Learn from a Terp

Learn from the experiences of those around you to transform the way you think, create, and collaborate. Taking just a few minutes (even 15!) to talk with or observe someone as they move through their day can help you uncover what they need, what gets in their way, and what matters most to them. That’s where Learn from a Terp comes in.

Learn from a Terp offers two self-guided ways to learn directly from people and ground your ideas in real conversations and lived experiences. These tools connect you with UMD students, staff, and faculty, helping you better understand their needs, motivations, challenges, and everyday realities. 

These tools are designed to support questions you might be exploring, like:

• What is it like to be a UMD student today?
• What is keeping students from sharing their ideas in class?
• Why aren’t people attending our events?
• Where do processes break down or create extra work?
• How do faculty decide what’s “worth the time” in a busy semester?
• What slows staff down in their day-to-day work?

Understanding these perspectives can reveal new insights, spark new ideas, expand your thinking, and inspire more meaningful collaborations!