Terp Family Orientation

We are thrilled that you would like to attend our Terp Family Program. This Terp Family Program program runs at the same time as your student’s one-day New Student Orientation. You will have the opportunity to hear from various campus partners who will share insights into how their offices support your student.

Winter 2023 Dates:

• January 12th
• January 18th
• January 19th

We are excited that you would like to join us for Terp Family Program! Whether your student is an incoming first-year or transfer student, our online program is available to you. This flexible option allows you to participate from anywhere, providing valuable resources and insights to assist you in your transition to the Terp Family.

Winter 2023 Dates:

• January 17th

Terp Family Orientation Fee and Cancellation Policy

There is a $74 fee per attendee for the Terp Family Orientation program. This fee covers the cost of meals, materials provided during the program, parking, and building locations. It's important to note, the budget of the Office of Student Orientation and Transition is entirely self-support, meaning we receive no state or institutional funding. This fee is solely intended to offset the cost of all Orientation programs and UNIV100 office operations, professional staff and undergraduate student staff.

Students will not be charged until AFTER they have attend New Student Orientation. Both New Student Orientation and Terp Family Orientation charges will be billed to the student account. Please avoid paying for New Student Orientation and/or Terp Family Orientation until the charge appears on the student account, as paying ahead of time may complicate the payment process. Specific program fees and FAQs regarding fees and payment can be found on our 'Paying for New Student Orientation' page. 

Cancellation Policy

If you no longer wish to attend the Terp Family Orientation Program, please notify us within 24 hours of the program date, via phone or email. There is a $20 cancellation fee for all no-shows in our Terp Family Program, as previously mentioned the cost of our program goes toward the budget of our office and materials provided at our program. 

If you need to reschedule your orientation date, please contact our office at (301)-314-8217 or email us at terpfamilyorientation@umd.edu!

There are two ways to pre-register for our Terp Family Orientation Program:

• Students can register you and any other attendees when they register for New Student Orientation online in their Registration Portal. Please make sure they include all attendees first and last name and email address when filling out the form!
• Alternatively, you can contact our office at (301)-314-8217 or email us at terpfamilyorientation@umd.edu.in order to register independently. Be sure to include your student's name and 9-digit UID number, the first and last name, and the email of all attendees.

Note: If it less than 5 business days away from the program you would like to attend, please follow the instructions for on-site registration.

We understand that this is not only a transition for your student but for you as well. This program will give you the opportunity to explore the beginning of that transition in how the University supports you and your student. You will have the opportunity to hear from campus partners and resources that play a key role in your students' success here at the University of Maryland. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and understand the best way to assist your student as they begin their journey here at UMD.

Terp Family Orientation and New Student Orientation are two separate programs. Check-In and the Morning Welcome will be held in the same location for both family members and supporters and students. Following the Morning Welcome, students will proceed on with one of our Orientation Advisors to their separate New Student Orientation program. Due to the  Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), family members and supporters are not permitted to attend the New Student Orientation program. We advise you to discuss any concerns or questions that you may have regarding advising and course registration with your student before they attend New Student Orientation, so that they can ask the advising staff and provide you with information after the program.

For more information about the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act please click here!

Meals at Orientation

What is provided?

Morning: Light refreshments, including water, coffee, and granola bars will be available at check-in. We recommend having a hearty breakfast before arriving to the program to keep yourself energized until lunch. 

Lunch: Lunch will be provided during our in-person Winter Terp Family Orientation Programs. Participants will receive a Terrapin Express card to use at any of the Stamp Student Union Food Court Locations. There will be further information during your orientation program!

Dietary Restrictions

If you have any dietary restrictions please refer to the following information:

Kosher meals: Once your student registers for a New Student Orientation Program they will fill out a Pre-Orientation form, to prepare for their arrival on campus. In this form, students can request Kosher meals for themselves and any members attending Terp Family Orientation. Please note that there is separate cost associated with Kosher meals which not be covered in the Orientation fee.

Halal: Moby Dick's hours vary throughout the winter, please click here for more information.

Allergies: The Stamp Student Union houses our campus food court with options from Panda Express to Starbucks. To find more information about the options available and potential allergens click here!

If you do not see an option that works for your dietary needs, you can bring your own lunch and we can store it our office refrigerator for you. You will still receive a Terrapin Express card (included with the cost of Orientation) that you or your student can use on campus at a later time for snack, coffee, or shopping at the bookstore!

If you have any questions, email us at terpfamilorientation@umd.edu

Requesting Accommodations

If you need any accommodations during our Terp Family Program, please contact us directly at terpfamilyorientation@umd.edu. Please keep in mind that some services, such as interpreters, require us to contract out. Please get try to get in touch with us at least two weeks prior to your orientation date. 

What to bring

• Lot 1 Parking Pass (more information can be found below)
• Cell phone charger/portable battery pack
• Refillable water bottle
• Umbrella/poncho/rain gear
• Notepad/Journal/Tablet - To take notes

Plan Your Route

The University of Maryland currently has significant construction due to the Purple Line Project.  Our goal is to provide you with the appropriate resources to ensure your arrival on campus is as smooth as possible. Please remember that construction updates are ever changing and may provide additional challenges to your visit.  This page will include the most up to date information you will need to know as you visit us on campus.  

Please use caution when entering campus and allow yourself more time to navigate to your destination than usual.

We strongly encourage you to use the Adelphi Road or University Blvd/Stadium Drive entrances at the BACK OF CAMPUS for easiest access to Lot 1d for NSO Parking. The Adelphi Road entrance is right next to the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center and the University Blvd/Stadium Drive Entrance is located by Denton Hall. Please do not utilize the Route 1/Campus Drive main entrance of campus for your New Student Orientation session.

Parking

The parking pass will be found here!

We will have a few on-site if necessary but we encourage printing beforehand!

New Student Orientation attendees will park in Lot 1c, 1d, or 1f during their sessions.  The easiest way to arrive is through the back of campus from Adelphi Road.  If you search for “Lot 1d” in your navigation maps, it will direct you to the appropriate parking.  Please print your NSO parking pass before arriving to campus and display it in your vehicle during your stay. 

Parking Advisories

• Lot 1b, 1d, and 1f are located near 1c, Z, JJ2, JJ3 and Lot 3. Please ensure that you are parking in Lot 1b, 1d, and 1f only. There will be parking signage located in the lots to let you know you are in the right space. 
• The Orientation parking permit is not valid at meters or parking garages. 
• Vehicles without permits may be cited.
• Please utilize the “Orientation Parking” signs around campus and park near the flags designated for Orientation parking.

Check-In

Once you get to campus please head to the Edward St. Johns Teaching and Learning Center for Winter Orientation.

We will have three separate areas for check-in one for students, one for family members and supporters who pre-registered, one-site registration table. Please head to the table the best aligns with your registration.

If you are checking in with on-site registration but your student is not attending the New Student Orientation Program on the same day, please have their UID ready so that we can complete the on-site registration process. 

Schedules for the programs can found below!

Tips for Coordinating with your student who is attending Orientation

• Students will be finished by 4:30 p.m., but the actual ending time of the program varies depending on their college and major. Please communicate with your student on a meeting location for pick-up. We recommended either the Stamp Student Union or Lot 1!

Parking

Parking pass will be available here. 

Please print one before arriving to campus, we will have a few available on-campus, just in case. 

New Student Orientation and Terp Family Orientation attendees will park in Lot1c, 1d, or 1f. We recommend parking in Lot1d, as it is the easiest to find. Make sure to print out a parking permit and place it in your dashboard. Look for the red New Student Orientation parking flags and signs once you enter campus through the recommended routes mentioned in Navigating to Campus above.

Getting to campus

Please arrive at campus for on the date of the program you would like to attend at 8 a.m. The University of Maryland currently has significant construction due to the Purple Line Project. Please make sure you use the campus entrances on University Boulevard (Maryland Route 193) at the intersection with Stadium Drive (near The Clarice) or Campus Drive/Adelphi Road (near UMGC).

What to bring

1. Cell phone charger/portable battery pack
2. Refillable water bottle
3. Umbrella/poncho/rain gear
4. Sweater/Jacket - the rooms are cold!

Winter 2023 schedule will be available soon!

The Online Terp Family Orientation schedule will be used on the following date: 

• January 17, 2024