The following message was sent to the University of Baltimore community by President Kurt L. Schmoke on March 20, 2020.
Dear UB Community:
The world we are living in is quite different from what it was just a few months ago. We are faced with making complex decisions daily to keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe, and it's becoming increasingly clear that this is not a time to conduct business as usual. This is the time for us all to come together as a community to find new solutions and to support one another. Supporting our students is of utmost importance to all of us at UB. And this is a role we take very seriously. Our faculty and staff remain committed to providing our students with the academic, personal, and resource support they need to complete the spring semester. I'd like to update you on how the University of Baltimore is adapting to these challenges, maintaining operations, and helping our community stay safe, connected, and productive.
As challenging as that may be, we pledge to keep our promise of providing students with quality learning opportunities. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and University System of Maryland Chancellor Dr. Jay A. Perman have announced significant steps being taken for the State of Maryland and its public universities, respectively. I share their commitment to mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 virus and limiting exposure within our community and campus facilities. UB has fully adopted these recommended measures and has taken the following important steps to continue operations as effectively as possible during this pandemic. Specifically, UB is:
- Transitioning to remote education for students beginning now through the end of the Spring semester.
- Cancelling/postponing campus, alumni, and community events through the end of the Spring semester. Sadly, this includes the postponement of our commencement ceremonies, which will be re-scheduled for a later date.
- Requiring all non-essential employees to telework, including student employees.
- Limiting public access to University buildings beginning March 23rd. Please visit www.ubalt.edu for live updates on how UB continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, this is typically a time when UB reaches out to our community asking for financial support for our students. We recognize many are impacted by COVID-19, directly and indirectly. When you receive a letter, call, or email from UB asking for your support, please know it is because our students rely on your generosity for many things like tuition assistance, books and materials, and supplemental learning opportunities. We are grateful if you can help, but if this is not the right time for you, please know I appreciate your consideration and hope you will support UB students in the future. I am keeping you in my thoughts during this difficult and uncertain time.
Kurt L. Schmoke
President, University of Baltimore