New UMD College name takes effect July 1, 2021

A year ago two colleges at UMD (College of Liberal Arts and School of Fine Arts) merged to become one college within the College of Liberal Arts, beginning numerous reforms that led to the decision to create a new name. With the new name these reforms set in motion the establishment of a new constitution, new mission and vision statements, while crafting a new strategic plan and revising committee structures.

The College of Liberal Arts is scheduled to change its official name to the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences on July 1, 2021. This name was chosen to reflect and identify the different broad areas in which the college provides courses and engages in research of nearly 40 majors in 10 departments. Join the college on social media @umdcahss when our name is official.

Timeline

• November, December 2019

  • Plans to merge the School of Fine Arts and the College of Liberal Arts announced to the schools

• February 2020 

  • Vice Chancellor Delgado presents plan to merge the School of Fine Arts and the College of Liberal Arts

• July 2020

  • College officially merged, consultation process begins

• October 2020

  • Four potential names discussed at department head meetings, poll sent out to college faculty and staff. Results shared with the Student Advisory Committee and poll sent to students in the college

• December 2020

  • Final poll sent to faculty and staff

• February 2021

  • After discussion at college assembly, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) is decided upon as the new name

• June 2021

  • Board of Regents review and approve the new college name

• July 1, 2021

  • New CAHSS name goes into effect