Undergraduate Orientation

Family ORIENTATION

8:00 a.m.
Check-in and Continental Breakfast

Join us for a light breakfast and meet our Orientation Peer Advisors (OPAs) – your resource and guide to navigating academic life at UMBC.

8:30 a.m.
Welcome

Faculty, staff and students join the Assistant Provost in welcoming our newest members of the UMBC community.

9:00 a.m.
TRAN 101: Making the Transition

Collegiate life brings new academic opportunities, challenges and experiences.  Join the Dean of Undergraduate Education in a candid discussion on important transitional issues and adjustments to academic life.

9:30 a.m.
CONN 101: Connecting Students, Family and UMBC

This "how-to" session with the Assistant Provost for Enrollment Management will keep you in touch and up-to-date with academics and additional ways you can support your student's success.

9:45 a.m.
LIFE 101: Looking Back, Moving Forward

A fun and interactive session on the family dynamics during the college years.  Put your seatbelts on for this lively discussion.  Ready, set, go!

10:30 a.m.
Break

10:45 a.m.
SERV 101: At Your Service: Student and Campus Resources

Where to go for what?  From residence life and dining services to health services, this session is your one-stop shop as the Vice President for Student Affairs facilitates this interactive panel discussion.   

11:45 a.m.
TOUR 101: Campus and Residential Tour (optional)

See for yourself what all the rave is about! Visit the hot spots that students frequent throughout their undergraduate experience.

Chew, Chat and Connect….

Enjoy lunch in the Commons or the Resident Dining Hall; check out the Bookstore for great deals on computers and UMBC gear; visit our Albin O. Kuhn Library’s numerous exhibits and special collections.

1:30 p.m.
Electives: Special Topics (Choose One):

SPEC 299A: Financing Your Education
Bursar and Financial Aid staffs share helpful information about electronic billing (e-billing), payment and financing options including payment plans, online payment options, and loans.

SPEC 299B: Career and Experiential Learning Opportunities
 UMBC abounds with practical experience opportunities for your student. Staff from the Shriver Center and Career Services share how they partner with your student to provide access to a variety of internships and other co-curricular experiences.

2:30 p.m.
Electives: Special Topics (Choose One):

SPEC 399A: Understanding a Liberal Arts Education
UMBC takes pride in its strong liberal arts tradition.  Academic advisors will discuss the value of a liberal arts education and the significance of the general education requirements.  Learn more about important advising tools like myUMBC and MAP: My Academic Profile.

SPEC 399B: Healthy Living and Wellness
Nurturing the whole student…mind, body, and spirit.  Before you prepare the care packet, our Health Educators provide helpful tips in promoting a healthy collegiate lifestyle.

3:15 p.m.
SPEC 499: Students' Perspectives

An inside look at life on campus through the eyes of students.  Our OPAs share their stories and lessons learned.                       

4:00 p.m.
Retriever R & R

Retriever-fever is in the air! Unwind, relax, play games and trivia as well as meet True Grit, the UMBC mascot. Please be sure to purchase your Build-A-Retriever coupon in the UMBC Bookstore. Light refreshments will be served.

4:30 p.m.
Retriever Roundup

Reconnect with family and friends and meet other members of the UMBC community at our Retriever Roundup Reception. Light refreshments will be served.

 

OPA Tips for Navigating Course Selection Day:

  • Build-A-Retriever Workshop – Stop in the Bookstore to purchase your coupon and join us for this exciting family adventure. Tickets must be purchased by 3:00 p.m.
  • Stop in the UMBC Bookstore for great deals on UMBC gear. Discount coupons are included in your packet.
  • Consider the “divide and conquer” approach or ask one of our Orientation staff members for assistance in selecting options and maximizing your day.