Incoming Students
Welcome! We're delighted you've made the decision to attend the University of Maryland (UMD) and be a part of College Park Scholars.
Plan Ahead
For those living on campus in the fall, please keep an eye on the Department of Resident Life website for move-in information. We will update this page with additional details during the summer.
There are also a few steps you need to take before move-in.
Register for Summer Orientation
The Scholars-specific orientation dates for Summer 2025 are:
- June 4-5
- June 23-24
- July 21-22
Complete New Student Form
Before you arrive at UMD, you will need to complete a consent form and give us some information that will allow us to plan a rewarding Scholars experience for you. You will need your UID to access the form.
If you are unable to attend any of the Scholars-only New Student Orientation sessions, College Park Scholars will be hosting two drop-in Scholars Touchpoint virtual sessions where you can get your last-minute questions answered. Log in and join us on Monday, June 9 from 4 to 5 p.m. ET or on Tuesday, July 15 from 4 to 5 p.m. ET. You can drop in anytime during each hour-long session.
Scholars Fall Launch Week
Scholars Under The Lights
Under the Lights will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at Bob "Turtle" Smith Baseball Stadium.
Usually taking place on the night of move-in, this community-building event is a guided program-wide activity that provides first-year Scholars a high-energy way to unwind and meet other Scholars students. Students are advised to wear comfortable clothing (ideally with pockets, to keep hands free) and closed-toe shoes.
Service Day
Service Day will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Visit our Service Day page to see details on your specific program's outing.
Scholars' first full day as college students begins with a day of service in communities surrounding the University of Maryland—a tradition that is more than 25 years old! Students get to know others in their Scholars program and build relationships with faculty while making a difference in neighboring communities.
As of 2024, Scholars Service Days have involved 25,000+ students, faculty, and team leaders serving more than 735 community partners, providing an estimated 91,725 hours of service.
Convocation
Convocation will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, in the Dekelboum Concert Hall inside The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center.
Convocation takes place during the first week of classes, after students have attended their first colloquium. First-year Scholars are officially welcomed to the Scholars community by Executive Director Marilee Lindemann and the Scholars faculty and staff, and learn more about what it means to be a College Park Scholar.