Safety in Uncertain Times
Dear UMB Community,
As events continue to unfold in the Middle East, we remain focused on the safety and well-being of our University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) community. UMB’s Police and Public Safety team — in coordination with local, state, and federal partners — continues to monitor developments in the Middle East and proactively identify any potential impact here at home.
While there is currently no known threat to our campus, you might notice an increased police presence in the days ahead. We hope their visibility offers reassurance, and we encourage you to speak with our security or police officers if you have concerns or call 410-706-6882 to reach our police communications team. They are here to help — day and night.
In addition to monitoring our physical spaces, cybersecurity is of paramount importance. We want to assure you that the UMB Center for Information Technology Services’ Security and Compliance team is actively monitoring threat intelligence provided by our trusted state and federal partners. We also align with the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency’s guidance on cybersecurity readiness by implementing best practices across the institution, and we continue to prioritize the security of UMB’s computing infrastructure and the safety of UMB systems and data.
We encourage all individuals to remain especially cautious, avoid clicking on suspicious links, be skeptical of unexpected emails or messages even if they appear to come from trusted sources, and ensure that devices are updated and protected with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
UMB’s core values, especially Respect and Integrity and Well-Being and Sustainability, are more important than ever. They guide us and remind us of our responsibility to treat one another with care and compassion, especially during times of uncertainty.
Although the conflict is taking place thousands of miles away, we recognize that its impact is being felt deeply here at home. In times like this, it is especially important to look out for one another. If you see something concerning, please speak up. If you or someone you know is struggling, UMB offers a range of resources:
- For students: The Student Counseling Center provides short-term counseling and crisis support in navigating stress, anxiety, or emotional challenges.
- For faculty and staff: The Employee Assistance Program offers free, confidential services including counseling, referrals, and other resources to help manage personal or work-related concerns.
We ask that you be kind to one another and remain committed to the values that make UMB a safe and welcoming place for all. Let us continue to build a community where everyone is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect — even, and especially, when the world feels uncertain.
Sincerely,
Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS
President
Thomas Leone, MSL
Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police
