Arts
Examining the role of The Arts as a catalyst for healing, transformation and action
Introduction
The practice of Art—in its infinite forms, functions and implications—is the most accessible and universal way of constructing meaning out of the world we inhabit.
Our Philosophy: The Arts are not just for experts. They are not solely for the enjoyment of the elite. They are not a superfluous extravagance. The Arts are for us all, expert and novice alike. They are not just an end in and of themselves, but a means. They shape, and are shaped by the world we inhabit.
Students in the Arts Scholars program gain a deeper understanding of the impact of art as a means to explore society and culture against the backdrop of our individual differences and shared experiences.
What you can expect: No matter your major, area of artistic interest, or skill level, as a member of our community, you will be challenged to strengthen your personal artistic skill set, experiment with new and different art forms, and gain a deeper understanding of the value of the arts in our personal and collective lives. We will investigate the power of the arts to:
- Communicate difficult concepts
- Advocate for social change
- Investigate the human experience
- Explore our own identities
- Develop our capacities as creative problem solvers and critical thinkers
- Reinforce, but also upend, existing systems of inequality and oppression
Colloquium and Lecture Topics
Through a mix of lectures, discussions, and guest artist workshops, and experiential projects, students consider (see our most recent “Year in Review” page for photos!):
- Vogue Dancing: How can art be used as a tool for resilience, resistance, and social chance?
- Artistic Consumption: How is artistic “taste” shaped by our social identities?
- Creative Research: How can empirical research, rapid iteration, and prototype testing improve your creative process?
- Spoken Word Improv: How can the principles of improv inform and improve our everyday lives?
- Campus Galleries: How can slow-looking help us combat the pressures of a frenzied world?
- West African Drumming: How can music build community, tell stories, and promote intercultural understanding?
I have been challenged to think differently, work cooperatively, embrace creativity and, most importantly, go beyond the limits I have set for myself. Because of this program, I can confidently say I feel infinitely more prepared for the “real world,” and for that confidence and growth, I could never be more grateful.
Other Learning Opportunities
Outside the classroom, Arts Scholars have many other opportunities….
Experience the arts first hand:
- Field trips: Each semester students visit locations such as The Clarice Performing Arts Center, the Everyman Theatre in Baltimore, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
- Maker Mixer: Teaching Assistant led community building events that include crafting, visiting campus galleries and maker-spaces, and attending shows on campus.
Creative Capstones:
- Sophomores develop capstone projects - identifying a social issue of significance to them to be explored through an artistic medium of their choosing. The capstone project is about your unique view of the world and what you want your audience to understand or experience as a result.
- All capstones are displayed at ArtsFest- an annual exhibition of student work in the Stamp Student Union.
Leadership opportunities:
- Arts Media Team: Social Media & Newsletter assistants work with Arts Faculty to research, draft, and publish the weekly newsletters and Instagram posts to the community.
- Arts Teaching Assistants: Arts Scholars graduates build their skills and experience leading discussions, developing events, and serving as mentors to current students.
Curriculum Overview
Over the two-year program experience (four semesters), students will complete up to 6 credits of supporting courses that will count toward your Arts Scholars citation. In most cases, these will also fulfill General Education requirements. Note that your Scholars courses—colloquiums, capstone practicum and supporting courses—will generally be in addition to any courses you take to satisfy major requirements.
The following represents a typical two-year curriculum, but individual schedules may vary. Details about courses and requirements can be found on the Arts Citation Checklist.
| SEMESTER | COURSE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | CPSA 100: Colloquium I | 1 credit |
| Semester 2 | CPSA 101: Colloquium II | 1 credit |
| Semester 3 | CPSA 200: Colloquium III | 1 credit |
| Semester 4 | CPSA 201: Colloquium IV | 1 credits |
| CPSA 240: Service Learning; or CPSA 250: Research (DSSP); or CPSA 260: Peer Teaching (DSSP) |
2 credits 2 credits 2 credits |
|
| Semester 1, 2, 3, or 4 | Supporting Course (var. Gen Ed) Supporting Course (var. Gen Ed) Supporting Course (DVUP or DVCC) |
3 credits 3 credits 1-3 credits |
Sponsoring College
Faculty
The Diamondback: UMD students' dance workshop highlights Japanese Butoh style, May 2022
Arts News
IS Alum Named a Finalist for University Medalist
A College Park Scholars alumna received one of the University of Maryland's highest honors after being named a finalist for 2026 University Medalist. The medal is the highest honor bestowed on a graduating senior for academic distinction, exemplary character, and campus and community service.There were only four finalists for this prestigious honor, including Raina Saraiya.Saraiya has spent her UMD career fighting for healthcare accessibility through research and advocacy, aspiring to become a pediatric physician and policy expert who “serves patients at the bedside and advocates for them in the boardroom,” she said. This fall she will enroll in the Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Scholars on Residence Hall Council Win Awards
Each fall, students residing in residence halls across the University of Maryland's campus have an opportunity to select peers to represent them as members of each hall's council. In the five residence halls that make up the Cambridge Community, many of these council roles are filled by College Park Scholars students.
Media Program Director Receives Faculty Excellence in Service Award from OMSE
Media, Self and Society program director and Merrill School of Journalism lecturer Alison Burns was named the 2026 faculty winner of the Office of Multi-ethnic Student Education's (OMSE) Excellence in Service Award at the office's annual Academy of Excellence spring awards ceremony.Each year, OMSE recognizes faculty, staff, tutors, and mentors who have made outstanding contributions to advancing the overall excellence of UMD students on campus.
Thirteen Scholars Tabbed University Marshal
The University of Maryland's Senior Marshals represent graduating seniors who have demonstrated the highest levels of scholarship, service to the campus community, extracurricular involvement, and personal growth.The 86 senior marshals, who carry the banners for schools, colleges and departments, have been named 2026 senior marshals in recognition of their outstanding scholarship, service to the campus community, extracurricular involvement and personal growth. Thirteen of them have received citations from College Park Scholars programs.
Scholar Receives USM Student Excellence Scholarship
Twelve students across the University System of Maryland (USM) were recently named recipients of the 2026 USM Board of Regents Student Excellence Scholarships. The awards are the highest honor presented by the Board of Regents to recognize student achievement.Scholarships are presented in four categories: Academics, Scholarship, and Research; Innovation and Creative Activity; Leadership and Advocacy; and Outreach and Engagement. Within each category, one winner is a freshman or sophomore, one is a junior or senior, and one is a graduate or professional student.
JLT Graduate Assistant Receives Award from Undergraduate Studies
As spring courses drew to a close, the Office of Undergraduate Studies held its annual reception in honor of the outstanding staff, faculty, graduate and undergraduate students and their accomplishments throughout the academic year.The Graduate Assistant Award was given to Victoria Worley from College Park Scholars' Justice and Legal Thought program. Victoria was nominated by JLT's associate director, Dr. Justine DeCamillis.