Director’s Reflection

Dear Resident Life colleagues,

As we approach the end of a busy fall semester, I want you to know how honored I am to work with such a dedicated, caring, and supportive team. We have continued to experience changes and pivots this fall as we’ve returned to a full on-campus housing program while also carefully navigating the challenges of multiple ongoing pandemics. I am so proud to work alongside you as we welcomed, supported, and engaged more than 12,000 students living on campus in our residence halls, South Campus Commons, and The Courtyards this fall.

Our staff has managed a myriad of issues and dilemmas throughout the fall, including a spike in incidents, concerns from students and families, staffing and program challenges, and the sadness that came with saying goodbye and wishing Valronica well in her next chapter.

At the same time, we also have a lot to celebrate! New amazing staff joined our team this fall, we offered fantastic Fall Welcome and community programs, and we helped students create a sense of community and belonging within our residence halls. Our Resident Life team continues to show resilience, strength, and a positive attitude in each situation we face. Thank you!

As we look ahead to the spring semester, I am excited to work together with you and with our students to advance the many initiatives we have planned. We have much to look forward to, including welcoming new spring residents, our work on our Resident Life Mission, Vision & Values, advancing the outstanding work of the committees leading efforts in Student Diversity Programs and the Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2.0, revamping our Multicultural Philosophy, hosting newly admitted students, and continuing to ensure our residents have a meaningful and memorable Maryland Residential Experience.

Please know, your daily work matters and makes such a difference to students at UMD and beyond. The care, support, education, and engagement we offer students are important, evident, and impactful.

I see you and I appreciate you!! I hope you take time to reflect, celebrate your contributions, and congratulate yourself and your colleagues for a job well done this fall semester. I encourage all of us to continue to be in community with each other for friendship, support, and on-going renewal.

You have my best wishes for a safe, healthy, joyous, and rejuvenating winter break.

Take good care, and Happy Holidays.

Dennis Passarella-George