Values and Strategic Initiatives

The Office of Values and Strategic Initiatives (OVSI)

The Office of Values and Strategic Initiatives (OVSI) fosters respect, integrity, well-being, sustainability, innovation, discovery, ethical leadership, and academic success. Through education, policy development, and strategic programming, we translate UMB’s Core Values into meaningful action that strengthens our university community, promotes accountability, and cultivates an environment where all members can thrive and achieve academic success.

Our Mission & Focus

The OVSI is committed to translating UMB’s Core Values into action through:

Strengthening Our Shared Values – Promoting ethical leadership, respect, and mission-driven decision-making.

Advancing Well-Being & Sustainability – Supporting initiatives that care for our people, community, and future.

Fostering Supportive Communities – Embedding access and integrity in policies and practices.

Driving Strategic Innovation – Exploring and implementing transformative approaches to education, research, and service.

Enhancing Leadership & Accountability – Ensuring transparency and measurable progress across institutional initiatives.

Through education, policy development, and strategic programming, the OVSI will play a vital role in cultivating a stronger, more accountable, and mission-driven School of Graduate Studies.

Connecting with Us

The Office of Values and Strategic Initiatives is here to collaborate with students, faculty, staff, and departments across the School of Graduate Studies. We welcome opportunities to work together to advance initiatives that align with our mission.

📍 Visit Us In Person:

- Location: Lexington Building (620 West Lexington Street), Graduate School Suite 1110D

- Office Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday (additional in-person availability by appointment)

📧 Connect with Us Anytime:

- Email: SGS-OVSI@umaryland.edu

Resources

UMB Core Value: Well-Being and Sustainability

Integrative Health and Wellness Certificate

This unique 12-credit post-baccalaureate certificate program is entirely online and can help advance your career in integrative health and wellness. Integrative health is an $82 billion global industry, and it's shaping the future of health care. Indeed, this market is expected to grow at a rate of 22% annually between 2021 to 2028. More and more individuals are seeking out integrative care and expect their providers to be knowledgeable about this type of health care. Some research shows integrative providers report greater satisfaction at work and higher quality of life. Clearly, this is an approach that benefits both patients and providers! To be a part of this movement, health care providers need a quick, targeted pathway to the knowledge and skills that will help them thrive. Designed specifically for busy professionals seeking to develop fluency in integrative health and a holistic approach to their clinical practices, our evidence-based Integrative Health and Wellness online certificate program is taught by expert researchers and clinicians in the field. Through scientific study and experiential learning, you’ll learn practical healing tools that will allow your clients to experience the benefits of integrative health immediately.

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UMB Core Value: Equity and Justice

MS Leadership for Organizational Change

Advance your career by gaining the expertise to diagnose organizational challenges, bring people together, and lead lasting change that enhances organizational culture and performance. The Master of Science (MS) in Leadership for Organizational Change gives you practical tools to understand organizational systems and how to improve them. You'll apply root cause analysis, practice strategic communication, explore the histories and dynamics that shape workplaces, and build a practice of self-reflection, bias awareness, and respectful and equitable engagement across differences.

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Leading Across Difference Certificate

Advance your career by gaining the expertise to diagnose organizational challenges, bring people together, and lead lasting change that enhances organizational culture and performance. Leaders who understand how organizations function, why challenges develop, and how to guide people through constant, unpredictable change are in high demand. Our certificate in Leading Across Difference will prepare you to lead change efforts that strengthen culture, enhance performance, and support diverse teams.

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