Freshmen First: FAQs
General FAQs
I am a Fall admit. Do I still need to attend Maryland’s Orientation in the summer?
Yes. Attending the University’s Orientation session in the summer allows you to set up your e-mail account, obtain your University ID, meet with an advisor, and register for fall classes. Click here for Orientation information.
What is the Freshmen First Orientation/Check-in Session?
On August 3, all Freshmen First students are required to attend the Orientation Session, which runs from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. At the Overview Session (10-11:00 a.m.), you’ll receive an overview of the program and turn-in all required forms. Then, at the Check-In Session (11:00 a.m.-12 p.m.), all students–commuter and residential–will check in with the Office of Conference & Visitor Services. Residential students will receive their parking permits and meal cards, and also check into their dorm rooms. Commuter students will receive their parking permits.
Would you recommend a certain course over another?
Our classes are taught by some of the University of Maryland’s most innovative faculty. Please make course selections based on interest in the topic.
How do I purchase my textbooks?
First, determine what books the course requires. Click here to visit Testudo, the Web site for Summer Term 2008 course listings. Locate your course and then click on Books for the list of required texts. Books can be purchased at the University Book Center, Maryland Book Exchange, Bookholders, or at any other textbook store or online vendor.
Can I change my course selection before the program begins?
If you want to change your course selection before the program begins, please contact Eric Johnson at johnsone@umd.edu or 301-405-1027. Provide your full name, student ID number, and your new course selection. Remember: you can only change your course registration if your new choice is not closed and if it does not conflict with the requirements of your major.
Is attendance mandatory for the evening and weekend events such as the mixers, movies, Terp Zone, Ropes Workshop, etc.?
Your course package–residential or commuter–underwrites the costs of these and all other 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. Past surveys demonstrate that those students who fully participated in the scheduled events were the ones with the highest satisfaction rating.
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 health care needs. You can visit the Health Center anytime during the hours of operation. You will 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?
Participants in Freshmen First are admitted to the University of Maryland for the Summer Term. All University rules and regulations apply. In your confirmation package, you’ll 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.
How do I access my grade?
Grades will be available approximately one week after the end of Freshmen First. Grades can be viewed online via Testudo. Note that grade reports are not automatically mailed, but can be requested via the Web.
Residential FAQs
What is the Annapolis Hall Service Desk?
The Service Desk for all participants is in the lobby of Annapolis Hall (301-314-2662). It is staffed 24 hours/7 days 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 breakfast 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 Annapolis Desk. For safety reasons, if you do not find your original key within a set timeframe, your lock will be changed and your account will be billed $85.
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 linen?
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; hairdryer; 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.
What items may I not bring?
Toaster ovens, toasters, iron, microwaves, candles, crock pots, popcorn makers, grills of any kind or any other items with which one cooks are considered fire hazards. University staff monitor 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 only be used to make on-campus telephone calls) or a cell phone. To make local or long distance calls from a non-cell phone, you must have a telephone calling card.
Will my room be cleaned daily?
Rooms (bedrooms, common areas, and bathrooms) are cleaned before your arrival and after your departure only. You can request cleaning supplies from the Annapolis Hall Service Desk or from 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’ll 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
Annapolis Hall Service Desk
University of Maryland
College Park, MD, 20742
You will need to go to Annapolis 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 Annapolis Hall 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.
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, e-mail johnsone@umd.edu, or phone 301-405-1027. 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 covers most activity-related expenses as well as most meals. About $50-75 per week should cover incidental expenses (e.g., gifts, snacks, Saturday lunches, toiletries, etc.).
Why can’t I just move into my fall residence hall room?
All requests to remain on campus past the program end date must be made to the Department of Resident Life. Students must be out of the dorms by the assigned time on the last day. Freshmen First is designed for residential participants to room in the same residence hall during the 3-week program. Your fall residential assignment is probably in another dormitory.
