Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Strategic Plan

Strategic Plan

The University of Maryland’s 2008 strategic plan, "Maryland: Higher Expectations,” set forth a vision of an institution unmatched in its capacity to attract talent, to create knowledge to address the most important issues of our time, and to produce the leaders of tomorrow. The 2016 update, “Equal to the Best,” charts a road map to become a top-10 flagship university, “equal to the best in the nation,” as its state mandate reads. 

Plan Details 

Driven by the pursuit of excellence, the University of Maryland has enjoyed a remarkable rise in accomplishment and reputation over the past two decades. By any measure, Maryland is now one of the nation's preeminent public research universities and on a path to become one of the world's best. To fulfill this promise, we must capitalize on our momentum, fully exploit our competitive advantages, and pursue ambitious goals with great discipline and entrepreneurial spirit. This promise is within reach. This strategic plan is our working agenda.

The plan is comprehensive, bold, and action oriented. It sets forth a vision of the University as an institution unmatched in its capacity to attract talent, address the most important issues of our time, and produce the leaders of tomorrow. The plan will guide the investment of our human and material resources as we strengthen our undergraduate and graduate programs and expand research, outreach and partnerships, become a truly international center, and enhance our surrounding community.

Our success will benefit Maryland in the near and long term, strengthen the State's competitive capacity in a challenging and changing environment and enrich the economic, social and cultural life of the region. We will be a catalyst for progress, the State's most valuable asset, and an indispensable contributor to the nation's well-being. Achieving the goals of Transforming Maryland requires broad-based and sustained support from our extended community. We ask our stakeholders to join with us to make the University an institution of world-class quality with world-wide reach and unparalleled impact as it serves the people and the state of Maryland.

2016 Strategic Plan (PDF)

Presentation Resources 

Transforming Maryland—Higher Expectations
The Strategic Plan for the University of Maryland (PDF)

Transforming Maryland—Higher Expectations
Executive Summary of the Strategic Plan (PDF)

Transforming Maryland—Higher Expectations
Executive Summary of the Strategic Plan (PowerPoint)

Previous and Related Strategic Plans

About

The University of Maryland, College Park is the state's flagship university and one of the nation's preeminent public research universities. A global leader in research, entrepreneurship and innovation, the university is home to more than 41,000 students, 14,000 faculty and staff, and 377,000 alumni all dedicated to the pursuit of Fearless Ideas. Located just outside Washington, D.C., we discover and share new knowledge every day through our renowned research enterprise and programs in academics, the arts and athletics. And we are committed to social entrepreneurship as the nation’s first “Do Good” campus.

DO GOOD 

Introducing The Nation's First Do Good Campus Transforming Idealism into Impact 

Academics

Spanning 12 schools and colleges, Maryland offers more than 200 degree-granting programs, many of them ranked among the best in the country. Our faculty includes three Nobel laureates, two Pulitzer Prize winners, 60 members of the national academies and scores of Fulbright scholars. And our students, who include the highest achievers in the state and nation, enjoy experiences unique to our location just outside the nation’s capital, including internships, research, and leadership and service opportunities.

Schools and Colleges

Research and Innovation

The University of Maryland is one of the world’s premier research institutions. With our strategic location and scores of partnerships with government and businesses, UMD conducts groundbreaking research on some of the biggest challenges facing our global community, including cybersecurity and terrorism, bioengineering, public health equity, food safety and climate change. We strive to discover new knowledge and put it to work through innovation and entrepreneurship, advancing economic development and transforming lives. 

Arts

At the University of Maryland, the arts, the humanities and the sciences intersect to address important societal issues and shed new light on the human experience. Our vibrant campus arts community collaborates with local and national cultural organizations such as the Phillips Collection, Kennedy Center and Folger Shakespeare Library. Student and faculty artists, designers, historians, writers and performers are exploring new media, presenting new perspectives, investigating new techniques and engaging new audiences.

Events

September 14
10:00pm - 1:00am
Silent Disc-Glo
September 17
12:00pm - 1:30pm
Bach Cantata Series: UMD Choral Activities
September 17
8:00pm - 10:00pm
SEE Presents Fall Movies: John Wick Chapter 3 - Parabellum
September 18
12:00am - 1:30am
Net Zero Energy Building: Predicted and Unintended Consequences

Athletics

Home of the Terrapins, the University of Maryland has one of the nation’s most recognizable and successful athletics programs. More than 550 student-athletes compete each year in 19 intercollegiate sports—11 for women and eight for men. Since 2005 alone, Maryland has won 16 national championships, including NCAA titles in women’s basketball, men’s soccer and women’s lacrosse. Since joining the Big Ten Conference in 2014, UMD has won a combined 17 regular season and tournament championships. Fear the Turtle!

Our Commitment to Student-Athletes

At the University of Maryland, our commitment to the safety and well-being of our students is paramount and resolute. For our student-athletes, that means both on and off the field.
The University of Maryland is committed to accountability, transparency, and fairness and is working to ensure our program upholds the values of our University.
Learn more about our commitment.

Student Life

The Terp experience extends beyond classrooms, labs and studios. It encompasses residence halls and dining halls, clubs and sports, fraternities and sororities, campus events and performances, and countless off-campus destinations. Maryland touts 800-plus student organizations, dozens of prestigious living and learning communities, and countless other ways to get involved. Students here can create a unique identity and grow as individuals, even as they’re part of a close-knit and diverse community. 

On Campus

UMD Reflects

UMD Reflects / University Gathers Resources, Provides Updates And Takes Action To Combat Hate

Read More

News

Latest news at Maryland Today

For media releases visit UMD Right Now

Presidential Search:
UMD seeks a visionary and inclusive leader to serve as its 34th President. Learn More

Events

September 14
10:00pm - 1:00am
Silent Disc-Glo
September 15
2:00pm
Women's Soccer vs. Princeton
September 17
11:30am - 1:00pm
Organizing Your Research and Using Citation Managers

All Events

Terps are bold, smart, curious and proud. We do good, in our communities and out in the world. We are fearless. And we are always looking to expand our ranks. Interested in becoming a University of Maryland student? This is where to start.

 

Undergraduate Admissions

Graduate Admissions

Inspiration. Boldness. Curiosity. Passion. Your support is critical to helping Terps make world-changing discoveries, launch successful startups and do good around the globe.

Give Now

University of Maryland Alumni Association

As a Terp, you’re always ready to take the next bold step. The University of Maryland Alumni Association can help, from offering professional networking to reconnecting you with fellow Terps.

Join Today!