In alignment with UMD's Strategic Plan, Fearlessly Forward, and its commitment to Investing in People and Communities, the mission of the ADVANCE Program is to support the recruitment, retention, advancement, and professional growth of a diverse faculty.
Our goals are to:
- Enhance transparency to ensure that faculty members have access to information on the policies, practices, and resources they can leverage to advance their careers.
- Strengthen faculty networks so that faculty members have access to the information, mentorship, collaboration, and support needed to advance their careers.
- Support the uptake of policies, practices, and resources that enhance inclusivity and equity within units, colleges, and the University.
- Build the capacity of faculty members to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within their local and cross-campus context(s).
- Understand and contribute to research and best practice on faculty diversity, equity, and inclusion policy, practice, and resources.
- Improve the academic work environment to ensure that UMD is a place where all faculty members can thrive.
To achieve these goals, ADVANCE Program activities are concentrated in four areas:
- Peer Networks: Faculty learning communities for faculty members of different identities, appointment types, and career stages that meet regularly to discuss issues of career advancement.
- Education and Training: Evidence-based workshops and trainings about diversity, equity, and inclusion issues such as bias, bystander intervention, inclusive hiring and workload.
- Advocacy and Advising: Strategic advice to campus policymaking bodies and membership on campus committees related to faculty diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Research and Evaluation: Disseminate best practices and lessons learned to internal and external stakeholders.