FAQ

General FAQs

What is the orientation session?
All students are required to attend the orientation session, which runs 10 a.m.-2 p.m. You'll receive your University ID and turn in all the required forms. We'll go over program requirements, answer questions, and offer a campus tour. All students—commuter and residential—will check in with the Office of Conferences & Visitor Services. You'll get your campus parking permit and meal card(s). Residential students also check into their dorm rooms.
Is attendance mandatory for all the program activities?
The following activities are mandatory; they are program-related:
  • Orientation Session
  • Admissions Presentation
  • Admissions & Colleges Mixer
  • Enrichment Seminars
Is attendance mandatory for the evening and weekend events such as the mixers, movies, Terp Zone, etc.?
Your course package—residential or commuter—underwrites the costs of all scheduled program-related activities. This fee is charged whether you decide to attend these activities or not. We do not pro-rate. Please note: Upon the completion of the program, we ask students to complete a survey. Over the past several years, these surveys demonstrate that those students who fully participated in the scheduled events were the ones with the highest satisfaction rating.
What should all participants have with them on a daily basis?
Please make sure that you carry a photo ID with you. Several of the course-related field trips are to buildings or areas that require a security check. Although you receive a University of Maryland ID card at orientation, this will not have your photo.
What happens if I become ill?
All students must complete an emergency contact form that includes health insurance policy numbers. If you should become ill or are injured, you'll be taken to the Campus Health Center located on campus or to the nearest hospital, depending on the severity of the injury or illness. Your parent/guardian must make immediate arrangements to ensure quality care for you. Although this form will facilitate your admittance to a health center, it does not permit the University of Maryland to assume responsibility for your healthcare needs. You can visit the Health Center any time during the hours of operation. You'll be billed for any services or treatment that you receive. If you miss class due to illness, you can request written proof from the Health Center to give to your instructor.
What University rules and regulations apply during this program?
All accepted Young Scholars Program participants are admitted to the University of Maryland for the Summer Term. All University rules and regulations apply. In your confirmation package, you will receive a copy of the University of Maryland's Code of Student Conduct and the Code of Academic Integrity, which ensure the health and safety of all students and uphold the principle of academic honesty. At orientation, you'll submit a signed form, indicating that you have read and understand these codes. In addition, all residential program participants must abide to a curfew, 11 p.m.-6 a.m., Sunday-Thursday, midnight-6 a.m., Friday and Saturday. Failure to adhere to any of these policies can result in immediate dismissal from the program without a refund.
How do I change my course choice before the program begins?
If you want to change your course selection before the beginning of the program, please contact our office at ysp@umd.edu or 301-405-6551. You will need to provide your full name and the new course request as well as contact information. Remember: you can only change your course registration if your new choice is not closed. If you are attending the program via a scholarship, you may not be allowed to change your course and still retain your funding.
How do I purchase my textbooks?
First, determine which books the course requires. Click here to visit Testudo and select the necessary course/department acronym, e.g., ARCH for Architecture. Find the course you are registered for with the section number of "04YS" and select "Books." Not all courses require a textbook. Books can be purchased at the University Book Center, Maryland Book Exchange, or at any other textbook store or online vendor.
How do I activate my directory ID/password and UM e-mail account?
To activate your directory ID/password, visit: http://www.oit.umd.edu/new/student.html
  • Review the instructions on this page, then click Start here, to go to the "Identity Verification" page.

To activate your e-mail account, visit: https://cgi.oit.umd.edu/cgi-bin/account/activation.cgi
How do I access my grade?
Grade reports are not automatically mailed, but can be requested via the Web. You can view your grades on-line via your unofficial transcript by clicking here. Please refer to the Academic & Financial Calendar for the exact date that grades will be posted. You can also request that an official transcript be mailed to you by clicking here.

Residential FAQs

What is the North Hill Service Desk?
The Service Desk for all participants is in the Lobby of Queen Anne's Hall (301-314-4455). It is staffed 24 hours, seven days a week, to perform a variety of functions. The main purpose is to ensure your comfort but it is also a 24-hour emergency contact center and information hub. Annapolis Hall is the place to:
  • Pick up any telephone messages and mail
  • Report maintenance/other problems with your room
  • Report lost keys or get a spare key if you are locked out
What about keys?
At orientation check-in, you will be issued a student ID that will have a barcode cross-referenced to your residential hall. Access to the residence hall is regulated by electronic access through your student ID or your University meal card. You will receive a regular metal key for access to your dormitory room. If you lose your key, you can get a spare from the Queen Anne's Desk. For safety reasons, if you do not find your original key within a set time frame, your lock will be changed and your account will be billed $85.00.
How are roommate assignments made?
Roommate assignments are made on a random basis, although we try to assign roommates according to course enrollment. Students should expect to live with other students of the same gender in a double, triple or quad bedroom. Specific roommate requests can be made in writing; however, only mutual requests by students can be considered. Every effort will be made to accommodate your roommate request. Room assignments are finalized on check-in day and are not announced prior to your arrival.
Do I need to bring linens?
Yes. You should bring one flat and one fitted sheet (twin-size bed), two towels, one pillow, one pillowcase, one blanket, and one bedspread.
In addition to sheets and towels, what items should I consider bringing?
Soap, toiletries, clothes hangers, alarm clock, hair dryer, towels, umbrella, dictionary, stapler, and other supplies, laundry bag, detergent, desk/reading lamp, and quarters for the washers and dryers.
What won't I have?
There are no televisions, lamps, end tables, decorations, alarm clocks, or other amenities. If you require any of these items, you are responsible for bringing them.
What items may I not bring?
Toaster ovens, toasters, iron, microwaves, candles, crock pot, popcorn maker, grills of any kind or any other items with which one cooks are considered fire hazards. University staff monitors each room and you will be asked to remove any item that is considered to be a fire hazard.
Is a telephone provided?
No. There is a voice and data jack in each room for each residential student. You must either bring a phone from home (which can freely be used to make on-campus and local telephone calls) or a cell phone. To make long distance calls from a non-cell phone, you must have a telephone calling card. Incoming off-campus calls can be received without the use of a calling card.
Will my room be cleaned daily?
Rooms—bedrooms, common areas, and bathrooms—are cleaned before students' arrival and after their departure only. You can request basic cleaning supplies, or report any cleanliness issues upon move at the Queen Anne's Desk or your mentors. Before checking out, you are expected to remove all trash to the outside receptacles.
Can I do laundry?
Residential students use the coin-operated laundry facilities located in or near their residential hall. You will need to bring your own detergent as well as quarters for the washers and dryers.
What about mail?
You should have your mail addressed to:
Your name
Attn: Summer Guest
Young Scholars Program
Queen Anne's Hall Service Desk
University of Maryland
College Park, MD, 20742
You will need to go to Queen Anne's Hall Service Desk to check on and pick up your mail on a daily basis. You will not receive a notification in your room. You must check the message board or ask a staff member at the Queen Anne's Desk about mail.
What if I have a problem with a roommate or suitemate?
You need to muster the courage to first discuss the problem with your roommate or suitemate. If you can't resolve the issue(s), you should speak to your mentor, who will help. If you do not bring any issues to the attention of our staff, we cannot help make your stay an enjoyable experience.
May I be away from the dormitory overnight?
Residential students have a curfew that is enforced by the mentors. Parents must submit written permission to a program mentor in order for a student to be away overnight. The permission note must include the dates and times that a student will be away as well as the location and phone number of where he or she will be staying.
Are there accommodations for disabled students?
Yes. The University provides a full range of services and accommodations to assist disabled students. Upon acceptance into the program, students seeking assistance should contact Eric Johnson, program coordinator, Office of Extended Studies, via e-mail at johnsone@umd.edu, or phone 301-405-6551. Only students who identify their disabilities well in advance can be assured of proper accommodation upon their arrival on campus.
How much spending money should I bring?
The course package fees for the Young Scholars Program include most course expenses as well as most meals. About $50-75 per week should cover incidental expenses (e.g., gifts, snacks, Saturday lunches, toiletries).
Is there a curfew for residential students?
Yes. Since most participants are under the age of 18, we require that you keep the University staff informed of your whereabouts at all times. Curfew hours of 11 p.m.-6 a.m., Sunday-Saturday apply to students residing on campus for the Young Scholars Program.