OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR
1807
University of Maryland,
Baltimore
1856
University of Maryland,
College Park
1865
BowieStateUniversity
1866
TowsonUniversity
1886
University of Maryland
Eastern Shore
1898
FrostburgStateUniversity
1900
Coppin StateUniversity
1925
SalisburyUniversity
1925
University of Baltimore
1925
University of Maryland
Center for Environmental
Science
1947
University of Maryland
UniversityCollege
1966
University of Maryland,
BaltimoreCounty
1985
University of Maryland
Biotechnology Institute / September 3, 2009
Dear System Office Colleagues:
As we move into fall, I encourage you to take steps now to prepare for the predicted outbreak of the H1N1 flu. Based on information gathered from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the health center at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP), Janice Doyle has compiled a list of tips and resources to help protect our health throughout the flu season. To minimize the possibility of illness and spread of the H1N1 and other flu viruses, I encourage you to follow the suggestions and use the information outlined below.
Prevention
- All employees are encouraged to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, carry and use their own hand sanitizer, and practice cough/sneeze etiquette.
- Hand sanitizers will be distributed to everyone in the building and individual packets of antibacterial wipes will be provided in conference rooms throughout the building.
- All employees are encouraged to be vaccinated for the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu (when available), and in accordance with priority categories established by the CDC.
- The UMCPHealthCenter will provide seasonal flu vaccines in the ElkinsBuilding atrium 8:30-9:30 am on September 9. The cost is $20. UMCP is also providing free seasonal flu shots on October 15 at Ritchie Coliseum to the first 2,000 people, and will schedule other flu clinics throughout the fall; the shot fee is $20.
- All employees will receive the CDC flyer listing appropriate steps to take to prepare for the regular flu and the H1N1 virus.
- Know the signs and symptoms of the flu (including fever, chills, flushed appearance, sweating) and prepare a flu kit (non-aspirin fever-reducing medication, a thermometer, a decongestant, tissues, hand sanitizer, some surgical masks, soup, crackers, and decaffeinated tea or Gatorade type beverage).
- A link will be established on the USM home page that directs staff to updated information about the flu and H1N1 virus; information can also be found at
- System Office employees are encouraged to notify Janice Doyle at if they exhibit flu-like symptoms or are diagnosed with the flu or the H1N1 virus.
- System Office staff will be kept up to date via e-mail if there are known H1N1 cases in the building.
- Employees are encouraged to take precautions to stay well, but also to have back-up plans for covering their essential job duties should they become ill.
- “Social distancing” protocol may be implemented that utilizes video conferencing and teleconferencing for meetings.
- Employees with flu-like illness are advised to stay away from work and limit interactions with other people (self-isolation) for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever without fever-reducing medication (e.g., Ibuprofen).
- Employees who are in high-risk categories and exhibit any flu-like symptoms are encouraged to go to their private physician for an examination/consultation.
- Supervisors may waive any requirement for a doctor’s note for employees to validate their illness or to return to work since doctor’s offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and may not be able to provide such documentation in a timely way.
If you have any questions or comments about flu-prevention practices in the system office, please contact Janice Doyle (, 301.445.1906).
Sincerely yours,
William E. Kirwan
Chancellor