University of Maryland President Darryll Pines announced the campuswide TerrapinSTRONG initiative on his first day, saying it will “affirm our mission, culture, and values as a diverse, united, proud, respectful, inclusive, accountable and empowered community of people from every background that works to impact positively our globally connected society.”
TerrapinSTRONG is a shared vision and values for the entire campus community. All new faculty, staff and students participate in the TerrapinSTRONG onboarding course, as well as TerrapinSTRONG onboarding initiatives within their college. These onboarding experiences are just the first step to creating an inclusive campus. The TerrapinSTRONG vision is the shared understanding from which we work to improve the sense of community, connection and inclusion on our campus.
TerrapinSTRONG Vision
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.
TerrapinSTRONG in CMNS
In the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS), the TerrapinSTRONG program focuses on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the sciences and mathematics, as well as current challenges in these areas. Together, we can ensure that all students, faculty and staff members in CMNS feel welcome, a sense of community, and that they matter and belong at UMD.
We are Science Terps and we are TerrapinSTRONG.
UMD Graduate Student TerrapinSTRONG Program
- New Graduate Student Welcome - August 24, 2023
- Graduate TerrapinSTRONG Onboarding Course
UMD Faculty and Staff TerrapinSTRONG Onboarding Program
Each new staff and faculty member participates in TerrapinSTRONG campus onboarding as part of their required orientations to the University of Maryland. Information is available on the TerrapinSTRONG website.
CMNS Undergraduate TerrapinSTRONG Program
- All new students complete a University TerrapinSTRONG onboarding ELMS course before their scheduled summer orientation program.
- All new students attend the 2024 CMNS New Student Welcome & TerrapinSTRONG Kickoff on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 3-4:30 p.m. or 6-7:30 p.m. This event includes participating in a facilitated small group discussion that focuses on current issues and challenges around identity, diversity and inclusion in CMNS fields of study.
- CMNS students enrolled in an 'Introduction to the University' course (CMSC100, HLSC100, UNIV100) will receive additional lessons and activities to engage students in conversation around identity and social justice.
CMNS TerrapinSTRONG Facilitators
Are you a faculty member, staff member or graduate student interested in becoming a CMNS TerrapinSTRONG Leader for the CMNS undergraduate TerrapinSTRONG onboarding program? Please complete the CMNS TerrapinSTRONG Leader interest form to receive more information.
Student Panelists at the 2024 CMNS New Student Welcome & TerrapinSTRONG Kickoff
Shashank Pratap Singh
he/him
Major: Computer science
Hometown: Rockville, Maryland
- Most delicious food spot in College Park: Jewel of India
- Favorite club/extracurricular activity: Paintball, badminton, student volunteer for UMD organizations
- Best hidden study spot on campus: Mckeldin 7th Floor Quiet Zone
- Fondest UMD memory: Holi 2024
- Most useful resource that helped you thrive at UMD: The student community!
Laura Akkurt
she/they
Major: Biological sciences
Hometown: Anne Arundel County
- Most delicious food spot in College Park: Krazi Kebob
- Favorite club/extracurricular activity: I started a club called HOSA future health professions where we compete with other chapters in the country and internationally in medical competition events.
- Best hidden study spot on campus: Gemstone suite
- Fondest UMD memory: My mom also started going back to school, so working with her to study has been a fond experience for me.
- Most useful resource that helped you thrive at UMD: The UMD subreddit r/UMD was so helpful to me. I recommend everyone join it.
Joey Schneck
he/him
Major: Biological sciences
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
- Most delicious food spot in College Park: Dog Haus
- Favorite club/extracurricular activity: Wrestling
- Best hidden study spot on campus: A James Clark Hall
- Fondest UMD memory: Sacrificing to Testudo
- Most useful resource that helped you thrive at UMD: Chem Draw
Oliver O'Brien
they/them
Degrees: Astronomy and Anthropology
Hometown: Westfield, NJ
- Most delicious food spot in College Park: Spot Mini
- Favorite club/extracurricular activity: AstroTerps (UMD's Astronomy Club!)
- Best hidden study spot on campus: Applause Cafe seating in the Clarice
- Fondest UMD memory: Volunteering at the April solar eclipse by handing out eclipse glasses and educating visitors on how eclipses work
- Most useful resource that helped you thrive at UMD: The Canvas website/app
Ndeye Diop
she/her
Majors: Biological Sciences: Neurobiology and Physiology and Arabic Langauge
Hometown: Catonsville, MD
- Most delicious food spot in College Park: Board and Brew
- Favorite club/extracurricular activity: The Language House
- Best hidden study spot on campus: Physical Sciences Complex
- Fondest UMD memory: Having a cookout with my flatmates and roommates
- Most useful resource that helped you thrive at UMD: CMNS Website, BioFIRE, Teachers/Mentors