Celebrate our School of Public Health 2025 Graduates!
Mission & Vision
Our mission is to contribute to positive rates for graduation, retention, satisfaction, and social wellness by supporting efforts to cultivate a sense of belonging within our community.
We envision a self sustaining culture where students are able identify and connect with supportive networks among faculty, staff, peers, alumni, and campus resources.
The School of Public Heath's Student Engagement Initiative (SEI) offer a variety of co-curricular experiences and support services designed to enhance the student experience, support a sense of community and belonging, and assist with career readiness among undergraduate students. Outlined in our 2024-2030 Strategic Plan, the SEI unit represents our school's commitment to invest and empower our community for better health and academic success.
Our Plan
We aim to pursue our mission and vision with an emphasis on four specific pillars, gathering the appropriate student-centered data, and building constructive partnerships across the school and university.
The Four Pillars
Belonging is linked to greater emotional and behavioral engagement, as well as improved satisfaction and academic self-efficacy. We value creating spaces where students feel supported and connected, from engaging with faculty and staff to forming bonds with peers and alumni. Through various programs and initiatives, we work to build a welcoming environment where all students can grow personally and professionally. By fostering community and belonging, we help students develop the confidence and connections they need for lifelong success.
Social wellness involves building healthy, nurturing, and supportive relationships as well as fostering a genuine connection with those around you. It’s about cultivating a sense of belonging and being part of a community that encourages personal growth and shared responsibility. Social wellness also means understanding how to communicate effectively, respect differences, and support one another’s well-being. By prioritizing social wellness, students can develop lasting friendships and create a network of care that extends beyond their college years.
Career readiness goes hand in hand with student involvement and engagement. Employers are twice as likely to offer a position to moderately involved students and three times more likely for those who are highly involved. By taking part in student activities and leadership opportunities, students develop valuable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Career readiness also involves learning how to build professional networks, set goals, and explore meaningful pathways after graduation.
Showcasing the student voice means elevating and amplifying the diverse perspectives of our students. We function as a centralized information hub for student groups, experiential learning programs, and professional development activities across majors. By highlighting student stories, accomplishments, and contributions, we create a vibrant, inclusive community. Supporting the student voice also means providing platforms for students to shape their experience and share their insights, ensuring they are active participants in their journey.
Meet the Team
Tia M. Cunningham, Assistant Director
tanksley@umd.edu
As the Assistant Director for Student Engagement, Tia's mission is to further the college’s strategic plan of fostering and investing in a community of excellence. This includes creating, collaborating, and supporting opportunities for students to build relationships with each other, faculty, staff, and alumni. Tia oversees events such as SPH Welcome Week, SPH Student Involvement Fair, Alumni Network Mentorship Program, the SPH Summer Bridge Program, and the Students Transitioning into Effective Professionals (STEP) program.
Cynthia Kershaw, Program Coordinator
ckershaw@umd.edu
Cynthia Kershaw is the Program Coordinator for the UTEAM Program. The program creates teaching teams with faculty and undergraduate TAs to increase peer mentoring and support within the School of Public Health.