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TerrapinSTRONG Onboarding

What Is TerrapinSTRONG Onboarding?

TerrapinSTRONG onboarding is the first doorway through which all new Terps enter the university. It sets a tone of belonging and community. The TerrapinSTRONG onboarding course is organized into five modules. Each module includes a video, written content and an activity. At the end of the five modules, new Terps create an action plan on ways they will stay involved. Those who complete the course will receive a welcome gift of a free scoop of ice cream at the Maryland Dairy. 

collage of four images from the course: The first image is a screenshot of the words Engage Diversity from the course. The second image is a group of students in lab coats discussing a project. The third image is Dr. Pines talking to the screen, and the fourth image is a screenshot of the definition of TerrapinSTRONG: We are working to create an environment where every member of our community feels that they matter and are empowered to reach their full potential.
President Pines' Welcome and Vision of TerrapinSTRONG
still images from TerrapinSTRONG Course, including headshot of Dr. Georgina Dodge (light-skinned black and Korean woman with short hair), a Venn diagram pointing to the overlap between cognitive neuroscience and community, students in a classroom and students in a lab wearing labcoats
Our Strategic Commitments
Strategic Commitments of the Fearlessly Forward Action Plan: We Reimagine Learning. We take on humanity's grand challenges. We invest in people & communities. We partner to advance the public good.
How the University Works
collage of 6 images of students engaged in a variety of campus traditions: pulling the flag down in the football stadium, taking a photo with the Testudo mascot, rubbing the Testudo statue's nose, the flash mob at a basketball game, taking a photo with the Jim Henson and Kermit statue, and an image of the Maryland Dairy sign.
Traditions & Belonging
collage of five images from the course: a campus peace mural, a black and white photo of a black woman pole vaulting, Jazmine Diggs reciting the Land Acknowledge, a black and white photo of white men in suits and one black man in the center of the group, and the words "How can we prepare for the future if we won't acknowledge the past? - N.K. Jemison"
Engaging our History
a screenshot of the action plan page in the course. It says Create your Action Plan at the top, with the categories of community, belonging, and inclusion below.
Create your Action Plan

Take the Onboarding Course

Current faculty, staff and students can begin the onboarding here.

You must have a directory ID to enroll. Employees who do not have computer work stations or would benefit from an in-person delivery of the material can register to attend an existing TerrapinSTRONG In-Person Session via Workday Learning.

for Staff for Staff without computers for Faculty
for Graduate Students for Undergrads

Who Takes the TerrapinSTRONG Onboarding Course?

Each new undergraduate and graduate student, staff and faculty member participates in TerrapinSTRONG campus onboarding as part of their orientation 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 opportunities to become TerrapinSTRONG.

User Experience