TerrapinSTRONG Education
Introducing TerrapinSTRONG Education
TerrapinSTRONG Education is a newly formulated unit that expands the spirit of the TerrapinSTRONG onboarding program to the life cycle of our community members. Dr. Leslie R. Krafft is this unit's inaugural director. The unit will continue to provide the TerrapinSTRONG onboarding program and other educational programs, including orientation to the university and the Words of Engagement Intergroup Dialogue Program (WEIDP). Stay tuned for new educational initiatives as well!
What Is TerrapinSTRONG?
TerrapinSTRONG is a shared vision and values for the entire campus community. It represents our commitment to building community, belonging & inclusion on our campus.
The process of becoming TerrapinSTRONG begins as soon as a student is admitted or an employee starts their position. All new staff, students & faculty participate in a common onboarding course, as well as local onboarding initiatives within their division/college/school. These onboarding experiences are just the first step to creating a campus where everyone belongs, leading into learning pathways for continued education and growth.
What Are We Trying to Do?
Vision
The University of Maryland strives to create an environment where every member of our community feels that they belong and are empowered to reach their full potential.
Mission
TerrapinSTRONG introduces institutional values across the university to create a stronger commitment to community, belonging & inclusion.
Priorities
Community
TerrapinSTRONG connects people to history, place, and people. TerrapinSTRONG helps members of the UMD community build relationships, find support systems and understand how their work connects to the wider vision of the institution. It provides opportunities for engagement with ourselves, with each other and with our institution. It acknowledges issues in our shared community history, communicates our values, indicates the importance of taking care of our community and emphasizes the role every person plays in the success of this place.
Belonging
TerrapinSTRONG creates a sense of belonging and an expectation of personal responsibility among UMD community members. We strive for a safe environment where people can be who they are, can disagree and can still be fully valued members of our community. Every community member has the right to be themselves and everyone has the responsibility to treat each other with a respect that ensures that right.
Inclusion
TerrapinSTRONG emphasizes the importance of an environment where everyone can reach their full potential. It provides resources for support of all people, and encourages practices that serve everyone. TerrapinSTRONG brings all voices to the table and clearly communicates our commitment to be a welcoming and safe place.