Freshmen Connection

Medical History and Immunization Record

Students are required to complete the University Health Center Immunization Record Form and submit proof of immunizations online no later than the first day of classes.  

• For complete information, including the Immunization Record Form, see University Health Center Immunization Clinic.

Mandatory UMD Health Insurance

The University AUTOMATICALLY enrolls all undergraduate students taking 6 or more credits in the University-sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Associated charges post to the student account for which the student is liable unless a waiver is submitted.

• For complete information, including how to submit the waiver and deadlines, see University Health Center Mandatory Insurance and Waiver.

All incoming freshmen must complete Wellness Training, two online courses in Substance Use Prevention and Sexual Assault Prevention. Prior to the start of the fall semester, the Division of Student Affairs sends instructions to complete this training to the email associated with the student record. To update contact information, see Mailing or Email Address Change.

Students who enroll in Freshmen Connection are subject to all UMD policies and procedures. Students should review the policies posted on the following UMD websites to understand their obligations as a University of Maryland student.

• Policies and Guidelines for Current Students
• UMD Administration Policies
• Office of Student Conduct: For information on the Code of Academic Integrity, Sexual Misconduct Policy, Responsible Action Policy, Code of Student Conduct, and Residence Hall Rules and Policies.

1. Visit Testudo
2. Select Student Schedule
3. Log in using the Directory ID and passphrase
4. Select Fall 2025

The Office of the Registrar provides video instruction for utilizing Testudo to adjust your schedule and additional information on adding and dropping classes. In addition, you still have access to the FC Registration Module on ELMS to review registration information.

Add a Course

1. Visit Testudo
2. Select Registration (Drop/Add)
3. Log in using the Directory ID and passphrase
4. Select 2025
5. Enter the course(s) (ex. ENGL101) and section number(s) (ex. FC01, FCW1) into the Drop/Add table and select Submit Changes.
   • If the course is closed, there will be an option to join the Waitlist/Holdfile (see below).
   • After completing registration, select View Schedule for a printable course schedule.

Drop a Course

1. Follow steps 1 through 4 listed in Add a Course.
2. Select Drop for the course to drop (located on the right-hand side of the table).
3. Select Enter to confirm dropping the course.
   • Note: Once the course is dropped, the seat becomes available for other students to register. If the course is full, students must then waitlist.
4. Students cannot drop all courses. Students must remain registered for at least one course at all times.
5. The system prevents dropping UNIV100. If you need to adjust your section, email fc@umd.edu for assistance.

The Office of the Registrar provides video instruction for utilizing Testudo to adjust your schedule and additional information on adding and dropping classes.

Waitlist a Course

1. Follow steps 1 - 4 listed in Add a Course.
2. If the course is closed, join the waitlist by selecting Add to Waitlist.
   • Review the waitlist process and select Confirm to continue.
3. Select the section(s) to waitlist and select Add to Waitlist.
4. If open sections are available, select Open Sections and select which section to add.
   • Note: If the section number is not entered, the system will tell show no open sections for that course and will not provide a waitlist option.
5. Remember to periodically check the waitlist (from Testudo).

Waitlist Check-in

Complete the following steps every day during the schedule adjustment period to avoid being automatically removed from the waitlist.

1. Visit: Testudo.
2. Select Waitlist Check-In.
3. Log in via Directory ID and Passphrase.
   • Logging in will constitute as checking the waitlist for all courses.
4. View the chosen courses and current position on the waitlist.
   • If a space is available in a course, there will be a note that the course has been added to the student’s schedule.

Waitlist Reminders

• To be eligible for the waitlist/holdfile, students cannot be registered for any other section of the desired course. If a student is currently registered for any other section of the course, they must drop that section to be placed on the waitlist of another. Otherwise, they will be removed from the waitlist.
• Students may select up to six (6) sections of a course. The first section to become available will be assigned. The student will then be removed from the waitlist for that course. If the assigned section is refused (by not checking in), that section will be given to the next student on the waitlist. Students may, at that time, request to be placed at the end of the waiting list for another section.
• Students cannot waitlist a course without meeting the required math eligibility (e.g., MATH140 or CHEM135).
• Students cannot waitlist a course if adding the course will equal 17 credits. However, students may opt to drop a course, waitlist the intended course, and re-add the courses dropped. Note: After dropping a course, the seat may not be available in that course again.
• Students cannot waitlist a course that conflicts with their schedule, unless the student plans to drop the conflicting course with the waitlist section at the time the section is received.
• A notification will not be sent that a space has become available for the waitlisted course. Students must check the waitlist daily. See Waitlist Check-in, above.

Dropping off the Waitlist

1. Visit Testudo
2. Select Waitlist Check-In
3. Select Drop under the course to leave the waitlist.
4. Select Confirm Drop.
   • Note: If a space has been provided for the intended course, see Drop a Course, above.

• Visit Testudo
• Select Student Schedule
• Select 2025
• Select Book List

Students may purchase books through any vendor. However, the University Book Center has the full of list of required books for all courses and will price match Amazon and local competitors. If no textbook is listed, either none is required or the instructor has not yet made an assignment.

The Libraries have purchased textbooks for many of the most popular courses on campus. They are available at the McKeldin Library Services Desk to borrow for 4 hours at a time. Search for textbooks via the Libraries' Top Textbooks webpage.