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Stay Safe from COVID-19 this Labor Day Weekend


September 03, 2020

Dear Terrapins, 

 
We write to you today to thank you and encourage you to keep up your healthy behaviors.
 
First, the thanks. 
Thank you for following the 4 Maryland healthy behaviors:
  • Wear a mask.
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Maintain physical distancing.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
 
Most of you are doing these behaviors, and all of us need to do them all the time, no fail, for UMD to begin in-person classes as planned. Our virus testing has found a low number of positive cases. Let’s keep it that way. 
 
We have successfully commenced the fall semester, with instruction almost entirely online. You all have adapted well to the unique circumstances of this semester, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate these times together. On behalf of the entire campus, thank you.
 
Keep up the 4 Maryland healthy behaviors  
This weekend, stick with the healthy behaviors while you enjoy a long weekend: 
  • Avoid traveling. 
  • Keep your circle of close contacts small. 
  • Avoid hosting or attending any parties or large gatherings beyond your close circle. 
 
Our ability to resume in-person classes and activities on September 14 as scheduled rests on our ability to slow the spread of COVID-19. 
 
Our collective behavior this weekend is critical. By next week, we will determine if the conditions are right to resume in-person classes. If necessary, we will change plans immediately.
 
To make this work — and avoid pivoting to virtual instruction — we ask that you continue to cooperate rigorously with our 4 Maryland healthy behaviors over the forthcoming three-day weekend. This will be the ultimate test of whether we can rise to the challenge and stay together this fall semester
 
Have a good weekend and stay healthy,
 
Darryll J. Pines
Darryll J. Pines
President, University of Maryland
He/Him/His
 
Patty Perillo Signature
Patty Perillo
Vice President for Student Affairs
 
Sacared Bodison Signature
Sacared Bodison, MD
Interim Director, University Health Center
 
 

About

The University of Maryland, College Park is the state's flagship university and one of the nation's preeminent public research universities. A global leader in research, entrepreneurship and innovation, the university is home to more than 40,700 students, 14,000 faculty and staff, and nearly 400,000 alumni all dedicated to the pursuit of Fearless Ideas. Located just outside Washington, D.C., we discover and share new knowledge every day through our renowned research enterprise and programs in academics, the arts and athletics. And we are committed to social entrepreneurship as the nation’s first “Do Good” campus.

DO GOOD 

Introducing The Nation's First Do Good Campus Transforming Idealism into Impact 

Academics

Spanning 12 schools and colleges, Maryland offers more than 300 degree-granting programs, many of them ranked among the best in the country. Our faculty includes two Nobel laureates, three Pulitzer Prize winners, 58 members of the national academies and scores of Fulbright scholars. And our students, who include the highest achievers in the state and nation, enjoy experiences unique to our location just outside the nation’s capital, including internships, research, and leadership and service opportunities.

Research and Innovation

The University of Maryland is one of the world’s premier research institutions. With our strategic location and scores of partnerships with government and businesses, UMD conducts groundbreaking research on some of the biggest challenges facing our global community, including cybersecurity and terrorism, bioengineering, public health equity, food safety and climate change. We strive to discover new knowledge and put it to work through innovation and entrepreneurship, advancing economic development and transforming lives. 


The newly launched Innovation Gateway will guide you to the resources, programs, partners, and spaces you need to activate and scale your fearless ideas into innovations that launch new ventures, catalyze growth, and advance economic development.

Arts

At the University of Maryland, the arts, the humanities and the sciences intersect to address important societal issues and shed new light on the human experience. Our vibrant campus arts community collaborates with local and national cultural organizations such as the Phillips Collection, Kennedy Center and Folger Shakespeare Library. Student and faculty artists, designers, historians, writers and performers are exploring new media, presenting new perspectives, investigating new techniques and engaging new audiences.

Athletics

Home of the Terrapins, the University of Maryland has one of the nation’s most recognizable and successful athletics programs. More than 550 student-athletes compete each year in 20 intercollegiate sports—12 for women and eight for men. Since 2005 alone, Maryland has won 19 national championships, including NCAA titles in women’s basketball, men’s soccer, men's lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, and field hockey. Since joining the Big Ten Conference in 2014, UMD has won a combined 32 regular season and tournament championships. Fear the Turtle!

Student Life

The Terp experience extends beyond classrooms, labs and studios. It encompasses residence halls and dining halls, clubs and sports, fraternities and sororities, campus events and performances, and countless off-campus destinations. Maryland touts 800-plus student organizations, dozens of prestigious living and learning communities, and countless other ways to get involved. Students here can create a unique identity and grow as individuals, even as they’re part of a close-knit and diverse community. 

On Campus

News

Latest news at Maryland Today

For media releases visit UMD Right Now

Terps are bold, smart, curious and proud. We do good, in our communities and out in the world. We are fearless. And we are always looking to expand our ranks. Interested in becoming a University of Maryland student? This is where to start.

 

Give to Maryland

Giving back is a fearless Terp tradition, and there are many ways you can not only keep it alive, but also make an instant impact. 

M Circle on the University of Maryland campus

 

Give Now

Maryland Promise Students

Support the Clark Challenge for the Maryland Promise Scholarship and double your impact through the Clark Challenge.

 


Clark Challenge for the Maryland Promise