Sorry I've been MIA/Road closures!

Hi Terps!

Sorry I have been MIA the past couple of weeks. We are in the midst of getting ready for the summer and things have been busy. We are almost set for our first group of students to show up on June 1 and our first transfer program on June 9!

We just ended our first day of training week and things are looking good. I think it's going to be a good summer.

I just wanted to inform all our commuter terps with a couple of BIG road closures on campus this summer.

1. Campus Drive (the main road through campus) will be closed from mid-June through August from the Circle M all the way to Cole Field House. That means that you will have to drive around campus or enter through 193 at Paint Branch or Adelphi. Only buses will be let through during that time and for the second half of the summer, even some buses will not be allowed to go through there. So make sure you provide extra time to get around campus or find the parking lots and learn about how you to get your class by walking.

2. The second road closure is Farm Drive. This is over on the North side of campus near Comcast. This road is in between the farm and the practice soccer field. Most people don't drive up this road, but if you are looking to park in certain areas by the gym (ERC) or to get to certain residence halls, this may hinder your most easily navigable path.

Take care!

Leadership Opportunities

Hi Terps, 

Now that you are back in town from Spring Break, it's time for you to make sure you are getting involved. I've already blogged about leadership opportunities, but here is a great digest of all of the opportunities available to you now. Check it out!


1.      Terrapin Leadership Institute: Social Issues & Leadership
2.      O.N.E. UMD Student Organization Leaders Conference
3.      Transforming Business for the Global Good
4.      Lehigh University Student Leadership Conference
5.      2010 University of Maryland Veterans Scholarships and Tillman Military Scholars
6.      Planting Seeds of Service Conference
7.      Terp Service Day
8.      EDCP 318 Adventure Leadership Course in Norway
9.      Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Development Program
10.  Equiss: A Social Justice Experience
11.  Challenge New Zealand: Leadership Development Abroad
12.  Veterans Research Internship

1.      Terrapin Leadership Institute: Social Issues & Leadership

This 5-week leadership development program will focus on exploring the intersectionality of leadership, social issues, and oppression in our society. Each week, participants will explore different social issues, examine the root causes of the social issue, and gain depth and a broader understanding of the social issue and how the power of leadership can create positive social change.

ö March 24 – April 21 ö Wednesday’s @ 7:00pm ö

The Stamp, Margaret Brent Room ö www.thestamp.umd.edu/TLI

2.      O.N.E. UMD Student Organization Leaders Conference

The goals of O.N.E. UMD are based on the principles of organizing, networking and empowering combined with the leadership needs of student organization leaders. Student organization leaders of all student groups, from cultural groups to academic groups, face many of the same issues ranging from recruitment difficulties to funding dilemmas. Collaboratively, the Student Government Association, Alumni Association, University Career Center and The President's Promise, & Adele H. Stamp Student Union - Center for Campus Life host the O.N.E. UMD conference to address the needs of student organization leaders.  O.N.E. UMD is open to all students.

 ö Sunday, April 18^th 10:00am-7:00pm ö

The Stamp, Various Rooms ö www.thestamp.umd.edu/ONE

3.      Transforming Business for the Global Good

Please join the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business for the Social Enterprise Symposium and Networking Fair/Reception. Thursday, March 25 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Frank Auditorium, 1524 Van Munching Hall Register Online Now! Keynote: "From Spare Change to Real Change" Stanley Litow, VP Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs, IBM, and President of the IBM International Foundation Do you want to learn more about how companies and nonprofits are building innovative solutions to social and environmental issues? Are you interested in leading a socially responsible career? In starting your own organization and creating your own solutions? The Social Enterprise Symposium is a student-run program designed to introduce new approaches for making impactful, lasting social change around the world using market-based approaches. You will have the chance to participate in interactive sessions on a variety of topics, from social media and sustainability to microfinance and mobile technology, with leading professionals in the field. The evening will culminate in a networking fair and reception, giving you the opportunity to connect with professionals and learn more about opportunities to create change through jobs and internships in various sectors. Visit the symposium Web site for more information. Brought to you by the Smith School's Center for Social Value Creation. Special thanks to our sponsors:

4.      Lehigh University Student Leadership Conference

The Altitude Student Leadership Conference is a 1-day drive in conference hosted by The Office of Student Leadership Development and the Leadership Lehigh program at Lehigh University in Bethlehem PA on Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 9AM -5 PM. This is the inaugural year for Altitude and this year's theme is "Branching Out: Growing Within and Outside of Your Organization". The focus is to provide students with the tools necessary to maximize their potential to lead successfully within student organizations while seamlessly transferring those leadership skills to other important areas such as professional atmospheres on and off campus, and their communities at large.

The conference offers a common curriculum experience for all participants that will serve as the starting point of a dialogue about the diversity of leadership styles and skills that will then be integrated into the over 10 conference workshops and the keynote address by Jim Flanagan. Ideally, all Altitude participants will leave with new and enhanced leadership skills that they can immediately put to use on their campuses and then easily translate those skills to the various altitudes of leadership in their lives. All of this plus a conference giveaway, hot buffet lunch and morning and afternoon snacks is only $50 if you register by March 26th!

To find out more information about the conference and to register, please visit www.lehigh.edu/altitude.

Contact Scott Wojciechowski at 610-758-6674 or leader@lehigh.edu with any questions.

5.      2010 University of Maryland Veterans Scholarships & Tillman Military Scholars

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND ANNOUNCES

2010 UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND VETERANS SCHOLARSHIPS AND TILLMAN MILITARY SCHOLARS

Press Contact:  Marsha Guenzler-Stevens, Ph.D.

                              301-314-8505

                              mguenzle@umd.edu

Press Release

Dedicated to supporting educational opportunities for veterans and service members, the University of Maryland, College Park is proud to announce the Veterans Initiative Scholarships application process for the 2010-2011 academic year.

There are seven named scholarships that are funded by alumni and friends of the University of Maryland as well as the continued partnership with the Pat Tillman Foundation and their Tillman Military Scholarships. These gifts will cover study-related expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and room and board, for veteran and active service members and, in the case of the Tillman Military Scholars, their dependents. Named scholarships include the:

§  Ernest M. Willcher Veterans Scholarship
§  Alexion Veterans Scholarship
§  Paul E. and Jane F. Butler Scholarship
§  Robert E. Evasick Memorial Scholarship
§  Edward Friedson Memorial Scholarship
§  William and Donna Richbourg Veterans Scholarship
§  University of Maryland Veterans Scholarship

Linda M. Clement, Vice President for Student Affairs, shared, “The active engagement of alumni, foundations and other friends of the university in ensuring the success of our veteran students through generous scholarship support has helped students remain in school and successfully complete their degrees.  Funding is also allowing our veteran scholars to pursue internships and other educational opportunities that were previously not possible.  We are indebted to our generous alumni, and friends – many of whom have direct connections to the military community.”

Last year, the applications were from extraordinarily impressive men and women who embodied the character of which the University of Maryland is most proud.  Scholar Selection Committee Chair Dr. Marsha Guenzler-Stevens attests, “these Veteran Scholars have contributed their intellect and leadership to the university and inspired their families and communities.”  This year, the scholar selection committee anticipates competition from many impressive candidates and encourages those interested to apply early.

Active service members, veterans, and dependents of both are invited to apply (note: dependents are eligible only for Tillman Military Scholarships).  Applications are available at www.studentaffairs.umd.edu and www.veterans.umd.edu and due April 9, 2010.  The eligibility criteria for scholars are detailed on the website.  For additional information, interested parties are invited to contact Dr. Marsha Guenzler-Stevens, at mguenzle@umd.edu or at 301-314-8505. For information about supporting veterans’ scholarships, contact James Rychner, Director of Development at 301-414-7918 or jjr@umd.edu.

The University’s Veterans Initiative launched three years ago in time to support the growing veteran population on campus.  Results of the initiative include a Veterans Program Office, serving as a hub for all veteran-related services and activities, the student organization TerpVets, which has spearheaded several advocacy and engagement activities for veterans and non-veteran students to participate, and a dramatic improvement in processing services to veterans, most notably in admissions, certification and financial aid. 

6.      Planting Seeds of Service Conference

2010 Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Conference:
Planting Seeds of Service: Cultivating Civic Engagement
Saturday, April 10, 2010
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Towson University, University Union

This is the third annual "Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Conference" and will be attended by students, faculty and staff from Maryland colleges and universities. The purpose of the conference is to share success strategies among students, faculty and staff at institutions throughout Maryland on the topics of community service, service-learning  and civic engagement.

Register TODAY: www.towson.edu/plantingseeds

7.      Terp Service Day

TERP SERVICE DAY FOR MARCH

Looking for a convenient, fun way to give back to the local community? You’re in luck! Leadership & Community Service Learning is hosting the 2^nd Terp Service Day of the year on March 27^th, the first Saturday back from spring break. Maryland students will head down Route 1 to the Compassion Center, where volunteers will help the Compassion Center staff with invasive species removal from 11 am to 2 pm.  Students will meet at the Stamp Student Union at 10:00am and return by 2:30pm.

The Compassion Center is a local nonprofit that provides many services to low-income individuals and families in the area, including counseling and food delivery. On weekends, they need help removing invasive species that are damaging the environment just outside their building. The Center needs all the help they can get, so bring a friend and enjoy a couple hours of giving back.  Also, don’t forget about Terp Service Weekend in April—registration opens the week after spring break!

 Go to http://csl.umd.edu/tsd/march.html to register for the March Service Day!

If you have any questions contact Ryan Cocca: rcocca@umd.edu

8.      EDCP 318 Adventure Leadership Course in Norway

The Outdoor Recreation Center is offering an adventure leadership course (EDCP 318 – 3 credits) this summer. We will be spending two weeks in the mountains and fjords of Norway. The course is designed to focus on personal growth and leadership development and will include a 5-day backpacking  trek where we hike from hut to hut. After a few days of rest, we will venture off again for a four-day self-support sea kayaking trip through the mountainous fjords. Throughout the trip we will be visiting small towns in Norway that are the gateway to the country’s amazingly scenic wilderness.

Trip Dates: July 30-August 15

Trip Cost: $3,000 + airfare (all in country travel and most meals are covered as well as camping gear and activity fees)

For more information or to apply for this course, click on this website:

www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad/9570

For specific questions, contact Mike Doyle at mkdoyle@umd.edu or call 301.226.4421

9.      Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Development Program

The purpose of the RULF Program is to provide specialized leadership opportunities to University of Maryland undergraduates. These opportunities will be both academic and experiential in nature and occur over the course of twosemesters.
This program seeks to identify students who exemplify the ability to be a champion for those whose voices will otherwise go un-heard, demonstrate a commitment to ethical leadership and take an active interest in the community by mentoring and encouraging others to do well. Each Fellow's experience in the program will be guided by his or herinterest in a specific policy issue.
Participants will begin the program with an inaugural event at the State House in Annapolis, Maryland. A series of specialized activities and experiences have been designed to give students the opportunities to learn about leadership and advocate on behalf of something they are passionate about. Participants will work towards a Certificate of Completion and will be recognized at an annual ceremony at the Maryland School of Public Policy.

Check out information about the Rawlings Undergraduate Fellows Program at http://www.publicpolicy.umd.edu/current/undergraduate#rulf.

10.  Equiss: A Social Justice Experience

Equiss: A Social Justice Experience

Equiss is a 3-day social justice retreat from May 26-28, 2010 for undergraduate students, graduate students, and college/university staff from across the nation who want to understand systems of oppression, privilege, identity development, and take action to create a more fair and just world. Equiss is offered through The University of Arizona to educate students on how to positively and effectively address issues of injustice, inequity, and inequality on campus and in the broader context of American society.

Equiss will take place in Southern Arizona area near Tucson at a desert retreat center from May 26-28, 2010. Participants will have the opportunity to learn, explore, and reflect on issues of social justice within a community of college students from across the country. 50 participants will gather together for this experience. Participants will work in small teams, mid-size groups, and the full group for a variety of interactive activities and discussions followed by self reflection.

11.  Challenge New Zealand: Leadership Development Abroad

This packed two-week program has been running for five years, and is open to any college student from the United States or Canada of at least sophomore standing, and of any major.   There is still space left for this summer’s program if students act quickly, and the program also runs in January and summer 2011 as well.  This summer’s application deadline has been extended to March 30.  Information and an online application can be found at http://www.australearn.org/leadership.

NEW – Group Tours

This program has gotten so popular now that we are also organizing it as a custom group experience – if you would like to run this program for just a group of your university’s students, please let me know.   We have recently had groups from both Regis University and Lynn University. You also would have the ability to customize some of the content to your specific program and needs.  For example, the Regis group focused on mental health advocacy and suicide prevention, and a comparison between the USA and New Zealand.  You’ll get a detailed proposal, itinerary, budget, the program fully organized for you, great in-country support and much more.  For more information on you can do this contact Steve Luther, sluther@globalinksabroad.org.

Highlights

This short course takes place on the beautiful North Island of New Zealand, combining lectures and activities with key New Zealand business, government and cultural leaders, field trips and visits to New Zealand cultural and heritage sites, a volunteer service project at a school, a five-day outdoor recreation program in the mountains, exposure to the Maori culture of New Zealand, and visits to key North Island cities of Auckland, Wellington and Rotorua.

What Students Can Expect to Gain

To attend this program, students can come from any major or background, no previous experience is required. Whether they are already a leader or want to develop their leadership skills, they’ll have a life-transforming experience that can help them appreciate a different culture, explore a stunningly beautiful country, learn or enhance teambuilding and leadership skills, gain self-confidence, applying existing leadership learnings from their home North American campus, meet new friends from around North America and New Zealand, and have a pretty amazing time doing it.

Program Accreditation, Scholarship Opportunity and Financial Aid

This short course is accredited by the University of Wisconsin—Oshkosh, which will issue an official transcript for four (4) 300-level upper-division undergraduate credits in both leadership and international studies (generally equivalent to 1 class) upon successful completion.  A faculty member from the university will accompany the program to administer the academic component of the program, and there will be an AustraLearn as well.  Students should check with their home university study abroad and financial aid offices regarding using their financial aid for this program—it may be possible.  Plus, accepted students into the program can apply for a scholarship for the program from the Foundation for Asia Pacific Education, with awards up to $1,500. 

Overview of the Course Itinerary

The program takes place entirely on the North Island of New Zealand, taking advantage of the rich Maori culture, outdoor beauty, heritage and cultural sites, and cities.

• Auckland – 2 days: AustraLearn leaders meet the group in Auckland for a Program Introduction experience which includes information on culture, health and safety, and how to make the most of your time in this country.  There will be a fascinating session on Maori language, culture and song, a lecture with a NZ business leader, tour NZ’s largest city, and a little free time to explore.
• Rotorua – 2 days:  Rotorua is both the largest tourist attraction city in NZ and an area of great geothermal activity with geysers, bubbling mud pools and hot springs.  Here we’ll immerse into activities both fun and cultural, such as a fantastic dinner and show at a Maori Village, visit the world-famous Agrodome, go luging and “Zorbing,” and interact with cultural leaders.
• Taupo and Tongariro National Park area – 5 days: Five days are spent at the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre, where students will spend 5 days in an outdoor recreation program with the center’s instructors.  Activities are likely to include hiking, caving, kayaking or rafting, overnight camping, backpacking, hiking, climbing/rappelling (summer), skiing, snowboarding, winter mountaineering (winter) and more.  The area is a World Heritage-listed site of spectacular mountain scenery.
• Wellington: The program concludes in New Zealand’s vibrant capital city. Leaders from government and business of New Zealand will brought in for discussions and activities on leadership topics, career development, diversity and other areas, plus we’ll tour places like the House of Parliament, the Te Papa Museum (Museum of New Zealand) and have some free time in this interesting city before saying goodbye.  There will also be a volunteer service project in partnership with a local grade school.

Dates and Costs

• Dates: June 7-23, 2010 (departure from USA on June 7).  AustraLearn arranges a group flight for all students on the program.
• Application Deadline: Extended to March 30
• Costs:  Program fee is $3,045 which includes in-country transportation in New Zealand, housing, many meals, lectures, field trips, Outdoor Pursuits Center program and activities, textbook, official transcript and credit from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.  International airfare, some meals and optional activities are at additional expense.
• Entry Requirements: Minimum 2.5 GPA. Open to students in any major, sophomore level and higher preferred. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

To Learn More and Apply

To find out more about this program visit: http://www.australearn.org/leadership.  For specific questions, contact Kimberley Tibbetts at 800-980-0033, ext 102 or email ktibbetts@australearn.org.

What Past Participants Have Said

“New Zealand is amazing!  I would tell any prospective student about all of the things we did on the program, how it affected me and what the general group experience seemed to be. I would probably try to teach them The Haka, and tell them about the volcanoes in Tongariro. I would tell them about all of the wonderful people they would meet inside and out of the group. I would tell them to not be afraid to challenge themselves. Then I would tell them that I didn't want to tell them anymore because I wouldn't want to ruin it for them. I went there without specific expectations and I learned SO much about myself. I would tell them to just GO! Of course this would be after showing them all of my photos and telling of my stories.”

A student from University of Massachusetts

“This program teaches you more about yourself in two weeks than you have learned so far in your life. It is much more than leadership. It's friendship and culture. New Zealand is one of the most breathtaking places in the world. It offers adventures you could never do anywhere else and the program pushes you further in your in your bravery than you ever thought you could go. The best part is, that the bravery comes easy in the landscape of New Zealand. I did things I never thought I could do!

A student from University of Wisconsin

 “I have so many positive experiences to take back with me from Challenge NZ. It was a life-changing program. I learned so much about myself and was able to take it with me immediately to Australia while I'm on a semester exchange. I am so thankful I was able to achieve so many personal and physical achievements. I didn't know if I would ever be able to navigate with just a compass and a map. I didn't think I would be confident climbing poles and jumping off them. I gained people skills and learned from everyone. I learned more and more about myself. I am confident in so many new ways. I honestly think what I learned in NZ has made me a tougher, more confident person in my own skin. I left the last day touched, confident in myself and I knew I would always keep those life lessons with me. I am now still affected by what I learned and am craving more. NZ will always be a special place to me.”

A student from University of New Mexico

12.  Veterans Research Internship

Veterans Research Internship Program

Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2010 Cohort of the Veterans Research Internship Program.  The Memorial Chapel in conjunction with the University Archives is leading an undergraduate internship program where students will use primary sources (including university archives, national archives, military records and personal interviews) to write biographies for the 200 veterans listed in the Chapel’s Memorial Book.   The Memorial Book honors fallen alumni veterans from WWI, WWII, and Korea.  These biographies will become part of the University’s Virtual Memorial Exhibit which will later grow to include all fallen alumni.

This is a three-credit, 300 level internship experience where students may earn credit through the College of Education or their own academic major/minor.   The internship is open to students from all academic fields, but applicants are required to have previous primary source research experience.   Students must be available on Thursdays from 3:30pm – 5:30pm each week for mandatory class meetings.  If you are not available during this time, you will be unable to participate in the internship for the Fall 2010 semester. 

To learn more and to request an application, please contact Megan Dillard Miller, Coordinator of the Memorial Chapel at mdillard@umd.edu.  For best consideration please apply by Monday, April 12, 2010.

Veteran Scholarships

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND ANNOUNCES 2010 UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND VETERANS SCHOLARSHIPS AND TILLMAN MILITARY SCHOLARS

Dedicated to supporting educational opportunities for veterans and service members, the University of Maryland, College Park is proud to announce the Veterans Initiative Scholarships application process for the 2010-2011 academic year.

There are seven named scholarships that are funded by alumni and friends of the University of Maryland as well as the continued partnership with the Pat Tillman Foundation and their Tillman Military Scholarships. These gifts will cover study-related expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and room and board, for veteran and active service members and, in the case of the Tillman Military Scholars, their dependents. 

Named scholarships include the:

§  Ernest M. Willcher Veterans Scholarship
§  Alexion Veterans Scholarship
§  Paul E. and Jane F. Butler Scholarship
§  Robert E. Evasick Memorial Scholarship
§  Edward Friedson Memorial Scholarship
§  William and Donna Richbourg Veterans Scholarship
§  University of Maryland Veterans Scholarship

Linda M. Clement, Vice President for Student Affairs, shared, “The active engagement of alumni, foundations and other friends of the university in ensuring the success of our veteran students through generous scholarship support has helped students remain in school and successfully complete their degrees.  Funding is also allowing our veteran scholars to pursue internships and other educational opportunities that were previously not possible.  We are indebted to our generous alumni, and friends – many of whom have direct connections to the military community.”

Last year, the applications were from extraordinarily impressive men and women who embodied the character of which the University of Maryland is most proud.  Scholar Selection Committee Chair Dr. Marsha Guenzler-Stevens attests, “these Veteran Scholars have contributed their intellect and leadership to the university and inspired their families and communities.”  This year, the scholar selection committee anticipates competition from many impressive candidates and encourages those interested to apply early.

Active service members, veterans, and dependents of both are invited to apply (note: dependents are eligible only for Tillman Military Scholarships).  Applications are available atwww.studentaffairs.umd.edu and www.veterans.umd.eduand due April 9, 2010.  The eligibility criteria for scholars are detailed on the website.  For additional information, interested parties are invited to contact Dr. Marsha Guenzler-Stevens, at mguenzle@umd.edu or at 301-314-8505. For information about supporting veterans’ scholarships, contact James Rychner, Director of Development at 301-414-7918 or jjr@umd.edu.

The University’s Veterans Initiative launched three years ago in time to support the growing veteran population on campus.  Results of the initiative include a Veterans Program Office, serving as a hub for all veteran-related services and activities, the student organization TerpVets, which has spearheaded several advocacy and engagement activities for veterans and non-veteran students to participate, and a dramatic improvement in processing services to veterans, most notably in admissions, certification and financial aid. 

Last minute reminders

Hey new Terps!

Less than one week left until the first day of classes! Is it the same as when you went to your first day of classes in Kindergarden? Probably not! At that point, your parents did everything for you, but now, you have to get it all done yourself. So here are a few things you should remember before you come on Monday.

1. Make sure your schedule is as set as possible. Log onto Testudo.umd.edu to modify your schedule as necessary. However, if you find that a class is too far to get to in ten minutes, or you don't like an instructor, or the course load is not what you expected, you can change your classes until the end of the drop/add period which is the 10th day of class.

2. While you are on Testudo, take note of the classroom locations. Log onto the UMD website and view a map. Find your classes and if you get a chance, come back to campus to find your classes.

3. And while you are on your way to campus, take a few extra minutes to find those alternative routes. ESPECIALLY on the first week of classes, campus is going to be really busy. You're going to have to take some extra time to park and walk to classes.

4. Buy your books now! If you buy your books now, you can get the best copies of used books. You can find your book list on Testudo as well. You can either purchase all your books in the University Book Center or you can go to amazon.com. I suggest that if the book is $50 or less, just buy it at the bookstore, but if it is a big ticket item, check Amazon. Students last week reported savings of up to $70 on certain textbooks.

Those are the big things. A couple other things:

-Ask lots of questions about the syllabus. You want to be as clear as possible BEFORE the semester starts.
- If you are going to keep your schedule, immediately go home and put all your assignments and classes into a planner of some sort. When life gets busy, assignments are forgotten. Don't let it happen to you.
-Find out where you are going to eat on campus. Check out the older post about eating on campus.
-Find a place to study. A lot of schedules are riddled with holes where it's not enough time to go home, but too much time to head to your next class. Find a great place to sit with your readings and do some work along the way. Remember that, if you are a full-time student, you should treat your schooling like  a 40 hour work week. If you go to your classes, do your homework and study within the 9-5 schedule (or something comparable), you are less likely to have to do anything on the weekends.

Take care and good luck!!

What other tips do you have to share with your fellow terps?

Feeling like a freshman again

So, I have this edited book called "The First Year and Beyond: Rethinking the Challenge of Collegiate Transition." It is edited by Betsy Barefoot, a very well-respected researcher and educator in student affairs. In it, there is an article called "Feeling Like a Freshman Again: The Transfer Student Transition" by Barbara Townsend.

In it, Townsend notes that "the dominant theme that emerged from the studies described in this chapter was that transfer students, whether they transferred from a community college or four-year school, 'feel like a freshman again' in their lack of knowledge about how their new school works. Yet, transfer students were explicit about not being first-year students and did not want to be treated like them."

In my experience working with transfer students, I find this to be the case here at Maryland. I am always perplexed though. Transfer students NEED to know the information that we provide them at orientation. This includes, where to park, how to get to campus, where to live, how to eat, how to get involved, how to make friends. BUT, when we talk with transfers about this information, they seem extremely bored and disinterested. Over the past few years, we have tinkered with how much information we provide for transfers during orientation and when we have a lot of information, transfers say it's too much. When we have less information, they say it's too little. We present the information in a way that is mature and interesting and not through lots of game or icebreakers like we might for a freshmen group.

I think this year, we have a nice balance of information for our transfers. But I would like to know:

What do you think about this quote? And if you need to know the information, how do you want to receive the information? We want you to have fun, meet people, and feel like a part of the university, so how do we do it most effectively?

When is a transfer student no longer a transfer student?

I had a conversation with a student from my leadership class today. He is a legislator in the Student Government Association and one of his projects throughout this year is to help lobby for transfer student initiatives across campus. He hopes to provide a seamless transition for our students both in the transferring process and once here at UM. I told him about all of the things that we currently do for transfer students including pre-transfer advising, orientation, a welcome event, classes and this blog. He seemed mildly satisfied, but still wanted to do more. I offered him some advice and posed the question that I would like to pose to this community:

When is a transfer student no longer a transfer student?


I don't think that I have an answer. Most institutions have an official answer such as after one semester or after one academic year. But emotionally, socially, psychologically when is a transfer student no longer a transfer student? Administrators say that they want transfer students to feel like a part of the community at a University, but then we continue to treat them as a separate entity. I am a strong advocate for transitional support, but when does that support need to be weened away, if at all?

Thoughts?

What classes do I take?! Suggestions?

Maryland is ranked in the top 20 Public Research Institutions in the nation! It is a fact that we are very proud of. That means academics are key here on campus and our students take their responsibilities seriously. New students sometimes have trouble navigating a new registration and course sequence system, so it is vitally important that they understand all of the resources available to them. I'll try to provide you with those resources (in order of how you will come in contact with them) in this post.

Pre-admission: Keonna Feaster and Erin Thiel are our two Pre-transfer advisors. You can meet with them even before you apply to the University of Maryland. They can help you navigate the application process and determine how your credits transfer to the University. Find their information at http://www.transferadvising.umd.edu/.

Pre-Orientation: The best way to get information regarding your advising is to become familiar with the Course Catalog and the registration system. At the University of Maryland, we use a system called The Portal for all of our needs. The Portal is a one-stop shop for our students to register for classes, check in on finances, check in on extracurricular activities and more. Log-in to your Portal at www.my.umd.edu.

Orientation: During Orientation is when you actually sit down with an advisor and figure out your course schedule for your first semester. You will receive a tutorial on how to use The Portal and other advising tools and you will receive your first semester schedule. If you decide to change your mind about a course, you can always log back into the registration system and change your classes. Just be sure to contact your advisor to make sure the course fits into your academic plan.

Post-Orientation through graduation: Some colleges require students to meet with their advisors each semester. Be sure to check with your advisor during Orientation to see if this is the case. Other colleges do not require this meeting, but a smart Terp certainly makes it a point to visit with their advisor at least once a semester. Do this prior to your advising date so that you can make sure that you have enough time to talk over your options. All of our advisors are professional, full-time advisors and have made it their life's duty to help our students succeed.

Other resources: When you come to Orientation, you will be assigned an Orientation Advisor. These are current student leaders here at UMD who have been trained to understand the intricacies of your college. As students, they have taken a plethora of classes and have some great recommendations on courses to take. They won't, however, offer opinions about quality/style of certain professors since each student enjoys a different style of learning. Make sure to write down their email when they write it on the board in your morning meeting. You can also be in touch with the other students in your Orientation group. We put you together with students in your college so that you can have some great networks from the start. Definitely be sure to take advantage of your grouping.

I hope that helps to give you some idea of the support networks that we have in place for our new Transfer students as they begin thinking about taking classes here at UMD.

What are some of the best classes that you have taken here at UMD (if you are a commuter) or What are some classes that you have heard are great classes to take here at UMD?

Orientation!!!

Transfer students often wonder why they have to attend an Orientation Program at UMD. You've already been to another university or college, right? You know how to take classes, how to park your car, how to study and join a club, right?

Well, not so fast. You may know how to do all those things and more at your previous institution, but things at UMD are a bit different.

Our Orientation Program sets you up for success for your first few weeks of school so that you can continue to utilize the other resources on campus for the rest of your tenure on campus. The Orientation Program has its foundation in literature on the transfer student experience. This literature comes from national studies conducted by the leading researchers on these subjects as well as literature from a campus working group that surveyed the transfer population in 2005. Based on this information, we have formulated a program that we think provides just the right amount of information for our new transfer students.

We go over how to get involved on campus including using our STARS website (www.stars.umd.edu) and utilizing the many resources in the Adele H. Stamp Student Union- Center for Campus Life. We talk about off-campus housing options and services, safety on campus, how to register for classes, we provide you with a quick tour of some important hot spots and more importantly, help you connect with students within your major and college.

We believe that you orientation experience will be a great one and we are excited that you are coming to join the Maryland Family!!

What questions do you have about UMD Orientation?