In the past, first impressions at the University of Maryland were generally formed during our traditional orientations, which focused more on the nuts and bolts of how to function at our university -- payroll, parking, course registration and the like. But as we began reflecting on the specific first impressions we wanted our new students, faculty and staff to have of our institution, we realized that we had missed an important opportunity to take advantage of their first days with us to communicate a collective university message of welcome, values, history, tradition, community and responsibility. We decided to seize that opportunity to create a campuswide welcome for all new students, staff and faculty and to introduce them to new places to learn, work, contribute and engage in community and service to one another. 

Launched this summer, our new TerrapinSTRONG onboarding initiative embodies the vision that the university strives to create an inclusive environment where every member of our community feels that they belong and are empowered to reach their full potential. We understand this as a collective, ongoing project. The TerrapinSTRONG vision has four key components: 1) welcome and community, 2) recognition of history, 3) commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and 4) the embracing of traditions and Terrapin pride.