Issue 4: 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
International Student Orientation
During International Student 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, 2023.


We encourage all students to arrive before classes start so you have time to adjust and attend the ISSS in person events held January 23 and 24th 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 January 3, 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 and are credited for a single scoop of ice cream at the dairy.
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.
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 mandatory online International Student Orientation, Graduate students should look for information from their departments regarding onboarding information. Many departments have online or in-person events that you should attend.
TerrapinSTRONG onboarding must also be completed by no later than January 25, 2023, 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 or postdoc getting ready to serve as a TA or instructor of record? Join Teaching and Learning Transformation on Zoom for Graduate Student Teaching Orientation on Monday January 23rd, 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
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.

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.


December 13th at 9:00 a.m. ET
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. We've recently launched our new ISSS Instagram!
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.