Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated More Information Excerpt
June 13, 2022What are the current CDC requirements for international students and scholars seeking to enter the U.S.?The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires documentation of COVID-19 vaccination for all individuals seeking (re)entry to the United States on a temporary visa to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
May 31, 2022Spring 2022 UMB COVID-19 FAQsOn March 2, 2022, UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, announced changes to the University’s mask policy. The updated policy can be accessed at this link. We have developed the following answers to questions you might have regarding how the policy impacts you. We also encourage you to read the full policy.
May 31, 2022What should I do if I feel ill?Anyone who presents symptoms compatible with a COVID-19 or flu-like illness (fever, cough, or shortness of breath and other respiratory viruses) should not be on UMB’s campus and should seek guidance from a health care provider.
May 31, 2022I have previously tested positive for COVID-19, do I need another test?Not necessarily. You may return to campus as per instructions from the COVID-19 Isolation/Quarantine Protocols, COVID-19 Report form, or Student Health.
May 31, 2022How can I help to prevent the spread of COVID-19?Keep a safe distance (at least 6 feet apart) from others, avoid touching your mouth and eyes, and more.
May 25, 2022Should You Get a (or Another) Booster?The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults get the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, plus one booster at least six months after the first series.
May 25, 2022Where Do I Find the Lot Entry on My Vaccination Card?The Center for Information Technology Services have modified the COVID-19 vaccine portal to allow collection of vaccine lot number information, which is needed by clinical practice sites attended by many members of our community, especially clinical students.
May 25, 2022I received a test kit that is expired. Should I be concerned?Now, most of the test kit companies have provided follow-up information to the FDA, which extended their expiration dates. You can look up your test kits by manufacturer at this webpage to see their new expiration date.
February 03, 2022When Should I Use a Rapid Test and PCR Test?Rapid and PCR tests have different guidelines for use depending on testing for symptoms, after an exposure, or after a positive COVID-19 test.
January 28, 2022Will UMB provide at-home test kits for the entire spring 2022 semester?Distribution will end once supplies last. However, this is subject to change, but please do not expect UMB to provide kits once supplies run out.
January 28, 2022If UMB has at-home test kits remaining after January 2022, how will distribution change?Priority will be given to students participating in experiential and clinical activities and employees working in-person to maintain on campus essential functions. UMB public health officials may distribute an at-home test kit, as needed, and leadership may distribute an at-home test kit to fulfill operational needs or gaps.
January 18, 2022I lost my COVID-19 vaccination card or need a copy of my vaccination/booster record. How do I get a replacement or print a copy?If you need a replacement copy of your COVID-19 vaccination card, Maryland MyIR is a free online service where consumers can view and print copies of their official vaccination records directly from ImmuNet, Maryland's secure immunization information system. Register for a MyIR account to access your records.
January 07, 2022I am an on-campus student. Where can I get a vaccine or booster at UMB?Qualified University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) students can receive their COVID-19 vaccine and booster by visiting the University of Maryland Immediate Care appointment link. Insurance and other information can be found here.
January 06, 2022Where can I get tested for COVID-19?Options: Please call your medical provider. Students and employees can register for asymptomatic COVID-19 testing through UMaryland Immediate Care, or schedule a COVID-19 test at State Center. The Maryland Department of Health updates its list and map of COVID-19 test sites each Monday.
September 29, 2021How can I keep myself safe if a co-worker engages in high risk behavior off campus?The best way to protect yourself and others is to get your COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine reduces the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and significantly prevents COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths. You should also follow current UMB COVID-19 safety practices to include adhering to UMB’s Policy Requiring Use of Face Coverings – including a recommendation for all individuals to wear KN95s when in a group setting - and not coming to work if you are experiencing symptoms consistent w
September 13, 2021Is there a time limit for how long I can wear a KN95?That is up to your comfort level. Some people comfortably wear them all day long. Others choose to take breaks.
August 30, 2021Are University of Maryland BioPark tenants subject to the UMB vaccination requirements?As of now, a vaccination requirement is not in place for tenants of the University of Maryland BioPark. However, UMB faculty, students, and staff, who have programs or activities at the UM BioPark, must follow the UMB COVID-19 Vaccination Protocols. The UMB Policy Requiring the Use of Face Coverings applies at the UM BioPark in UMB-occupied spaces. The City of Baltimore indoor mask policy applies elsewhere.
August 23, 2021What does emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mean?Emergency use authorization (EUA) facilitates the use of medical countermeasures — including vaccines — during public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
August 12, 2021Will clinical sites honor my UMB medical or religious COVID-19 vaccination exemption?Not necessarily. Clinical sites may carry their own vaccine requirements.
August 05, 2021What are health and safety expectations for unvaccinated students, faculty, and staff?Effective Friday, Aug. 6, UMB will require that all people, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks in public indoor settings.
July 26, 2021How does the UMB mandate affect participating in clinical programs?There are separate requirements for UMB and the health care organizations where clinical learning experiences take place. Meeting UMB’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements, which include evidence of vaccination or medical or religious exemptions does not guarantee a student a clinical placement. Students in clinical experiences are advised to upload proof of meeting the vaccination mandate (including UMB-allowed exemptions) by Aug. 2.
July 06, 2021Are students whose courses are 100 percent online required to get vaccinated against COVID-19?COVID-19 Vaccination is REQUIRED (not just recommended) for all on-campus students. COVID-19 Vaccination is RECOMMENDED (not required) for all off-campus students.
July 02, 2021What documentation do I have to show to prove I’ve been vaccinated?Students have the option to either: 1) sign a waiver so that UMB receives confirmation of vaccination directly from the Chesapeake Regional Information System for our Patients (CRISP), which is the repository of vaccination information for the state of Maryland, for vaccinations received in Maryland; or 2) upload a copy of their CDC-approved vaccine card. Proof of being fully vaccinated must be provided by Aug. 2, 2021 (or in the case of schools with later start dates, 14 days prior to the first
July 02, 2021If I’ve had my first vaccine appointment but not my second by the time I arrive on campus, will you let me in?For students, please visit this link to the new COVID-19 Vaccination Protocol. For employees, the policy is the following: “As of Aug. 16, new employees must be fully vaccinated (or have been granted a medical or religious exemption) on Day 1, but a dean or VP can grant an extension of the Day 1 deadline for good cause, provided that the employee has at least their first shot on Day 1.
July 01, 2021What is the role of the sponsor in the Visitors Guidance?Sponsors must make their visitor(s) aware of COVID-19 safety and health guidelines, in addition to inquiring about the need for reasonable accommodations.
July 01, 2021How can I report someone for not wearing a face covering, not physically distancing, or other COVID-19 hygiene issues? If you have concerns that a person is unvaccinated and not wearing a face covering or practicing physical distancing on the UMB campus, you can report that to your supervisor or to the UMB Whistleblower Hotline, and we will investigate the matter.
June 21, 2021What is the UMB vaccine requirement for new employees who start on or after Aug. 16, 2021?A new employee must be fully vaccinated (or have been granted a medical/religious exemption) on Day 1, but a Dean or VP can grant an extension of the Day 1 deadline for good cause, provided that the employee has at least their first shot on Day 1.
June 07, 2021What about the VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) data that shows reports of adverse reactions/incidents after vaccination?The VAERS database is a compilation of voluntary reports from all sources. There are several significant limitations to the interpretation of the data.
May 14, 2021Who is able to see my request for a medical or religious exemption from a COVID-19 vaccine?Requests for exemptions and any documents provided will be kept confidential and shared only with those university employees who have a need to know.
May 13, 2021What restrictions are in place for domestic out-of-state travel?On June 1, 2021, UMB will permit the resumption of domestic business travel. UMB travelers must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in accordance with USM’s vaccination policy and follow current CDC domestic travel guidance. Currently this requires fully vaccinated (for COVID-19) domestic travelers self-monitor for symptoms, wear a mask, and take other COVID-19 safety precautions when traveling domestically.
April 08, 2021Does the disinfectant used by EVS custodians have to sit (dwell) on a surface to be effective?The recommended dwell time for disinfectant used by EVS is under five minutes. EVS asks for your patience and understanding when restrooms and other areas are closed for cleaning.
April 08, 2021Are high touch points being cleaned regularly?Yes, and EVS custodial staff are specifically assigned to perform disinfection of these surfaces throughout the day (Monday-Friday).
April 08, 2021How often will restrooms be cleaned each day?Restrooms will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected at least twice each day (Monday-Friday) by EVS custodial technicians.
February 26, 2021Will UMB provide on-campus COVID-19 testing?Yes, UMB provides asymptomatic COVID-19 testing in partnership with UMaryland Immediate Care.
December 16, 2020What is the purpose of the Telework Agreement?The telework agreement is designed to ensure that employees who are able to telework for some or all of their work duties have read the COVID-19 Status of Operation and Telework Policy. It also is meant to encourage flexibility by supervisors as employees select whether they will work a flexible shift or a fixed shift and to set forth scheduling and work expectations that may differ during pandemic circumstances.
December 16, 2020The Telework Agreement says I must have a designated work space that is safe and suitable for telework. Does that mean I must work from a home office?No. Teleworkers should have a space to work that allows them to work free from hazards. This does not require employees to work from a home office. Many employees choose to work from their dining room, kitchen, living room, or other location within their house.
December 16, 2020The Telework Agreement says my workspace must allow for confidentiality of phone calls and computer work if required by my job duties. Does this mean my kids or other household members cannot be present in the room that I'm teleworking in?It depends. If your job duties require you to conduct meetings or phone calls about confidential subjects (e.g., patients, students, legal matters, other employees), you need to be able to conduct those phone calls and meetings privately. Working from home does not change or negate an employee's obligation to maintain strict confidentiality of certain information.
December 16, 2020I believe UMB sent me the telework agreement by mistake because I do not telework or my job duties are located some place other than UMB (e.g., certain contract work). What should I do?Students, graduate research assistants, adjunct faculty, and employees whose job duties are not able to be performed remotely should not have received this form. If you received the form in error, you should take the following steps:
December 16, 2020Do all faculty and staff have to complete the Telework Agreement form?All UMB faculty and staff employees are expected to sign a telework agreement if they are able to perform any portion of their job duties via telework. Student employees, graduate research assistants, and adjunct faculty do not need to complete this form and should not have received it.
December 16, 2020What if I have to work overtime while teleworking?If you are a nonexempt employee, overtime work must be approved by your supervisor prior to doing the work.
December 16, 2020The Telework Agreement states that I am not authorized to telework at sites that are not within a reasonable commuting distance from my regular work site, except for brief periods of time, (generally considered 30 days or less). Why can't I work from anywhere I want?UMB is a public employer in the State of Maryland largely employing, educating, and serving Marylanders. Although there are exceptions (e.g. contract work that is hosted in other states/countries), there is an expectation that UMB employees ordinarily perform work in Maryland.
December 16, 2020The Telework Agreement states that you must refrain from conducting personal business while teleworking. Does this mean I cannot supervise my kids while I am teleworking? UMB continues to assist employees with balancing telework with their personal obligations, including online learning for school-age children. If you need flexibility in your schedule to allow you to both manage your personal commitments and complete your UMB commitments, this is a good time to discuss options that will work best for your situation with your supervisor. An employee should be permitted to have a flexible work schedule unless it is operationally important that the employee work def
December 16, 2020I am a nonexempt employee who is teleworking. Can I work a flexible work schedule? Whether exempt or nonexempt, teleworking employees should be permitted to work a flexible work schedule unless it is operationally important that the employee work defined hours. To have a flexible work schedule, a nonexempt employee must acknowledge 1) shift differentials are not available for mandatory telework and 2) overtime is not authorized and must be approved by an employee's direct supervisor.
December 16, 2020What should I do if I signed the Telework Agreement form but forgot to list my equipment or some other information? If your supervisor has not signed the form, ask them to reject it. If they have signed the form, you will need to do another form through the process that can be found at this link. Click on the Human Resources link, and the telework agreement will be listed under ELR. Click on the telework agreement, enter the requested information, and submit the updated form for approval.
September 08, 2020If COVID-19 is spreading in my community, should I still go out to get a flu vaccine?Yes. You can safely get a flu vaccine at multiple locations, including your doctor’s office, health departments, and pharmacies.
September 02, 2020Why shouldn’t I bring my own cleaning products to use on campus?It is recommended that you do not bring your own cleaning products to campus.
August 27, 2020If I have been designated as 'Mission Critical - On Campus' am I required to come to work?Employees who are designated as "Mission Critical - On Campus” may be required to report to work for their regularly scheduled shifts (with exceptions for illness and other COVID-19-related accommodations).
August 19, 2020Should I Sign the Protect UMB Pledge if I signed the UMB Housing Compact? Or, should I sign the Housing Compact if I signed the UMB Pledge?While both documents contain similar language, the Housing Compact includes a required UMB Housing Addendum for residents of Fayette Square Apartments and Pascault Row.
August 19, 2020Where does my name appear when I sign the Protect UMB pledge?Your name will appear alongside your fellow UMB community members on a dedicated webpage and on monitors, also called e-boards, across campus.
August 19, 2020Am I required to take the Protect UMB pledge?No, there is no requirement to take the Protect UMB pledge. Please note this pledge is different from the UMB Housing Compact.
August 07, 2020Will UMB cover insurance co-payments?There is free COVID-19 testing offered in the state of Maryland. With Affordable Care Act-compliant health insurance, there are no co-pays for a COVID-19 test. Therefore, UMB will not cover any medical costs associated with COVID-19 testing for students or employees.
August 07, 2020Can I submit a positive COVID-19 antibodies test in place of a negative COVID-19 diagnostic test? No.
August 07, 2020Am I allowed to be tested during working hours?Employees should be permitted to do their COVID-19 test on work time. Employees should work with their supervisor to determine a mutually convenient time to be tested for COVID-19.
August 07, 2020Can I be reimbursed for travel expenses such as parking for testing?At your department's or supervisor's discretion, employees may seek reimbursement for travel-related expenses through the business travel reimbursement process.
August 07, 2020Can students currently in UMB housing remain while awaiting their test result?Yes.
August 07, 2020Do family members living in University housing also need to be tested? Yes.
July 31, 2020Is there a cost to employees (exempt or non-exempt) to have testing prior to coming back on campus?In many circumstances, tests are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to individuals. However, individuals should contact their health plan provider prior to receiving a COVID-19 test to determine whether testing is covered by the plan in their circumstance.
July 15, 2020Do I have to be tested at a UMB-designated testing site? No. If you have no symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and want to be tested after out-of-state travel, we ask that you use one of many options listed below. You should not contact the COVID-19 Hotline for travel-related COVID-19 Testing.
July 07, 2020What do I do while Maryland schools, day care centers, or summer camps are closed and I need to take care of my kids? Employees are reassigned to telework, and the normal restrictions related to telework are waived under the COVID-19 Telework Policy (e.g., related to the presence of children). If an employee can’t telework because they need to supervise a dependent child or other family member during a COVID-19-related school or day care closure, they are permitted to use sick leave.
July 06, 2020I traveled back to my home country to continue my studies. Who should I notify?If you already departed the United States, we ask that you please fill out the Travel Reporting and Signature e-form in Sunapsis. You should also notify your student affairs dean or program coordinator if you have not already done so.
June 18, 2020Will Federal Work Study student employees and Non-Federal Work Study student employees still get paid? UMB will continue to pay Federal Work Study student employees and Non-Federal Work Study student employees based on the average number of hours they typically work per week.
June 18, 2020What happens if I am a UMB employee and I am required to be away from work for a period of quarantine or other COVID-19 pandemic-related reasons but I do not have any available leave? Employees affected by COVID-19-related absences who cannot work remotely and who have exhausted all paid leave should contact Human Resources to discuss options.
June 18, 2020If I have been put on administrative leave, how should I fill out my time sheet? Non-exempt employees whose job duties are not capable of being performed remotely and who are not designated as “Essential for Pandemic Circumstances – On Campus” should use the hourly employee administrative leave code.
June 18, 2020If I have been assigned to telework, how do I fill out my time sheet? All employees (exempt and non-exempt) should enter their time and attendance in the normal fashion. For exempt employees, this involves entering “D” for duty days. For non-exempt employees, this involves entering the hours worked. Employees who have been assigned to telework and need time off for illness or personal reasons are required to enter their leave in accordance with standard leave policies.
June 18, 2020What happens if an employee is required to be away from work for a period of quarantine but does not have any symptoms of illness? Remote work/telework should be the first option for employees who are physically well but are prevented from coming to work due to self-quarantine. If an employee is required by the University, health authorities, or a health care provider to be away from work as part of a self-quarantine, they will be permitted to use their sick leave or other forms of paid leave.
June 12, 2020What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. Disinfecting refers to using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces.
June 05, 2020What happens if I have been scheduled to work on campus and I have an underlying medical condition or risk factor that puts me at greater risk of COVID-19 complications? Employees who are scheduled to work on campus and seek accommodations must contact Human Resource Services (410-706-7601) to engage in the accommodation or job modification process.
June 01, 2020Will employees who are required to work during an Emergency Closure be entitled to additional compensation or leave?UMB is not closed. UMB is utilizing a physical distancing strategy recommended by public health experts to dramatically reduce the number of people on campus, and thereby reduce the chance of spread.
March 25, 2020How will police officers be compensated during the period of episodic telework? Because UMB is open and the majority of employees are continuing to report for work, University Police will continue to report for duty and will receive their regular pay (including any applicable overtime or on-call pay) as spelled out in existing policies and applicable collective bargaining agreement.
March 18, 2020How do I add additional second factors to my Duo account? To add additional devices, or edit existing devices, log in at https://directory.umaryland.edu, then click on Multi-Factor Authentication.
March 18, 2020Where can I find information regarding the use of the Blackboard Learning Management application for teaching and learning? View the complete answer for links for specific users.
March 18, 2020Will UMB provide me a computer if I need or want one? Employees who are able to work remotely on personal devices may be required to do so. Employees who need devices should speak with their supervisors about availability of UMB devices.
March 18, 2020How do I access UMB applications and systems if I am teleworking? Almost all UMB applications and systems are web-based and can be accessed directly via a web browser on your home/remote computer. You do not need to use a virtual private network (VPN) connection unless a particular UMB application or system is not accessible via the web.
March 13, 2020How do I install anti-virus software to protect my computer, my identity, and UMB systems? If using Windows 10, turn on the built-in antivirus feature called Microsoft Defender.

 

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