After you have set up your Directory ID, you are ready to register for an Orientation Date. The Orientation Office holds Orientation Dates specifically for transfer students geared towards their needs. All new students to the University of Maryland must complete an Orientation regardless of if they completed one at their previous institution. Even though we know that transfers have a lot of knowledge on managing college life, the University of Maryland does have its own style and we want to make sure that you understand it fully.

Transfer Orientation Highlights

Our job in the orientation office is to help you get your bearings and to provide you with the resources you need to register for classes, to find your way around campus, and to succeed at the University.  At your orientation, classes are only half of the story; our staff will give you the inside scoop on how to take advantage of what is really going on here at the university.  From basketball games to commuting, libraries to working out, and study sessions to College Park shops, our staff will teach you the “dos and don’ts” of Maryland.

Orientation Logistics
Transfer Orientations are held primarily on Wednesdays throughout June, July and the beginning and latter parts

of August.  Program check-in is at 8:30 AM to 8:55 AM in Cole Field House and the orientation concludes at approximately 4:00 PM.  All incoming transfer students are expected to attend the entire orientation program.  Please keep the ending time in mind when making travel arrangements.

How much does orientation cost and why is there a fee?
 This is an inclusive fee that covers all orientation materials, meals, and services during the scheduled program.  Orientations at the University of Maryland include a program fee because the budget for the Orientation Office is self-supporting, receiving no funding from either the university or the state.  Please do not send payment for your orientation programs to our office.  All charges associated with any orientation programs will be billed directly to your student account.

Register

1. When registering, you should know any conflicts you have that will prohibit you from attending orientation.  When you call or go online, you will be informed of all available orientation dates.  These dates are based on space availability for college advising.  Programs fill quickly, so be sure to call as soon as possible for the greatest availability. 
2. When you call, have a pen handy to write down your orientation date.
3. When you call, the Program Registrar will ask for your name and birthday to confirm your identity. They may also ask for other basic information to identify you. Students are encouraged to register for themselves. Please remember that because of federal regulation we cannot give out information regarding orientation dates or other personal information to anybody except the student who is registering for the orientation.
4. Registration is also available online by visiting https://www.sis.umd.edu/orientation/.

After You Register
To best assist you in your transition to the university, we ask that you complete a short survey concerning your expectations and needs. We will use this information to better personalize your orientation program.
Click Here to take survey

You will also receive a notification confirming your student orientation registration.   Please review the information and contact our office if information on the card is incorrect.

Changing Your Orientation Date
If you are unable to attend your scheduled orientation date due to a conflict with another event, you must contact the Orientation Office to reschedule. It is possible to change your orientation date using our on-line system, up to seven (7) days before your program date.

If you wish to cancel your program all together, you must call the Orientation Office at 301-314-8217. If you change your registration within seven (7) days of your orientation, you will be charged a $20.00 administrative fee. Changing Your Intended Major Any incoming students who wish to change their intended major should do so by contacting Undergraduate Admissions at umadmit@umd.edu or (301) 314-8385.  Once the major change is made, you must contact the Orientation Office so we can determine whether or not your orientation date will be affected.  Not all colleges advise students on each orientation date and failing to check with our office may result in you having to reschedule your orientation on the day you arrive for your program. 

Please note that the major change process will take several days.  You should refrain from contacting our office until your new major is updated. 

If You Arrive Late For Your Orientation
If you arrive to campus late for orientation, proceed directly to the main lobby of the Cole Field House (see the map included in this mailing for directions).  Our staff will make every effort to get you connected with your orientation group. However, if it is past a certain time, you may be required to reschedule.

If You Fail To Show For Your Orientation
Students who fail to show for their orientation will need to reschedule for a program when their college is advising.  Contact the Orientation Office and our staff will assist you with the scheduling change.  Since we held a space for you in your originally scheduled program, and will now be reserving a second space for you, there will be a $20.00 administrative fee applied to your student account, in addition to your $101.00 orientation fee.

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Please contact the Orientation Office at 301-314-8217 or at askorientation@umd.edu if you have any comments, questions or concerns.