Program Amenities
How the Program Works | Schedule | Program Staff
How the Program Works
Freshmen First lets incoming Maryland freshmen get a jump start on their first year at college. You’ll earn three Maryland credits that help satisfy some of the University’s undergraduate requirements. You’ll also meet other freshmen while you ease into campus life at Maryland. Discover all that the University has to offer before the beginning of the fall semester.
- Choose one three-credit course from a selection of CORE courses.
- CORE is the set of courses that satisfies the University’s general education requirements.
- All Maryland undergraduate students must complete CORE requirements in addition to their major, department, and college requirements to earn a bachelor’s degree.
- For more information about CORE, click here.
- Courses generally meet every day, Monday-Thursday.
- Coursework includes projects, papers, reading, and preparing for exams.
- Expect to purchase books, class packets, and supplies.
- Seminars and social activities include mixers, The Terp Zone, CRC Ropes Workshop, trips to Washington, DC, Career Center, computer resources, and more.
- Freshmen First is open to both residential and commuter students.
Schedule
Monday-Friday (Refer to your course syllabus for exact course meeting times)
| 7:30 a.m. | Breakfast, South Campus Dining Hall (residential students) |
| 9 a.m.- Noon | Morning courses meet, or study time/project work |
| Noon | Lunch, Various locations throughout campus (all students) |
| 1-4:30 p.m. | Afternoon courses meet, or study time/project work |
| 5:30-7 p.m. | Seminars, activities, dinner break, various locations in College Park (residential students) |
| 7-10 p.m. | Scheduled and unscheduled program activities |
Program Staff
Eric Johnson, Assistant Director
Andrew Weyand, Coordinator
Mentors
Selected University of Maryland students serve as program mentors. The mentors supervise students in the dormitories during the evenings to ensure safe, appropriate behavior. Mentors also supervise activities, encourage students to explore the University, and provide participants with an insider's view of what college life is like. The mentors live in the residence hall with the program participants and are responsible for responding to any situations that may arise.