Issue 1: Welcome to Your Tips of the Week |
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Dear New International Students,
Congratulations! I’m honored to welcome you to the University of Maryland. All of you have taken different paths to arrive at UMD, and together we create a diverse community. We are excited to get to know each and every one of you. The University of Maryland is a vibrant, active, and committed community able to meet your academic needs during this time of change.
As we prepare to welcome 2022 together in a couple of months, it is important to remember that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge us to adjust to new circumstances. Stay informed about current protocols and expectations for students, faculty and staff by visiting https://umd.edu/4Maryland.
Whether your journey here was long or short, straight or winding, now it is time to spring into action. I want to impress upon you that your time with UMD will fly by, even though it may not seem like it now. So, take advantage of the countless opportunities to connect with students, faculty and advisors, immerse yourself in this new culture, and learn from your peers and faculty members. UMD has over 300 student-run organizations on campus. Get involved in student organizations. Volunteer and serve in leadership roles. Discover more about yourself and explore new interests while with the university.
The office of International Student & Scholar Services is here to support you throughout your studies. From questions about immigration, to where do I buy groceries? We are here to help you. We are excited to meet you!
Finally, read the “Tip of the Week” emails you will receive and review our website, there you will find the answers to many of your questions.
Sincerly,
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Susan-Ellis Dougherty
Director, International Student & Scholar Services
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International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), at the University of Maryland, is excited to welcome you to our community! Over the next several weeks, you will receive a weekly email from our office that will answer important questions about the university, explain processes you need to complete, and prepare you to begin your studies in person with UMD. ISSS is here to support you every step of the way.
Tip of the Week - Topics
- Orientations
- Arriving in the U.S. and U.S. Customs
- Housing Information
- Immunizations
- Social Activities and Career Services
- Health Insurance
- Local Transportation
- Student Payment
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Your Directory ID
As a student, your Directory ID will be your designation for your email address as well as your username for accessing UMD systems across campus. To set up your Directory ID, please click here and follow the on-screen instructions.
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Testudo
Testudo is an interactive web portal that allows students to complete transactions related to their course registration and academic record. Services available on Testudo include:
- Registration (Add/drop courses)
- Ability to search for in person courses, hybrid or fully online courses
- Degree Audit (uAchieve)
- Graduation Application & Diploma Status
- Transcript/Enrollment Certification Request
- Unofficial Transcript
- Waitlist Check-In
- Student Schedule
- GPA Calculator
Some of these features, such as adding or dropping classes, may only be available to you once you have attended an orientation session. Testudo offers training resources and how-to videos on registration, transcript request and waitlist check-in. |
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Connect with us
Ask your questions via our Live Chat, available on our website Monday-Friday from 9-11 a.m. ET.
Schedule a Virtual Appointment with an ISSS advisor. Appointments can be scheduled under newly admitted students Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m. ET.
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Pre-arrival Engagement with ISSS |
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Thursday, Nov 4th
9am ET
Thursday, Nov 11th
9am ET
Thursday, Nov 18th
9am ET
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Engagement with ISSS
Join us for one of these live zoom sessions to learn about the various ways ISSS will be communicating and connecting with you as you prepare for the spring. Meet a pre-arrival team member to learn details about ISSS orientation, Tips of the week and ask your pressing questions.
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Beyond Immigration Series |
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Off-Campus Housing
Join us for a virtual walk-through on how to find off-campus housing at UMD. Presented by Jennifer Ruth Lindstrom, Manager for Housing Partnerships, Off-Campus Housing Services.
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Leasing in the U.S.
Join us for a virtual discussion with William Zachariah Mundy, attorney and Director for the Graduate Student Legal Aid Office, to discuss best practices in leasing in the U.S.
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Graduate Student Life
Come learn about Graduate Student Life (GLS) at UMD! GSL staff shared ways you can stay engaged and connected with the campus and other students throughout your graduate school journey
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Preparing for your future: Career Services
A virtual walk-through on career development programs and services at UMD. Presenter Linda LeNoir, Assistant Director, University Career Services.
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Wednesday, Jan 5th
9am ET
Thursday, Jan 6th
3pm ET
Wednesday, Jan 12th
3pm ET
Friday, Jan 14th
11am ET
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Meet & Greet with International Orientation Leaders
Newly arriving students will have an opportunity to talk with International Orientation Leaders in small group virtual sessions. You will be able to ask questions about what it is like to study with UMD, where students live, get tips and advice on how to make the most of your time, and get to know current and newly admitted students ahead of the spring semester.
Register for as many as you would like to attend.
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It is important that you get vaccinated as soon as possible with a vaccine that is currently available to you in your home country and not wait to be vaccinated until you arrive in the United States. Review the detailed guidance on which vaccinations are be accepted here. Please direct questions to healthconcerns@umd.edu. |
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Missed a Tip of the Week?
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We hope that you find these emails informative and helpful. You are receiving
them because you have been accepted to the University of Maryland for the Spring 2022 semester. If you do not intend to enroll at UMD, please inform ISSS via your iTerp checklist, your department, and either the Graduate School (graduate students) or the undergraduate admissions office (undergraduate students) that you decline your admission.
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