Key Points

• The number of COVID-19 cases on campus are stabilizing, additional safety measures continue.

• There are available study spaces with extended hours for students to allow for physical distancing.

• On-campus COVID-19 testing is available to concerned community members.

Dear UMBC Community,

As we shared last week, our COVID-19 response teams are actively managing an increase in COVID-19 cases on campus. The number of cases was not unexpected given the recent increases across our state and nation, and we took several immediate steps with the aim of  reducing transmission on our campus. Our approach included working directly with affected individuals, asking for your help in observing key safety measures, and taking some strong precautions in residence halls.

We are cautiously optimistic that these measures are working and the situation is stabilizing. We know that some of these measures have been inconvenient and difficult, and we particularly appreciate the support of our residential students during this process.  

We know that many in our community remain concerned, and we also know that the end of the semester often brings additional important gatherings, including student study groups. We wish to share with you a number of steps we are taking to try and ensure a safe and supportive environment:

Study Spaces

We have established a number of study spaces for students on campus and added extended hours for the end of the semester. The Albin O. Kuhn Library is also offering extended hours.These spaces were all selected because of their ability to allow for physical distancing. We are working to identify additional spaces and will keep this webpage updated.

On-campus Testing

Community members who are concerned about a potential exposure to COVID-19, or who wish to test before returning home at the end of the semester, can access free on-campus testing. More details for community testing are available on this webpage. Please do not come to campus or test if you are experiencing any symptoms. If you have symptoms, speak with your healthcare provider. Testing will be available until December 22.

Class Attendance

Following CDC guidelines, fully vaccinated community members who show no symptoms are able to access campus, including attending class. Please be vigilant about wearing your mask and distancing, and learn more about what to do and when to test here. 

We ask that faculty members offer symptomatic students as much flexibility as possible as they complete their courses and final exams. We remind students to communicate clearly with your professors if you have to miss class because of illness. 

We know that our students, faculty, and staff are all under a tremendous amount of stress. We appreciate your resilience and tenacity during this difficult time. Thank you for continuing to support one another and our community. 

Provost Philip Rous

Vice President for Administration and Finance Lynne Schaefer

COVID-19 Planning Coordinating Committee Co-Chairs

Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

As we enter the winter season, we want to review and update UMBC’s policies and procedures regarding weather-related closures and delays. If you have not done so, please sign up for our E2Campus emergency alert text-messaging system. This is the most efficient way to receive information not only about weather closures but also in emergencies. Closures and delays will also be posted on the UMBC homepage and myUMBC.

When it becomes necessary to close the campus for inclement weather, employees designated emergency essential must report. All other employees should work remotely. Administrative leave will be authorized for employees who cannot work remotely. Online classes will occur as scheduled. Face-to-face classes will not meet in person; students will receive additional guidance from their instructors.

Campus Closure Procedure

The decision to close or delay opening the campus is determined by many factors, including the type and severity of the forecast conditions; current conditions of campus roads, parking areas, and walkways; as well as weather and related road conditions in the surrounding area. 

Please note that the decision to close campus or open late applies to the Catonsville campus only. Students, faculty, and staff at other sites are recommended to contact their location directly to receive inclement weather updates:

• Shady Grove Campus – Visit the Universities at Shady Grove campus alerts website.

• bwtech@UMBC – Email crice@umbc.edu to sign up for the bwtech@UMBC text alert system.

• Columbus Center – The Columbus Center follows University of Baltimore policies and procedures during inclement weather, due to its proximity.

If Inclement Weather Occurs

Please take a moment to review our inclement weather and emergency closing policy to understand how a delay or closure impacts campus schedules, activities, and events. You can also review UMBC's snow removal plan to learn our process and prioritization for clearing roads, parking areas, and walkways.

You should use personal judgment when traveling to and from campus. Weather and related road conditions are not the same in every area where students, faculty, and staff live. Consequently, the decision as to whether it is safe to travel must ultimately rest with each individual.

Faculty should arrange a system for communicating with their students should it be necessary to cancel class when the university is open. Employees who are scheduled to work on campus but cannot report due to local road conditions should communicate directly with their supervisor.

We hope that you and your families stay safe, healthy, and warm this winter.

Lynne Schaefer, Vice President, Finance and Administration