Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We know as you transition to the University of Maryland, College Park you might have a lot of questions. Below you will find some of our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for students and family members.
Is participating in Terp Family Orientation required?
No, participating in the Terp Family Orientation program is optional. However, we recommend that every student have at least one family member or supporter participate in Terp Family Orientation to ensure you have all the information and resources to support your new Terp in their transition.
How can I register for the Terp Family Orientation program?
You can register by signing up when your student registers for New Student Orientation or by calling our Office at 301-314-8217. You may also register on-site the day of your student's program (if a Terp Family Orientation program is being offered).
What should I do if I get COVID right before my Terp Family Orientation date?
If you or your student happen to test positive for COVID-19 within 5-7 days prior to your Orientation date please call us at 301-314-8217 and we will reschedule you for the next available Orientation date. We hope you feel better soon!
How does Terp Family Orientation work?
Terp Family Orientation will provide one day of programming for family members and supporters to receive the resources, information, and connections to make their student's transition successful.
What are the benefits of attending the Terp Family Orientation Program?
Terp Family Members who opt to register for our Terp Family Orientation Program will be registered for a day packed full of engaging presentations, opportunities to meet and ask questions to current UMD students, and a chance to experience UMD on campus.
How much will the Terp Family Orientation cost?
There is a $85 fee for our Terp Family Orientation Program. This fee is charged to your student’s account AFTER you attend New Student Orientation. To learn more about when we bill, visit our Paying for Orientation website page.
Why is there a fee for Terp Family Orientation?
The budget of the Office of Student Orientation and Transition is entirely self-support, which means no state or institutional funding is received. This fee is solely to subsidize the cost of all orientation and transition programming, office operations, and stafffing.
Your Terp Family Orientation fee will go towards meals, and materials that you receive during a program.
Can I receive a refund for my New Student or Terp Family Orientation program?
The Office of Student Orientation and Transition does not process refunds for participants after they attend the New Student or Terp Family Orientation program, even if you do not attend the University of Maryland. As is explained above, Orientation fees are used as the sole funding for the Office's functioning and all meals, housing, and other program accommodations are booked in advance of each program date.
The New Student Orientation program has a $20 no show fee for students who do not cancel their orientation program in advance, but need to reschedule.
If you no longer wish to attend the Terp Family Orientation Program, please notify us at least 24 hours from the program date, via phone or email. If family members or supporters do not cancel before that time period we will charge the full amount and no refunds will be processed. We would be happy to reschedule you for a different date, should you no show a program.
*Please Note: If your Terp Family Orientation Program is on Monday, contact us via email by Sunday and as long as we have record of this we will honor the request and remove any charges associated with the Terp Family Orientation Program.
Can I join my student during their orientation while they register for classes?
Unfortunately, no. Please read the section entitled "FERPA" for more information about the confidentiality of student information. We have created a separate Terp Family Orientation Program for family members and supporters and your student will participate in their own New Student Orientation.
What if I have additional questions about the Terp Family Orientation Program?
You can email us at terpfamilyorientation@umd.edu anytime!
For two-day programs, will I be provided overnight accommodations?
We are only able to provide accommodations for students, and cannot house family members and supporters. There are a number of hotels in the College Park area within walking and driving distance to campus.
Where and when should I pick my student up from their program?
For two-day programs, students will finish their program at 3:30 pm on the second day of their New Student Orientation session. They should be picked up at Elkton Hall, where they were dropped off for check-in.
For one-day programs, students will be finished by 4:30 pm, but the actual ending time of the program varies depending on their college and major.
Yes. In order to register for your Fall or Spring Semester courses, you need to register and attend New Student Orientation. This is the first opportunity new students have to meet with an academic advisor and register for classes.
We offer a variety of session types for every incoming student.
- First-year students will have the opportunity to attend a 2-Day Program, a 1-Day Program, or an Online Program.
- Transfer students will have the opportunity to attend a 1-Day Program or an Online Program.
Registration is now open for Fall admitted students. Registration will open late Fall for Spring Admitted Students.
New Student Orientation Check-In will begin at 8:00 am.
- Check-in for 2-Day Programs will take place in the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center at 8:00 am
- Check-in for 1-Day Programs will take place in the Cole Student Activities Building at 8:00 am
- Online Program starts at 9:00 am
To view the UMD campus map, click here.
For all 2-day First Year New Student Orientation sessions, on-campus housing in Elkton Hall will be provided. All participants will be provided a room with one random roommate who is also participating in the same session. Should any student need housing the night before or after their Orientation session, that can be requested on the registration page.
All 1-day sessions, for transfer or freshmen students, will not be provided on-campus housing, since the program is only one day.
If you happen to test positive for COVID-19 within 5-7 days prior to your Orientation date please call us at 301-314-8217 and we will reschedule you for the next available Orientation date. We hope you feel better soon!
The enrollment deposit usually takes at least 3 business days to process. If you are concerned about your deposit, please call the Undergraduate Admissions at 301-314-8385.
All of our New Student Orientation dates are designed for you to meet with your Academic College. We strongly recommend changing your major BEFORE New Student Orientation.
For more information on how to change your major, please visit the "Change of Major" dropdown here.
If you plan to switch your major to an LEP (Limited Enrollment Program) and were not directly admitted, then you should attend the orientation for your current major. You will be able to apply for your LEP during the first semester of classes. For more information, visit the LEP website.
- Confirm your admissions and pay your enrollment fee
- Register for a New Student Orientation session
- Complete your First Year To-Do List or Transfer To-Do List
- Get get ready to meet other incoming students, learn more about UMD, and register for classes!
Yes, we will be hosting a separate one-day Terp Family Orientation Program for family members and supporters. They can register by either calling our office or you can register them when you register yourself online or over the phone. There is a $85 fee for Terp Family Orientation for every guest above the age of 18.
- Two-Day Overnight First Year NSO - $227
- Early Arrival/Late Stay - $40/night
- One-Day Transfer/First Year NSO - $150
- Terp Family Orientation - $85
- Terp Trip Platinum Tour (Summer Only) - $20
- Online Transfer/First Year NSO - $95
- New Student Orientation No-Show Fee - $20
This fee is charged to your student account AFTER you attend New Student Orientation.
The budget of the Office of Student Orientation and Transition is entirely self-support, which means no state or institutional funding is received. This fee is solely to subsidize the cost of all orientation and transition programming, office operations, and staffing.
Your New Student Orientation fee will include your stay (if applicable), meals, and any materials received during a New Student Orientation program.
Yes, we do offer a fee waiver for students who exhibit financial need. The waiver request form can be accessed on our Paying for Orientation web page.
The Office of Student Orientation and Transition does not process refunds for participants after they attend the New Student or Terp Family Orientation program, even if you do not attend the University of Maryland. As is explained above, Orientation fees are used as the sole funding for the Office's functioning and all meals, housing, and other program accommodations are booked in advance of each program date.
The New Student Orientation program has a $20 no show fee for students who do not cancel their orientation program in advance, but need to reschedule.
If you no longer wish to attend the Terp Family Orientation Program, please notify us at least 24 hours from the program date, via phone or email. If family members or supporters do not cancel before that time period we will charge the full amount and no refunds will be processed. We would be happy to reschedule you for a different date, should you no show a program.
Students who are already registered for an in-person New Student Orientation Session can upload their Student ID Photo now. Please follow the instructions in your "to do list" to submit your photo and signature at least 10 days in advance of your orientation date.
Students who are attending an online program will be able to stop by the Office of the Registrar in the Mitchell Building to take their photo and receive their ID. This must be completed AFTER your online orientation and after registering for classes.
Your immunization record needs to be submitted by the First Day of Classes. You will not have access to submit your Immunization record until AFTER you attend New Student Orientation. Visit https://health.umd.edu/immunizations for more information.
If you have questions about your Immunization record, please contact The University Health Center.