Programs and Initiatives

Living our values isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are and how we live. Here’s the latest from the A&F Department of DEI on diversity, equity, and social justice, and updates from this office and around the globe.

Explore the many A&F DEI programs below:


Dawn Rhodes

Meet-and-Greet with Dawn M Rhodes, DBA Senior Vice President and Chief Business and Finance Officer

We are so glad you are part of Administration and Finance. Join Dawn and the Executive Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for an intimate, informal time to learn about A&F’s inclusive and welcoming culture, meet new colleagues, and jumpstart your career. New employees are strongly encouraged to attend and will receive an email invitation from Dawn. Virtual and in-person options are available. Please contact afdiversity@umaryland.edu if you have questions or missed your opportunity to attend.


Magnifying glass

A&F MORE EQUITABLE SEARCH PROCESS

All A&F search committees should complete this new training before beginning any new recruitment. This single-session, hour-long search kick-off empowers A&F team members with the knowledge and skills to create a more equitable search process. The training helps mitigate biases and create collective norms to ensure that candidates are evaluated solely on their qualifications, ultimately promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.

For more information or to schedule training for your next hiring effort, please contact afdiversity@umaryland.edu.


THE INCLUSIVE CONVERSATIONS WORKSHOP

The Inclusive Conversations Series for Leaders

Based on the Book Inclusive Conversations by Mary Frances Winters, this series explores the critical components of an organizational culture that facilitates meaningful dialogues around difference and helps create a strong culture of inclusion.


Resource Group (Image by pch.vector on Freepik)

Employee Resource Groups and Affinity Spaces

A&F Employee Resource Groups are currently under development. The goal is to provide safe spaces for employees to be together, share experiences, and gain resources.

A&F members have initiated the creation of the following groups. If you are interested in joining one of the following groups or have another idea for a group, please contact afdiversity@umaryland.edu. All are welcome!

  • LGBTQ+ Community
  • Women
  • Women of Color
  • Neurodiverse Individuals
  • Caregivers of All Kinds
  • Grief

People in a meeting

A&F Diversity Advisory Committee

Your voice matters. The A&F diversity committee helps inform and advise the A&F Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on plans and initiatives to support all A&F employees. The committee is currently forming, and diverse voices are needed. Once established, the committee will meet regularly and play an important role in ensuring every A&F employee thrives.

If you are interested in getting involved with the committee, contact afdiversity@umaryland.edu.


diploma

Goodwill Center High School Diploma Program Page

Get Your High School Diploma as You Work

Exclusively for A&F employees, the Goodwill Excel Center helps you earn a tuition-free high school diploma. Through this program, employees will receive time off from regularly scheduled work to attend classes at the Excel Center near the UMB campus. During the program, you will develop relationships with staff and fellow students to encourage your progress and academic progress.

The program offers drop-in daycare, embedded job training, transportation assistance, and life coaches to help you manage your work/class/life balance. To take the first, please reach out to afdiversity@umaryland.edu.


Broadway Camp

FREE Camp Hippodrome EXCLUSIVELY for A&F Kids!

Administration and Finance employee kids aged kindergarten to 12th grade are invited to attend this FREE one-day camp at the world-famous Hippodrome Theatre! Camp Hippodrome is a highly sought-after summer camp that introduces kids to theater, music, dance, improv, performing, and more. The participants put on a brief show at the end of the day!

Who: Any A&F Child, Siblings, or Grandkid, age 5-17
What: A&F Day CAMP HIPPODROME
When: Monday, July 1, 2024
Where: The Hippodrome | 12 N Eutaw Street
Why: Because every child is a superstar in the making.

This opportunity is reserved only for A&F families. You can enroll as many children as you want. The camp will provide free lunch. Plus, you can drop off, pick up, and attend the show without using any leave time! To reserve a spot for your child, please reach out to afdiversity@umaryland.edu.


Nicole leading a workshop

WISER Together for A&F Employees

WISER Together is a two-part inclusion series required for all A&F employees. This series serves as the foundation for creating a more inclusive workplace where every employee in A&F thrives. Each interactive in-person session is two hours in length.

The WISER Together initiative will officially roll out in early 2025. More exciting information to come soon.