University System of Maryland
Beyond Barriers: Access, Equity, and Student Success

USM's Beyond Barriers: Access, Equity, and Student Success is designed to bring together USM stakeholders and campus teams to examine equity and its impact on student outcomes and to identify or further explore effective strategies and best practices that foster an environment where all students can thrive. Opening remarks will be provided by Dr. Jay Perman, chancellor of the University System of Maryland, and Dr. Valerie Sheares Ashby, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Our opening keynote address will be delivered by Mr. Vernon A. Wall, chief of staff at LeaderShape; president/founder of One Better World, LLC; and founding faculty member of the Social Justice Training Institute. Ms. Sarita E. Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education, will deliver the closing keynote. We plan to explore data and demographic trends; offer concurrent sessions centered around student outcomes, student populations/groups, and student services/resources; engage in both institutional and cross-institutional team time; and hear from a student panel. We hope attendees will leave with actionable insights and a renewed commitment to creating a more equitable educational experience for students, especially those who are underrepresented and underserved.

Date: Friday, April 4, 2025

Location: University of Maryland, Baltimore County - University Center, Ballroom

Parking: Lot 22

Campus Map

Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Conference Program

Contact: Dr. Zakiya Lee, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, USM