The Class
Current events present unprecedented challenges, but also provide a meaningful chance to hear each other’s stories, to investigate today’s issues together, to examine our shared humanity, and to explore implications for the future.
We have had an overwhelming response to the course and students now will be added to the waitlist: go.umd.edu/gc-2025-waitlist.
President Pines looks forward to working with you.
If you have a question, please email us.
What to expect
We designed this course with you in mind, and we're excited that it can give you ways to:
- Investigate today’s challenging issues together and to explore implications for the future
- Really get to know other first-year Terps
- Connect with faculty and staff members at the University of Maryland in a meaningful way
- Be a part of the Maryland legacy!
President Pines began the "Grand Challenges of our Time" course in Fall 2020.
Dr. Pines’ lecture and small group discussion sections will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 to 5:15 p.m. for 8 weeks during the fall semester.
Students will dig deep into important issues in our time.
No.
Yes! Grand Challenges is offered for one credit. It is our hope that you will get to know other new students, connect with UMD faculty and staff, and engage in important discussions—all activities that will help you feel comfortable at the University and promote your student success.
There will be no textbooks to buy for this course. You will read UMD's First Year Book, which will be available for free in August.
This class won’t have tests or a final exam. There will be short assignments to complete and as a result of your small group discussions, there will be a final project curated by you and your small group members.
Very few students have the opportunity to meet regularly with the president of the university.
We’ve also heard from many students with concerns:
- How can I connect with students outside of my major or who are living in different circumstances than I am (e.g. living at home, on- or off-campus)?
- How do I begin to make sense of the big problems I see out in the world?
- How might I contribute to the University of Maryland as a student with my particular identity, experiences, and perspective?
This class can help you turn these questions into meaningful actions and interactions.
This Year's First Year Book
UMD’s 2025-2026 First Year Book (FYB) is The United States Constitution and will be discussed in the Grand Challenges course.
About FYB
Presidential Distinguished Forums
In Fall 2025, President Pines will host Presidential Distinguished Forums
featuring renowned experts working at the forefront of today’s most pressing issues.