For Challenge Day 7 we are going to focus on what happens when we combine the values, skills, and efforts that we all hold. This challenge made it a point to highlight an inclusive approach to leadership, rather than solely a positional one. The reason being to bust common misconceptions as it relates to leadership, while enriching the development of leadership qualities in all aspects that it appears— especially within your collegiate journey. 

As we previously touched on earlier in the challenge, leadership work is done within groups of people with a common goal and a shared vision. And the process of leadership is typically in response to the needs of our community. Social responsibility and positive change for the betterment of others, the community, and society is at the core of the social change concept and essential when becoming a change agent in your community.

According to the Social Change Model of Leadership Development: 

• Leadership is concerned with effecting change on behalf of others and society

• Leadership is collaborative

• Leadership is a process rather than a position

• Leadership is values-based

• All students (not just those in formal positions) are potential leaders

• Community service is a powerful vehicle for developing leadership skills

Day 7 Challenge Questions:

What is your reaction to these ideas? How does this differ from the ways leaders and those learning how to become better leaders (the process of leadership learning) are portrayed on the news? 

BONUS Question:

In what other ways does (or can) this model show up in the current state our society is facing? What are your roles and responsibilities in the UMBC community as it relates to the Social Change Model?

Dear UMBC Community,

Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidance on masking that calls for indoor masking under certain conditions. At this time, the CDC has classified Maryland as an area with only moderate transmission given its high vaccination rates and low positivity rate (just over 2%). While at this time the CDC guidelines would not suggest a new mask mandate for Maryland, we know that state and local officials are closely monitoring and assessing the situation.

We wish to remind our community that masking continues to be required indoors at UMBC. While we are cautiously optimistic that high vaccination rates and low positivity rates may make it possible to lift this requirement for vaccinated and verified community members before the start of the semester, we are not ready to make this decision at this time. 

We are currently reviewing the new guidance and available research. We are also reaching out to state and local government partners and the University System of Maryland to understand how their guidance is evolving. We will share our recommended next steps with the community in the near future.

It is essential that all in our community report their vaccinations as soon as possible. We recently informed students that the deadline for commuting students to report is August 20. Residential students received an earlier deadline to ensure they could move in. You can view our vaccination rate on our public health dashboard.  Remember that once your vaccine is verified, you are entered into weekly incentive drawings.

Thank you for your patience and commitment to keeping UMBC safe and healthy. 

Provost Philip Rous

Vice President for Administration and Finance Lynne Schaefer

COVID-19 Planning Coordinating Committee Co-Chairs

Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

Given the improving health situation in the U.S. and many other countries, we are providing this update to prior communications regarding international travel. A new International Travel Process is now available to faculty, staff, and students. Requests can be submitted beginning August 1, 2021. Requests are subject to general out-of-state travel approval policies and UMBC’s existing International Travel Policy. 

Failure to obtain formal approval prior to making international travel arrangements will result in denial of reimbursement regardless of the funding source and unauthorized travelers will not be covered by UMBC’s international travel insurance plan.Student organizations should await guidance from the Division of Student Affairs for international travel during the fall 2021 semester. 

As outlined in the policy, all requests for international travel must be submitted via UMBC’s International Travel Registry. In addition to enabling the University to assess the risks associated with the proposed international travel, the system provides the traveler with access to risk intelligence information and enables them to request assistance while abroad. 

The University will evaluate the known risks of international travel based on levels established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of State. These include:

• CDC COVID-19 Notices 

• CDC Travel Health Notices 

• U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories 

Requests to travel through or to international destinations subject to an elevated risk level will require additional screening by UMBC’s International Travel Review Committee. If the request is approved, then the traveler will receive location-specific guidance for mitigating risks. 

If you choose to travel abroad, understand that you may experience difficulty departing from the U.S., and you may be subjected to mandatory testing, quarantine, and other requirements upon arrival at your international destination. When seeking to return to the U.S., you may experience travel disruptions or travel bans impeding your ability to return. Additionally, the ability of U.S. Embassies and Consulates to provide services to travelers remains severely limited in many countries. 

All travelers on University-related international business travel are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the start date of their travel unless approved vaccine exemption documentation is on file with the University. Travelers with approved exemptions should understand that some foreign governments will deny visa applications and/or prohibit entry into their country if the traveler is not able to provide proof of vaccination. All travelers are responsible for determining if they are able to meet the visa and/or entry requirements of destination and transit countries prior to initiating the process for obtaining approval for international travel.

In addition to university travel, The Center for Global Engagement is also working closely with international and campus partners to offer a limited and carefully reviewed portfolio of education abroad programs starting with Winter 2022 and Spring 2022. More information is available here.

If you have questions about international travel, please contact David Di Maria, Associate Vice Provost for International Education, at dimaria@umbc.edu.

Provost Philip Rous

Vice President for Administration and Finance Lynne Schaefer

COVID-19 Planning Coordinating Committee Co-Chairs

Dear UMBC Community,

Last week, a Federal District Court in Texas issued a ruling on litigation challenging the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The Court ruled that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security violated the Administrative Procedure Act in establishing and continuing DACA and held that the Biden Administration must freeze the acceptance of new DACA requests. While the Administration does still have the ability to process renewal requests, we are understandably concerned about this ruling and its impact on our students.

To advocate for the safety and financial security of our students, I am joining University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay Perman and more than 200 presidents and chancellors from across the nation in signing a letter to U.S. Senate leadership urging them to pass the bipartisan Dream Act of 2021. This legislation would provide “dreamers, their families, and the employers who depend on them much-needed certainty following years of legal limbo.” This legislation is aligned with our UMBC community value of inclusion, and we will continue to do whatever we can to support our determined students who study under DACA. We are hopeful that we will be able to welcome more of these impressive students into our community with the support of this new Dream Act. 

Students who are affected by this news, or who are looking for community and support, can contact Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion and Belonging (i3b) and their Retriever Immigrants United discussion group. Students who need support and assistance with their DACA application and related processes can contact the Center for Global Engagement. The Counseling Center is also available to serve students in need of emotional support. Please call (410) 455-2472 on weekdays or the after-hour support line at (410) 455-3230. 

President Freeman Hrabowski

Today we focus on building and maintaining groups and teams. “Teamwork makes the dream work!” is a saying you’re probably familiar with. Leadership exists through powerful relationships; no one can be a leader alone. Often the greatest leaders have reliable teammates who can see their true selves and can challenge the leader’s thinking for the betterment of the cause or group efforts. A key characteristic in building teams lies within shared purpose and committing to shared goals.

It is also important to note that one should strive to make connections and build relationships in an authentic manner. Connections and relationships should be forged with good intentions, not through manipulation or deceit. One of the best ways to nurture partnerships and teams is to listen and be present. Being a great leader requires creating a shared vision and developing rapport with your teammates, in order to ensure the group’s success. Take a moment to reflect on the list and quote below.

Five Commitments for an Effective Team:

1. Opening up and building trust within the team

2. Engaging in respectful discourse and conflict

3. Committing to the team’s purpose

4. Holding oneself and others accountable for their performance

5. Focusing on collective results

“All change, even very large and powerful change, begins when a few people start talking with one another.” Margaret Wheatley

Day 6 Challenge Questions:

What groups/teams are you a part of and how does each of these groups/teams impact your life? 

BONUS Question:

Do you fall into a specific role or take on similar responsibilities within these groups?