Issue 1: Welcome to Your Tips of the Week |
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November 8, 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.
As we prepare to welcome 2023 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.
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, January 23 & 24, 2023. 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
- Welcome
- Visa and Travel
- Orientation
- Housing
- Immunizations
- Student Account Management
- Getting Involved
- Health Insurance
- UMD Arrival
- Final Reminders
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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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You will be interacting with many different systems and portals during your time at UMD. You might find this chart a helpful document that reviews some of the popular systems you will access as you enter the University.
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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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Nov 10th
9am ET
Nov 17th
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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Nov 18th
9am ET
Nov 29th
10am ET
Dec 13th
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.
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For important reminders and updates, and to keep aware of any upcoming events, please follow our office at our social media accounts. We've recently launched our new ISSS Instagram! |
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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 2023 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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