We are so excited to host you and your student on-campus for Orientation! Orientation Check-in starts at 8:30am! Don’t worry refreshments will be provided! During check-in, you will receive an official copy of the Orientation day schedule. Our Orientation Peer Ambassadors will welcome you with some of our favorite UMBC traditions!
After the welcome, family members will separate from the students to participate in sessions of their own! Family members will hear from our Orientation Peer Ambassadors to take a look inside life on campus as a UMBC student. Family members will also hear from various campus partners ranging from Financial Aid, Student Affairs and others. Family members will learn tips and strategies to support their UMBC student and help them make the most of their UMBC experience! You will also be able to connect with other family members during lunch (at your own expense) at one of our many campus eateries! Your student will be provided lunch during the orientation day.
Finally, you will reconnect with your student to celebrate your official start to becoming a Retriever Family with swag and refreshments. Staff from a variety of campus departments will be available for any questions you may have.
Sample Schedule
An official copy of the schedule will be distributed at check-in with the most up-to-date times and room locations. Check-in will take place at the University Center.
8:30 a.m. Welcome to UMBC! (Students and Families)
Join our faculty, staff, and students as we welcome you to the UMBC community.
*Starting at 9:30am, students and families will engage in separate sessions. You will reconnect later in the day.
9:30 a.m. Looking Back, Moving Forward
Join us for a fun and engaging look at family dynamics during the college years. Orientation staff will share perspectives on the important role families play in supporting student success.
10:15 a.m. Retriever Roadmap
Staff from Undergraduate Academic Affairs will discuss how students successfully transition to UMBC and explore the academic, co-curricular, and extra-curricular opportunities to available to help them thrive during their first year and beyond.
10:50 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Connecting Students, Family, and UMBC
This session with the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Planning will help families stay informed about academics and provide additional strategies for supporting student success.
11:45 a.m. Financing Your Student’s Education
Representatives from Student Business Services and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships provide an overview of financial literacy resources and tools and share helpful information about accessing student financial information, electronic billing (e-billing), payment and financing options including payment plans, online payment options, and loans.
12:30 p.m. Lunch
Families will be able to purchase lunch from one of our campus eateries in the Commons. Families may also take a self-guided tour or find a quiet space to make calls or attend to business.
1:45 p.m. Life at UMBC: Academic Excellence
Learn how UMBC supports student persistence and graduation. Through an interactive discussion, families will explore ways to support students in reaching their academic goals.
2:30 p.m. Life at UMBC: Building Community and Partnering for Success
Where to go for what? This session is your one-stop for an interactive panel discussion with the offices of Student Affairs, Dining Services, Parking Services, and Campus Police.
3:15 p.m. Supporting Your Child and our Student
Join us for a meaningful conversation about supporting the whole student – academically, emotionally, and socially. We’ll explore the evolving expectations of families and students and how we can work together for student success.
4:00 Retriever Round-Up
Still have questions? Members of the UMBC community will be available to answer your questions one-on-one. Reconnect with your student and enjoy some light refreshments. Featured offices include: Campus Dining, Parking Services, Retriever Integrated Health, Office of Residential Life, and more!