Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The University of Maryland strives to create an inclusive environment where each member of our community feels that they belong and are empowered to reach their full potential. The University of Maryland Alumni Association is committed to purposefully advancing that goal while inviting our alumni to become TerrapinSTRONG.

Through the Alumni Association’s programming, we strive to have an organization where every alum feels that the Alumni Association is a place where they belong. We enrich the University of Maryland’s impact by serving as a gateway for alums of all identities, abilities, backgrounds, socio-economic classes, and experiences to participate in programs that contribute to a united, respectful, and empowered Terp community. We commit to deepening our learning about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and hold ourselves accountable for evolving into the most just organization possible. As the Alumni Association for the flagship university in the state of Maryland, we feel a sense of responsibility to be leaders in this area.

Join us in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world. Commit to lifelong learning. Be active members of our Terp community and beyond. We invite all alumni to join together as a Terp community in becoming TerrapinSTRONG.

A commitment alone is not enough. The Alumni Association joins the #UMDSolidarity movement and developed the following action plan to fulfill our commitment.

The Alumni Association commits to:

• Striving to maintain an alumni volunteer population that is increasingly diverse year over year because we recognize the makeup of our population of today does not reflect the alumni population of the future and the values they bring with them. We recognize that some communities were historically excluded from full participation, and we need to invite excluded members in and to create a more just and inclusive organization.

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging training for staff and volunteer leaders to ensure our operations and programming are reflective of our values.

• Audits of programs, policies and procedures to identify gaps and areas of opportunity.

• Programming and resources for alumni to mature and develop DEI skills, not only to better foster our Alumni Association community, but also equip you to be a fearless leader in creating a more just and equitable world.

• Elevate Minority-Owned Terp Businesses through our #TerpBusiness programs.

Everyone's journey to understand diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging starts from a different place. The Alumni Association produces and curates a collection of important resources for the Terp community to advance in their own understanding and commitment to diverse, inclusive and equitable practices.

Terrapin Strong

• TerrapinSTRONG: Alumni DEI Programming Video List

• Accessibility and Digital Inclusivity Tips

• Terp Writer’s Corner - learn about books and publications from diverse authors

• Alumni Spotlight - meet diverse alums and learn about their post-grad experiences

• TEN for 10 - meet diverse Terp Entrepreneurs

• Elaine Johnson Coates Award: Honors an alumnus/a who has made a significant and sustained contribution that fosters diversity and inclusion nationally and/or globally. This award is named for Elaine Johnson Coates ’59, who is also the inaugural recipient.

Additional UMD Resources

• #UMDSolidarity

• Anti Racism Teach-in Series

• Anti Racism Toolkit

• Series on Antisemitism and Jewish Identities

• LGBTQ+ Equity Center’s Trans Training & Learning Content

Wherever you are - in the world, in your career, in your life - you’re a Terp forever.

The Alumni Association is proud to foster close-knit, supportive communities for alumni based on interests and identities. We invite you to become an active member of our Terp community by joining a network or giving back to fellow Terps.

Join Terp Networks & Communities

Alumni-Led Affinity Networks

Affinity networks provide an opportunity for alumni to connect with each other while fostering University pride, share in common interests and celebrate heritage and identities that strengthen and enrich the Terp community.

Terrapins Connect Professional Affinity Groups

Professional affinity groups provide an opportunity for alumni to network, grow professionally, participate in mentorship opportunities and share career-related resources and tools.

• Army Terps

• Asian Pacific American Terps

• BIPOC in STEM Terps

• Hispanic/Latinx Terps

• Women in STEM Terps

Support Fellow Terps

• Alumnae Outreach and Engagement Fund

• Alumni Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programming Fund

• Asian American Studies Scholarship Fund

• Asian American Studies Program Fund

• Black Alumni Outreach and Engagement Fund

• Latin American Studies Center Fund

• Latinx/a/o Student Advocacy Scholarship

• LGBT Equity Scholarship Fund

• LGBT Equity Office Operating Fund

• LGBT Advocacy Scholarship

• MICA Diversity Fund

• Nyumburu Cultural Center Scholarship Fund

• Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fund

• Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education (OMSE) College Success Scholars Program

• Student Success Service Leadership Scholarship Fund