Commuter Option
Before the Program
Set Up UMD Accounts
Directory ID and Passphrase
- Activate Directory ID
- Change the drop-down menu from "Last 5 SSN" to "UID Number" and use the UID provided in the admission email to log in.
TERPmail
- Set up TERPmail Passphrase. A TERPmail account is automatically created for students who activate their Directory ID. Students receive instructions on setting up a TERPmail passphrase via the email used on their application.
- TERPmail is UMD's official means of communication and is required for access to UMD Wireless Networks and UMD's electronic learning management system (ELMS).
- Need help? Contact itsupport@umd.edu.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Grant Access to Student Academic and Financial Records
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Terp Scholars are admitted to the University of Maryland as non-degree seeking students for the Summer Session. As such, they are subject to university policies, including FERPA. This federal law states that the access rights that the parents/legal guardian has in the secondary school setting are transferred to the student once the student has turned eighteen, or is attending any post-secondary educational institution. UMD employees, including instructors, are prohibited from sharing individual information unless the student provides consent.
- For more information, see Student Privacy (FERPA Explained).
Grant Access to Student Academic and Financial Records
- At UMD, students have the option to grant access to their academic or financial record. The action for granting access is split into two parts. While granting access is optional, parents/guardians will not be able to submit payment unless Financial Record Access has been granted.
- Academic Record Access: See Parent/Guardian Access.
- Financial Record Access: See Information for Parents and Guardians.
Optional Step: Accommodations
The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals to ensure equal access to UMD-sponsored services, programs, and activities. Unless a student has registered with Accessibility and Disability Service, the instructor may not grant an accommodation even if the student has documentation showing that a similar accommodation was granted in their school system.
- Submit the request with UMD's Accessibility and Disability Service.
- Requests must be submitted by June 1. Appointments are made on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Students with temporary disabilities (broken or sprained limb, etc.), must contact the University Health Center at 301-314-8184.
Grade and Credits Policy
Students in Terp Young Scholars are admitted as non-degree seeking students to the University of Maryland for the Summer Session. Students are registered for one three-credit university course for which a grade and credits will be earned. The University uses plus/minus grading. The course cannot be taken pass-fail or audit. The grade and credits earned post to the official UMD transcript and are part of the student's academic record. If admitted to the University of Maryland as an undergraduate student in the future, the grade will be included in the cumulative GPA calculation.
Attendance Policy
Students in Terp Young Scholars must attend the program in its entirety. Students are not permitted to miss class time, including arriving late and/or leaving early. Anyone who has an obligation such as employment, club sport, travel, or similar commitment should consider whether this will interfere with program requirements. Lack of course attendance can lead to program dismissal or lead to a poor grade posting on the student’s transcript.
Student Conduct and Academic Integrity
Students in Terp Young Scholars are admitted to UMD as non-degree seeking students for the Summer Session and are subject to UMD and program policies and regulations. Violation of any part of these codes is subject to immediate dismissal from the program.
Supervision
- In the classrooms, supervision is provided by course instructors and teaching assistants.
- Outside of class, Terp Young Scholars staff are on campus from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm to answer questions and serve a resource for students. Beyond the first day of classes, students are not required to check in with program staff. However, we encourage students to make full use of their availability and expertise regarding schedules, policies, activities, college life, or the campus.
Fitness Consent
Campus Recreation and Wellness Services (RecWell) oversees student participation and the use of RecWell facilities and equipment.
- Commuter Terp Scholars have access to most—but not all—RecWell facilities.
- Use of pools, track, and various courts is permitted with the student non-photo ID card.
- RecWell policy states that students under 18 years of age are not permitted in weight rooms, fitness rooms, or saunas.
RecWell requires that both student and parent/guardian certify a release and informed consent statement by either providing consent or not providing consent to RecWell’s policies.
- Consent is provided on the Terp Young Scholars application.
Photography and Videography
- Throughout the program, a photographer may take pictures of participants and a videographer may record portions of activities. Both student and parent/guardian either grant or do not grant UMD permission to utilize these pictures and videos in future program promotional materials (digital and print). Consent is provided on the Terp Young Scholars application
Overview
All students are required to participate in the Terp Scholars Virtual Orientation. The program uses Zoom—a web conferencing tool to deliver the virtual orientation. To participate, students must first complete the Confirmation of Admission Process. Access to the orientation link will be sent via email to the student and parent/guardian approximately one week before the date.
Mandatory Virtual Orientation | Date |
---|---|
Students and Parents/Guardians, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (EDT) | June 24 |
The orientation includes overall program information, review of policies and procedures, and time for questions and answers.
Orientation will be recorded. Following the event, the recording will be sent via email to all registered students and parents
Pre-Program Drop-In Q&A | Date |
---|---|
Students and Parents/Guardians, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EDT) | July 10 |
Drop in and chat with program staff to get any last-minute questions answered before TYS starts next week. Access to the Drop-In Q&A session will be sent via email to the student and parent/guardian approximately one week before the date. This session will not be recorded.
Health and Emergency Information
- Students have access to the University Health Center during the program and should carry their medical insurance card with them while on campus. Students are responsible for all visit co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance and non-covered services.
- Program staff cannot administer medication. Students take responsibility for all medication needs and must be able to self-administer.
- If the student requires emergency medical attention at a local hospital, a TYS staff member will accompany the student. The parent/guardian must make immediate arrangements to assume responsibility for the student’s health care.
How to Find Course Textbooks
Courses may or may not require a textbook. Textbook requirements are posted by the instructor at least three weeks prior to the course start date. All students are responsible for obtaining their own course materials. Textbooks may be purchased from any textbook store or online vendor. Textbook costs are not included in the commuter program package fee. Students are responsible for books they purchase or rent from any vendor.
To determine whether a course requires a textbook:
- Visit: Testudo.
- Select Schedule of Classes.
- Select Summer Session.
- Select Course Listing.
- Select the course/department acronym (e.g. PSYC for Psychology).
- Find the course you are registered for with the section number of "YW41" or "YW42."
- Select Books.
Accessing Online Content
ELMS (Electronic Learning Management System) is the online environment that supports online learning at UMD. Most courses have some type of online content and instructors may require students to access ELMS for syllabi, schedules, announcements, and lecture notes.
Update Personal Information
See Good Practice Guide: Names and Pronouns.
Adding Pronouns in ELMS
- Visit ELMS.
- Log into ELMS.
- Select Account.
- Select Settings.
- On the right-hand menu, select Edit Settings.
- Select Pronouns from the Pronouns drop down menu.
Add Name Pronunciation in ELMS
- Visit ELMS.
- Log into ELMS.
- Select Namecoach.
- Add a recording of name.
- Select Edit this recording.
- Add a phonetic spelling of name.
During the Program
Students are expected to attend every class for its full duration.
The University of Maryland is an open campus and students (including Terp Scholars) may arrive and depart when they wish (between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 pm). Students are encouraged to explore the University of Maryland and take full advantage of the educational and recreational opportunities available over the summer. Program staff will be on campus during business hours for the duration of the program and look forward to assisting students. Other than the first day of classes, students are not required to check in with program staff.
Independence and time management are key aspects of university life. Students are responsible for attending class, productively managing their time, completing coursework, and seeking academic support from course instructors, teaching assistants and program staff as needed.
Date and Time
- Check-in Day for commuter students is July 14, 2025, 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
- Students should check in no later than 30 minutes before their class start time as escorts will be provided to walk students to their classes.
- Students will receive their non-photo Student ID Card at check-in. This is required to access campus libraries, recreation services, etc.
Location
- Tawes Hall 0310
- See Campus Map.
- For travel directions to UMD, see Conferences and Visitor Services.
- This location will be available as a gathering space before classes begin, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m., Monday - Friday for the program’s entirety, and staff members will always be available for students if they need assistance..
Student ID Card
- Terp Scholars are issued a UMD non-photo ID card. This campus ID card provides access to campus classrooms, University Libraries, University Recreation & Wellness, Shuttle UM Services, and the Stamp Student Union.
- The card is provided to commuter students at check-in.
- Note: If the card is lost, a $25 charge will be placed on the student account for a replacement.
Photo ID
- Students are required to carry an official, state-issued, photo ID. This may include a driver’s license, learner’s permit, passport, or high school ID.
- Both the Photo ID and the Student ID card must be carried at all times on campus.
Learn UID
- The 9-digit University Identification Number is associated with the student’s record and is how faculty and staff access records in any UMD system. Always include this number when communicating with faculty or staff.
- The UID is provided in the offer of admission and is printed on the UMD ID Card.
- The UID may be viewed at University Directory Entry.
Laptops
Due to course content, some courses require students to bring a laptop to class. Laptop requirements are noted on the specific course page. There are numerous campus computer labs available for students to use during the day. Laptops and other equipment are available for loan from the University Libraries-Equipment Loan Program.
Students who bring a laptop or any other expensive item must exercise care in securing and monitoring their belongings. Back-up any information before arriving to campus and purchase insurance to cover any theft, damage, accidents, etc. The University will not be held liable and will not compensate students for any loss.
Wireless Networks
Campus buildings are setup for wireless network access. Wireless broadband internet access is provided through the university’s campus network. Students need a device that has wireless connectivity to access the internet by using their directory ID and password to log in. Standards and computing needs will vary from individual to individual.
Students connect to campus Wi-Fi once on campus.
- See Wireless Internet Networking.
- Eduroam is the preferred wireless network. See Guide to Eduroam.
- To authenticate, enter the entire UMD email address (DirectoryID@umd.edu) and Directory password.
UMD Alerts
The UMD Alerts system uses a variety of methods to notify students, faculty, and staff of an active, major campus emergency. All UMD students, faculty, and staff are automatically registered to receive such notices via their email of record.
- To receive text messages, students must register a mobile device number.
- See UMD Alerts.
Libraries
Terp Young Scholars have access to the six University Libraries located across campus. Students have full borrowing privileges, including books, multimedia and equipment. Students also have access to the library’s subject specialists.
Campus Recreation
University Recreation and Wellness (RecWell) oversees student participation and the use of RecWell facilities and equipment.
- As a registered UMD student, Terp Scholars have access to most—but not all—RecWell facilities.
- RecWell policy states that students under 18 years of age are not permitted in weight rooms, fitness rooms, sauna, or steam room.
- Use of pools, track, and various courts is permitted with the student ID card.
Stamp Student Union
The Stamp Student Union has food services, shops (including a bookstore), study locations, and other amenities such as TerpZone (bowling, billiards, and gaming consoles). To learn more, see the Adele H. Stamp Student Union Center for Campus Life.
Dining on Campus
In addition to the eateries in the Stamp Student Union, Terp Young Scholars have access to the University’s all-you-care-to eat Dining Halls while on campus. Note: Dining Halls accept credit and debit cards but do not accept cash. For hours and more information, see Dining Services.
Parking on Campus
Campus parking regulations are strictly enforced at all times, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. UMD’s Department of Transportation Services (DOTS) uses a License Plate Recognition system. Enforcement officers scan license plates and, if the plate is not listed in the database for that parking lot, a ticket will be issued. For complete information, see Department of Transportation Services (DOTS).
Parking Permit
The commuter package fee does not include a parking permit. Students can purchase a Summer Session II parking permit from DOTS. We recommend purchasing parking at least one week in advance of the program start date.
- If there are issues purchasing a parking permit online, contact DOTS at 301-314-3687.
- Students who use a personal vehicle and park at the University of Maryland do so at their own risk.
Transportation Services
During the fall and spring semesters, DOTS offers extensive bus service to accommodate transportation needs of over 35,000 faculty, staff, and students. During Summer Session, DOTS operates under constrained resources and offers a limited range of options. To view the Summer Session schedule, see Shuttle - UM Schedules and filter for SUMMER.
Traveling to Campus
For comprehensive travel directions to UMD, see Maps and Directions.
Anyone may refer a student, student organization, or student group suspected of violating the Terp Scholars Code of Student Conduct. Written referrals are required. Program staff review all referrals for reasonable cause based on evidence. If found true, referrals would result in sanctioning. Retaliation against anyone for reporting an alleged violation of the Code of Student Conduct is strictly prohibited. Those who retaliate may be subject to disciplinary action.
To make a referral, use the EXST contact form. Include full name, UID, and provide a complete statement.
End of the Program
Final Day Overview
Depending on the course, the program’s final day schedule may include an exam, a presentation, or a course event to which parents are invited. The nature of some courses allows for presentations as part of the final grading process. Other courses require testing for the final grading process. The course instructor provides students with this information. Times will vary.
- Parents/Guardians should contact their student for final day information.
- A valid parking permit is required to park on campus. Visitor parking is enforced seven days a week from 7 a.m. to midnight, unless otherwise noted on the lot signage. See Department of Transportation (DOTS): Visitor Parking.
Final Course Grade and Transcript
The deadline for instructors to submit final grades is August 26, 2025.
- Grades are not mailed but post a student’s unofficial transcript. See Final Grades.
- The University issues an official transcript upon request. This is not an automatic process. See Transcripts.