Terps Learn Everywhere

Step up, speak out, and shape change on campus and beyond.

• Become a Leader in UMD’s Student Government Association (SGA)
• Commit to Serve with Terps for Change
• Take Action through Alternative Break Experiences
• Guide the Next Generation with Maryland Mentor Corps
• Make your Voice Heard with TerpsVote
• Develop Leadership Skills with the Terrapin Leadership Institute
• Lead and Serve the Local Community
• Do Good

Build lifelong connections in communities that reflect your identity, values, or interests.

• Join a Student Organization
• Join a Fraternity or Sorority
• Find Your Squad (Res Life events)
• Join a Living-Learning Community or Other Special Program
• Participate in Campus Events
• Earn a Terps Learn Everywhere Digital Badge

Gain real-world experience through meaningful campus and career roles.

• Apply for an Internship or Job
• Work as a Campus Housing Resident Assistant (RA)
• Work as a Student Employee within the Division of Student Affairs
• Join the Dining Services Advancement Ladder Training Program

Push boundaries and unlock knowledge through research, travel, and hands-on learning.

Study Abroad

Conduct Undergraduate Research

Transform Learning as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant

Care for your well-being and empower others to do the same.

• Active Terps Live Well
• Build Wellness Skills for Yourself and Other Terps
• Combat Food Insecurity

What is the difference between Terps Learn Everywhere and Co-Curricular Learning (CCL)?

There is no difference between Terps Learn Everywhere and Co-Curricular Learning (CCL). Terps Learn Everywhere is what we have named co-curricular learning experiences for undergraduate Terps at the University of Maryland.

What is co-curricular learning (CCL)?

Co-curricular learning (CCL) refers to experiential learning opportunities that occur beyond the classroom. These experiences are intentionally designed to complement academic learning and foster student development. Examples include student organizations, leadership roles, student employment, community service, and living-learning programs.

Co-curricular learning helps students develop self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and societal understanding. It enhances career readiness by fostering skills like teamwork, communication, leadership, and problem-solving—qualities highly valued by employers.

What does co-curricular learning look like at UMD?

At the University of Maryland, co-curricular learning can be found in nearly every corner of campus life. We believe Terps Learn Everywhere! Whether you are participating in a student organization, serving in a leadership role, working on campus, volunteering in the community, or engaging in a living-learning program, you are developing skills and knowledge that support your personal growth. 

These experiences align with UMD’s four co-curricular learning domains: Engage Inquisitively, Practice Compassion, Act with Courage, and Work for Justice.
 

• Engage Inquisitively - Terps engage with curiosity and innovation.

Terps ask bold questions fueled by curiosity and seek insight about themselves, others and society. Terps strive for innovative solutions to the world's grand challenges. 

• Practice Compassion - Terps seek first to understand, and then act with care.

Terps lead with heart, listen deeply, and act with empathy and kindness. Terps strengthen their decisions and actions through care for self, others and the greater good.

• Act with Courage - Terps do brave things.

Terps learn to step into the unknown and act boldly - to try, fail, learn and grow. Terps rise to the challenge, take responsibility to address their mistakes, and practice humility when collaborating with others.

• Work for Justice - Terps work toward equity for all.

Terps serve the community and advocate for positive change. They put their values, passions and ideas into action for a more equitable, sustainable and resilient world. They consider who they are and their impact on others as they strive to address past and current injustices. 

How does co-curricular learning (outside of the classroom) connect to curricular learning (within the classroom)?

While co-curricular experiences are not typically graded, they complement classroom learning by providing hands-on opportunities to apply concepts in real-world settings. Many programs, like living-learning communities, blend curricular and co-curricular elements. Co-curricular learning enhances and builds upon the academic foundation provided by UMD’s existing curricular undergraduate education learning outcomes.

Where can I learn more about co-curricular learning and/or who can I contact with questions?

For more information about Terps Learn Everywhere, UMD's Co-Curricular Learning Experiences, explore the CCL opportunities listed above, Terps Learn Everywhere Digital Badges and UMD’s CCL Resource Hub available in ELMS/CANVAS. 

If you still have questions about where to begin, reach out to the CCL Steering committee at <co-curricular-los@umd.edu> for support and collaboration. Students who need help getting involved on campus may contact the Student Organization Resource Center (SORC) or the Dean of Students Office for support.

How can I find co-curricular learning opportunities?

Co-curricular learning can be found in your everyday activities, like navigating roommate conflicts, working, or caring for family. Making meaning of these experiences develops transferable skills, which is the purpose of the co-curricular learning initiative. 

To explore opportunities, check CCL listings above, Terps Learn Everywhere Digital Badges, campus events, student organizations on TerpLink and peer recommendations. These are great starting points for getting involved. For further assistance, contact the Student Organization Resource Center (SORC) or the Dean of Students Office for ways to get connected.

How can co-curricular learning help me with my career and job search?

Employers consistently value skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving—all of which can be developed through co-curricular involvement. Sharing stories of your experiences in interviews and on resumes can help you stand out. 

Student employment or volunteer roles can demonstrate your initiative, commitment, and ability to navigate complex situations.

Connecting career-related skills to the Terps Learn Everywhere co-curricular learning domains provides impactful stories. For example, office assistants learn to Engage Inquisitively by asking clarifying questions to fully understand the nature of an inquiry, to ensure they provide accurate information and instructions. While many  students seek teamwork and leadership skills, describing how you Practice Compassion with empathy and care provides a more nuanced approach when engaging with others. These are just a few ways to incorporate the Terps Learn Everywhere disposition to your everyday experiences.  

We know employers recruit college graduates with proven skills, which students tell us they learn outside the classroom. As a Terp, these learning experiences equip you with critical skills for your time in college and beyond graduation as you pursue your career, community involvement, and life goals.

How do I showcase my participation in co-curricular learning domains? 

You can highlight your experiences in resumes, cover letters, interviews, and portfolios. UMD is exploring formal recognition options such as digital badges or a co-curricular transcript. Reflection tools and guided templates will also help students articulate what they have learned and how it applies to future goals.

How do I balance co-curricular learning with my academics and other commitments?

It’s important to choose experiences that align with your interests, availability, and goals. Many opportunities are flexible and can be adjusted around your schedule. Prioritizing intentional involvement in 1–2 meaningful experiences can enhance your college journey without overwhelming your academic priorities. Additionally, co-curricular learning doesn’t have to be limited to on-campus activities. Off-campus jobs, caregiving responsibilities, and other life experiences can also be meaningful learning opportunities. The important thing is to consider how these experiences provide transferable skills, engage with intentionality, and then be able to share with others the learning you gained.

Does participation in co-curricular learning or obtaining badges have any costs or other barriers, such as accessibility or prerequisite requirements?

Most co-curricular opportunities are free. The university is committed to reducing barriers and promoting inclusive access. Students with off-campus jobs or caregiving responsibilities can reflect on and gain recognition for those experiences.

What role do faculty and staff play in UMD's Co-Curricular Learning Domains?

Faculty and staff play a critical role in helping students make meaning of their experiences. Advisors, instructors, mentors, and student affairs professionals are well-positioned to guide reflection, structure learning, and create spaces where students can explore the four learning domains. Their support amplifies the value of co-curricular engagement.

How can faculty and staff get started with co-curricular learning domains? 

Many faculty and staff are already supporting co-curricular learning through advising, mentorship, programs and campus partnerships, even if they haven’t named it that way. This initiative offers an opportunity to highlight and align those efforts with the four co-curricular learning domains. 

For those just beginning, it also provides a framework and tools to intentionally design experiences that support co-curricular learning. Whether you're building on existing practices or just getting started, there are accessible ways to engage - through student conversations, reflection prompts, or collaborations that make learning visible.

What resources will be available for faculty and staff to engage with co-curricular learning?
A media kit, sample messaging, graphics, and a FAQ guide are available to help faculty and staff communicate the value of co-curricular learning. Training sessions, workshops, and an annual Co-Curricular Learning Workshop will provide tools for designing learning experiences and engaging students meaningfully.

How can faculty and staff have their co-curricular learning opportunities highlighted within the campus map of UMD’s co-curricular learning domains? 

ELMS/CANVAS CCL Resource Hub provides a portal to allow programs and departments to align their offerings with the co-curricular learning domains. Submissions will be reviewed and added to a public dashboard showcasing available opportunities for students. Interested staff and faculty can reach out to co-curricular-los@umd.edu for more information.

What is our assessment process for co-curricular learning at UMD?

Co-curricular programs are not required to engage in direct methods of assessment or report learning outcome results for re-accreditation of the university from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. However, the university encourages programs to engage in reflective, data-informed practices to understand their impact. The CCL committee is developing tools and resources to support assessment and promote continuous improvement across the campus.