Participation in Freshmen Connection is optional, and interested students must first confirm their enrollment at the University of Maryland (UMD) for the spring semester. Through this program, students have the opportunity to:
Below you will find answers to questions that are commonly asked by students recently admitted for the spring semester. If, after reviewing this information, you would like to learn more, please visit the Freshmen Connection website.
Q. How is Freshmen Connection (FC) different than the regular fall semester?
FC offers a selection of UMD courses that help fulfill undergraduate major and general education requirements. Courses meet in campus classrooms, 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.to 4 p.m. on Fridays. FC course offerings are only open to spring-admitted freshmen who enroll in Freshmen Connection; the regular fall semester course offerings are only open to current and fall-admitted students.
Q. What are the benefits of Freshmen Connection?
FC provides spring-admitted freshmen the opportunity to take up to 17 credits that begin to fulfill UMD undergraduate requirements and to get on track to graduate in four years. FC academic advisors provide guidance throughout the enrollment process and the fall semester. Students are required to enroll in a UNIV100 orientation course which helps develop skills and strategies that will enhance your UMD academic experience. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in fall campus activities and events and meet other freshmen. Finally, there is no need to provide official transcripts or consider credit transfers from another college or university. All courses are UMD courses and appear on your official UMD transcript.
Q. Are students eligible for merit scholarships if they participate in Freshmen Connection?
FC students are not eligible for merit scholarships, as those are only offered to our students who applied by the priority deadline and were admitted to the fall semester.
Q. Will Freshmen Connection students be placed together in the same building?
We house FC students throughout our residence halls like all other newly enrolled freshmen coming for the fall semester. However, we may place FC students as roommates since the academic schedules for the program make this more compatible. We also allow roommate requests, if the students request each other, as we do for all students. For more information on Freshmen Connection housing, please visit the Department of Resident Life website.
Q. What do I need to do to participate in Freshmen Connection?
First you need to respond to your offer of admission by completing the Decision Form in your Terps Application Portal account. Then you need to review and complete the steps found on the Freshmen Connection How to Enroll page.
Q. How do I register for orientation if I am participating in Freshmen Connection?
You will first need to enroll in Freshmen Connection. Once that is complete, you can visit the Orientation Office website to register for the specific FC orientation dates.
If you choose not to participate in Freshmen Connection you will still register for orientation through the Orientation Office and will select a date based on your major.
Q. What happens if I choose not to participate in Freshmen Connection?
FC is an optional academic program that does not affect your spring admission. If you intend to confirm your enrollment at UMD, we encourage you to review these next steps.
Q. What should I do if I miss the Freshmen Connection confirmation deadline or if I have additional questions?
You can contact fc@umd.edu or call 301.405.7762.
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Freshman applicants can apply using either the Common App or StandOut Admissions Network platforms. At this time, transfer applicants can only apply using StandOut Admissions Network.
College is a major investment for you and your family. The university is here to help. We offer an array of financial aid programs—including scholarships, grants, loans and student employment—as part of our commitment to making an excellent education affordable.
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The University of Maryland has launched a new investment in need-based financial aid, the Terrapin Commitment program, which will provide up to $20 million annually for students from the state of Maryland.
The goal of the Terrapin Commitment program is to reduce the gap between a student’s total financial aid package and the cost of an education. The program will begin in January 2023 and ensures that tuition and fees are fully covered for Pell eligible, in-state students, who are enrolled full time and have unmet financial need. More details can be found on the Office of Student Financial Aid's website.
You’ve received your admission letter, checked out your major and started celebrating with family and friends. To make enrollment official, check out information for newly admitted students to get everything you need to start your academic career at UMD.