Yound Scholars Program: FAQs
General FAQs
What is the Orientation Session?
All students are required to attend the Orientation Session, which runs 10 a.m.-1 p.m. You’ll receive your university ID and turn-in all the required forms. We’ll go over program requirements, answer questions, and offer a campus tour. All students-commuter and residential-will check in with the Office of Conference & Visitor Services. You’ll get your campus parking permit and meal card(s). Residential students also check into their dorm room.
Is attendance mandatory for all the program activities?
The following activities are mandatory; they are program-related:
- Orientation Session
- Enrichment Seminars
Is attendance mandatory for the evening and weekend events such as the mixers, movies, Terp Zone, etc.?
Your course package-residential or commuter-underwrites the costs of all scheduled program-related activities. This fee is charged whether you decide to attend these activities or not. We do not pro-rate. Please note: Upon the completion of the program, we ask students to complete a survey. Over the past, these surveys demonstrate that those students who fully participated in the scheduled events were the ones with the highest satisfaction rating.
What should all participants have with them on a daily basis?
Please make sure that you carry a photo ID with you. Several of the course-related field trips are to buildings or areas that require a security check. Although you receive a University of Maryland ID card at Orientation, this will not have your photo.
What happens if I become ill?
All students must complete an emergency contact form that includes health insurance policy numbers. If you should become ill or are injured, you’ll be taken to the Campus Health Center located on campus or to the nearest hospital, depending on the severity of the injury or illness. Your parent/guardian must make immediate arrangements to ensure quality care for you. Although this form will facilitate your admittance to a health center, it does not permit the University of Maryland to assume responsibility for your health care needs. You can visit the Health Center anytime during the hours of operation. You’ll be billed for any services or treatment that you receive. If you miss class due to illness you can request written proof from the Health Center to give to your instructor.
What University rules and regulations apply during this program?
All accepted Young Scholars Program participants are admitted to the University of Maryland for the Summer Term. All University rules and regulations apply. In your confirmation package, you will receive a copy of the University of Maryland’s Code of Student Conduct and the Code of Academic Integrity, which ensure the health and safety of all students and uphold the principle of academic honesty. At Orientation, you’ll submit a signed form, indicating that you have read and understand these codes. In addition, all residential program participants must abide by a curfew, 11 p.m.-6 a.m., Sunday-Thursday, Midnight-6 a.m., Friday & Saturday.
How do I change my course choice before the program begins?
If you want to change your course selection before the beginning of the program, please contact Eric Johnson at johnsone@umd.edu or 301-405-1027. You will need to provide your full name and the new course request as well as contact information. Remember: you can only change your course registration if your new choice is not closed.
How do I purchase my textbooks?
First, determine what books the course requires. Books can be purchased at the University Book Center, Maryland Book Exchange, or at any other textbook store or online vendor.
How do I activate up my Directory ID/Password and UM E-mail account?
To activate your Directory ID/Password, visit: http://www.oit.umd.edu/new/student.html
- Review the instructions on this page, then click Start here, to go to the “Identity Verification” page.
How do I access my grade?
Grade reports are not automatically mailed, but can be requested via the Web. Click here to view your grades online via your unofficial transcript. Please refer to the Academic & Financial Calendar for the exact date that grades will be posted. Click here to request a copy of your official transcript.
Residential FAQs
What is the Cumberland Hall Service Desk?
The Service Desk for all participants is in the North Lobby of Cumberland Hall (301-314-2862). It is staffed 24 hours/7 days to perform a variety of functions. The main purpose is to ensure your comfort, but it is also a 24-hour emergency contact center and information hub. Cumberland Hall is the place to:
- Pick up any telephone messages and mail
- Report maintenance/other problems with your room
- Report lost keys or get a spare key if you are locked out
What about keys?
At Orientation check-in, you will be issued a student ID that will have a barcode cross-referenced to your residence hall. Access to the residence hall is regulated by electronic access through your student ID or your University meal card. You will receive a regular metal key for access to your dormitory room. If you lose your key you can get a spare from the Cumberland Hall Service Desk. For safety reasons, if you do not find your original key within a set timeframe, your lock will be changed and your account will be billed $85.
How are roommate assignments made?
Roommate assignments are made on a random basis, although we try to assign roommates according to course enrollment. Students should expect to live with other students of the same gender in a double, triple or quad bedroom. Specific roommate requests can be made in writing; however, only mutual requests by students can be considered. Every effort will be made to accommodate your roommate request. Room assignments are finalized on check-in day and are not announced prior to your arrival.
Do I need to bring linen?
Yes. You should bring one flat and one fitted sheet (twin-size bed), two towels, one pillow, one pillowcase, one blanket, and one bedspread.
In addition to sheets and towels, what items should I consider bringing?
Soap, toiletries; clothes hangers; alarm clock; hairdryer; towels; umbrella; dictionary; stapler and other supplies; laundry bag; detergent; desk/reading lamp; and quarters for the washers and dryers.
What won’t I have?
There are no televisions, lamps, end tables, decorations, alarm clocks or other amenities.
What items may I not bring?
Toaster ovens, toasters, iron, microwaves, candles, crock pots, popcorn makers, grills of any kind or any other items with which one cooks are considered fire hazards. University staff monitor each room and you will be asked to remove any item that is considered to be a fire hazard.
Is a telephone provided?
No. There is a voice and data jack in each room for each residential student. You must either bring a phone from home (which can only be used to make on-campus telephone calls) or a cell phone. To make local or long distance calls from a non-cell phone, you must have a telephone calling card.
Will my room be cleaned daily?
Rooms (bedrooms, common areas, and bathrooms) are cleaned before your arrival and after your departure only. You can request cleaning supplies from the Cumberland Hall Service Desk or from your mentors. Before checking out, you are expected to remove all trash to the outside receptacles.
Can I do laundry?
Residential students use the coin-operated laundry facilities located in or near their residential hall. You will need to bring your own detergent as well as quarters for the washers and dryers.
What about mail?
You should have your mail addressed to:
Your Name
Attn: Summer Guest
Young Scholars Program
Cumberland Hall Service Desk
University of Maryland
College Park, MD, 20742
You will need to go to the Cumberland Hall Service Desk to check on and pick-up your mail on a daily basis. You will not receive a notification in your room. You must check the message board or ask a staff member at the Cumberland Hall Desk about mail.
What if I have a problem with a roommate or suitemate?
You need to muster the courage to first discuss the problem with your roommate or suitemate. If you can’t resolve the issue(s), you should speak to your mentor who will help. If you do not bring any issues to the attention of our staff we can not help make your stay an enjoyable experience.
May I be away from the dormitory overnight?
Residential Students have a curfew that is enforced by the mentors. Parents must submit written permission to a program mentor in order for a student to be away overnight. The permission note must include the dates and times that a student will be away as well as the location and phone number of where he or she will be staying.
Are there accommodations for disabled students?
Yes. The University provides a full range of services and accommodations to assist disabled students. Upon acceptance into the program, students seeking assistance should contact Eric Johnson, Program Coordinator, Office of Extended Studies, e-mail johnsone@umd.edu, or phone 301-405-1027. Only students who identify their disabilities well in advance can be assured of proper accommodation upon their arrival on campus.
How much spending money should I bring?
The course package fees for the Young Scholar Program include most course expenses as well as most meals. About $50-75 per week should cover incidental expenses (e.g., gifts, snacks, Saturday lunches, toiletries, etc.).
Is there a curfew for residential students?
Yes. Since most participants are under the age of 18, we require that you keep the University staff informed of your whereabouts at all times. Curfew hours of 11 p.m.-6 a.m., Sunday-Thursday, and Midnight-6 a.m., Friday and Saturday, apply to students residing on campus for the Young Scholars Program.
