Spotlight on UMB’s Talent (and Spirit!)

It’s not every day you get to see both your colleagues and students perform a cultural dance, sing Paramore, or play Bach on the mandolin. But last week’s UMB’s Got Talent reminded us just how much creativity, humor, and heart lives across our campus.

From soulful songs and original spoken word to acrylic paintings, handcrafted art, and detailed illustrations, the evening was a vibrant showcase of the talents that make UMB such a special place to work and learn. With faculty, staff, and student performers representing nearly every school and unit on campus, the event captured the essence of “Seven Schools, One University.”

👏 A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support the show, and especially to our incredible performers and artists! Special recognition goes to this year’s winners:

April 21: Deadline to Self-Nominate for UMB Staff Senate

Don’t miss your chance to throw your hat in the ring! If you’re passionate about improving the staff experience at UMB, consider running for Staff Senate. Senators serve as a vital link between staff and university leadership — helping elevate concerns, offer feedback, and shape a better UMB for all.

Learn more and nominate yourself at:
www.umaryland.edu/ssenate/staff-senate-elections/

Core Values Champion: Accepting Submissions

At UMB, we are committed to upholding our Core Values, and we recognize that the actions of our employees are what bring these values to life. The Core Values Champions initiative celebrates staff members who exemplify our shared commitment to Respect and Integrity, Well-Being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

We invite you to join in recognizing a colleague who embodies these values by visiting our Core Values Champions page.

Employee Support Programs and Resources in Uncertain Times 

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is dedicated to supporting employees through various programs designed to enhance well-being, resilience, and professional growth. 

Click here to learn more about the resources available to you as UMB employees, including the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Launch Your Life, State Wellness and Mental Health Resources, and Percipio e-Learning Platform.

April 21: 2025 Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon

"Refill, Restore, and Replenish"

As a reminder to those that registered, the University of Maryland, Baltimore's Professional Administratives Committed to Excellence (UMBPACE) is hosting an Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon!

SPEAKER: JP Pierre, MSc, SPHR, PMP, director, Office of Health Strategy and Engagement, University of Maryland School of Medicine

April 21, 2025, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
SMC Campus Center – Elm Rooms A and B

If you are attending, please consider bringing items to donate to the UMB Student Pantry.

April 22: ‘An Integrative Approach to Managing Pain: A Webinar’

Discover proven, drug-free pain management strategies.Join an engaging webinar at noon April 22, where Kelli Bethel, DPT, PT, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, faculty member in the UMB Integrative Health and Wellness online certificate program, will introduce evidence-based, nonpharmacologic approaches to pain management that are safe, effective, and easy to incorporate into daily life.

Click here to learn more and RSVP.

Celebrate Earth Month This April

The UMB Office of Sustainability invites all members of the UMB community to celebrate Earth Day, held annually April 22, by participating in sustainability events and initiatives throughout the month of April.

Check out the Earth Month 2025 webpage, which has everything you need to know for Earth Month. We look forward to seeing you in April! 

April Is Financial Literacy Month: Register for Retirement and Financial Webinars

Maryland Supplemental Retirement Plans (MSRP) is excited to present live webinars on topics such as the state pension, health care benefits, Social Security, and more!

All MSRP webinars are about 45 minutes long. Any employee can attend an MSRP webinar, regardless of their retirement plan.

Click here to register for the live webinars.

Join the Core Values Conversation: Equity and Justice Question 7

Question 7: Community engagement, joining together with those within and outside of your community to address systemic injustices, is one way of working toward justice. What is one way you will build community this week?
Responses will be posted to the core values webpage by the end of April.
Join the conversation here.

New and Improved UMB Carpool Program

Parking and Transportation Services will be launching a new and improved Carpool Program. 

To learn more about the program, please join us at our tabling event on Monday, April 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the SMC Campus Center.
 

What’s something you’ve accomplished on the Staff Senate during your time as a Senator?
As a newly elected Senator, I had planned to primarily observe and learn. However, I was nominated for an Executive Board position as the inaugural Operations Officer (a role for new senators). Before this, I had served on the University Life committee and then transitioned to the Council for University System Staff (CUSS) committee. I also contributed to the Staff Senate Retreat committee. I am excited about taking on the leadership role on the Elections committee.