I am currently transitioning out of the military, and would like to apply to UMD. Where do I start?
Student veterans have the same admissions process as all other students. If you have questions about the process, contact Taylor Duvall (tduvall1@umd.edu) in the Admissions Office. She has experience in assisting veteran and military-connected applicants. Transfer students should consult the FAQ.
Once I am accepted into Maryland who is the best point of contact for a smooth transition into UMD?
The best point of contact currently would be to contact us at vetstudentlife@umd.edu for us to help you through anything you may need. We also offer a New Student Veteran Orientation in the Spring and Fall which is also a great place to receive valuable information and resources.
Additionally, every newly-admitted student veteran is assigned a peer sponsor upon request, who is a current UMD student veteran. They will contact you by email in the first weeks of class, and are a great resource as you make your transition to Maryland.
Is The University of Maryland a Yellow Ribbon School?
The University of Maryland is a Yellow Ribbon School and was recently expanded! For more information about the University's commitment to the Yellow Ribbon program and what benefits are included, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid's website.
Is Veteran Student Life a one-stop shop for all student veteran needs?
Unfortunately, no; VSL is your first-stop-shop. We put on programming to support student veterans in their transition out of the military. Our programs include the Veterans Adventure Program, Veterans Networking Socials, Veterans Week events, and other social and professional development activities outside of class.
We also act as advisers and intermediaries for students experiencing difficulties in accessing resources or navigating the University. The University of Maryland is a large campus with many offices and departments, each responsible for certain activities in their own lanes. We can’t personally register you for classes, locate your DD-214, or get you out of parking tickets, that’s up to you.
We can help you find the correct office or point of contact for you to accomplish these things and talk you through the process if necessary, but we are not the Registrar, the VA, or the Department of Transportation. You’ll need to contact the appropriate office to resolve many issues.
How do I get access to the Veterans Lounge on Campus?
In order to receive access to the Vets Center, please fill out and submit the Veterans Center Access Request form along with your supporting documentation. The Vets Center is located in Room 1103 in the Cole Activities Building.
What should I do about health insurance and health care?
UMD requires students to have health insurance; if you are enrolled in the Veterans Affairs medical system, you are considered covered by the University. You can find a guide on how to enroll in the VA healthcare system and the VA medical facility closest to you.
You are automatically enrolled in the University’s Student Health Insurance Plan as an undergraduate student. This will allow you to access the University Health Center, conveniently located on campus, for most issues. Because health insurance is required for all students, your GI Bill benefits will pay for the University’s health insurance plan: you will not have to pay out of pocket for coverage, though there may be a co-pay for Health Center services. (Please note you will need a University ID Number to enroll, so you will not be able to enroll until you are accepted and have received your UID.)
How does a government shutdown affect my VA Educational Benefits?
VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits, however, The GI Bill Hotline will close. VA Contact Centers (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) remain open 24/7.
If you have other questions or concerns, please view the VA's Contingency Plan for government shutdowns.
I am currently using the GI Bill, should I still complete my FAFSA and apply for scholarships?
Yes. Every incoming veteran should complete their FAFSA and apply for scholarships as the GI bill does not exclude you from being considered.
Where can I find more information about different events in which I can participate as a student veteran?
Veterans at UMD have access to a number of activities ranging from social events, community service, professional development, and organized fitness/adventure events. Visit our events page and follow Veteran Student Life on Facebook and Instagram in order to get the most up-to-date information. Additionally, you can join the TerpVets Student Organization Facebook Group and Discord channel.
Where can I find more information about resources available to student parents?
The best place to start would be UMD’s family care resources page.
How do students stay active? Can non-traditional students participate in sports?
In addition to the Eppley Recreation Center, a large gym with a competition pool and climbing wall, the University has many intramural sports teams. You can find teams for basketball, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and more. There’s also the Veterans Adventure Program, which sponsors free outdoor activities like mountain biking, kayaking, and camping for veterans and military-connected students.
How can I meet people and get engaged on campus?
The University’s many student groups have pages on TerpLink, our online organizational platform. On TerpLink you can find groups dedicated to everything from archery and interfaith relations to beekeeping and improv comedy. Whatever you’re into, you can find your people here.
How can I get involved in the local community?
The Leadership and Community Service Learning Office helps connect students with volunteer and leadership opportunities so you can benefit the community and yourself. The Mission Continues, a veterans’ community service organization, also has several local service platoons that support the area.