Harvesting Our Connections: The Power of Collaboration

As the academic year hits its stride and the leaves begin to change, our work as a Staff Senate naturally shifts from initial planning to actively engaging with the campus community. Following last month’s focus on "growing forward" and navigating change, October is the time to concentrate on "Harvesting Our Connections."

A successful harvest isn't just about what you plant, it's about the support system that helps it flourish. Similarly, the work we do to advocate for staff is most impactful when we strengthen our relationships across campus.

Our Staff Senate is a network, and by nurturing those internal and external connections, we strive to ensure that staff voices are heard and have the support needed to drive meaningful progress. Let's make this a month of productive engagement that allows us to reap the benefits of a truly connected community.

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

Oct. 20-24: Register for Wills (And More) Week 2025 Featuring Free Daily Live Webinars

Estate planning involves much more than just creating a will. This free webinar series, offered during National Estate Planning Awareness Week, provides five hour-long sessions covering key topics like wealth building, legal documents, family dynamics, charitable giving, and serving as an estate representative. Open to the University System of Maryland community, the sessions run Oct. 20–24 from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom, with recordings available to all registrants.

To register, please visit www.usmf.org/willsweekconference.

Oct. 23: In-Person Benefits Fair

Join the Benefits Fair on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the SMC Campus Center, Elm Ballrooms A and B. Attendees can enjoy free smoothies, health screenings, raffle prizes, and connect with vendors from the State of Maryland and University System of Maryland to learn more about available benefits.

Click here to learn more..

Founders Week 2025: Visit UMB’s Historical Treasures on Oct. 21

As part of the University of Maryland, Baltimore's (UMB) Founders Week 2025 celebration, students, staff, and faculty are invited to visit five historical sites on campus Oct. 21 between noon and 2 p.m. 

Click here to learn more.

Register to Attend Town Halls on Revitalized Shuttle

After receiving feedback from students about the revitalized UMB shuttle program, the University will hold three town halls to gain more insight from the UMB community on proposed changes to the service coming in August 2026. 

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to join an upcoming Shuttle Town Hall to receive information, share ideas, ask questions, and help shape a service that best meets the needs of the University community. 

Options for both virtual and in-person participation are offered.

Click here to register.

Mary Beth Nibley Wins University System of Maryland Board of Regents Staff Award

Mary Beth Nibley, MBA, MA, director of development research and prospect management in the Office of Philanthropy at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), has been recognized with a University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents Staff Award.

The awards are the highest honor presented by the board to exemplary staff members across USM and come with a $2,000 prize. Nibley, who leads the Office of Philanthropy’s Research and Prospect Management team, was awarded in the Effectiveness and Efficiency category.

Read about all the USM Staff Award winners.

Oct. 30: Register for UMB Budget Town Hall to Discuss Fiscal Year 2026 and 2027

The University of Maryland, Baltimore will hold its second Budget Town Hall on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the School of Nursing Auditorium, Room 130.

Participants will include President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS; Dawn Rhodes, DBA, chief business and finance officer and senior vice president; and Scott Bitner, MBA, CPA, deputy chief financial officer and vice president for finance and auxiliary services.

The focus of the presentation will be an overview of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and a discussion of anticipated challenges for Fiscal Year 2027. The event is part of UMB’s commitment to transparency and will be offered both in person and virtually. Registration is required to attend the hybrid session, and a recording will be available afterward for those unable to join live.

Please register here. 

Registration Open for Sound Healing on Nov. 11

The UMB Council for the Arts & Culture invites faculty, staff, and students to experience “Art of Sound Healing,” a wellness series designed to promote relaxation, creativity, and emotional clarity through sound, breathwork, and reflection.

These one-hour sessions feature live sound healing with crystal bowls, chimes, gong, and voice, led by certified facilitator Tong Liu. No prior experience is needed, and the sessions are open to all, with 25 spots available on a first-come, first-served basis. The program supports UMB’s mission to foster wellness, creative expression, and community connection.

Register here. 

Support the UMB Staff Senate’s Annual Thanksgiving Drive

This year, the UMB Staff Senate’s Community Outreach Committee and the UMB Office of Community and Civic Engagement are coordinating their annual Thanksgiving Drive in partnership with the University of Maryland Medical Center and WJZ-TV.

The goal this year is to secure funding for 300 turkeys ($7,500) by Nov. 24. 

Every $25 contributed will provide a family of four with one frozen turkey (12-16 pounds) to families connected to the Community Engagement Center, Hollins House, Poppleton Place, Vintage Gardens, James McHenry Elementary/Middle School, Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy, and Samuel Coleridge Taylor Elementary/Middle School.

To donate to this year's Thanksgiving Drive, please click here.

Save the Date: 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.

What’s something you’ve accomplished on the Staff Senate during your time as a Senator?
As a new senator, I’d like to be a voice on campus that helps build stronger connections among staff, students, faculty, and the surrounding UMB community. My goal is to help strengthen UMB’s community presence and continue bridging relationships that support both the campus and those we serve.