What you should do first:

  • Sign up for your UMD directory ID and email. 

  • If you need access to a lab via key or keycard, complete and submit the key request form with your advisor's signature.  Submit this form as soon as possible to ensure your key or card access is granted before the start of the semester.

  • Fill out required human resources paperwork and submit it to the main aerospace office.

  • Review the Graduate Student Guide. This handbook covers all of the graduate policies and procedures in the Department fo Aerospace Engineering.

  • Meet with your advisor. You can find our full faculty list online

  • Register for courses via Testudo after getting your directory ID. Find information about classes on the Aero website for current graduate student. *Be aware of the add/drop deadlines.

    • Failure to register can result in cancellation of your enrollment at the University.

    • Contact the department if you ever have questions about if you should register.

    • Review the University's Continuous Registration Policy.

  • Get your Graduate Student Picture ID from the Mitchell Building (near the big M on Campus Drive). 
    They are open 8:30am-4:30pm Monday through Friday. You can use the ID to get discounts at the Stamp Student Union.
    Note:
    You are not officially considered a student until you register for at least one course. The ID office will not issue you an ID unless you have registered for at least one course.

  • Order books for your classes. You can find them in the University Book Center in the Union, Bookholders on Route 1, and online stores such as Amazon.com or Half.com.

  • Send in your final BS or MS transcripts to the Graduate School (2123 Lee Building) if this is a provision of your admission. You will not be permitted to register for classes your second semester if  you do not do so.

  • Pay your mandatory student fees online via the bursar's office. Note: Credit and debit payment is charged a 2% processing fee. Payments made by cash, electronic check, check or money order are not charged the fee.

  • Fill out your immunization form and give it to the Health Center. The form is required for you to sign up for second semester classes.

  • Update your contact information. The University mails many important documents - so make sure it’s a local address!

  • Review this entire website, including the policies and procedures. Write down any questions you may have.

  • After reviewing this website, complete our orientation and in-processing survey. This helps us improve our admissions process, prepare for orientation, and get to know you.

Next steps:

  • Obtain a Parking Permit if needed.
    Parking permits are available through the Transportation Services website. Be sure to register your car or bike. Also be sure to read the parking policy for athletic events, since you may need a backup plan for parking on game day.

  • Housing vacancies can be found through the Office of Off-Campus Housing. There are also postings on craigslist.com, apartments.comApartmentList.com, and the campus newspaper, The Diamondback

  • Discounted computers can be purchased from the Terrapin Technology Store and Academic Computers for Terps.  Find them online or in the Stamp Student Union. 

  • Pay dues to AIAA National and the AIAA Student Chapter to gain or maintain membership (Note: The national and student chapters are separate entities. Paying dues for one does not grant you membership benefits to the other).

  • Stay informed! Follow the Aerospace Department on Facebook and Twitter for more information about department events and news.


Top