The Smith School served as the venue for the Heterodox Academy Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference on Sept. 26–27, 2025, where academic leaders discussed advancing open inquiry by emphasizing evidence-based reasoning, distinguishing discomfort from threats and adapting to today’s rapidly evolving information landscape.

The Smith experience emphasizes independent thinking, civil discourse and global engagement. Through immersive programs, debate series and initiatives like the Fact-Based Discourse Initiative, students collaborate across disciplines to tackle challenges, develop leadership skills and prepare to lead with curiosity and integrity.

The Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows (SELF) marked its 10th year by reviving its residential program at UMD’s Smith School. This summer, 68 students—including 15 in campus housing—reignited the “magic” of living, learning, and building entrepreneurial ventures together.

The Ed Snider Center and NCRI launched the Social Media and Market Dynamics Lab to study how social media impacts financial markets. Powered by Narravance technology, the lab offers cutting-edge research and hands-on learning in data analytics and market forecasting.

Startups must pivot strategically to succeed, not just reactively. New research by Smith’s Rajshree Agarwal uses AI to show how theorization and experimentation drive purposeful pivots, offering insights for entrepreneurs, incubators, and policymakers.

The Fact-Based Discourse Initiative (FBDI), led by Rajshree Agarwal and Rellie Derfler-Rozin, fosters critical thinking and open dialogue on business challenges. Events explored trade, polarization, taxation, and social media's influence, promoting intellectual curiosity and respectful discourse at Smith.