COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
You've got questions about life at The University of Baltimore this fall. We've got answers:
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Is a COVID-19 vaccination required to be on campus?
No. The University System of Maryland has ended the vaccine mandate. The University of Baltimore, along with the USM, continues to strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated and boosted, and UBalt continues to strongly encourage preventative testing as well as the use of KN95 masks when indoors, in smaller classrooms, offices, etc. Please remember that both KN95 masks and at-home test kits are available for free on campus.
For COVID questions or assistance, contact Stephen Mogar, case manager for student and employee health in UBalt's Office of Student Support and the Dean of Students, at smogar@ubalt.edu.
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Is there free COVID-19 testing and vaccination near the University?
Yes. Visit this page to find the most convenient to campus locations for testing and vaccination. In addition, free test kits are available through the federal government. Visit this site for more information.
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How should faculty prepare for teaching on campus this fall?
UBalt's COVID-19 Information for Faculty page has been updated for the fall 2022 semester. Check that page for details.
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I lost my vaccine card. What should I do?
If you misplace your COVID-19 vaccination card, contact your vaccination provider or visit your state's Immunization Information System. Maryland residents can visit the Maryland Department of Health's ImmuNet and click on the "For Public" link to retrieve a copy of their vaccination records.
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What happens if someone tests positive on campus?
Visit this page to learn what you should do if you test positive.
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Are visitors permitted to enter campus buildings?
Visitors may come to UBalt for events, meetings, etc. You are encouraged to wear a KN95 mask while inside UBalt facilities.
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Will campus buildings be open this fall?
All campus buildings will follow a regular schedule this fall. Building access and hours are subject to change based on the overall public health situation due to the pandemic.
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What improvements have been made to the HVAC systems in campus buildings in response to COVID-19? What about drinking fountains?
The Facilities Department engaged RMF Engineering to complete an assessment of the buildings that had limited occupancy when the campus was closed due to the pandemic. RMF reviewed the HVAC equipment and provided recommendations to improve the indoor air quality and reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 through the air.
These improvements included installing higher efficiency air filters, rebalancing the HVAC systems, modifying the HVAC automation systems, and cleaning diffusers and duct work. RMF also recommended that an ultraviolet light system be installed in the ductwork of the Business Center and RLB Library; these projects are underway and will be completed during the Fall 2022 semester.
Per the recommendation of the APPA for safe higher-education facilities reopening, we are locking the mouth spigots on campus drinking fountains.This is a means to deter the spread of COVID-19 through respiratory droplets which may be transmitted when a person is in close proximity to the spigot. Consequently, mouth spigots will be locked until further notice. However, the drinking water is safe, and those drinking fountains that have touch-free bottle fillers are available for use. -
How do I know if my class is offered online or in person?
Courses in the Merrick School of Business, the College of Public Affairs and the Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences are offered in a variety of formats, as indicated in our course schedule. The School of Law, as required by its accreditation, has scheduled its courses for on-campus learning. Students should look closely at what the schedule says about the format of the courses for which they registered. Assuming continued improvement in the public health situation, there should be a gradual increase in the number of in-person courses offered at the University.
The course schedule has notes to indicate how a course will be conducted, either in- person on campus (look for a room number and a day and meeting time); online ("web") using the Sakai learning management system only with no days or time meetings assigned; a combination of virtual meetings (generally via Zoom) that take place in real time ("synchronously") and that use Sakai for online learning not tied to a meeting time; or as a hybrid course that combines in-person and online learning (a room number will be given for the on campus days).
When a class meets on campus or meets together through a video application like Zoom at a given time, this is "synchronous" instruction. When a class uses videos, Sakai, and perhaps additional tools but does not meet together, either on campus or through live video, that is "asynchronous" instruction.
Contact your academic adviser if you have any questions about your schedule.
Remember: If you are enrolled in the Merrick School of Business, the College of Public Affairs or the Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences, you may borrow a laptop or webcam from the University. The School of Law requires its students to have appropriate technology to enroll, and that information is provided to students in advance.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@ubalt.edu if you have questions about using student financial assistance to purchase technology.
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I'm enrolled but I need some technology support. What should I do?
If you are enrolled in the Merrick School of Business, the College of Public Affairs or the Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences, you may borrow a laptop or webcam from the University. The School of Law requires its students to have appropriate technology to enroll, and that information is provided to students in advance.
Check with the Office of Financial Aid if you have questions about using student financial assistance to purchase technology.
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When will campus offices be open this fall?
Offices are open on varying schedules and offering online appointments. Check the buildings/services schedule before traveling to campus.
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What are the rules for serving an internship? What about traveling for my education, such as the Global Field Studies program?
UBalt will continue to honor internships, both off-campus and in-person, as long as the site demonstrates that it follows public health recommendations.
Details on Fall 2022 global field studies opportunity will be announced soon.
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Will employees still be able to telework?
As more on-campus operations return, employees will need to return to working on campus. The degree to which an employee may continue to telework will depend on the work performed and the needs of the office. Supervisors and department heads will work with staff to determine appropriate work schedules, including on-campus work and telework.