A Note from the Staff Senate Equity & Action Officer

Dear UMB Staff,

I hope that you have welcomed 2024 in great health and cheerful spirits. The new year is often a time for us to reflect on our futures and goals, and the habits that we need to create to make them happen.

As your Staff Senate Equity and Action Officer, my 2024 goal is to remain committed to our core values - most specifically Equity and Justice. UMB staff represent diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences that help move the mission of the University forward. I strongly encourage you to join me this year in seeking opportunities to advance our core value of Equity and Justice as we promote inclusion and community at UMB.

Sincerely,

Nia Speaks
UMB Staff Senate Equity & Action Officer

Fall 2023 Community Outreach Recap

Thank you for your donations to Staff Senate Community Outreach initiatives in 2023. With your help, we raised $19,945 in Fall 2023 for our various programming, including the Back to School Drive, Thanksgiving Drive, and Christmas Store. Thank you for your continued support as we live our core values and support our West Baltimore neighbors.

To read more about our most recent initiative, the annual Christmas Store, visit this link.

Perform At, Share Your Art, or Attend UMB's Got Talent

Tuesday, February 13, 4 p.m.
Leadership Hall, MSTF

Event Highlights:

• Crafted Creations pop-up art gallery for non-performing artists
• In-person and virtual audiences will vote for the winners; in-person guests get 2 votes
• 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place prizes will be awarded for live performances and Crafted Creations gallery exhibits
• Light refreshments will be served after the show

To perform or share your art, fill out this interest form.

To register to attend, visit this link.

This event is organized by the Staff Senate in partnership with the Faculty Senate, University Student Government Association, and Council for the Arts & Culture.

Active Assailant Preparedness Training Available

Be prepared in the unlikely event of an active assailant. Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events and Active Assailant Preparedness training are available online and in-person. A UMB log-in is required for online training.

Visit umaryland.edu/assailantprep for more information about Active Assailant Preparedness at UMB.

Register for the 2024 MLK and Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 6

UMB will hold its Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month 2024 celebration on Feb. 6, noon to 1:30 p.m., at MSTF Leadership Hall, with a reception/light lunch to follow in the atrium outside the auditorium.

The keynote speaker will be Fatima Goss Graves, JD, a nationally recognized leader in the fight for gender justice and an expert in law, policy, and culture change. 

Register to attend using this link.

Transportation Listening Sessions

The Transportation Working Group is seeking feedback from students, faculty, and staff on how we can improve our amenities to better serve the UMB community. We want to hear about your experiences traveling to, from, and around campus and how we can improve your commute.

In-Person Listening Sessions on Tuesday, Feb. 13 
Session I: 10 to 11:30 a.m. | Session II: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Elm Ballrooms, SMC Campus Center

Virtual Listening Session: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 10:30 a.m. to noon

Register to attend using this link.

Recruiting Volunteers for Workplace Mediation Service

Workplace Mediation Service (WMS) supports UMB employees in having a different type of conversation to address conflicts and plan for a better future. WMS is recruiting volunteers to expand its roster of mediators who facilitate those conversations; visit the WMS website to learn more.

Listening is one of the biggest keys to effective communication. Discovery Chats are informal conversations where you can learn as much or more than you share.

Register using this link. Sessions are virtual and will be offered on the following dates:

• Jan. 22, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
• Jan. 24, 3 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Feb. 5, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
• Feb. 5, 3 p.m.-4 p.m.