Orientation

1102 Cole Student Activities Building
Phone: 301-314-8217
Fax: 301-314-1063
askorientation@umd.edu or transistionprograms@umd.edu
http://orientation.umd.edu

Director: Gerry Strumpf, Ph.D.

The goal of the Office of Student Orientation and Transition is to introduce new students to the University of Maryland community. The Office of Student Orientation and Transition offers a wide range of transitional programming and services for students and their families as they prepare to attend the University of Maryland. 

Introduction to the University (UNIV) Seminars

The Office of Student Orientation and Transition coordinates first year student seminar courses through the College Units called UNIV100. These courses introduce students to the world of higher education and, more specifically, to the University of Maryland. Course topics include career/major exploration, successful studying/test-taking strategies, diversity, time management, and involvement within the University of Maryland. UNIV seminar courses are led by a faculty or staff member and often an undergraduate Teaching Assistant.

The Office of Student Orientation and Transition also offers UNIV362, a course for juniors and seniors called Designing Your Life After College. This innovative course helps students plan their transition out of college and into their professional lives. Students gain a grasp on important financial concepts such as budgeting, understanding the stock market, and managing a retirement account. The course faculty also coach students through career development, the steps to secure an apartment or mortgage, understanding benefit packages, and negotiating job offers. 

New Student Orientation

Held prior to the semester a student enrolls at the University of Maryland, the New Student Orientation program (NSO) aims to provide students with information about campus resources and services that will assist them in a successful academic and social transition to the university. During NSO, students meet with representatives from their academic college for advising and course scheduling. Undergraduate Orientation Advisors (OA) introduce students to academic and student life at the University of Maryland, including student campus services and resources, and opportunities for involvement on campus. 

Terp Family Orientation

Parents, family members, loved ones, and supporters of new University of Maryland students are strongly encouraged to attend a one-day Terp Family Orientation program specifically designed to introduce them to the academic, social, and cultural opportunities of the university, to better prepare them for the issues that are likely to affect their students throughout their matriculation at the University of Maryland, and provide them with numerous resources and information to help their student succeed inside and outside the classroom.