Pillar: Cultivating a Culture of Belonging, Dialogue, and Well-Being

We partner with schools and academic units across UMB to advance equitable practices that strengthen belonging, support dialogue, and promote well-being. IEIE collaborates with schools, units, and community partners to share information about available resources, foster engagement, and align efforts with UMB’s strategic initiatives and core values.

groups of diverse young people

Why It Matters

Equity, belonging, and well-being are essential to student, faculty, and staff success. IEIE's work helps create opportunities for people across UMB to thrive academically, professionally, and personally by advancing equitable practices, strengthening engagement, and supporting a culture where all community members can contribute fully.

This work directly supports Theme 2 of UMB’s 2027–2031 Strategic Plan: Student, Faculty, and Staff Success, which emphasizes equitable access to resources, meaningful community, holistic well-being, and opportunities for growth.

The impact of this work includes:

  • Students experience a stronger sense of belonging, access to support pathways for academic and personal success.
  • Faculty are better supported in creating inclusive learning, research, clinical, and service environments.
  • Staff benefit from greater engagement, professional connection, and opportunities to contribute to UMB’s mission.
  • Schools and units are better positioned to align equity-centered practices with UMB’s strategic initiatives.

Together, these efforts strengthen institutional effectiveness by creating the conditions for students, faculty, and staff to thrive and grow academically and professionally, preparing graduates to contribute locally, nationally, and globally in service of UMB’s mission to improve the human condition and serve the public good.

Key Areas

  • Events and Workshops

    Explore events, workshops, and programs that support learning, engagement, and professional development across the UMB community. Featured events include:

    • Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month Celebration
    • UMB Baltimore Heritage Tour
  • Explore funding opportunities that support inclusive practices and advance UMB’s core values of equity and justice for all.

    • Co-Sponsorship Requests 
    • National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD)

Featured News

Access and Engagement Events

Related Resources

Some areas related to equity and compliance are managed by partner offices. IEIE helps connect you to these services but does not oversee them directly.

UMB Policy on Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

UMB aligns with federal and state non-discrimination laws and University System of Maryland policies, including VI-1.00 – Policy on Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

This policy affirms that all members of the UMB community must be treated based on individual abilities and qualifications, free from discrimination or harassment on the basis of legally protected characteristics.