Vision / Mission

ORA is the key to the University's success in achieving its vision of becoming one of the nation's preeminent public research universities. By functioning as an advocate and facilitator, the office will encourage and assist administrators, faculty, and leadership in engaging with the nonprofit, business, and government communities.
 

ORA is the designated pre-award and post-award administration office for the University of Maryland, providing top-quality support to the campus community's research, creative activity, and outreach initiatives. ORA identifies research opportunities and partnerships, facilitates the submission of all sponsored projects proposals on behalf of the University, negotiates and executes agreements, provides sponsored projects education and communication, and assists faculty, staff, and students in managing projects which are awarded to the University.

• Earn and hold trust of the faculty and leadership
• Build lasting relationships with both internal customers (including administration and faculty) and external customers (including sponsors)
• Excellence in service
• Respect for the research enterprise and goals of the research community
• Understand the needs of the faculty and sponsors in order to come to a mutual agreement
• Emphasis on flexibility
   

The University, as the State's primary center of research and graduate education, advances knowledge and provides outstanding and innovative instruction and intellectual growth in a broad range of academic disciplines and interdisciplinary fields.

By building a culture of excellence, the University will rise to the ranks of an eminent public research university by enriching the educational experience to all students and taking full advantage of the special strengths of a research university.

To achieve the University's vision, it will be necessary to engage in a range of partnerships with private companies, government agencies and laboratories, and other research universities in the region and State to make the University a major driving force in the economic development and well-being of the citizens of Maryland. Specific goals are:

• School recognition as a great university
• Attract top faculty and graduate students  
• Provide funds for faculty and graduate student research  
• Better education for students  
• Enhance society and quality of life  
• Greater knowledge  
• Economic development