UMBC’s COVID-19 Response
This page was updated on April 6, 2020 at 8:30 a.m.
The University is open, with employees working remotely. Facilities will remain closed. Maryland is currently under a Stay at Home Order.
UMBC is committed to keeping our community safe, healthy, and informed. We are working closely with the University System of Maryland (USM) and Baltimore County Health Department to receive regular updates on the spread of the virus and prevention efforts. Please check this website for updated information on COVID-19. This website will be updated as information changes.
#UMBCtogether Virtual Town Hall
Recorded April 3, 2020 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Latest Updates
- UMBC is open. The physical campus is closed, but employees are working remotely.
- Classes resumed online starting March 23, with distance learning continuing through the end of the spring semester. All changes to classroom instruction also apply to our students at the Universities at Shady Grove.
- Join President Hrabowski and campus leaders Friday, April 3 at 4 p.m., for a virtual town hall. Share questions here.
- The Stay Black and Gold Emergency Fund is a resource for UMBC students who face urgent and unexpected financial challenges that suddenly stand between them and their educational goals.
- Information about Spring 2020 grading options for both undergraduates and graduate students (including requests for pass/fail grading) is now available.
- Due to the Governor’s “Stay-at-home” order, the residential move-out has been suspended. More information here.
- Telework and leave guidance can be found here.
- Effective March 18, 2020, UMBC is implementing a Research Maintenance Mode for our research and studio facilities.
- UMBC Athletics’ varsity teams will not participate in intercollegiate competitions or practices for the spring 2020 semester. See details.
- Following guidance from the Governor, all university-related out-of-state travel is currently suspended.
- All events and meetings scheduled to take place on UMBC property from Thursday, March 12, through the end of the semester have been cancelled, postponed, or moved to online formats.
- If you are struggling with food insecurity, know that Retriever Essentials remains open. Details available here.
- Only employees with a letter from their supervisor or students that are approved for late stay should be on campus. If you have an emergency need to visit campus, call UMBC Police Deputy Chief Bruce Perry at 443-677-2195 or Lieutenant Derrick Johns at 410-207-0850.
Basic guidance for our community
- If you are sick, please stay home and rest.
- If you have symptoms that include fever, cough, or shortness of breath, and are unsure if you need medical attention, please contact your personal health provider.
- Minimize personal contact, including shaking hands.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and/or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizing stations are located around campus.
- See information for people with underlying health conditions, who take medicines that suppress their immune system, are 60 or older, or have other risk factors.
- See tips for managing concerns and emotions about coronavirus from UMBC’s Counseling Center. Staff can also access the University’s EAP program.
As directed by the University’s Emergency Operations Plan, UMBC’s Crisis Management Executive Team and our Incident Management Team are coordinating UMBC’s response to COVID-19.
Please explore the site for additional prevention tips, our current travel policy, and communications.