With the semester now in full swing and the impacts of many national and international issues and events being felt deeply by our campus community members, I write today to express my support and my belief in this community and share a reminder of resources available to you. 

 

UMBC’s values—among them, its rich diversity of perspectives and backgrounds and its commitment to respectful discourse—are the strong foundation upon which this community was built and continues to thrive. I see our students, faculty, and staff living these values every day. It is in times of challenge, including when events on or beyond our campus threaten to divide us, and when members of our community are struggling, that we are reminded of the responsibility that comes with the privilege of being a member of this community: to care for it, and for each other. 

 

Resources exist for helping us do just that, and many are listed below. Please seek them. In addition, beginning this week, i3b and the Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being are hosting a series of shared spaces for reflection, partnering weekly with UMBC staff and Religious Council members. Separately, UMBC Counseling staff will be available in Commons 327 from noon to 2 p.m. on October 7. If you or someone you know has an immediate concern, please contact Retriever CARE.

 

I ask all members of our community to be mindful that classmates and colleagues may be struggling and to show one another a generous amount of grace and compassion in the days and weeks ahead. 

 

I offer another reminder and a caution, as well: It is our collective work to ensure that every member of our community feels safe, welcome, and valued. We do not tolerate harassment, bias, or discrimination. I ask that you review the relevant policies listed below, and I urge you to report incidents through the Office of Equity and Civil Rights' online reporting form, by emailing ecr@umbc.edu, or by calling 410-455-1717.

 

We are living in consequential and complicated times, to be sure. We see human suffering across all of society, and some days, the good news is hard to find. But there is good news every day on this campus, and inspiration in our educational mission and the dedication of our students, faculty, and staff to contribute to the betterment of humanity. I am proud of and grateful for UMBC.

 

Sincerely,