Dear Terrapins,
We write to you today to thank you and encourage you to keep up your healthy behaviors.
First, the thanks.
Thank you for following the 4 Maryland healthy behaviors:
- Wear a mask.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Maintain physical distancing.
- Stay home when you are sick.
Most of you are doing these behaviors, and all of us need to do them all the time, no fail, for UMD to begin in-person classes as planned. Our virus testing has found a low number of positive cases. Let’s keep it that way.
We have successfully commenced the fall semester, with instruction almost entirely online. You all have adapted well to the unique circumstances of this semester, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate these times together. On behalf of the entire campus, thank you.
Keep up the 4 Maryland healthy behaviors
This weekend, stick with the healthy behaviors while you enjoy a long weekend:
- Avoid traveling.
- Keep your circle of close contacts small.
- Avoid hosting or attending any parties or large gatherings beyond your close circle.
Our ability to resume in-person classes and activities on September 14 as scheduled rests on our ability to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Our collective behavior this weekend is critical. By next week, we will determine if the conditions are right to resume in-person classes. If necessary, we will change plans immediately.
To make this work — and avoid pivoting to virtual instruction — we ask that you continue to cooperate rigorously with our 4 Maryland healthy behaviors over the forthcoming three-day weekend. This will be the ultimate test of whether we can rise to the challenge and stay together this fall semester
Have a good weekend and stay healthy,
Darryll J. Pines
President, University of Maryland
He/Him/His
Patty Perillo
Vice President for Student Affairs
Sacared Bodison, MD
Interim Director, University Health Center