A Note from the Staff Senate Vice President

Dear Fellow UMB Staff,

I hope this message finds you well. It is my privilege as Vice President of the Staff Senate to greet you. In my first term, connecting with our diverse community has been nothing short of inspiring. Whether relishing the renewed spirit at Lexington Market, pausing for a moment at Starbucks, or appreciating the vibrant artistry along Pearl Street, these encounters solidify the pride I feel in representing our collective voice.

In alignment with President Aaron Graham's recent address, I echo the sentiments of unity and shared purpose. Our collaborative endeavors are cultivating a positive transformation throughout the campus.

Your ongoing support is the backbone of our shared progress. As we navigate the fall season together, let's continue to inspire and uplift one another, embodying the strength of our collective spirit. We look forward to seeing each of you on campus and at events. 

Sincerely,

Shawnta Privette MSL
UMB Staff Senate Vice President

Campus Cleanup Recap

On Wednesday, October 11th, 34 volunteers spent a combined nearly 40 hours of volunteering to pick up litter on UMB's campus in an effort to #KeepUMBBeautiful. Volunteers ended up collecting 127.33 pounds of litter from our campus.

Thank you to those who participated, and we hope to see you in the spring at another cleanup event!

Board of Regents Awards

The University System of Maryland Board of Regents’ Staff Awards represent the highest honor bestowed by the Board of Regentsfor achievements of exempt and nonexempt staff employees from institutions within the University System of Maryland. The categories are:

• Exceptional Contribution to the Institution
• Outstanding Service to Students
• Extraordinary Public Service
• Effectiveness and Efficiency
• Inclusion, Multiculturalism, and Social Justice

Support Our Neighbors: Donate Essential Supplies and Clothing

The Eutaw Resource Center serves our local community and is situated near Lexington Market and the UMB campus. We are reaching out to request contributions in the form of supplies and clothing. Your generous donations will play a crucial role in enhancing the lives of our neighbors.

Items needed include:

• Clothing 
• Personal hygiene products (toothpaste, deodorant, tampons, etc.)
• Shelf stable food
• Backpacks                                                                                        

Open Enrollment: Oct. 16 - Nov. 9

This year, Open Enrollment will happen from October 16 through November 9 at 5 p.m. During Open Enrollment you can enroll in benefits for the first time, add or change plans, add or drop eligible dependents, and enroll or re-enroll in flexible spending accounts (FSA) for benefit elections that take effect on January 1, 2024.

Information to use now:

• NEW! Domestic Partner eligibility. See the Guide to your Health Benefits.
• NEW! Return of On-Site Health Benefit Fairs! There are 10 regional fairs scheduled in a location near you; see the On-Site Health Fair Schedule.
• COMING SOON - Virtual Benefit Fairs! 60+ virtual sessions scheduled throughout the Open Enrollment season; the full schedule will post soon to dbm.maryland.gov/benefits.
• mymdbenefits.com is available 24/7 for all things health benefits!
• Healthcare FSA increase to $3,050

UMB Faculty Convocation 2023

September 18th was a beautiful, sunny day to gather together both faculty and staff for the Faculty Convocation to kick off the 2023-2024 academic year.

The title of Distinguished University Professor was bestowed upon eight UMB faculty members. There were also several excellent speakers who covered different topics that all shared the same common thread of values: bringing change and improving the human condition through community engagement and kindness, one step at a time. Staff members, in addition to the faculty, enjoyed some laughs and gained valuable insights from each one.

We encourage you to take some time to listen to the speeches using this link.