Finding Strength in Gratitude

As the calendar turns to November, bringing with it shorter days and the start of the holiday season, it’s a natural time to pause and reflect. 

In a year marked by continued change and complex challenges, it is often the simple act of recognizing what we appreciate that provides the necessary anchor and perspective. We want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude to you, the dedicated staff of our university. Your resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to our students and our mission are the foundational strength of this institution.

We are grateful for the ways you have all navigated the shifts in our workplace, often going above and beyond to ensure essential functions continue seamlessly. We are also grateful for the opportunity we have in the Staff Senate to represent your interests and amplify your voices in the shared governance of the university. Every meeting, every discussion, and every collaboration we participate in is driven by the goal of supporting your vital work.

As we move toward the winter holidays, we encourage everyone to practice self-care and take time to connect with friends, family, and colleagues. By pausing to acknowledge the good around us, we build the resilience necessary to face future challenges together.

Thank you once again for everything you do. Wishing you a restorative and grateful season.

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 Campus Cleanup Recap

At the October 1st Campus Cleanup,16 volunteers collected 35.46 pounds of trash, making our campus cleaner and greener. These efforts help create a healthier environment for all of us.
 

UMB Employee Pantry: A Temporary Support Resource in Response to Federal Shutdown

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.

Click here to learn more.

Nov. 27-28: Thanksgiving Garage Hour

The following openings and closures are in effect for Nov. 27 and 28:

GARAGES AND LOTS

Baltimore Grand, Plaza, Pratt Street, and Lexington Street Garages: Open for business as usual

Pearl, Penn Street, and Saratoga Street Garages: Closed Nov. 27-28

BioPark Garage: Open for cardholders

Click here to learn more.

Dec. 2-4: Launch Your Life Chair Massages

Take 10 for You!

Feeling tense or need a quick reset? Treat yourself to a 10-minute chair massage — a simple way to recharge and support your well-being.

Spots are limited, so sign up today and give yourself a well-deserved break!
Location: SMC Campus Center, Green Room 115

Dates and Times:

• Dec. 2: noon-3 p.m.
• Dec. 3: 1-3:30 p.m.
• Dec. 4: 3-5 p.m.

Sign up here. 

University System of Maryland Offers ‘Invest in Yourself’ Workshop Series

In this two-part workshop presented by MetLife, will provide you with a road map to help navigate your financial planning process, rather than concentrating on products, transactions, or a single goal. By attending this series, you will learn how to:

• Create a budget
• Determine your appropriate housing costs
• Construct a portfolio
• Manage risk and understand insurance options

Session 1: Financial Planning Basics and Portfolio Construction Process

Date: Dec. 2, 2025

Time: 11 a.m.-noon EST

Location: Virtual Workshop. Log-in instructions will follow once registered.

Session 2: Protection and Risk Management

Date: Dec. 9, 2025

Time: 11 a.m.-noon EST

Location: Virtual Workshop. Log-in instructions will follow once registered.

Register here.

UMB Holiday Craft Fair on Dec. 3

Celebrate the season at one of UMB’s favorite traditions! The Holiday Craft Fair features a festive mix of returning and new vendors offering handmade gifts and crafts. It’s a great opportunity to support local artisans and enjoy the holiday spirit with the campus community.

For questions, please Contact University Events at UMBPresident@umaryland.edu or 410-706-8035.

Read about the 2024 UMB Holiday Craft Fair.

The Maryland Charity Campaign

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) has a long and generous history of participating in the Maryland Charity Campaign, a workplace giving program that encourages state employees to make charitable donations in support of the causes they care about. 

To view a list of participating charities and pledge your support through the MCC, please visit mcc.maryland.gov.
 

What’s something you’ve accomplished on the Staff Senate during your time as a Senator?
One of my goals as a new staff senator is to ensure that ALL staff at UMB feel as though they belong and play an important role at the university. As a frontline fundraiser, I spend a lot of my time at work sharing news about all the interesting and impressive things that we are doing here at UMB with alumni, donors, and friends of the university. It’s my hope that our internal staff are aware and proud of all the great things we are doing as well!