Freshmen Connection

Congratulations spring-admitted Terp! Get started THIS fall with Freshmen Connection!

Begin freshman year in the fall semester with Freshmen Connection and get on track to graduate with the class of 2028! Enroll in Freshmen Connection, register for University of Maryland courses, and enjoy the advantages of campus life at Maryland. Take classes with other spring-admitted undergraduates, form study groups, and develop social networks that will last throughout their time at Maryland.

With Freshmen Connection, spring-admitted undergraduates get the best possible start towards an amazing education at UMD. Freshmen Connection offers smaller class sizes, excellent advising support, and carefully selected UMD courses that fulfill an array of university requirements.

By starting in the fall semester, Freshmen Connection undergraduates enjoy the perks that UMD offers with access to campus housing, dining halls, sports and recreation facilities, the libraries, community service volunteer options, student clubs and organizations, tutoring, counseling, and career services. Plus, students in Freshmen Connection join other UMD undergraduates at performing and visual arts, campus, and sports events that only occur in the fall semester.

Freshmen Connection offers a superb selection of UMD courses which fulfill major and General Education requirements. Credits and grades post to the Maryland transcript and are included in the Maryland GPA. Courses are taught by University faculty in campus classrooms 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Freshmen Connection follows the University’s fall academic calendar and adheres to all University policies. See Freshmen Connection FAQs for the few differences between Freshmen Connection and the fall semester. 

Anne Baum, Associate Director, Summer, Winter, and Undergraduate Programs: Anne enjoys working with the many academic programs at the University of Maryland, finding new courses and opportunities for first-year students. Her professional background includes work with international professionals and community development initiatives in the neighborhoods surrounding the University. Anne earned her B.A. in Communication at Truman State University in her home state of Missouri. Her M.A. in Community Planning was completed at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Jamie Stednitz, Manager, Undergraduate Programs: Jamie focuses on programs that serve pre-college students, first-year freshmen, and transfer students at the University of Maryland. Her professional background includes working as a career counselor, academic advisor, and service learning coordinator. Her experiences have allowed her to gain an appreciation for students’ growth both in and outside of the classroom. Jamie earned her B.A. in Psychology at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. Her M.A. in College Student Development and Administration was completed at Shepherd University in West Virginia.

Jonathan Molnar, Coordinator, Freshmen Connection: Jonathan is eager to assist incoming Freshmen Connection students as they navigate their first semester at the University of Maryland. His professional background includes working with UMD's Student Success Office, Pre-Transfer Advising Office, and Pre-Law Advising Office. Jonathan earned his B.A. in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park and is a proud Freshmen Connection alum.

Rachelle Wakefield, Program Assistant, Freshmen Connection: Rachelle is enthusiastically excited to be working with first-year freshmen this upcoming year! During her undergraduate years, she was active in many campus organizations at the University of Maryland and also participated in the Freshmen Connection program during the 2018-2019 academic year. Rachelle earned her B.A. in Public Policy, and B.S. in Public Health Science minoring in Sustainability, and is currently pursuing her M.A. in Public Policy from the University of Maryland.

Letters and Sciences Advising. During the fall semester, Letters and Sciences (LTSC) is the advising home for all Freshmen Connection students. LTSC’s advisors have expert knowledge of all majors’ curricula and admission requirements. Regardless of the admitted major, LTSC provides guidance and academic advising to spring-admitted students who enroll in Freshmen Connection and throughout the fall semester.

Attend a UMD Admitted Student Open House

• UMD Admitted Student Open House Registration
• Dates: March 1; March 11; April 8; April 19 (virtual)
• Hear from former FC students and meet program staff at the FC Information Session.

Make an Advising Appointment

Schedule an appointment by contacting fc@umd.edu. 

• Appointments can take place by phone, email or Zoom.
• Provide several appointment options, Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Provide the student's full name, phone number, email, and preferred format for the appointment (phone, email, or Zoom).

What is Freshmen Connection?
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 17 credits of UMD 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.

What are the main differences between Freshmen Connection and the regular fall semester? 

Freshmen Connection offers a selection of UMD courses that help fulfill undergraduate major and University General Education requirements. Courses meet in campus classrooms, 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Fridays. In addition, all FC students must register for UNIV100. In the regular fall semester most, but not all, majors require students to register for UNIV100 or an equivalent course. FC course offerings are only open to spring-admitted freshmen who enroll in Freshmen Connection; the regular fall semester course offerings are only open to current and fall-admitted students.

FC students are eligible to join all campus activities and organizations, including the Marching Band, ROTC, club sports, etc.  FC students are also eligible to participate in Division I athletics at the University of Maryland.

What are the benefits of Freshmen Connection?
Freshmen Connection provides spring-admitted freshmen the opportunity to take up to 17 credits that begin to fulfill University of Maryland undergraduate requirements. You'll get on track to graduate in four years. Academic advisors provide 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. 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.

What is Extended Studies?
Extended Studies is a self-support administrative unit at the University of Maryland. In addition to Freshmen Connection, EXST administers Summer Session and Winter Session.

What is Letters and Sciences (LTSC)?
The advising home for the fall semester for all Freshmen Connection students is Letters and Sciences (LTSC). LTSC’s advisors have expert knowledge of all majors’ curricula and admission requirements. Regardless of the admitted major, LTSC provides guidance and academic advising to spring-admitted students who enroll in Freshmen Connection and throughout the fall semester.

Why was I not accepted to the University of Maryland for the fall semester? 
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions can assist you with specific questions you may have about your admission status.

Do grades count? 
Yes. Grades earned in Freshmen Connection courses post to your UMD transcript and are included in your Maryland GPA.

When do classes meet for Freshmen Connection? 
Classes meet 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Fridays. Specific course times may be viewed on the Schedule of Classes.

What if I have an Associate’s Degree or many AP, IB or other transfer credits?
Students who plan on transferring significant credits must contact an advisor at fc@umd.edu prior to enrolling in Freshmen Connection.

What happens if I choose not to participate in Freshmen Connection? 
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 UMD. For assistance, contact Undergraduate Admissions.

To participate in Freshmen Connection, do I need to submit an enrollment form?
Yes. See How to Enroll.

Do I need to confirm the offer of spring admission to the University of Maryland before enrolling in Freshmen Connection? 
Yes. See How to Enroll (Confirm Spring Admission).

How do I select courses?
You will register for courses via Testudo after submitting the Freshmen Connection Enrollment form and completing the Registration and Major-Specific modules on ELMS-Canvas. See How to Enroll.

How will I know I’ve chosen the right courses?
An advisor reviews your schedule after you’ve registered and again over the summer months once AP/IB/Transfer credits post. You’ll be contacted by email if you need to make any changes to keep you on track for your intended major

How many courses should I take in Freshmen Connection? 
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 ENGL101, one Math course, two or three General Education courses and/or major requirements, and must take UNIV100 (about 12-17 credits total).

How does tuition work? 
Tuition is based on residency and the number of credits in which you enroll. Students who enroll in 12 or more credits are charged a flat full-time rate. Students who enroll in fewer than 12 credits are charged on a per-credit basis.

Is on-campus housing available? 
On-campus housing is guaranteed for students who enroll in Freshmen Connection and submit the Housing Agreement by May 1. See Department of Resident Life.

Can I participate in a campus dining plan? 
If you are living on campus, you must purchase a dining plan. If you are commuting from home or living in off-campus housing, you may purchase a dining plan. See Department of Dining Services.

Can I use my financial aid for Freshmen Connection? 
Yes. If you are eligible for state and/or federal financial aid, you may apply it to Freshmen Connection. See Office of Student Financial Aid.

Can I use tuition remission for Freshmen Connection? 
Yes. If you are eligible for tuition remission, you may apply it to Freshmen Connection. Contact your human resource officer for assistance. See Tuition Remission for more information.

How do I obtain campus parking? 
Freshman resident students are not eligible to register for parking, but may apply for an exception under certain circumstances. See the Department of Transportation Services (DOTS).

What is the Fall Welcome? 
Fall Welcome is scheduled for several days before classes begin. You'll be able to locate your classrooms, buy any required texts, and relax and meet all the other new UMD Freshmen.

What campus organizations and activities can I join? 
See the Division of Student Affairs for the many opportunities available to enrich your life during your time at Maryland.

What University rules and regulations apply during this program? 
Students who enroll in Freshmen Connection are subject to all University Policies and Guidelines found on the Office of the Registrar and Office of the President's website.

I’m enrolled. How do I view my current course schedule? 
See Enrolled? Next Steps (View Fall Schedule).

I’m enrolled. How do I change my course choices before the program begins? 
See Enrolled? Next Steps (Add / Drop).