Belonging & Community
ODI is changing our scope to better align with the work we perform on behalf of the entire campus community. As part of this change, we transition to a new name.
Belonging & Community at UMD best reflects the fact that we interact with all of the unique identities in our community. We provide expertise and support for anyone who needs help establishing a sense of belonging and finding a nurturing community.
The new name reflects the feedback we received from the campus Belonging & Community Survey, which will continue to be a valuable, evidence-based tool in determining steps we can take to enhance belonging among our students, staff and faculty. Stay tuned for additional changes to come.
We look forward to continuing to serve the entire UMD community, adhering to the values and compassion that have always driven our work and dedicated staff.
Our units
Learn about Bias Incident Support Services
Bias Incident Support Services responds to hate-bias incidents; it also educates and reports to the campus about those incidents while providing support, guidance, expertise, and advocacy to community members.
Learn about the LGBTQ+ Equity Center
The LGBTQ+ Equity Center supports people of all gender identities, sexes and sexual orientations and develops accessible, vibrant, respectful and inclusive campus communities.
Nyumburu is Swahili for “freedom house” and has served the UMD community since 1971 as a foundation for social and intellectual interaction.
Learn about ADA accessibility at UMD
The ADA coordinator's office addresses accessibility issues and disability concerns on campus, guiding the university's efforts to move beyond compliance and toward seamless access.
Learn about the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education
The Office of Multi-ethnic Student Education (OMSE) offers a variety of services and programs to enhance the learning experience and promote the academic success of undergraduate students.
Learn about TerrapinSTRONG Education
TerrapinSTRONG Education introduces institutional values across the university to create a stronger commitment to community, belonging & inclusion.
I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.
Maya Angelou
Belonging & Community at UMD Survey
The University of Maryland conducted a comprehensive assessment of our campus in spring 2024 to measure belonging and community. This survey, conducted by consultants from Rankin Climate, aimed to capture the experiences and perceptions of our students, faculty and staff to help inform the creation of an action plan designed to improve the sense of connection at UMD. Belonging is essential for individual and community well-being, for personal, academic and professional success, and for ensuring everyone in our community can thrive.
The older I get, the more convinced I am that the space between people who are trying their best to understand each other is hallowed ground.
Fred Rogers
If civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships — the ability of all peoples, of all kinds, to live together, in the same world, at peace.
Belonging & Community News
A note from our comms director
Note: The below message from Belonging's comms director appeared in the Belonging newsletter on May 6, 2026.Some readers may have noticed a language change to our event listings. Instead of “For disability accommodations, please contact…”, we now use “For ...
Belonging & Community Events
No upcoming events to display
Campus Events
Report an incident
The University of Maryland is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful campus for all students, faculty and staff. If you have been impacted by hate, bias, intimidation, sexual misconduct or discrimination, you can file a report with the units here.
You may also contact UMPD by calling:
Emergency: 911 or 301-405-3333 - Mobile Phone (AT&T or Verizon Wireless) #3333
Non-Emergency: 301-405-3555