Issue 1: Welcome to Your Tips of the Week |
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June 07, 2022
Congratulations and welcome to the University of Maryland! Over the next couple of months, you will make your final preparations to arrive on our campus. You join us with individual experiences, perspectives, hopes, and goals that help create our vibrant and diverse community.
First and foremost, the university is committed to your health and safety. Practices and regulations may continue to evolve, so we encourage you to stay informed about current UMD protocols and expectations for students, faculty, and staff by visiting https://umd.edu/4Maryland.
The office of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) is here to support you throughout your studies and help you navigate this new experience. Whether you have questions about immigration or need guidance on where to buy groceries, we are here to help.
One, two, four, or five years may seem like a long time, but I often hear that students are surprised by how fast their time at UMD passes. I encourage you to take advantage of the countless opportunities to connect with students, faculty, and advisors. Immerse yourself in this new culture, and learn from your peers, faculty members and the experienced staff in ISSS and the UMD campus. Choose from more than 300 UMD student-run organizations to join. Volunteer and serve in leadership roles. Discover more about yourself and explore new interests while with the university.
Lastly, remember to review Tips of the Week, complete the asynchronous international student orientation, and join us in our various social events during ISSS’s welcome week (August 23-26). I look forward to meeting you soon. Welcome to the University of Maryland.
Sincerely,
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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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Billpay.UMD.edu
The Student Financial Services and Cashiering office generates student ebills. Their website is a great resource for students asking questions like: “When is my bill due,” or “How do I set up a terp payment plan?” Watch out for more info on our Tip of the Week “Billpay” coming in the next few months.
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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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June 14th
9am ET
June 16th
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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Family Orientation
ISSS Beyond Immigration Series offers virtual webinars that will cover topics that are relevant to your transition to living in the U.S. and attending UMD. Join us for an introduction to what your UMD student will experience at UMD and what YOU can do to support your family member.
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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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Living On-Campus
Are you living on-campus? Join Resident Life staff to learn about RAs, laundry facilities, what to bring with you, and much more!
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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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Understanding US Healthcare
The U.S. does not have socialized health care as is available in many countries. Learn about the U.S. healthcare system, and general terminology, and understand the importance of carrying insurance while in the United States.
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University Health Center and Student Health Insurance - Date coming soon!
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June 28th
9am ET
June 30th
10am ET
July 19th
9am ET
And more to follow...
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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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The UMD Virtual Off-Campus Living Fair will take place on Thursday, June 9th from 2pm-4pm! Information and registration can be found at www.oclf.umd.edu.
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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 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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