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.

International Student Online Orientation

International Student Orientation is your gateway to a wealth of essential knowledge for a successful transition to life at UMD, and a comprehensive understanding of the academic and social resources on campus. Participating in the online ISSS orientation is a practical way to gather vital information that will facilitate your adjustment to the new campus environment.

All F-1/J-1 international students who are new to UMD should complete the online International Student Orientation by January 20, 2025.

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 25 as well as many other campus activities. You can sign up for welcome events in iTerp.

If you require any disability support to attend International Student Orientation, please get in touch with Disability Support Services.

Mandatory Immigration Videos

Later this month, 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 your iTerp account around December 20, 2024. Information about your mandatory documents check after your arrival to the US will be provided in a later Tip of the Week.

ISSS is now live on the UMD App

The UMD app delivers access to popular institutional services and resources, and a custom view of your campus experience.

Interactive campus map: Find lecture halls, libraries, cafes, and more.
Events: List of campus events so you don’t miss a thing.
Dining: Your account balance info (if you have a plan), a “busy meter,” offering real-time information on dining hall traffic, link to menus.
Resident Life: Package pickup up notifications from your Community Desk, roommate details, keys, swipe and mailbox combo tracking, and RA events.
Class Schedule: See your personal class schedule.
Campus Safety Info: Emergency and non-emergency resources, tips for emergency preparedness.
Counseling Connection: quick links to Counseling Center services.
Shuttle-UM tracking: Integrates with Shuttle-UM’s TransitApp.
Push Notification Subscriptions: Subscribe to in-app notifications about campus life… and more!

Go to "Additional Resources" to locate ISSS Office!

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.

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 for Graduates is live. Onboarding must be completed by no later than January 27, 2025.

Graduate with Teaching Assistantships

Are you a graduate student getting ready to serve as a TA or instructor of record? The Teaching and Learning Transformation Center (TLTC) provides a digital self-paced course with all the basic information you'll need as you embark on your teaching journey.

More details and register for Welcome to Teaching here.

New International Student Checklist

Refer to the New Student Checklist to help you keep on track!

Engaging with ISSS

December 3rd

9:30am ET

December 4th

9:30am 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 Spring 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 2025 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.