Strategic Plan
Together, we make a world of difference
A Shared Vision for Global Learning, Research and Partnerships
Global engagement has long been central to the university’s mission. Our strategic plan builds on that strong foundation by joining our existing strengths to amplify impact, deepen collaboration across borders, and contribute meaningfully to the global common good. Grounded in the university's Fearlessly Forward strategic plan, it focuses on connecting and elevating the outstanding global work already taking place across our campus and with our partners around the world.
Our Fearlessly Global Goals
Organized around five core goals, each supported by key initiatives, our strategic plan advances global learning, research, partnerships, and community. Together, these goals provide an ambitious and actionable roadmap for strengthening the university’s role as a globally engaged leader.
We prepare students to thrive in a complex, interconnected world by equipping them with cross-cultural skills, global competence and the leadership needed needed to tackle humanity’s grand challenges.
Fearlessly Forward Pillars: Reimagine Learning; Invest in People and Communities; Partner to advance the Public Good
Key Initiatives
- Launch a Global Learning Innovation initiative to support faculty-led study abroad, global classrooms, and project-based global learning modules.
- Expand study abroad programs and global classrooms partnerships in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
- Partner with the Teaching and Learning Transformation Center to support global curriculum design, project-based pedagogy, and inclusive assessment.
- Pilot global leadership and competency assessment tools aligned with student learning outcomes.
We leverage strategic and mission-aligned international partnerships to amplify the university's global impact and strengthen our reputation as a leader in innovation and scholarship.
Fearlessly Forward Pillars: Take on Humanity’s Grand Challenges; Partner to Advance the Public Good
Key Initiatives
- Collaborate with the Division of Research to advance sustainable, values-driven global partnerships in teaching and research.
- Co-host delegations, symposia, and workshops with international partners showcasing UMD’s research leadership.
We sustain and strengthen the university's standing as a world-class institution by attracting, supporting and retaining exceptional international students and faculty, whose diverse perspectives enrich learning, foster innovation, and strengthen the university's intellectual community.
Fearlessly Forward Pillars: Invest in People and Communities
Key Initiatives
- Collaborate with the Graduate School, Undergraduate Admissions, academic units, and partners to strengthen and diversify international student recruitment.
- Partner with academic units to ensure consistent, compliant and supportive processes for international faculty and researcher mobility.
- Facilitate joint and dual degree programs, co-tutelle agreements, and virtual global hubs that extend UMD’s global academic reach.
We create a vibrant, inclusive, and seamless global community experience that fosters a strong sense of belonging and empowers international students and scholars to succeed academically, professionally, and personally.
Fearlessly Forward Pillars: Invest in People and Communities; Reimagine Learning
Key Initiatives
- Strengthen and formalize cross-campus international student advisory boards to coordinate services, programming, and community engagement efforts.
- Develop further mentoring, peer leadership, and community engagement programs for international students and scholars.
- Enhance visa, immigration, and travel guidance to provide timely and consistent support to international students and scholars.
We operate efficiently, scale effective practices, and expand impact through strong systems, leadership, and governance.
Fearlessly Forward Pillars: Invest in People and Communities; Partner to Advance the Public Good
Key Initiatives
- Launch a Faculty Council to advise on, shape, and strengthen sustainable global engagement strategies and priorities.
- Launch an external Advisory Board comprising global leaders, alumni, and prospective donors to guide strategy, partnerships, and fundraising.
- Embed safety training and compliance requirements within university travel systems for high-risk/sensitive research destinations, in collaboration with Research Security.
- Develop and implement institution-wide incident tracking.