Frequently Asked Questions

If you have additional questions, please contact us at fc@umd.edu or call 301-405-6551.

Q. What is Freshmen Connection?

A. Freshmen Connection is a fall semester academic program open to students who confirm spring admission to the University of Maryland. Students may take up to 16 credits of University of Maryland courses and get on track to graduate in four years. Courses are taught by University of Maryland faculty. Courses and grades earned are recorded on the student’s Maryland transcript and count toward the University of Maryland undergraduate degree.

Q. What are the main differences between Freshmen Connection course offerings and regular fall semester course offerings?

A. Freshmen Connection offers a selection of Maryland courses that helps fulfill the University’s general undergraduate requirements. The Freshmen Connection course offerings are scheduled in campus classrooms during off-peak times, 3 p.m.–9 p.m., Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Friday. All Freshmen Connection students must register for UNIV 100. Finally, Freshmen Connection course offerings are only open to freshmen who confirm spring admission to the University of Maryland.

Q. What are the other differences between Freshmen Connection and the regular fall semester?

A. Freshmen Connection students can join most campus activities and organizations–the Marching Band, choirs, ROTC, club sports, etc.–except participate in University of Maryland NCAA fall athletic teams. Also, on-campus housing is not available for students in Freshmen Connection.

Q. What are the benefits of Freshmen Connection?

A. The program provides spring admitted freshmen with the opportunity to take up to 16 credits that begin to fulfill University of Maryland undergraduate requirements. You’ll get on-track to graduate in four years. The program provides you with a dedicated academic advisor that provides guidance throughout the enrollment process and the fall semester. Your UNIV100 course helps develop skills and strategies that will enhance your Maryland academic experience. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in fall campus activities and events and meet other freshmen. You’ll meet with your intended major advisor and register for spring courses before the spring admitted students who are not in this program and transfer students. Finally, there is no need to provide official transcripts or consider credit transfers from another college or university. All courses are University of Maryland courses and appear on your official University of Maryland transcript.

Q. What is the Office of Extended Studies?

A. The Office of Extended Studies is a self-support administrative unit at the University of Maryland. In addition to Freshmen Connection, OES administers Summer Term and Winter Term. For more information about the Office of Extended Studies, please click here.

Q. Why was I not accepted to the University of Maryland for the fall semester?

A. Because there are so many highly qualified applicants and not enough placement spaces, a number of students are offered admission for the spring semester. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions can assist you with specific questions you may have about your admission status. Please click here to access the web site for Undergraduate Admissions.

Q. What happens if I choose not to participate in Freshmen Connection?

A. Freshmen Connection is an optional academic program that does not affect your spring admission. If you choose to attend another university in the fall, you’ll need to consider how credits will transfer to the University of Maryland. You may also want to consider taking courses offered through University of Maryland’s Summer Term, Freshmen First program, and Winter Term.

Q. Do I need to confirm acceptance of spring admission to the University of Maryland before enrolling in Freshmen Connection?

A. Yes. You must confirm spring admission to the University of Maryland before enrolling in Freshmen Connection. You may confirm your Spring 2009 admission to the University beginning March 12, 2008. Please click here to confirm admission. You must also take the Math Placement Exam (MPE) before submitting your enrollment form. Please click here to access information about the MPE.

Q. What University rules and regulations apply during this program?

A. Students who confirm spring admission to the University of Maryland and who enroll in Freshmen Connection are subject to all University rules and regulations. You’ll receive a copy of the University of Maryland’s Code of Student Conduct and the Code of Academic Integrity in your Freshmen Connection confirmation package.

Q. How many courses should I take in Freshmen Connection?

A. You are encouraged to take a full academic load. Full-time status for Maryland undergraduate students is based on registration for 12 or more credits per semester. Freshmen Connection students usually take ENGL 101, 1 Math course, 2-3 CORE courses, and must take UNIV 100 (around 13-16 credits total). Tuition is charged at a flat rate for up to 16 credits, so you should take at least 13 credits.

Q. How do I select courses?

A. Freshmen Connection uses a paper form for the enrollment process. You’ll select your courses as you complete your enrollment form. Course enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you require assistance with scheduling, please contact us at fc@umd.edu or 301-405-6551.

Q. How do I view my current course schedule?

A. Once you’ve received your Freshmen Connection confirmation packet, you’ll be able to view your current course schedule by visiting www.my.umd.edu. Select Academics&Testudo.

Q. How do I change my course choices before the program begins?

A. You’ll have the opportunity to make changes to your schedule after August 8, 2008. Remember, space is limited and course selection is based upon availability.

Q. Can I change my course choices after the program and classes begin?

A. Yes. The Schedule Adjustment period runs September 2–September 15, 4:30 p.m.

Q. Do grades count?

A. Yes. Grades earned in Freshmen Connection courses are posted on your University of Maryland transcript and are included in your Maryland GPA.

Q. How do I view my grades?

A. Visit www.my.umd.edu. Select Academics&Testudo. Select Grades. You can view grades online approximately three weeks after the last final exam. Grade reports are not automatically mailed, but can be requested from this site.

Q. How do I purchase my textbooks?

A. You’ll need to visit the Freshmen Connection Testudo Web site (the online schedule of classes). Find your selected course. Click on ‘Books’ and you’ll find the required texts for the course. Books can be purchased at the University Book Center, Maryland Book Exchange, or at any other textbook store or online vendor.

Q. When do classes meet for Freshmen Connection?

A. Classes meet 3–9 p.m., Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Friday. The first day of classes is September 2; the last day is December 12. Final exams are scheduled December 15-22.

Q. What is Freshmen Connection Orientation?

A. The mandatory orientation session provides you with an overview of Freshmen Connection and the Maryland campus. You’ll be introduced to a variety of campus services such as the Office of Financial Aid, the Bursar’s Office, Dining Services, Residential Life, Campus Recreation Services, and more.

Q. What is the Welcome Session?

A. The Welcome Session is scheduled for the day before classes begin. You’ll be able to ask any last-minute questions, locate your classrooms, buy any required texts, and relax and meet all the other students in Freshmen Connection.

Q. Is housing available?

A. On-campus housing is not available for students in Freshmen Connection. All students in Freshmen Connection make their own arrangements for housing. Off-Campus Housing Services provides information on such opportunities and can assist you with identifying housing and roommates. To contact that office, please click here. For information about obtaining on-campus housing for Spring 2009 or Fall 2009, please contact the Department of Resident Life.

Q. Can I participate in a campus meal plan?

A. Yes. If you are interested in participating in a campus meal plan, please visit the Department of Dining Services.

Q. Can I use my financial aid for Freshmen Connection?

A. Yes. If you are eligible for state and/or federal financial aid, you may apply it to Freshmen Connection. The Office of Student Financial Aid can assist you. Please click here to access their web site or call 301-314-9000 to schedule an appointment.

Q. Can I use tuition remission for Freshmen Connection?

A. Yes. If you are eligible for tuition remission, you may apply it to Freshmen Connection. For information about tuition remission, please click here.

Q. How do I obtain campus parking?

A. The Department of Transportation Services (DOTS) administers parking and transit programs for all students, faculty, staff and visitors. A parking permit is required to park on campus. For the on-line application and additional information about applying for a parking permit, please click here.

Q. What campus organizations and activities can I join?

A. You are welcome to participate in all student activities, with the exception of participating in University of Maryland NCAA fall athletic teams. The Division of Student Affairs has a web site that links to the many opportunities available to enrich your life during your time at Maryland. Please click here and discover all that Maryland has to offer.

Q. How do I activate up 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.