Freshmen Connection

Extended Studies (EXST) has developed the following Scheduling, Budgeting, Contracting and Payroll Guidelines for Freshmen Connection 2025 (2508).

Scheduling is conducted electronically in the Student Information System (SIS). Courses roll over from the previous year and academic units should review this information for accuracy. Refer to the Scheduling, Budgeting, Contracting, & Payroll Schedule for the date courses become visible to students.

EXST has developed the following guidelines to assist with the planning of courses offered in Freshmen Connection. First offered in fall 2006, Freshmen Connection (FC) is a self-support academic program that has provided increased access to the University of Maryland by making effective use of UMD’s facilities and resources. Specifically designed and approved only for students who confirm their offer of spring admission, FC students take a selection of UMD courses in the fall semester. In partnership with the academic units, EXST provides administrative oversight for course selection, scheduling, enrollment, budgeting, instructor contracting and payment, and distribution.

EXST staff oversee the FC selection criteria for the types, numbers of courses/sections offered, and seats offered. Courses that fulfill General Education and major requirements are given priority. In addition, course offerings change from year to year and past participation is no guarantee of participation in subsequent years. EXST staff consider incoming students’ majors, student performance and evaluation in past years, AP and other transfer credits trends, and other factors in determining whether and when a course may be offered. Given the condensed nature of the FC schedule, EXST staff have also carefully designed the FC schedule grid with specific assigned days and meet times to ensure that FC students are able to enroll in a variety of the courses in the fall semester.

For program assistance, contact Anne Baum, Associate Director, Summer, Winter, and Undergraduate Programs, at abaum@umd.edu. For financial assistance, contact Andrew Leighton, Director, Finance and Operations, at aleighto@umd.edu.