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.
International Student Orientation
During International Student Orientation, you will be introduced to the ISSS team, learn about your immigration responsibilities, connect with other new Terps as well as current students, and get acquainted with UMD resources. Participating in these activities is a great way to make new friends and 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 1st. You will be able to enroll starting on December 1, 2021, using this link

You will complete the Spring 2022 International Student Orientation via asynchronous online modules, some optional synchronous sessions will occur in December.  Starting on January 20th ISSS will offer optional in person social events. Learn more about ISSS orientation here.
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 as part of your SEVIS activation process.
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 tenants 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 freshman and undergraduate transfer students must also attend a mandatory online UMD New Student Orientation offered by the Office of Orientation.

Visit the following website to schedule your required online UMD New Student Orientation. It is through this orientation that 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.
In addition to the mandatory online International Student Orientation, graduate students may complete an optional Graduate School Orientation. Additionally you may be asked to attend orientation sessions offered by your specific academic department.

TerrapinSTRONG onboarding must be also be completed by no later than January 30th, 2022, start now.
F-1 Graduates: If you will have a Teaching Assistant Position

The Graduate School requires that ITAs who are non-native speakers of English be evaluated to have their proficiency in spoken English assessed. If this applies to you, your department will refer you to the Maryland English Institute, and no action is necessary on your part. The ITA Evaluation is not required of students who serve only as graders or researchers, or whose entire education has been in the U.S., United Kingdom, Ireland, English-speaking Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Anglophone Africa, or the Commonwealth Caribbean. Candidates must pass the ITA Evaluation prior to being assigned teaching duties, including duties in labs. This requirement may not be waived.
#Vax4Maryland
Students should review this page for complete information on UMD COVID-19 Vaccination requirements. The 4Maryland website can help you with your covid-related questions. For vaccine specific questions and to upload your proof of vaccination, please check the UMD Health Center’s website here.


Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or an exemption is one of the requirements for registering for classes for the Spring 2022 term.
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.

Beyond Immigration Series
Thursday, Dec 2nd
9am ET
 
Off-Campus Housing

Join us for a virtual walk-through on how to find off-campus housing at UMD. Presented by Jennifer Ruth Lindstrom, Manager for Housing Partnerships, Off-Campus Housing Services.

Monday, Dec 6th
9am ET
 
Leasing in the U.S.

Join us for a virtual discussion with William Zachariah Mundy, attorney and Director for the Graduate Student Legal Aid Office, to discuss best practices in leasing in the U.S.

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 2022 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.