Guide

TerrapinSTRONG Graduate Student Action Plan

Campus Unit: TerrapinSTRONG Education
Updated: Jun 13, 2024

TerrapinSTRONG Action Plan for Graduate Students

We are so excited to have you. You are now a part of our community, striving alongside us to be TerrapinSTRONG. The Action Plan you are about to create is your opportunity to decide how you want to continue this TerrapinSTRONG journey. Use this Action Plan to commit yourselves to learning more about our community, building meaningful connections, and pursuing inclusion for a University of Maryland where everyone can reach their full potential.

If you are still in the process of taking the course, make note of any and all activities you would like to pursue after this course, at least one in each category. When you return to the course, you will tell us about the top opportunities that interest you.

Community

Get to know the University of Maryland and show your pride.

Take a self-guided campus tour
- campus landmarks tour
- African American History Tour
Learn about the 1856 Project, the study of UMD's history with slavery.
Find one of the 7 Testudo statues, rub his nose and post a picture with #terrapinstrong!
Follow on social media for opportunities to win t-shirts and other swag!
- Instagram: @terrapinstrong
- X/Twitter: @terrapin_strong
Get involved with Maryland Athletics
- Join The Pride, the official student organization for fans of Maryland Athletics.
- Learn our Maryland Victory Song and Alma Mater to sing at a UMD sporting event.
- Take part in the Maryland Flash Mob at basketball games or unfurl the flag at football games.
Follow the University of Maryland on social media.
- Instagram: univofmaryland
- X/Twitter: UofMaryland

Connection

Build meaningful relationships with the people and groups who will support your journey.

Get involved with Graduate Student Government (GSG).
Get involved in Graduate Student Life.
Take part in Technica, the world’s largest all-women and nonbinary hackathon.
Connect with your faith community through campus Chaplains and student organizations.
Get Involved with an affinity group via MICA, the Nyumburu Cultural Center, the Student Disability Affinity Space or the LGBTQ+ Equity Center.
Find a student organization by filtering for graduate student organizations or by interest with Terplink.

Inclusion

Act

Create courses, events and meetings that are accessible, inclusive and affordable.
Donate to the Campus Pantry, serving all members of the campus community in times of food insecurity. They accept funds and food, as well as items for the Terp to Terp Campus Reuse Store.
Participate in the Do Good Challenge by developing solutions for pressing social issues and competing for prize money to make your idea a reality.
Advise an Alternative Break Experience with Leadership & Community Service-Learning.
Attend a workshop or symposium with the Social Justice Alliance, the collaboration between UMD and Bowie State University developed to honor 1st Lt. Richard W. Collins III.
Get involved in sustainability efforts to help tackle the climate crisis. SustainableUMD offers events, internships, and other opportunities.
Apply for a Vital Signs: Creative Arts for Black Lives Mini-Grant for your art project affirming Black life and interrogating white supremacy.
Volunteer for the University of Maryland SAFE Center for Human Trafficking Survivors.

Learn

Learn about bias resources in a Bias Incident Support Services Stop the Hate workshop.
Gain a deeper understanding of the Israel/Palestine conflict, antisemitism & Islamophobia.
Get certified in Mental Health First Aid and learn how to recognize, intervene and get help for people with mental health challenges.
Attend a lecture from the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace.
Learn more about pronouns and ways to support members of the trans community.
Sign up to receive the Office of Diversity and Inclusion newsletter and stay up-to-date about events, initiatives, and resources.
Attend a weekly NEWSBREAK program at the Nyumburu Cultural Center for an opportunity to meet new people and expand your worldview on topics related to civic engagement, popular culture, campus diversity issues, politics, health, and student leadership. While the program is geared toward undergraduate students, we highly encourage involvement from graduate students.
Learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion through the arts
- The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
- Stamp gallery and the Contemporary Art Collection
- David C. Driskell Center, preserving the rich heritage of African American visual art and culture
Enroll in CHSE338: the Words of Engagement Intergroup Dialogue program (WEIDP) to explore how cultural systems of power impact our lives and relationships.
Attend a TLTC workshop on accessibility, universal design or other equity & inclusion topics. Sign up for their newsletter to stay informed.