Belonging & Community
Our mission
We cultivate a campus culture where members are valued and supported by upholding human dignity and strengthening community well-being.
Our vision
To be a campus where every individual belongs.
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.
Header image at top: John T. Consoli/University of Maryland
Belonging & Community News
Call for Programs: TerrapinSTRONG Symposium
UMD staff and faculty members are invited to submit proposals across a variety of session formats on these and any other topics related to 2026’s theme: Sustaining People, Shaping Change.Scholars and practitioners whose work, research, experience or ...
Stephen Thomas Named Nyumburu Interim Director
Read More on Stephen Thomas Named Nyumburu Interim Director
UMD Hiring Guidelines for Search & Selection
The updated University of Maryland Hiring Guidelines for Search & Selection are now available for the campus community.To improve clarity, usability, and navigation, the June 2026 update splits the guidelines into two separate, distinct resources: one ...
Belonging & Community Events
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to - Nyumburu Multipurpose Room (MPR)
- Nyumburu Cultural Center
- Events
Free food, free drinks, DJ music and games!Call 301-314-7759 to RSVP.
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to - Nyumburu Multipurpose Room (MPR)
- Nyumburu Cultural Center
- Events
Nyumburu welcomes you to discuss current events over lunch. News Break is a great opportunity to learn and engage in intellectual discourse on current news through student-led discussions. Free pizza and beverages provided.
The Circle: Finding Belonging on Campus
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to - Marie Mount Hall 2218
- Bias Incident Support Services
- Events
This circle will emphasize the importance of building community and a sense of belonging while away from home.RSVP for The Circle: Finding Belonging on CampusNote: there was previously a misprint of the location. We will be in Marie Mount Hall 2218. Hope ...
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