Dear Graduate Students, 

We are approaching the end of the spring 2020 semester and find ourselves in a very different place from where we were at the start of the semester in January. The transition to social distancing by staying at home and accessing our academic, research and personal lives virtually has been challenging for all of us. We are all doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19, but we also look forward to the next phase of life. The uncertainty of when and how this will happen leads to stress and anxiety, and we want you to know that we’ve been focused on doing what we can to meet your needs.

The Graduate School and the Graduate Student Association (GSA) are hosting a virtual Town Hall meeting on Friday, May 8, 2:00-3:00 pm, to share information and answer questions you may have about all aspects of your academic progression and success at UMBC. We invite you to submit questions as you register to participate in the Town Hall here. The Webex link will be sent to all those who register, and will be shared with the graduate student email group on Friday morning.

Topics to be covered at the Town Hall include the planning underway for a phased opening of the campus for research and creative achievement, core facilities and classroom instruction; changes to academic policies that respond to the unusual circumstances of the spring semester; supporting your mental wellness; and issues of interest to graduate assistants.

Here are some links to information and resources to support your success

UMBC Information: https://covid19.umbc.edu/
Graduate Student Specific Information: https://gradschool.umbc.edu/admissions/requirements/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/
Research and Creative Achievement Information: https://research.umbc.edu/research-and-creative-achievement-at-umbc-during-covid-19/
UMBC Counseling Center: https://counseling.umbc.edu/
PROMISE Productivity Guide during COVID-19: https://promise.umbc.edu/productivity-guide-during-covid-19/

We look forward to seeing you at the Town Hall meeting.

Sincerely,
Janet C. Rutledge, Ph.D.
Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School

Alex Rittle
President, GSA