International Student Orientation
Issue 2
Greetings!
International Student Orientation will be offered online. During International Student Orientation, you will be introduced to the ISSS team, learn about your immigration responsibilities, connect with other new Terps as well as current students, and get acquainted with UMD resources. Participating in these activities is a great way to make new friends and prepare yourself for life at UMD.
Key

Most of the information we’ll provide in these weekly emails is relevant to all incoming international students; however, some information will be specific to Graduate (G), Undergraduate (U), Exchange (E) students, F-1 or J-1 visa holders.
The following icons will be used to designate when information is specific to one of these groups.
When information is specific to a student group (U, G or E) that also holds a specific visa type (F-1 or J-1) the following icon format will be used.
Today's Tip: Register for Orientations
All international students who are new to UMD must complete the mandatory online International Student Orientation . Additional UMD orientations may be required or available.
UMD Orientations
In addition to the mandatory online International Student Orientation, undergraduate freshman and undergraduate transfer students must also attend a mandatory online UMD New Student Orientation offered by the Office of Orientation .

Visit the following website to schedule your required online UMD New Student Orientation. It is through this orientation that undergraduate students will meet with an academic advisor to register for classes.
In addition to the mandatory online International Student Orientation, graduate students may attend Graduate School Orientation and orientation sessions offered by academic departments.
International Student Orientation:
Two types to meet the needs of all students 
Every F-1/J-1 student must complete the online International Student Orientation . ISSS has two different orientation paths to accommodate all of our students. You will be registered into the appropriate online module based on your situation. We will determine this based on your responses in the Fall Enrollment Intent form on iTERP , which will be open to you starting on July 1. 

Type 1: Orientation with an immigration module
F-1/J-1 students who have their visas and are physically in the U.S. will complete the immigration module as part of the online orientation. This enables us to activate your I-20 or DS-2019 and report your arrival to the U.S. Government. This step is necessary before students can apply for a Social Security Number or U.S. driver’s license.

Type 2: Orientation without an immigration module 
Students who plan to remain in their home country for fall and can begin their program remotely will be asked to complete ISSS orientation without the immigration overview. Since I-20s/DS-2019 will not be activated for students who start programs remotely, immigration will not be covered during your orientation to the university. 
How to Register for International Student Orientation:

  1. After July 1, log into iTerp.
  2. Select and complete the “Fall 2020 Enrollment Intent Form” - This form is not open until July 1. We will send you another reminder when it is available for you to complete it. 
  3. For students enrolling in the Fall 2020 term, starting August 3, ISSS will register YOU into the appropriate online International Student Orientation. 
Meet & Greet with
International Orientation Leaders 
International Orientation Leaders (IOLs) are a group of current students who are excited to share their favorite parts about being Terps as well as answer your questions and make you all feel welcome at UMD!
This summer, newly admitted students will have an opportunity to talk with IOLs in small group virtual sessions. You will be able to ask questions about what it is like to study with UMD, get tips and advice on how to make the most of your time, and get to know current and newly admitted students ahead of the fall semester! Space is limited, so be sure to read your Tip of the Week for information on how to register. 
June 22, 9 a.m. ET - Register here
June 25, 10 a.m. ET - Register here
July 14, 9 a.m. ET - Registration opens in Tip of the Week 5
July 16, 10 a.m. ET - Registration opens in Tip of the Week 5
August 18, 9 a.m. ET - Registration opens in Tip of the Week 10
August 20, 10 a.m. ET - Registration opens in Tip of the Week 10
If you will have a Teaching Assistant Position
The Graduate School requires that ITAs who are non-native speakers of English be evaluated to have their proficiency in spoken English assessed. If this applies to you, your department will refer you to the Maryland English Institute, and no action is necessary on your part. The ITA Evaluation is not required of students who serve only as graders or researchers, or whose entire education has been in the U.S., United Kingdom, Ireland, English-speaking Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Anglophone Africa, or the Commonwealth Caribbean. Candidates must pass the ITA Evaluation prior to being assigned teaching duties, including duties in labs. This requirement may not be waived.
Missed a Tip of the Week?
You can find previous Tips of the Week on our website by clicking here !
We hope that you find these emails informative and helpful. You are receiving
them because you have been accepted to the University of Maryland for the Fall
2020 semester. If you do not intend to enroll at UMD and would like to stop receiving ISSS emails, please inform ISSS via your iTerp checklist, your department, and either the Graduate School (graduate students) or the undergraduate admissions office (undergraduate students) that you decline your admission.