A Season of Reflection and Renewal

As the academic year winds down, December brings a critical moment of both intense focus and necessary renewal.

To every member of the UMB staff, we want to pause and recognize the incredible energy you’ve expended this semester. Whether you were guiding students through finals, supporting your colleagues, or balancing the demands of work with your own family and personal life, you carried a heavy, essential load.

The greatest gift we can give ourselves and the university is a full recharge. As you step away for a well-deserved break, we encourage you to truly prioritize rest. You are the resilient foundation upon which our students and campus community stand, and your well-being is paramount.

Thank you for your tireless dedication. We look forward to an inspiring and revitalized Spring semester together.

If you ever want to connect — to share a concern, ask a question, or just say hello — our anonymous feedback form is always open.

UMB Employee Recognition Awards: Accepting Nominations

It's that time of year to recognize employee excellence! Take a moment to recognize yourself or a colleague for significant contributions.

Nominations and applications for the UMB Recognition Awards are being accepted until Jan. 31, 2026.

UMB Employee Pantry: A Temporary Support Resource

In response to the U.S. federal government shutdown, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) has launched the UMB Employee Pantry, a temporary resource to help employees access shelf-stable snacks and groceries during this period of uncertainty. 

Employees can place pantry orders through a secure online platform. When your order is ready, you will receive instructions to pick up your order from the SMC Campus Center. The pantry offers a selection of halal, kosher, vegan, vegetarian, and other shelf-stable options while supplies last.

Request Items via the Online Platform here.

• The UMB Employee Pantry will be closed starting Wednesday, Dec. 24, and will reopen Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
• The SMC Campus Center is closed Wednesday, Dec. 24, through Sunday, Jan. 4, so the last day to pick up your order before the new year is Tuesday, Dec. 23.

Click here to learn more.

Help UMB Conserve Energy During the Holidays

As the holiday break approaches, now is the perfect time for students, staff, and faculty to learn simple steps they can take to conserve energy on campus before leaving. Small actions can make a big difference to keep our campus safe and energy-efficient over the winter break.

Before leaving campus, remember to:

• Unplug devices and chargers, which can draw power even when not in use
• Turn off lights in classrooms, offices, labs, and common areas
• Close windows and doors to prevent heat loss
• Adjust thermostats (where possible) to energy-saving settings wherever possible
• Set computers, printers, and other equipment to sleep mode

Every effort counts. By taking a few mindful steps before heading out for the break, we can all contribute to a more sustainable and energy-conscious UMB. Let’s work together to keep our campus green this holiday season. 

Annual Thanksgiving Drive Makes the Season Brighter in West Baltimore

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) and the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) embodied the spirit of giving this Thanksgiving, distributing more than 1,600 turkeys to families across West Baltimore on Nov. 25. The annual effort, organized by UMB’s Staff Senate, the UMB Office of Community and Civic Engagement (OCCE), UMB Police and Public Safety, UMMC, and WJZ-TV, reflects the institutions’ ongoing commitment to supporting their neighbors and strengthening community well-being. 
 

Read the full story and watch the video recap here.