Fall Orientation, Advisement & Registration

OAR Overview

One of the main ways we offer support in your journey to UMD is through the Orientation, Advisement & Registration (OAR) experience. Mandatory for all incoming students, OAR will introduce you to campus resources available to you throughout your time as a student, help you to begin to understand your UMD academics here, lift holds from your student account, and give you a chance to meet other students going through the same experience as you! 

Log into your Application Portal and make sure you are completing your Checklist. Updates will be emailed to you when new Checklist items are available. 

Application Portal for Your Next Steps > 

Two Types of OAR Experiences

There are two types of OAR experiences available for new bulldogs, on-campus and virtual. Incoming Freshmen are required to attend the on-campus program. Transfer students will have the option to participate in either a virtual, half-day orientation or a similar on-campus program. 

Academic programs including Online Psychology, Tribal Administration and Governance, and Post-Baccalaureate Education are encouraged to opt for the Virtual OAR experience due to their virtual nature.

On-Campus OAR

The on-campus OAR program offers a unique experience to our incoming students! Not only will students be able to talk to our Academic Advising staff during the day to register for their first semester classes, but they will also be given the option to choose between any of five (5) various Orientation Excursions based purely on their interests ranging from outdoor adventures to lab experiments, artistic activities to virtual reality tools, or even an escape room!

The one-day on-campus orientation, led by our welcoming Bulldog OAR staff, runs roughly 8:00am-5:00pm. Students and their guests will meet their peers, engage with the campus via our Orientation Leaders, and learn about the many campus resources available to students.

We encourage students to bring a guest to share the experience. Although two (2) guests are allowed, we ask students to consider our space limitations and bring just one (1). Guest registration is necessary, and all event details, parking instructions, and next steps will be shared via email.  

Please consider the following recommendations:

  • Know your UMD email username and password
  • Bring a personal computer/ or internet device and charger (your phone won’t be as useful as other, larger devices). If you don’t have one you can use, we’ll have some available to borrow.
  • Bring your state-issued photo ID. It is required in order to get your U Card (student ID)
  • Come prepared with your unofficial college transcripts if you have taken college-level coursework and haven't already sent transcripts to UMD Admissions (these will be collected at check-in)
  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
  • Fill up your water bottle – we’ll have refill stations available for you all day
Virtual OAR

Through our virtual Bulldog OAR experience, you and your guests can connect with the UMD community via an engaging Zoom session. Towards the end of the orientation, easily schedule your personalized 1-on-1 Advisement & Registration appointment.

Students are encouraged to invite any guests to attend the Virtual Orientation program to share in all sessions that are offered. All guests must be registered by the student in order to attend. 

Students and registered guests will receive event specific details via email regarding the student/guest itineraries and other next steps. 

Please consider the following recommendations: 

  • Know your UMD email username and password
  • Prepare your personal computer/ or internet device and charger (your phone won’t be as useful as other, larger devices).
  • Ensure your software is up-to-date (e.g., your computer’s operating software, Zoom, your web browser of choice, etc.)

We recommend that first-year students opt for an On-Campus Orientation as it provides a comprehensive overview of UMD and the new student experience. The first Virtual Orientation available to first-year students will occur mid-August.

Graphic for the Dish Orientation Webinar Series

This series of webinars will provide you with virtual live opportunities to learn about what it’s like to be a student at UMD, find out how you can prepare for life at UMD before the first day of classes, and ask questions about what YOU want to know.