TerrapinSTRONG

TerrapinSTRONG is an affirmative set of shared values, actions, identity and agency that connects all University of Maryland community members.

The University of Maryland strives to create an inclusive environment where every member of our community feels that they belong and are empowered to reach their full potential.

We aspire to become a community that is: United, Respectful, Secure and Safe, Inclusive, Accountable, Empowered and Open to Growth.

Engage diversity to impact grand challenges of our times. We invest in knowledge, skills and practices that enable us to work collaboratively in advancing our diverse, globally connected society.

Acknowledge the role the University of Maryland has played throughout its history in denying access and full participation. We rest on indigenous land that was stolen from the Piscataway People by European colonists, and plantation land granted to us by slaveholders. We recognize patterns of disenfranchisement and discrimination that have restricted participation based on individuals’ race, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, physical or mental disability, national origin, and religion.

Celebrate University of Maryland traditions, trailblazers, and communities. We show Terrapin Pride.

Take actions to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. We advocate for human rights within our personal lives, our fields or areas of study, and the university community.

We enact TerrapinSTRONG through an interactive, personalized onboarding program for all new students, faculty, and staff as well as through additional curricular, co-curricular, professional development, research, and outreach activities. Onboarding serves as a front door through which members are welcomed in before being provided with more opportunities to engage in the TerrapinSTRONG vision.

The goals of TerrapinSTRONG onboarding are that participants feel welcomed to the University of Maryland, learn some of our history, understand our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and come to know more about our traditions. Each new Terp creates an individualized action plan to stay connected to the tenets of TerrapinSTRONG moving forward.

TerrapinSTRONG is one of twelve initiatives identified by President Pines on his first day in office as president. This effort is part of our educational mission. TerrapinSTRONG onboarding will contribute to efforts to welcome new members into our community, enhance inclusion and sense of belonging, and act upon University of Maryland diversity, equity and inclusion goals. It will help bring us together as a community, show what we value, and share traditions.

Each new undergraduate and graduate student, staff, and faculty member will participate in TerrapinSTRONG campus onboarding as part of their required orientations to the University of Maryland. Following this experience, which opens a door to the University of Maryland and the TerrapinSTRONG vision, new Terps are further welcomed by colleges, divisions and unit leaders providing more programming on opportunities to become TerrapinSTRONG.

The TerrapinSTRONG onboarding is organized into four modules. Each module includes a video, knowledge checks, and an opportunity to reflect. At the end of the four modules, new Terps create an action plan on ways they will stay involved, download a certificate of completion, and are treated to a free ice cream at the University of Maryland Dairy by President Pines. TerrapinSTRONG onboarding should be thought of as a first doorway that all new Terps enter that sets a tone of welcome and community. There are 4 modules and the creation of an action plan.

• Module I: TerrapinSTRONG vision and welcome from President Pines
• Module II: Engaging our History
• Module III: Affirming our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Module IV: Sharing UMD Traditions

Campus Action Plan: Terps are invited to choose three ways in which they might further engage as TerrapinSTRONG by joining a new community, learning more about our history, engaging in diversity and inclusion conversations and projects, and learning about campus landmarks and traditions. Each Terp chooses their own three next steps.

TerrapinSTRONG onboarding is meant as a first door new Terps enter, and offers an important foundation for additional trainings that will follow led by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct and University Human Resources. Planning is underway for additional education, training and opportunities; questions about these should be addressed to the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Georgina Dodge.

Yes, the training is in compliance with the University of Maryland Web Accessibility Policy, which ensures compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, specifically, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The staff version of the onboarding is also being translated into Spanish and French Creole.

It takes about 35-45 minutes to complete.

TerrapinSTRONG is accessed through Canvas Catalog, an open learning program hosted by the Office of Extended Studies. Those participating in new undergraduate student, graduate student, faculty and staff orientations will access the onboarding through personal invitations. All new Terps will need a University ID Number and login credentials in order to access the onboarding.