Issue 7: Getting Involved | |
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Today's Tip: Getting Connected at UMD
Campus life at the University of Maryland is vibrant, engaging, and offers Terps co-curricular experiences that foster personal and professional growth. Getting to know other students and finding a community on campus is one of the most important factors to a successful and enjoyable experience for new students, but it does take some initiative on your part. There are so many ways to get involved! You will discover more when you start taking classes and get to know the campus, but here are some ideas to give you an overview and a chance to start checking out what might interest you.
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ISSS Resources for Getting Involved | |
ISSS offers several ways to engage with new and current students! | |
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English Conversation Partners Program
ECP brings together our UMD community from all over the world to engage in interesting discussions with each other. For ten weeks during the semester, participants (students, spouses, faculty, staff) meet in groups with a fluent English speaking facilitator.
To learn more about the ECP program, please view this informational video.
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International Coffee Hour
Join us on Thursdays throughout the semester for an opportunity where UMD’s international students and scholars can meet and engage with staff and other students at the university. Our first fall coffee hour will be on Thursday, September 5th at 2:30pm.
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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 Fall semester. Click here to register!
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ISSS Online Orientation
In addition to our weekly tip of the week, the ISSS online orientation is live. All F-1/J-1 international students who are new to UMD should complete the online International Student Orientation by August 25, 2024.
Click here to enroll now!
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The International Student Advisory Board
ISAB is a group of international student representatives selected to serve as a sounding board for ISSS and other campus units. Members are expected to foster and maintain strong relationships with international student organizations and UMD international students to understand their lived experience and challenges. In turn, members possess the ability to collect and share information as necessary. This board is solutions-oriented and seeks to empower students to develop solutions to the identified challenges of international students on our campus. New students are encouraged to apply!
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UMD Resources for Getting Involved | |
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Student Organizations
At UMD, we have over 800 student organizations and we are sure there is one for you. Browse additional student clubs and contact groups at TerpLink. There are too many to list but you might find groups formed by students from your home country, or look for student organizations that are aligned with your hobbies or professional goals. Links include emails of student organization presidents, feel free to reach out now to get involved early!
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First Look Fair
Mark September 6th on your calendar! That is the day UMD hosts the First Look Fair, a day where students can explore the many clubs and organizations available. We recommend this event to every new Terp, it’s a great way to meet new people and see the multitude of ways to get involved. It will be hosted on the McKeldin Mall and will involve over 600 student clubs and organizations and campus departments.
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Career Services
Are you interested in getting an on-campus job? An internship? Preparing yourself for your future job search process should start as early as your first semester. At UMD, we have Career Services professionals that are here to help you in developing a plan. These departments are equipped to facilitate the career exploration and job search process for undergraduate and graduate students.
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Leadership and Community Service Learning
Do you care about a certain issue and want to get involved or just want to give back to the community? Do you want to develop your leadership skills and get to know other students? LCSL programs create great opportunities for teamwork and friendship building. Find your fit here.
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Good Neighbor Day
Every November the University of Maryland engages in Good Neighbor Day. It’s a day UMD gives back to the community. ISSS will share more information about this day as it approaches.
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Graduate Student Life
The Graduate Student Life staff strive to build community among GradTerps, provide effective communications about available resources, and advocate for GradTerps throughout UMD.
Check out the Terp Traditions book as a way to learn about and record all your favorite Maryland memories.
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Office of Multicultural Involvement & Community Advocacy (MICA)
Interested in issues of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion and their intersections? Learn about MICA's programs and services for students at UMD and see what diversity-related events are occurring on campus.
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Recreation and Wellness
Stay fit and healthy through one of our many Campus Recreation & Wellness programs. Whether you want to join a sports team, work out, swim, or climb a rock wall, RecWell has something for you. One "insider secret" is that RecWell also offers awesome (and inexpensive) Adventure Tips to various destinations!. Sign up early, they fill up quickly!
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FYI…There are several summer trips planned for early August. If you are arriving early, check out events for August 7th and 10th. This is a great way to meet new people. | |
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Cheer On Terp Athletics
One of the many benefits of going to a Big Ten school is that you get to see outstanding sports teams right on your campus. Most athletic tickets are free, as the cost is covered in your activity fees. Whether you just want to see a game or become a wholehearted Maryland Terps fan, get all your questions answered from this UMD athletics information FAQ.
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Engage Your Artistic Side
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center offers a wealth of opportunities to express yourself and see an array of performances! Many performances are free with your student ID. Save the dates September 4-10th for the annual NextNOW fest for an inspiring arts experience that celebrates imagination, creativity and community.
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Your Spiritual Needs
In the open, inclusive environment of many cultures and faiths, the Chaplaincies work collectively to serve the spiritual needs of the University of Maryland. The Chaplains, supported by and representing their faith communities, serve their faith traditions while demonstrating a unity that contributes to the rich diversity and quality of life at the University.
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Every year, the Graduate Student Government (GSG) leads a collaboration with UMD offices and partners to welcome new students from all over the world via the International Student Welcome Shuttle to their new home at UMD. This program is a long-standing tradition and lets new grad terps have a safe first commute from Dulles Airport to their new homes in College Park.
The shuttle program, free of charge to incoming international students, welcomes many new students into the community and connects them quickly to a friendly face and helpful resources. This program is a collaboration with the Department of Transportation Services (DOTs), ISSS, and other departments across the University.
To register for a spot on the shuttle, click here. For more information, please see this page on the GSG website.
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On July 19, ISSS will launch the “enrollment intent form”. This form gathers your arrival information or if you need to defer. All students who have I-20/DS-2019 with a Fall 2024 arrival date are required to complete this form. The form will be added to the ISSS iTerp checklist. | |
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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.
By email: isss-admissions@umd.edu
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Follow ISSS on Social Media | |
For important reminders and updates, and to keep aware of any upcoming events, please follow our office at our social media accounts! | |
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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 Fall 2024 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-please fill out this form) that you decline your admission.
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