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Affirmative Action

Did you know that in U.S. history, government agents would walk around communities and record people’s identities without asking them how they identified?

Things have changed!

You have the right to self-identify your gender, race, ethnicity, and status as a person with a disability or veteran. Providing this information is voluntary, but very helpful as UMD strives to be one of the most inclusive institutions in Maryland; one of the most diverse states in the U.S.!

Self-Identification

As a federal contractor, 41 CFR Chapter 60 requires UMD to ask employees to voluntarily self-identify their gender, ethnicity, race, status as a person with a disability, and protected veteran.  Along with meeting federal reporting requirements, this information helps support the University’s Guiding Principles and assess progress toward its diversity, equity, and inclusion goals, including the effectiveness of recruiting and hiring processes.  For additional details and answers to common questions, an FAQ is available.

The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) is proud to be an affirmative action and equal employment opportunity employer. This page shares information about the data we collect and use to construct our annual affirmative action plans (AAPs).

If you have any questions, please email UMD’s Affirmative Action Officer, Sarah Babineau, at sbabinea@umd.edu

UMD policies included in our AAPs

More AAP Information

Affirmative Action Plan narratives for Protected Veterans
Affirmative Action Plan narratives for Individuals with Disabilities


Professionals in Hiring Process

For supervisors at all levels, Equity Officers, Diversity Officers, human resources, and diversity, equity, and inclusion professionals.

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