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Attendees 

Felicia, Angela, Chuck, Dymphia, Nerine, Joyce, Allegra, Melissa, Lori, June, Camille, Richa

Spring 2022 Semester Updates

• Recent Spring 2022 COVID Update
• Key Points
• UMBC and area positivity rates have allowed us to revisit our current health and safety measures.
• Effective Friday, March 4, masking is no longer required for much of the campus.
• Masking remains required in classes, instructional labs, performance spaces, designated masking areas, healthcare settings, on UMBC Transit, and in other limited areas.
• We ask that all in our community Keep Masks in Mind by carrying a mask with them and respecting one another.
• Students have been doing a great job. Campus positivity rate under 2% 
• Reslife COVID Update
  
  • Spring Break testing for Residential Students should be completed by March 27th. Prior to their return to campus. Please make sure your student has completed testing.

• UMBC Community Mental Health Action Day is April 7 - view post
  • Students are invited to join us for a series of events, workshops, and listening sessions. The day will include opportunities to spend time in nature, in quiet mediation, or experiencing a joyful dance move. Our goal is to offer community members the chance to try something that appeals to them and also fosters a sense of connectedness and well-being in and amongst faculty, students, staff, and administrators.
  • Please encourage students to particpate. 

• Student Affairs Jobs
  • We have a few positions within our division. Please help spread the word. - view listings

• UMBC Family Connection Portal Updates
  • Housing Selection Updates - view post
    • Applications close this Friday!
  • Money Smart Week! April 4th - 8th- view post
  • Advance Registration Info - view post
    • It's time to register for Fall 2022! The Fall 2022 Schedule of Classes is now available. Advance registration for undergraduates begins Tuesday, April 5th.

• FAB Member Spotlights
  • Would like to feature a board member each week in the portal this semester. The goal is to increase visibility as well as hopefully encourage involvement in the board. (Features to begin in April)
  • Link to Questionnaire - Please complete

• Key Academic Deadlines
  • Advance Registration Begins - April 5th
  • Deadline To Withdraw From Individual Courses -April 11th
  • General Registration Begins - April 25th

Spring 2022 Events & Planning

• Recent Events:
  • “Helping Students In Distress” Virtual Presentation
    • Retriever Integrated Health (RIH) provided training for the family community. The event went really well. Families seemed to have appreciated the content. 
    • Waiting on recording

• Retriever Family Roundtable Series
  • Mental Health Wellness/Stress Management - Since we just completed the Mental Health training, we will revisit this for early fall. 

• Potential Spring Events
  • Quadmania (Spring Festival) - April 23-24
    • Usually includes a carnival and concert.
    • We have previously hosted a dessert meet and greet during this event.
    • Fritzie is currently working with Campus Life. Indoor space is challenging at this time. Exploring outdoor spaces where we can potentially have a lounge space for Families who are on campus during quadmania. 
  • Finals Week Pop-up Event - Partnership with Campus Life department.
    • Campus Life is looking to host a series of Pop Up snack breaks for students during finals week. They would love to part with FAB on this initiative. 
    • Board members agreed to participate. Fritzie will update the group once a date has been finalized and send volunteer sign-ups. 
  • End of Semester Gathering
    • Would board members be interested in doing an end of semester get together? In person?
      • Board members agreed. Fritzie proposed our last meeting date as an option. More details to come at our next meeting. 

• Other Potential Opportunities - Hold for Fall semester
  • Happy Hours (virtual and in-person)
  • Teach In Kitchen
  • Breakfast & Bingo

• Potential Summer Opportunities
  • Family Orientation this Summer - It was recently announced that Family Orientation will be virtual again this summer due to the University Center (UC) being taken offline for roof repair. Based on feedback from parents last summer, Fritzie has raised some concerns regarding this decision. Board members also agreed that this may not be the best first impression for families. 
  • Fritzie will be attending a meeting with the leadership for Orientation to discuss further and learn what options are being planned for families. Fritzie will update the group accordingly. 
  • In the interim, Fritzie will work with FAB to potentially plan a few events over the summer to welcome new families as an alternative. 
    • Potentially host virtual drop-in sessions for new families To answer questions, discuss joining FAB, tips for new families, etc...

Discussion:

• Any new business, concerns and/or feedback from the Family group?
  • UMBC College Tour has been released. Video and info can be found here. Board member Dymphia Chambers's daughter is featured! 
  • Elise raised a conversation from the parent FB group about an incident involving a student who passed out recently and allegedly no one came to the students' aid. Some parents were upset that students seemed to not care that a student was in distress. 
  • Fritzie was aware of this incident and shared that someone did approach the student soon after and walked her to the health center. 
  • Board members recommended the university do a campaign along the lines of "see something do something" with steps on how to get help. Fritzie will share with the Health Promotions office. 
  • Fritzie also shared that this will likely be a part of discussions for the Community Mental Heath Day in April.  

• Next Meeting -April 12th @ 7:30 PM