Issue 10: Final Reminders
Greetings!

This is the final Tip of the Week before the start of your Spring semester. We are looking forward to meeting you during our welcome activities!

In this edition we’ll cover information about completing documents check, International Student welcome activities and COVID-19 boosters. Finally, we will provide information on how to apply for a Social Security card.
Immigration Videos and Documents Check
If you have completed your Intent Form, you should see “Immigration Videos and Documents Check” under the “Requests” section of your iTerp home-page.
Documents check is now open on your iterp portal!

This checklist has 2 sections: “Immigration Session Videos” and “Documents Check.”

  • The “Immigration Session Videos” section contains several short videos and quizzes. You are required to complete these videos to learn about how to maintain your F-1/J-1 status AND to be able to access your Documents Check. 

  • The “Documents Check” section allows you to upload the immigration paperwork we require to activate your I-20/DS-2019. It must be completed after you arrive in the US.
Once you submit the document check eform an ISSS advisor will review your documents to ensure your status was documented properly at the port of entry and will activate your I-20. All students will receive an email from ISSS indicating your documents were reviewed successfully and your I-20/DS-2019 was activated. F-1 SEVIS transfer students will receive a new I-20 showing your transfer was completed.

Activation of your I-20/DS-2019 is needed to maintain your status as well as for successful onboarding to any campus employment and for the Social Security application.

Please note: you must complete the “Immigration Session Videos” section of your checklist before you have access to the “Documents Check” section.
Online International Student Orientation
Hopefully, you have already accessed your International Student Orientation course on Canvas and have started to learn about the many resources available to you.

How do I access the online International Student Orientation? 

If you are an undergraduate degree seeking student and have not registered for freshman/transfer orientation, please visit the Undergraduate Orientation and Transition website to register for the next available required orientation. This orientation is required and is where undergraduate students will meet your academic advisor to register for classes.
Register for your welcome week events now in iTerp.
Simply log in to iTerp and click the "Events" button on the top right of the screen to see which events are open for registration
Masks
Wearing a mask is not required while indoors in most situations, including classrooms. However, wearing a KN95 mask is recommended while indoors for added protection at all ISSS welcome activities.
Required COVID-19 Vaccination and PCR Testing
COVID-19 vaccinations and a booster are required for all students, faculty and staff returning to campus for Spring 2023. Please visit the health center website for international students to get vaccination details.
If you have not yet received a booster shot and would like to schedule one, please visit myuhc.umd.edu to book an appointment with UMD’s health center.
Campus Transportation
Shuttle-UM
UMD operates a free commuter shuttle service for students, faculty, and staff of the campus. You can find the operations schedule here. You must show a valid UMCP ID. On-Campus Parking, Permit Required

Campus Parking
During the semester, you will need a permit to park on campus or you will need to pay parking meters. Review the UMD Department of Transportation website carefully, parking citations are common for newcomers to campus, so please plan accordingly!
Social Security Number
Who can apply for a Social Security number (SSN)?
Social Security numbers are issued for tax purposes only. They are used to identify you within the government’s tax and pension system. Only those with authorized employment are eligible for Social Security numbers.

Visit our ISSS website for detailed information on how to get a Social Security number.

Use the Social Security Office Locator to locate offices in your area to see operational times.

Applying for Social Security requires a government agency to verify your arrival in the U.S. and your immigration status. You must wait fourteen (14) days after you entered the US and your SEVIS record must be activated. Part of the SEVIS activation process includes completing the mandatory online F1/J1 videos and submitting your documents check. Do not apply too early or it will require secondary verification, resulting in longer delays.

You must apply for the SSN in any of these cases:
  • You have a Graduate Research Assistant or Teaching Assistant
  • You have on-campus job 
  • If you will apply for a Maryland Driver's license and do not have a job, you are required to obtain a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security office
PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST SCAMS

Be aware of scams targeting international students. Some UMD students have reported receiving calls or emails that their immigration status is at risk and they must pay a fee/fine to avoid being deported. These are scams! Please check out our website for more information.
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.

English Conversation Partners Program

English Conversation Partners brings together our UMD community from all over the world to engage in interesting discussions with each other. For 10 weeks during the semester, participants (students, spouses, faculty, staff) meet in groups with a fluent English speaking facilitator. These groups provide an opportunity to learn from one another, make friends, and become more comfortable and confident speaking English. Topics include: U.S. culture, food, travel, politics, and whatever else you like to talk about! Talk to you soon! To learn more about the ECP program, please watch one of our information sessions.

International students are invited to participate in a weekly support group where they can talk about: adjusting to the U.S. and the University, social issues, academic challenges, and personal problems. This also is a great place to practice speaking English and share information.

Check out ISSS News for upcoming dates
(Contact Dr. David Petersen at petersen@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. 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.