This year’s project honors the history of the program with a focus on the past 15 years in review.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the President’s Symposium and White Paper Project, an annual initiative that brings students together to explore important questions facing the University and develop recommendations for senior leaders. Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 President’s Symposium and White Paper Project.
To commemorate the program’s 15th anniversary, this year’s project will take a look back across the past 15 years, examining how recommendations from previous White Paper fellows have informed University decision-making, shaped institutional priorities and initiatives, and contributed to the broader UMB and Baltimore communities. The topic was selected by Interim Provost Mark A. Reynolds, DDS, PhD, in recognition of the opportunity to reflect on the project’s history and consider its impact.
Working with advisor Jane Shaab, MBA, fellows will explore the history and evolution of the President’s Symposium and White Paper Project, identify key themes and recommendations that have emerged over its 15-year history, and examine how student perspectives have contributed to change at UMB and beyond.
"I am overwhelmingly pleased to accept the invitation to serve as faculty advisor for the President's Symposium and White Paper Project and most eager to meet, work with, and learn from the 2027 President's Fellows as we address the intriguing topic of '15 Years in Review,' " said Shaab, associate vice president for economic development, UMB.
The Office of Student Success, Leadership, and Engagement and Division of Student Affairs will manage the project and provide support throughout the year.
The project provides students with an opportunity to conduct research, collaborate with peers, engage with University leaders, and develop recommendations grounded in their findings. Fellows are eligible for a stipend that accumulates over the course of the academic year. At the conclusion of the project, students will present their findings and recommendations to a group of senior University leaders.
The President’s Symposium and White Paper Project continues to create a meaningful avenue for students to contribute their perspectives to conversations about the future of UMB. This year’s project offers fellows a unique opportunity not only to study the University’s past 15 years, but also to consider what that history can teach UMB about its future.
Students interested in becoming a 2026-2027 White Paper Fellow are encouraged to apply. Applications are open and due by 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 25.