Communications

I am pleased to announce that Spring 2021 commencement exercises will be conducted in person at Maryland Stadium, and live-streamed at commencement.umd.edu. In collaboration with Prince George’s County, we have developed plans to create a ceremony on campus that prioritizes safety as we celebrate the academic success of our graduates. 

I am thrilled that Governor Hogan announced yesterday that beginning today, April 6, all Marylanders 16 and older are eligible to get vaccinated at mass vaccination sites. In addition, by next Monday, April 12, all Marylanders 16 and older will be eligible to schedule appointments and get vaccinated through all providers.

From the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Maryland has prioritized the health and safety of our faculty, staff and students. We have taken a cautious, data-driven approach, reacting quickly to outbreaks, and working closely with state and county health officials. And importantly, we have ensured that our actions have been timely and transparent. Our low positivity rate, coupled with strong compliance with university and county guidelines, gives us confidence to proceed with a measured resumption of on-campus activities.

Dear campus community, From the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Maryland has prioritized the health and safety of our faculty, staff and students. We have taken a cautious, data-driven approach, reacting quickly to outbreaks, and working closely with state and county health officials. And importantly, we have ensured that our actions have been timely and transparent.

Last year, the university granted employees administrative leave to observe Juneteenth. This day of celebration and reflection commemorates the end of slavery in the United States—two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. To continue this important tradition, University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay A. Perman has announced that Juneteenth will be designated as a holiday across USM institutions.

Dear Colleagues, As many of our employees took on extra responsibilities to care for loved ones this past year, providing our faculty, staff and graduate assistants with additional options for family support, child care and eldercare services became a priority. We thank you for continuing the great work you do for our university while taking on these extra responsibilities. We are proud of our values and reputation as a family-friendly community, and want to continue to build on and enhance the benefits of being part of the University of Maryland community.