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
❏ Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging
❏ The Women’s Center
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.
]]>It is safe to say that the year 2020 has been unlike any other year.
Many people have pondered the questions: Will outside officially open again? What will our new normal be? What will it take to fix our social climate? Who will be the President of the United States of America?
The outcome of this year’s election is surrounded by increased stress, anxiety, and tension across political parties. This election is also impacting all of us in ways that we may not have expected.
So one thing you shouldn’t question in these moments is caring for yourself.
There will be an outcome of the election. It could end with the candidate that you were hoping for named as the next President. It could end with the candidate that you were not in favor of being declared the winner.
No matter the outcome of the election, decide now to take care of you.
What does taking care of you look like after Election Day:
Develop a safety plan in advance
Consider who your emergency contacts are. Contact in advance the people you want to check and who you want to check on you, let them know you are counting on them. Write out the necessary phone numbers and have them handy.
In the event that you do not feel comfortable leaving your home, ensure that you already have food, water, prescriptions, and other household items readily available.
If you plan to protest or participate in any community demonstrations, be sure to consider COVID protocols (i.e. masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, etc.).
Take a break from the news cycle
As a result of technology, we are constantly encountering news and imagery, which can cause us to feel increased amounts of stress and anxiety. Consider turning off your news alerts and social media notifications to give yourself a break.
Allow yourself to feel
No matter the outcome, you may have an emotional experience. It is okay.Acknowledge your feelings. Consider processing your feelings through journaling, art, or other creative means.
Safely connect with friends and family
COVID-19 is still a part of our global community so find ways to safely connect with friends and family. Consider using a virtual space. Try not to isolate, especially if you are having a strong emotional response to the outcome. Connecting safely also includes connecting emotionally. Connect with others who will allow you to safely express and process your emotions.
Do something that brings you joy
Experiencing joy has been linked to reducing stress and pain. Do one or two positive things that bring you joy.
Offer a listening ear to others
You and some of your friends and family may have differing political opinions. So being understanding of your family and friend’s emotions related to the outcome of the election reminds us that we are all human, despite our political affiliation, and we all deserve care.
Getting support from a counselor or professional
If you are in regular care, you may consider discussing your reaction to the election outcome with your therapist. If you are interested in speaking to a counselor, please call the Counseling Center at 410-455-2472 to schedule an appointment.
We all have the ability to give and receive care.
Consider attending one of the following events after the election:
Center for Democracy and Civic Life
After the Election: A Community Gathering (RSVP required)
November 4 - noon to 1 p.m.
Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging (i3b)
November 4 - 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Counseling Center
November 4 - noon to 12:30 p.m.
All Hallows’ Eve Upon Us!
Halloween is just a day away. Every Halloween, millions of people transform themselves for one night into whoever or whatever they choose. Costumes, candy, treats, and friends are a staple to an awesome Halloween celebration.
The 2020 edition of Halloween will look a bit different from years past but it can still have all the fun while playing it safe.
Here are a couple of tips and tricks to having a ghoulish 2020 Halloween!
Skip the big parties this year.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still a part of our global community. To help slow the spread of COVID-19, keep a 6-foot distance between you and others if you are choosing to attend a small gathering.
For this year, ditch the big parties and opt for a small outdoor gathering of no more than 5 people OR have the biggest virtual Halloween party that Google Hangouts can hold.
Try hosting a virtual scary Netflix movie night, a virtual pumpkin decorating contest, or a drive-by costume parade.
Find or make a costume that really shows your creative spirit.
There are tons of costume ideas you can use. Remember that someone’s culture is not your costume.
Some of your costumes may come with a mask. However, you should still wear a face covering under your costume mask. The mask should cover your mouth and nose. That’s right, wear both!
Consuming alcohol or other drugs, such as marijuana, can impact your ability to practice COVID-19 prevention actions such as staying physically distant or keeping your face covering on.
Having a sober Halloween also supports your friends, family members, and fellow Retrievers who may be in recovery.
If you are of age (21 years or older) and choose to drink this Halloween, remember to:
Pace your drinking (one drink every other hour).
Have a designated driver or call a ride share service.
If you see something suspicious or creepy, make sure to call 911 or Campus Police (410-455-5555).
Check out the UMBC Events page for your 2020 Halloween one-stop-shop!