Belonging and Community

Our Commitment

At the School of Public Policy, we are committed to building and sustaining a vibrant, inclusive and connected community where every individual — students, faculty and staff — feels a true sense of belonging and support. 

We embrace the richness of our community's backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Our strength lies in our collective ability to learn, teach, work and lead across differences with respect, empathy and purpose. 

In alignment with our mission to develop innovative leaders, advance interdisciplinary knowledge and promote the public good, we intentionally cultivate inclusive spaces and practices. We work to ensure that every member of our School community can access the relationships, resources and support they need to thrive. 

Our approach centers on:

• Fostering a caring and collaborative environment that supports well-being and success
• Encouraging dialogue that honors the full spectrum of community members' experiences
• Including all voices in our teaching, research, service and community engagement
• Empowering individuals to be ethical, inclusive and visionary leaders in service to the public good.

At the School of Public Policy, belonging is not only a value — it is a daily commitment reflected in all that we do. Our work at SPP aligns with and supports the University mission to promote Belonging and Community at UMD.