November 2021

Nov. 15, 2021
 
Dear UMB Community:
 
Earlier this month, I sent out a letter with safety tips. As the days get shorter, many members of our community are arriving at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) before the sun is up and leaving when it’s already dark.
 
The holidays are quickly approaching. For our students and faculty, exams are top-of-mind. We are all faced with countless distractions. Before you head out the door, I invite you to take a minute to refocus on your safety. Put away your phone. Request a Safe Walk or Safe Ride. Secure your valuables. Safety is a community effort, and together, we can make a safer UMB. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Thomas Leone, MSL
UMB Chief of Police
 
Safety Tip of the Month: Be Aware of Your Surroundings
In our busy lives, any free moment can seem like a good time to catch up on phone calls, texts, and emails. Before you take out your cellphone or headphones — stop! 
 
Talking, texting, and listening to music can be distracting. Instead, keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings. Know where you’re going and walk with purpose. If you see someone or something suspicious, call the UMB Police Department (UMBPD) at 410-706-6882 or go into a UMB building and let a security officer know. Your safety is more important than a phone call — it can wait!
 
UMBPD Survey
Chief Leone invites you to take a short survey about public safety at UMB. This anonymous survey will take 10 minutes or less to complete. Your feedback will provide UMBPD with valuable information about the perception of safety on campus, UMBPD resources, and more. Thank you for your time!
 
HeartSmiles Tours UMBPD
UMBPD is teaming up with HeartSmiles to provide a tour and information session to Baltimore youth Nov. 16. HeartSmiles is a nonprofit that provides enrichment and leadership development opportunities to youth in Baltimore’s most underserved communities. The partnership with UMBPD aims to build positive relationships and provide opportunities for youth seeking employment. 
 
Greene Street Substation Opens
Our newest substation is now open! UMBPD’s training division has moved to 100 N. Greene St. UMBPD classroom training and community training opportunities will take place in the new space. 
 
Support Our Super Plungers! Are You Team Leone or Team Johnson?
Chief Leone and Lt. Matthew Johnson are SUPER PLUNGING this year at the Maryland Polar Bear Plunge — that means 24 plunges into the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay within 24 hours! Donations benefit Special Olympics Maryland, and every dollar counts (they’re trying to raise $10,000 each). 
 
Support Chief Leone here. Support Lt. Johnson here.
 
OEM Wins MarCom Gold Award
The Office of Emergency Management has been awarded a 2021 MarCom Gold Award for the UMB Emergency Communications Annex. Only 24 percent of entries receive the award. Learn more.  
 
Are You Prepared for Winter Weather?
Winter weather is just around the corner — are you prepared? Changes to on-campus operations are sent via UMB Alerts. Make sure your information is up-to-date.
 
Not sure what a UMB closure, delay, liberal leave, or early departure means or how it applies to you? Read the UMB Guide to Changes in On-Campus Operations.
 
Intellectual Property at UMB
Intellectual property (IP) created at UMB includes but is not limited to research data and materials that may be of value to outside institutions or individuals. While research collaboration should be encouraged, our faculty, staff, students, and collaborators have an obligation to manage, store, and protect research data and materials.
 
  • Be mindful of where your data is stored and who has access to or is authorized to use, copy, or remove data. Only share data with appropriate parties.   
  • Be familiar with UMB’s IP policies and procedures, rules governing Export Controls, and ensure that a properly executed Material Transfer Agreement is in place if necessary before transferring any intellectual or physical materials to outside institutions.   
 
Report any suspicious activity or violations through the UMB Hotline. If you feel that your IP has been stolen or shared inappropriately, contact the Office of Research and Development.
 
Please visit umaryland.edu/police for more information
about the UMB Police Department. 
 
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