Communications

The Maryland General Assembly concluded its 442nd legislative session earlier this week, marking the end of a session unlike any other. We are grateful to Governor Hogan, the General Assembly and staff for their dedication to make this a productive legislative session addressing important issues regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, police reform, as well as K-12, higher education, and more.

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 ...

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 ...

Last week, the deadly attack in Atlanta only emphasized the surge in anti-Asian sentiment that has plagued our country. I stand in solidarity with members of the Asian and Asian American community and condemn these senseless acts of hate and violence. We must unite to fight against this hate.

Since the beginning of the pandemic there has been a surge in anti-Asian sentiment in the U.S. The university offers messages of support and solidarity to the UMD community and beyond.

With renewed hope on the horizon after a year of uncertainty for many, we are pleased to announce that more students than ever see their potential future at the University of Maryland. The university is on the cusp of receiving a record-breaking achievement of 50,000 applications for admission this year, and we are proud that this number also includes record-high applications from Black and Latinx students. This is a significant step forward in our efforts to increase the diversity of our student body.