for a Volunteer Training Lunch on Thursday, February 20 (11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., UC 310). We're looking for around 60 volunteers for a variety of roles, so don't be shy. Sign up today! Questions? Email Jessica Wyatt, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, at jwy@umbc.edu.

Be sure to check your Promotions/SPAM folder for your social media ambassador confirmation email.
]]> UMBC’s third 24-hour Black and Gold Rush is Thursday, February 27. Last year, a record 1,554 alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends made gifts to the university. YOU can make an... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/90292/guest@my.umbc.edu/7bbb28c779437f7177c967034edd0c68/api/pixel UMBC Community News https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 1 0 true Mon, 10 Feb 2020 10:25:43 -0500