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Staff Senate Source June 2026

Amanda Barnes - Thursday, July 9
 Staff Senate Source 

June 2026

blanket flowers

Looking Forward: Summer and Beyond

As we transition into the summer months, we invite staff to take a moment to reflect on the impact of their work, celebrate accomplishments from the past year, and make time for rest and renewal. Together, we continue to strengthen our campus community through our dedication, resilience, and support of one another. The success of our institution depends on the dedication, professionalism, and care that staff bring to their roles each day. Whether you work directly with students, support faculty, manage operations, or provide essential behind-the-scenes services, your contributions make a lasting difference.

We are proud to serve as a voice for staff and to advocate for initiatives that strengthen our campus community. As summer begins, we encourage everyone to take time to recharge, focus on personal well-being, and enjoy the season's opportunities for rest and renewal.

Staff Senate remains committed to listening, engaging, and supporting our colleagues across campus. We look forward to continuing our efforts to foster communication, recognition, and collaboration throughout the coming year. Thank you for all that you do to make our institution a welcoming, supportive, and successful place to learn and work. We wish you a safe, enjoyable, and restorative summer.

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

Your Staff Senate Executive Committee
Fiama Romero, Tom Hockensmith, Aaron Graham, Amanda Barnes, Briana Clark, Kelly Sikorski, & Michael Penney

News from Across Campus

cuss logo with title of awards

Nominations Open for 2026 Board of Regents Staff Awards

The UMB Board of Regents Staff Awards Committee, a Council of University System Staff (CUSS) initiative, is seeking nominations for the 2026 Board of Regents Staff Awards. Eligible employees are encouraged to self-nominate or nominate colleagues who exemplify excellence in performance, outstanding service, teamwork, contributions to students and the community, effectiveness and efficiency, and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Award recipients receive a $2,000 stipend in recognition of their achievements.

Applications are open, and the nomination deadline is Aug. 14, 2026.

Please consider recognizing the exceptional staff members who make a difference across our campus community.

ticketsatwork logo

June HotDeals from TicketsatWork

Celebrate summer with special savings on travel, wellness, and thoughtful gifts for Father’s Day and graduates.

Visit TicketsatWork.com and use company code UMARYLAND to start saving and get rewarded!

Highlighted offers include:

Apple: Exclusive employee savings on select products
Discount Flight Reservations: Save up to 20 percent on flights
Rental Car Deals: Save up to 25 percent on rental cars
And many more!!

a calendar

UMB Will Observe July 6 as One-Time Holiday for Faculty and Staff

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) has announced that it will observe Monday, July 6, 2026, as a one-time holiday for faculty and staff, in recognition of the continued efforts and contributions of the UMB community.

This one-time holiday will not carry forward in future years.

View the UMB Holiday Schedule for 2026. 

 
AI at UMB

AI at UMB: Your Hub for Responsible, Practical AI


Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how we teach, learn, research, and work, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is taking an intentional approach to help our community use AI safely, ethically, and effectively. The AI at UMB webpage, maintained by the Center for Information Technology Services (CITS), serves as a central starting point for UMB faculty, staff, and students who want to explore approved tools, learn the basics, and understand UMB’s expectations for responsible AI use.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to adopt AI in a new project, the AI at UMB webpage helps you move forward with confidence — using tools and practices that support innovation while protecting our community and institutional data. Visit the page to explore what’s available, review key guidance, and check back regularly as UMB’s AI resources continue to grow.

Employee Recognition

Help us recognize the extraordinary efforts of our colleagues by submitting a nomination for UMB Employee of the Month or EVS Employee of the Month. These awards celebrate team members who go above and beyond in their work and embody the spirit of excellence in our community.

UMB Staff Senator Spotlight

Spotlight shining on employee Antoinette Shannon, MBA, Administrative Analyst

What’s something you’ve accomplished on the Staff Senate during your time as a Senator?
During my first year serving on the Staff Senate, I’ve had the privilege of representing UMB on the Council of University System Staff (CUSS), which has been an incredibly rewarding experience. This opportunity has allowed me to connect and collaborate with staff members across the University System of Maryland (USM).

Through these interactions, I’ve engaged in meaningful conversations about shared challenges, innovative ideas, and ways to enhance the overall staff experience. Being part of a group of professionals who are equally passionate about advocacy, collaboration, and positive change has been both inspiring and motivating. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent UMB and contribute to conversations that support and empower staff across the system.

What’s a fun vacation that you’ve taken or would like to take?
One of the most unforgettable vacations I’ve taken was a birthday trip to South Africa with a group of friends. It was truly the trip of a lifetime. During our journey, we explored Cape Town, eSwatini, Johannesburg, and the breathtaking Victoria Falls. Each destination had its own unique beauty, culture, and energy, and I enjoyed every moment of the experience.

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting Kruger National Park. Experiencing a safari up close and seeing wildlife in their natural habitat was amazing. We even stayed overnight at a hotel located inside the park, which made the experience feel even more immersive and unforgettable.

The trip was filled with adventure, laughter, and lifelong memories, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a truly extraordinary travel experience.

What’s your most prized possession and why?
My most prized possessions are my children and grandchild. They are the greatest blessings in my life and the true source of my joy. Watching them grow, learn, and become their own unique individuals fills me with immense pride and gratitude.

Being a parent and grandparent are roles I cherish deeply. They remind me every day of what truly matters, and I’m honored to be their foundation, support system, and biggest cheerleader.

What’s the theme song to your life?  
The theme song to my life is Living My Life Like It’s Golden by Jill Scott. That song reflects my spirit and how I choose to approach life each day. I strive to live with joy, gratitude, and purpose, recognizing that every day is a gift.

To me, living “like it’s golden” means embracing growth, protecting my peace, loving deeply, and finding happiness in both the big moments and the quiet ones. It’s about being authentic, appreciating life fully, and carrying positive energy into everything I do.

 

See You Soon!

Our next meeting is Thursday, June 4th, from noon to 2 p.m.
All UMB staff members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Staff Senate retreat senator photo spring 2026
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