Key Points
A liberal temporary telework policy for staff is being implemented for the week of January 3 to 7 to reduce density on campus.
On-campus testing will be provided in January, and all UMBC community members are required to test as soon as they return to campus.
UMBC’s PCR testing will pause during winter break, but self-administered rapid antigen tests will be available at the Police Station and open residence halls.
Dear UMBC Community,
Thank you for your collective efforts to keep the campus open and safe during the fall semester. As students, faculty, and staff prepare for a well-deserved winter break, the COVID-19 Planning Coordinating Committee is monitoring the current surge of Omicron-variant cases in Maryland and beyond and taking steps to minimize the risk of spread on campus when we return.
Reduced Campus Density for Week of January 3
In order to reduce density on campus in the week of January 3, we are implementing a liberal temporary telework policy for staff, which means that most employees can determine their on- campus work schedules for the week. Supervisors should only require an employee who can otherwise work remotely to come to campus if there is a critical on-campus task to be performed. If you can work remotely, consider doing so for up to five days between January 3 and January 7. Please make sure you share your schedule with your supervisor. This is a temporary measure and will not alter existing telework agreements. Staff who do not currently have a telework agreement are also eligible for telework in the week of January 3.
Additional information regarding work schedules and testing will be announced before January 7.
Campus Safety Measures in January
Out of an abundance of caution, we ask that you self-test at home 1-3 days before returning to the campus. We know that both PCR and rapid testing may be difficult to obtain after the holidays, so please start planning for your family now.
We will provide on-campus testing in January and will require all of our community members to test as soon as they return to campus. While you are waiting for your results, please be diligent about mask wearing and physical distancing. If your work situation does not allow for distancing, please speak with your manager about an alternative safety plan.
When you return to campus, please strictly adhere to safety protocols in place at that time, including any testing and symptom tracking requirements you have previously been assigned. KN95 masks are available free of charge at the RAC front desk, The Commons Information Desk, and the Library mail counter.
Winter Break On-campus Testing
As we shared in our last campus message, UMBC’s PCR testing will pause during winter break but self-administered rapid antigen tests will be available at the Police Station and the desks of open residence halls.
COVID-19 Planning Leadership
Finally, we want to recognize and thank the members of the COVID-19 Planning Coordinating Committee, Work Groups and Sub-Groups, who have worked constantly for nearly two years to support academic continuity, research and creative achievement, student success, operations, and events. As Lynne Schaefer retires this week, we are grateful to announce that Jack Suess, CIO and Vice President for Information Technology, will take over as co-chair of the COVID-19 Planning Coordinating Committee in the new year.
Provost Philip Rous
Vice President for Administration and Finance Lynne Schaefer
COVID-19 Planning Coordinating Committee Co-Chairs