Donate now for your chance to win our second 2017 Maryland Charity Campaign prize giveaway, an Amazon Echo. Be sure to make your gift or pledge before the end of the day, Friday, December 8, to be eligible for the prize drawing. Everyone who has already contributed to the campaign is automatically entered into the drawing.

All donations also will automatically enter you into current and future statewide raffles, so be sure to donate now!

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding as we continue work on the Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building, an important construction project to expand our life sciences programs and teaching facilities and to support interdisciplinary research.

Construction of the new drop-off circle and pedestrian pathways has completed. We encourage vehicles use the new drop-off circle between the Physics building and the Commons Garage.

Beginning this weekend and continuing through March 2018, construction will begin on the north side of the Commons Circle, as crews work to update walkways, lighting, plantings, and landscaping. This includes the removal of vegetation near the Physics building, which will be restored at the conclusion of this work. A temporary accessible pathway will be installed between the Physics building and gated parking lot 2 during this phase of construction to allow for ease of access to other parts of campus.

As always, accessibility is part of the design process with all campus construction projects to ensure support for faculty, staff, students, and visitors with disabilities. If you have a concern about accessibility, or want to inquire about a disability-based accommodation, please contact UMBC's Accessibility and Disability Services office.

The Commons Circle will be remain closed to personal vehicles. If you are scheduling pick-up or drop-off on campus, please use the new Commons drop-off circle or the main campus entrance. Access to the Commons for authorized work vehicles and deliveries will continue.

As we continue to move forward with this important construction project and others across campus, we encourage you to visit the Facilities Management website and join our myUMBC group to receive news and updates and stay apprised of how construction projects across campus may impact you.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

Dear Colleagues,

As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday and look forward to more time with family and friends during the upcoming holiday season, we recognize that many people less fortunate than ourselves need our help.

We can think of no better embodiment of the spirit of the season than UMBC's remarkable participation in the Maryland Charity Campaign. Our campus is one of the most generous in the state, and our generosity speaks volumes about who we are and our values. We are delighted to announce we are halfway to our participation goal. To date, nearly 500 donors have contributed a total of more than $90,000. Great work!

If you have not yet had a chance to do so, we encourage you to help support the many nonprofit organizations that serve our surrounding community, and consider a gift of any amount.

If you need assistance donating online, please take a moment to read our online help guide to learn more about the details and requirements of this year's campaign donation process.

Thank you for all your support in this year's campaign, and it is a privilege to be part of such a supportive, caring community.