Diversity at Smith

Students representing dozens of countries, faculty members from around the world, fields of study ranging from marketing to supply chain management to information systems. The University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business is diverse on practically all aspects of consideration.

In the Princeton Review's 2007 rankings, the Smith School's MBA program was ranked #9 in the U.S. for offering the greatest opportunity for minority students. The ranking is based on percentage of students from minority groups; percentage of faculty from minorities; and student assessment of resources for minority students, how supportive the culture is of minority students, and whether fellow students are ethnically and racially diverse. More rankings information is available online.

In the Smith School profile, Princeton Review editors quote Smith students who point to the schools large number of international students and the diverse blend of backgrounds, nationalities, ethnicities, and experiences (30% international, 21% minority, 34% women -- Full-time MBA 2008 stats). Despite these differences, students say, there is an amazingly strong team-oriented feeling here at Smith School.

Editors point to the Smith School's long list of outreach programs for minority and disadvantaged students, including Diversity at Smith, a fall semester recruitment event for underrepresented minority students; Women & the MBA, a workshop for women about the advantages of earning an MBA; online chats for prospective MBA students from underrepresented groups; and participation in minority professional organizations conferences.

Clubs & Organizations

About a dozen Smith School and student clubs are focused on bringing members together who have similar interests in gender, nationality, religion, and sexual orientation. They host dozens of events each year -- many annual initiatives -- to educate the larger community on club-related issues, raise money for charity, and bring together the larger Smith community. These social events are so popular with students, faculty and staff that advanced registration is needed so enough food and drink can be supplied!

There are more than two dozen clubs for full-time MBAs at the Smith School. The MBA Association oversees the student organizations.

There are approximately 20 undergraduate business student clubs at UM. The Smith Undergraduate Student Association (SUSA) oversees the organizations.

The Black MBA Association and the Hispanic MBA Association also host the annual William D. Bradford Minority Awards Banquet, which began in 1994. Denise Gonsalves, previous president of Smith’s Black MBA Association, said the banquet presents a unique chance for students to celebrate peers’ achievements. “For me, it was an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments and cultures of the Black and Latino students at Smith,” she said. “It showcases Smith's diversity and encourages businesses to participate.”

Clubs and organizations hold events like Diwali Night, Asia Week, and Touch of Africa, annually which are big draws for students, faculty and staff.