Please see the latest updates on UMBC’s Retriever Ready website. Questions? Email covid19@umbc.edu.

Starting this week, the Retriever Ready Action Update is moving to a weekly format.

COVID-19 Health & Safety

• If you plan to return to campus during the January 2021 winter session, please review COVID-19 testing and related requirements here. We will be providing guidelines for the spring 2021 semester soon.
• As we move through our daily lives, going to the grocery store or bank and gaining access to other essential services can bring the risk of COVID-19 exposure. Please inform yourself with this important information from the CDC to safeguard your daily activities.

Connecting with Human Services in Maryland

• Maryland 211 is a fantastic resource for Marylanders who need assistance in being connected with mental health, financial, addiction, housing, food insecurity, domestic violence, and other human services. Whether it is you, a family member, a neighbor or a friend, Maryland 211 can help!

UMBC Transit Service Suspended

• UMBC Transit service is currently suspended. Please click here for alternative transportation options. This status is subject to change based on evolving conditions. For further assistance, inquiries, or concerns please email Transit Operations at transit@umbc.edu.

UMBC Together

• Visit the UMBC Together website for recent social media posts and the UMBC Together myUMBC group for information on upcoming events.

Save the Date: April 19-25, 2021

Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD) features research, scholarship, and creative work carried out by UMBC undergraduates. Student work is shared through oral presentations, posters, artistic exhibits, performances, and film. Over 300 presenters participate annually. Researchers work with faculty mentors on independent research, or research that is part of the mentor’s on-going projects.  They are from all disciplines, and can be working on a thesis, capstone project, part of a scholars or honors program, or they can be unaffiliated.This campus-wide celebration of achievement affirms UMBC’s commitment to the twin goals of research and a distinctive undergraduate experience.

All current undergraduates who have conducted research, scholarship or creative work in the last year may apply to present their results at URCAD. Mentors, fellow students, friends, family members, high school teachers and students, graduate school recruiters, and the general public are invited to attend.

Apply Now!!

Remember.... YOU ARE research!

ur.umbc.edu

Please see the latest updates on UMBC’s Retriever Ready website. Questions? Email covid19@umbc.edu.

This is the last Retriever Ready Action Update for 2020; the next edition will arrive in your in-boxes on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Best wishes for a healthy and restful break.

Winter Symptom Tracking Requirement for On-Campus Students

• Residential students who have access to winter housing are required to continue daily online symptom tracking during the winter break.  Failure to do so may result in a loss of access to on-campus housing.

Testing Requirement for Those Returning to Campus in January 2021

• All employees, researchers, and student workers who will return to campus after the winter break must obtain a COVID-19 test. Please review this page for more information.

COVID-19 Health & Safety

• Here is the latest Maryland Department of Health COVD 19 Advisory, which shares information about travel and highlights the CDC advisory limiting gatherings to those within your immediate household.  

Enter the USM Public Health Challenge

• The University System of Maryland (USM) COVID Research & Innovation Task Force invites members of the USM community to take part in a multimedia Public Health Challenge by submitting original videos and social media campaigns that highlight ways for Marylanders to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic. The deadline for entry is 9 a.m. on January 25, 2021. Click here to learn more.

Counseling Center and UHS Closures

• In keeping with UMBC’s winter break closure, the Counseling Center and University Health Services will be closed between December 24 and January 3. The Counseling Center after-hours support line will continue to operate and can be reached at (410) 455-3230.

UMBC Together

• Did you miss the Grit & Gratitude Virtual Holiday Event last week? You can enjoy the full program, including appearances by campus leadership, student performers, and UMBC's own Rhodes Scholars, here! Happy holidays, everyone!

• Visit the UMBC Together website for recent social media posts and the UMBC Together myUMBC group for information on upcoming events.

Recently, our UMBC community has been made aware of divisive language shared on social media pages that has negatively impacted members of our community, specifically members of the LGBTQIA+ and Muslim communities. Taking into account all the ways that our individual and community’s well-being has been negatively impacted this year, situations like this cause additional stress and trauma. Here at UMBC, diversity and inclusive excellence are principles and practices that we value. When we honor these values, it helps to keep our community and its members safe and well.

The Office of Health Promotion (OHP) deeply cares about the well-being of each and every member of our community, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race/ethnicity, or religion. The OHP team, which includes our professional and student staff, want to affirm our dedication to fostering a culture of mutual respect and equity. We also recognize that all members of our community are free to express their points of view but do not believe that this freedom should be used to harm members of our community.

The greatness of our UMBC community is reflected in how we care for and treat each other. We honor and will continue to support the well-being of all students. We stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ and Muslim-identified members of the community during this time, and always.

To the LGBTQIA+ and Muslim-identified members of our UMBC community,

We see you. We hear you. We value you.

If you are in need of additional inclusion resources, we encourage you to contact the following UMBC offices before December 23 or after January 3 due to UMBC’s closure for the winter break.

❏      The Office of Equity and Inclusion

oei@umbc.edu

❏      Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging

i3b@umbc.edu

❏      The Women’s Center

womenscenter@umbc.edu

If you would like to process these events with a professional, the Counseling Center is available to all students. Please contact 410-455-2472 to make a virtual appointment. 

If you are looking for support resources between December 23, 2020 and January 3, 2021, please call the after-hours support line 410-455-3230.