Helping BSOS Students Through Unprecedented Times

Dear Friends,

When news broke about the University’s decision to move to a virtual environment for the remainder of the academic year and to cancel commencement exercises, alumni and friends of the College started reaching out right away to ask how they could help. Faculty and staff immediately rose to the challenge of transferring courses online and adhering to the severe research restrictions that were set in motion—all in an expedited manner and without complaint. While I am very grateful, I can’t say that I am surprised, as BSOS is a supportive and resilient community, of which I am immensely proud.

We are proactively working toward the day when it is safe for students to return to campus and classrooms. Until then, we are committed to helping them navigate this uncharted terrain and stay on track to earn their degrees.

The university's Student Crisis Fund provides immediate assistance to any student who faces an unanticipated emergency financial need. The fund typically receives 2-3 requests per week. Since the spread of the virus, these requests have increased to 50 or more per day. In roughly two weeks, the university distributed over $370,000 to more than 800 students representing every college and school. The fund is now nearly depleted and applications are growing by the hour.

Today, please help BSOS and the university, as a whole, support students in need. A gift, no matter the size, to the Student Crisis Fund will help our students meet their basic needs—transportation, food and housing—so that they may continue their education during these challenging times.

Support the UMD Student Crisis Fund

We will continue to keep our community updated and connected online. Please visit go.umd.edu/bsosvirusinfo for the latest information on how the novel coronavirus is affecting operations within the College specifically. Additionally, umd.edu/virusinfo has information on developments affecting the University as a whole.

I know we will all get through this by working together to support one another and our students. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones. I look forward to seeing many of you in good health in the future.

Sincerely,

Gregory F. Ball

Published on Fri, Mar 27, 2020 - 10:02AM