Students in Academic Achievement Programs, Freshmen Connection, and Letters and Sciences participate in UGST’s onboarding program to learn what it means to be a Terp and exhibit Maryland Pride.

The program includes a brief history of our institution; unconscious-bias and anti-racism training; diversity, equity and inclusion training; sexual harassment training; and an introduction to our cherished traditions.

In addition to the three modules all students complete during Orientation, students engage in community-building experiences that will:

  • introduce you to important leaders within UGST,
  • connect you to faculty, staff and peers,
  • identify valuable resources for your success at Maryland,
  • and foster inclusion as you begin to explore identity and breakdown stereotypes.
TerrapinStrong mask on the columns of McKeldin library

TerrapinSTRONG Modules

Your onboarding experience will take place in three separate but interconnected modules:

1

Module I: Gain an understanding of University and School values, traditions and history via videos posted on the TerrapinSTRONG canvas page. This is an asynchronous module which you must complete via a Canvas course and will include important trainings on topics such as preventing sexual harassment. You will receive a link via email once the course is ready.


2

Module II: Participate in an interactive Zoom experience on Identity and Inclusion. This session will give you an opportunity to interact with faculty and staff who care very deeply about these issues in the School and how they show up in the classroom.


3

Module III: Participate in an interactive Zoom leadership development session that focuses on your role as part of our community and helps you identify your strengths as a leader.


Testudo statue wearing TerrapinStrong mask

TerrapinSTRONG is one of twelve initiatives identified by President Pines on his first day in office as president in July 2020. This effort is part of our educational mission.

TerrapinSTRONG onboarding is designed 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.

"Thanks for putting on this program. I am from New York and I was worried where I would find my community. Now I know where to find my community. I feel at home."