Frequently Asked Questions
“The only required commitment for SBLF is participation in classes and scheduled guest speaker events, as communicated during class. Beyond the classroom, SBLF provides valuable professional experience integrated into the coursework itself, like poster presentations and optional case competitions. For example, I had the opportunity to work on a consulting project for the Center for Social Value Creation to develop impactful recommendations. My experience with SBLF has been exceptional, and as someone who enjoys talking with others, I’ve loved sharing the program’s benefits with prospective students as an SBLF Ambassador.”
-Margarita Salazar-Giron, Cohort 2
“The SBLF program fits seamlessly into my degree plan, allowing me to complete all my lower-level elective courses alongside other SBLF students. SBLF fosters stronger connections with students and provides specialized sections that offer more one-on-one time with professors. With only one SBLF-specific course per semester, the program integrated smoothly into my schedule, allowing me to stay on track, while fully experiencing everything SBLF and Smith have to offer."
-Jannah Nassar, Cohort 1
“Because SBLF is a two-year learning community where everyone is pursuing a business major it’s easy to meet like-minded students. Having a class every semester with my SBLF Cohort has allowed me to build relationships with my peers which has helped me feel more at home in the business school. The SBLF program doesn’t require you to live in a specific residence hall, so it encouraged me to make connections outside of the program and see what else UMD had to offer.”
-Hezekiah Desire, Cohort 2
“One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in SBLF was networking with Toby Smith, the Chief Loan Officer at SECU Credit Union. SBLF students were invited to a dinner with some of the C-suite executives at SECU and through the conversations we had during the event, we gained valuable insights from industry experts. The casual environment also helped to humanize such important leaders and showed us a side we never would’ve had the chance to see had it been a Q&A panel or lecture-style setting.”
-Richard Lee, Cohort 1
“As a part of SBLF, you will gain social, professional, and personal connections. You will have the opportunity to work with highly esteemed professors, like-minded students, and other student organizations. I have made my best friends through this program! Participating in fun events like a charcuterie board-making night to presenting a Case Competition on food insecurity and recovery in Maryland, the skills, relationships, and experiences that I have gained through SBLF are unparalleled.”
-Elizabeth Runsdorf, Cohort 1
"The SBLF program was crucial in helping me acclimate to college as a freshman by integrating our coursework with Smith School events and guest speakers. In such a large academic setting, SBLF provided the sense of community I needed. My professors also recommended clubs and activities that kept me well-informed about Smith's events and campus life, allowing me to stay engaged and connected.”
- Megan Fannon, Cohort 2
“There are so many ways to stay involved within SBLF when you are finished with the classes and have received your notation. You can become a mentor for the new cohorts, participate in the events, and join different student organizations. The SBLF community stays with you throughout your four years of college, and the relationships you build with the faculty and staff continue even once you’ve completed the program. I decided to get involved with the SBLF Ambassador program where I get to take a more active role and give back to the organization!”
-Marissa Behal, Cohort 2
“There are about 60-75 students in each SBLF Cohort. Students are selected based on a number of factors including academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, teamwork, and leadership skills as demonstrated in their University of Maryland application.”
-Elizabeth Runsdorf, Cohort 1
“Mentors exist as a touchpoint between our students and program faculty & staff. We help guide and support incoming freshmen as they enter college. Additionally, mentors will meet with their assigned mentees (incoming freshmen within the SBLF program) at least once a week during class to check in and engage with students through discussions and activities. During this time mentors not only get to know their mentees, but mentees will get to know one another and cultivate relationships that extend beyond the classroom.”
-Richard Lee, Mentor, Cohort 1
"Each freshman is given a mentor who can support them. Whether it's navigating housing challenges, addressing academic concerns, or offering guidance on course selection, the mentorship fosters a strong support system. This mentorship enhances the student’s transition into college life but also helps them navigate the academic and social challenges of their first year."
-Megan Fannon, Cohort 2