Over the next few months, we will be performing maintenance work at the UMBC Aquatics facility. The project will include resurfacing all three pools (outdoor 50-meter pool, indoor 25-yard pool, and diving well), as well as maintenance to the indoor pool pump room.

Outdoor pool replastering will begin on March 9, 2022, and will take approximately six weeks, weather permitting, to complete. We plan to have the outdoor pool up and running by May 1, 2022.

The indoor pool project, including the 25-yard pool and the diving well, will begin on May 8, 2022, and will take six to seven weeks to complete. We plan to have the indoor pools up and running by June 30, 2022.

Weather and other unforeseen issues may delay these projects.

Earlier today, UMBC Police received a report of a fire alarm in the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery. UMBC Police and the Baltimore County Fire Department responded immediately and determined that there was not a fire. Unfortunately, there was a significant plumbing issue that has resulted in a temporary closure of the building. The Admissions and Financial Aid offices remain open.  

The library will be closed tomorrow, February 1, 2022. The Retriever Learning Center will be open tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

We are working to reopen the building as quickly as possible. Please check the library website for updates on when the building will reopen.

We appreciate your patience as we respond to this incident.

Dear Students,

It is wonderful to see so many of you back on campus. As you return for classes, please keep in mind that:

1. All community members are required to take an on-campus PCR test on the first day they return to campus. Review the instructions before you come to campus. 

2. UMBC is offering two COVID-19 Booster Clinics this week but spots are filling fast. Stay up to date with your vaccination by getting a booster on campus if you are eligible. Make your appointment now!

3. Remember that a KN95 or equivalent mask is required. If you forget your mask, we have locations where you can pick one up.

Thank you and welcome back! 

Learn more at covid19.umbc.edu

Dear Students,

As you get ready for your first day of classes, please make a plan to complete your entry test. Remember, all community members are required to take a PCR test the first day they return to campus, regardless of vaccination status. 

Note: This information is primarily for commuter students. Residential students will test when they move into their rooms but should plan ahead by downloading and registering the app. 

Instructions

1. We recommend that you take an at-home rapid test before you come to campus (within 24 hours) in addition to the required PCR test. 

2. Testing on-campus requires the use of a mobile app. Please review these instructions, download and register now, BEFORE you come to campus to test. If you need technical assistance, email mgscanner@umbc.edu.

3. Watch this video on how to take the test.

4. Plan to test as soon as you arrive on campus, before 11 a.m. if possible.

5. When you come to campus, plan to pick up a vial and swab at:

• Temporary Location

• The Retriever Activities Center (RAC)

• January 31 - February 2

• 8:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. (technical assistance also available 10 a.m. - 

3 p.m.) 

• Permanent Locations

• The UMBC police station - Open 24/7

• The Center for Well-Being - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• The University Center 3rd floor vestibule - 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.

5. If you are testing at one of self-serve sites, find an isolated or distanced place to complete your swab. This may be your car or somewhere outside. Return your completed test to the drop box at each location. Do NOT test at the pick up and drop off locations as you may expose others.

6. If you need help, visit the RAC between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday - Wednesday, for technical assistance. 

Frequently asked questions:

Can I be on campus while I am waiting for my results?

Yes. Once you complete your test, you may remain on campus to complete your day wearing an appropriate mask and maintaining physical distance as much as possible. We are relying on masking and distancing protocols to reduce on campus transmission while we await your test results. Given the shortage of testing in Maryland, we felt this was the fairest way to require an entry test.

How long will it take to receive my results?

UMBC cannot check on the status of individual tests. In general, it can take up to three business days to receive your results. Testing results from on-campus tests will be posted to your COVID Compliance Card in your myUMBC profile. 

Is testing on campus safe?

We do believe testing on campus is safe, as long as community members follow instructions, pick up their kits, and swab in a location that is distanced from others. For the first week of classes, we are making additional testing and technical assistance available in the RAC (Monday - Wednesday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.), in order to reduce any potential crowding at testing sites. In addition, it will be helpful to have most employees complete testing next week, before students return. 

What if I recently tested positive?Should I test?

You are not required to test as you may continue to test positive for up to 90 days. You will need to report your result in order to be exempted from entry testing. Information on how to do this and when you can return to campus is available here.

Please email covid19@umbc.edu if you have any questions.

Happy National Voter Registration Day!

Please register to vote or update your registration using the links below.

Register to vote in Maryland (online registration)

The Maryland primary election will take place on June 28, 2022. The last day to register to vote before the primary election is June 7, 2022.

Learn about registration and voting in Maryland and all other states