UMD Leaders: We Stand With International Terps Affected by Global COVID Surge

University President Darryll J. Pines, Interim Senior Vice President and Provost Ann G. Wylie, University Health Center Director Dr. Spyridon S. Marinopoulos and Associate Vice President for International Affairs Ross Lewin sent the following email to the campus community this afternoon: 

We are deeply saddened to see the devastating impact that COVID-19 is creating across India and other countries around the world. Although the pandemic has affected us all, the impact from COVID-19 continues to grow more severe outside the United States; in addition to India, parts of South America, the Middle East and other regions have witnessed a dramatic increase of serious illness that is overwhelming health services.

The University of Maryland community includes nearly 6,000 students and over 900 faculty members from across the globe. It is important to recognize and respond to the terrible impact that the pandemic is having on our international Terps, as well as their friends, families and broader communities.

To our international students, scholars and faculty: You are one of the University of Maryland's greatest strengths, and we recognize the unique challenges and stresses you have faced throughout this pandemic. Our community supports each other in this very challenging time.

Our International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) are communicating directly with international students and offering opportunities for support. We encourage you to reach out to ISSS to meet with an adviser, who can discuss your specific situation with you and help to determine the best course of action for the challenging decisions you may be facing. Please also remember that virtual sessions at the Counseling Center are available.

We have heard from people across the university who are holding compassion for our international peers, classmates and colleagues, and wish to express solidarity by taking action. Here are some places that you can demonstrate your support as members of the UMD community:

• The COVID Relief Fund for India is hosted by the Association for India's Development (AID), a volunteer movement that works to promote sustainable, equitable and just development. AID began as a student organization at UMD in 1991 and currently has chapters across the U.S and India. Read about their on-the-ground efforts here.
• Pragathi, a nonprofit focused on education, health care and women's empowerment efforts in India, just approved sending $40,000 in support to Bangalore, India, and is partnering with Rotary clubs in a multi-organizational effort to provide $300,000 for additional emergency services. Dr. Prabhudev Konana, dean and professor of information dystems at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, serves in Pragathi's leadership. Learn more about Pragathi's work.
• Maryland-based international health care organization Project HOPE is coordinating with partners and government officials to locally procure personal protective equipment and critically needed medical supplies to help India's health care workers respond to the dramatic spread of the disease. Learn more about Project HOPE's response to the COVID-19 surge in India.

Thank you and our deepest gratitude. It is crucial to continue finding ways to join together as a community during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Darryll J. Pines
President, University of Maryland

Ann G. Wylie
Interim Senior Vice President and Provost

Spyridon S. Marinopoulos, MD, MBA, FACP
Director, University Health Center
Chief Medical Officer, University of Maryland

Ross Lewin
Associate Vice President for International Affairs