Dear colleagues,
I am writing to you to urge you once again to consider donating if you can to UMBC’s Faculty and Staff fundraising campaign, ear-marking your donation for emergency funds for faculty and staff at UMBC who are struggling as a result of the pandemic.
Many of us are doing our best to balance working from home and taking care of family members. Very few of us are confident that we are succeeding.
Over these past few months UMBC has been very responsive in supporting faculty and staff who are suffering during this caregiving crisis. All non-essential service has been discontinued within academic departments. A website with resources for caregivers has been published. The President and the Provost, along with shared governance leaders, publicly acknowledged the strain that caretakers are under and promised institutional support. A Faculty Caregiving Advisory Group has been formed and will begin working with the Provost’s office in the spring.
As President Hrabowski reminds us, however, “success is never final.” Donating to UMBC’s Faculty and Staff fundraising campaign is a wonderful way to support the caregivers in our community. You can make a a one-time gift, or donate via payroll deduction, which allows you to spread your contribution throughout the year. For instance, a contribution of $5.00 per pay period through payroll deduction would add up to an annual gift of $130. When you fill out the giving form simply click on "Other Designation" and write in "Emergency Funds for Faculty and Staff Caregivers and others in need."
Thank you and I hope that you have a restful Thanksgiving break.
Orianne