Your ISSS Tip of the Week

Issue 5: Orientation

Today's Tip: Register for Orientations

As an incoming UMD student, there are several orientations that you should attend. Watch your inbox for orientation reminders from your school and/or admissions office. Refer to the New Student Checklist to keep you on track!

International Student Orientation

Online International Student Orientation is now live! During the orientation, you will be introduced to the ISSS team, learn about your immigration responsibilities, and get acquainted with UMD resources. Participating in an online orientation is a great way to prepare yourself for life at UMD.

All F-1/J-1 international students who are new to UMD should complete the online International Student Orientation by January 17, 2024.

Click here to enroll now!

We encourage all students to arrive before classes start so you have time to adjust and attend the ISSS in person events held January 22-23 as well as many other campus activities.

Mandatory Immigration Videos

Through your iTerp checklist you will be instructed to review important information regarding steps you need to take to maintain your F/J status. These videos are required and will be available on December 20, 2023. Information about your mandatory documents check after your arrival to the US will be provided in a later Tip of the Week.

Orientations Around Campus

TerrapinSTRONG Onboarding for New Undergraduate and Graduate Students

On his first day in office as UMD President, Dr. Pines promised to create the TerrapinSTRONG onboarding program. This program aims to foster an inclusive environment where every member of our community feels that they belong and are empowered to reach their full potential. In this onboarding (which has 5 parts), participants are welcomed to the University of Maryland, learn some of our history, understand our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, come to know more about our traditions and create an individualized action plan to stay connected to the tenets of TerrapinSTRONG moving forward. When students complete the onboarding they get a certificate.

In addition to the mandatory online International Student Orientation, undergraduate F-1 freshman and undergraduate transfer students must also attend a mandatory UMD New Student Orientation offered by the Office of Orientation.

Online Orientation option*

Online Orientations for International students is available. You can learn more about Online Orientation HERE.

Visit this website to schedule your required online or in person UMD New Student Orientation. It is through this orientation that F1 undergraduate students will meet with an academic advisor to register for classes.

TerrapinSTRONG onboarding must be completed before you participate in your UMD Undergraduate Student Orientation. Complete the required TerrapinStrong Undergraduate Student Onboarding now.

Math Placement Test

All first-year students, regardless of SAT or AP/IB scores, must take the Math Placement Test before orientation. There are no exemptions from taking the Math Placement Test for first-year students.

*online orientation is recommended for F1 students outside the US.

In addition to the online International Student Orientation, graduate students are asked to complete the Graduate School New Student Orientation and may be invited to attend orientation sessions offered by your specific academic department. should look for information from their departments regarding onboarding information.

TerrapinSTRONG onboarding must also be completed by no later than January 19, 2024. Start now.

Graduate with Teaching Assistantships

Teaching assistants who are non-native speakers of English are referred to Maryland English Institute for a speaking evaluation (ITA). You will be contacted to schedule the evaluation.

Are you a graduate student getting ready to serve as a TA or instructor of record? Join Teaching and Learning Transformation on Zoom for Graduate Student Orientation to Teaching on Monday, January 22, 2-4PM In this interactive session, you'll discuss developing your teaching identity, giving effective feedback, and important resources and policies to guide your work. More details and register here.

Engaging with ISSS

December 6

9am ET

December 12

9am ET

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 at 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.

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.

By email: isss-admissions@umd.edu

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!

Missed a Tip of the Week?

You can find previous Tips of the Week on our website by clicking here!

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 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.