Inclusion and Belonging

Our Commitment

When creating policies, it is important to look at who is benefiting from them and who is creating them. As a school of policy, SPP is fostering conversations about "the table," or the spaces where decisions are being made.

• Diversity addresses, "who is at the table and who is missing?"
• Equity recognizes each person has different circumstances and needs and emphasizes providing individuals with the resources they need to succeed. This is different from equality which often focuses on treating everyone the same or providing the same resources to everyone which may not always be sufficient to address instances of inequality.
• Inclusion addresses, "whose ideas are included, and valued in the discussion around the table?"
• Belonging addresses, "who is part of creating the dining experience?"

As a policy school dedicated to the public good and producing civically engaged and socially responsible leaders, the School is committed to creating an environment of diversity, inclusion and belonging for its faculty, staff, students and surrounding communities.

Terrapin STRONG

Terrapin STRONG is a shared vision and values for the entire campus community. All new faculty, staff and students participate in the Terrapin STRONG onboarding course, as well as Terrapin STRONG onboarding initiatives within their division/college/school. These onboarding experiences are just the first step to creating an inclusive campus. The Terrapin STRONG vision is the shared understanding from which we work to improve the sense of community, connection and inclusion on our campus. 

Learn more at diversity.umd.edu.