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

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 jump-start 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.

UPCOMING SESSIONS: November 7^th (In-person) 9:00 AM | November 11^th (Virtual) 3:00 PM

A&F MORE EQUITABLE SEARCH PROCESS

All A&F search committees should complete this new training before beginning any new recruitment. This single-session, hourlong search kickoff empowers A&F team members with the knowledge and skills needed 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 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.

Next Session: Nov 12-13 at the A&F Leadership Retreat

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!

• A&F Women
• Women of Color
• LGBTQIA+
• Neurodivergent and Mental Health
• Caregivers of All Kinds
• Grief Support Group
• Mature Professionals 
• Young Professionals 

A&F Diversity Advisory Committee

Your voice matters. The A&F Diversity Advisory 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 that every A&F employee thrives.

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

Goodwill Excel Center High School Diploma Program

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. UMB currently has 5 scholars who are earning their degrees and will begin graduating in 2025. 

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 step, please reach out to afdiversity@umaryland.edu.

FREE Camp Hippodrome EXCLUSIVELY for A&F Kids!

A beloved tradition for two years and counting, Theatre Day from the Hippodrome is open to Administration and Finance employee kids aged kindergarten to 12th grade. This FREE one-day camp is held at at the world-famous Hippodrome Theatre! This highly sought-after summer camp 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, ages 5-17
What: A&F Day CAMP HIPPODROME
When: TBD, July 2025
Where: The Hippodrome, 12 N. Eutaw St.
Why: Because every child is a superstar in the making

This opportunity is always reserved 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! Watch this space for additional details. 

WISER Together for A&F Employees

WISER Together is an interactive, inclusion series for all A&F employees. This series serves as the foundation for creating a more inclusive workplace where every employee in A&F thrives. 

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