Best of CASE District II Award
 

Institution: University of Maryland College Park

Title of entry: University of Maryland Bucket List

About this entry: In its 5th official year, the University of Maryland (UMD) Bucket List features 20 “must do” action items and traditions for students to complete before graduation. The Bucket List is a prominent part of our M Book, which serves as the official guide to the student experience. The M Book previously won the Circle of Excellence Award in 2019.


Examples of items on the Bucket List include “Learn the words to the victory song” or “Wade in the ODK Fountain.” For every 5 Bucket List items that students complete, they earn a commemorative pin. Upon completion of all 20 items, they earn a medallion to wear at graduation. The Bucket List plays a critical role in our student ambassador program (Student Alumni Leadership Council or SALC)’s programming on campus. SALC students drive the promotion of the Bucket List through student events and programs throughout the school year, including First and Second Look Fair, Spirit Stations during Homecoming Week, Pin Pick-Up tabling events and more.


New this year, we have implemented an online tracking system that allows for students to keep track of their Bucket List completion, which currently has 212 users so far. The online tracking system lives on an accessible platform called Portfolium, which many students already use for their academic courses.