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 and thriving faculty. Our vision is to create an academic work environment where all faculty 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.