FIRE: The First-Year Innovation & Research Experience

SUMMER ORIENTATION

Welcome to FIRE! This page provides new FIRE students important information about what to expect for Fall enrollment.

ORIENTATION

We are excited that you will join us this Fall as part of your overall experience with the University of Maryland!

FIRE is a radically atypical first-year experience welcoming you to the university's research mission. The program is highly mentored and provides considerable learning opportunities to gain advanced research skills and advance your education through a research experience.

The exact professional and research skills you gain depend on which stream you join. But no matter what, every stream is led by a FIRE Faculty Leader, an expert in their field whose full-time job is ensuring you are successful.

FIRE students join a stream in Spring 2026. For now, your next step is to enroll in FIRE Semester 1 for Fall 2025. This course is our introductory course for all FIRE students. In it, you learn universal research skills, explore research opportunities in FIRE, and get to talk to FIRE Semester 3 students and Peer Research Mentors about their experiences.

Enrolling in the FIRE Semester 1 course is required to keep your spot in the program.

There are many different sections of FIRE Semester 1 ("FIRE120"). All sections have the same learning outcomes and course structure. You should join the section that fits best with your overall Fall 2025 schedule. Your section of FIRE Semester 1 will not affect which streams you can join in FIRE Semester 2.

BioFIRE students enroll in FIRE120-0101 or FIRE120-0102.
Freshmen Connection students enroll in FIRE120-FC01.
All other FIRE students enroll in one of the following FIRE120 sections: 0103, 0104, 0105, 0106, 0107, 0108, 0109, 0110, 0111, 0112, 0113, 0114, or 0115.

FAQs

Does my section of FIRE Semester 1 affect which streams I can join?

No. You will be eligible to join any FIRE stream in FIRE Semester 2, regardless of your FIRE Semester 1 section.

How do I pick my FIRE stream?

Students submit stream preferences in early October. Our comprehensive process allows you to explore streams, meet FIRE Faculty Leaders, talk to stream students and Peer Research Mentors, and get a sense of what the day-to-day looks like in each stream. We will provide more details about the Stream Preferencing process once the semester starts.

Do I have to enroll in FIRE Semester 1?

Yes. Students who do not enroll in FIRE Semester 1 will lose their spot in the program.

Students admitted before their summer orientation must register during their orientation or will lose their spot.

Students admitted after their summer orientation must register by the deadline indicated in their acceptance email or will lose their spot.

Can I change to a different section of FIRE Semester 1?

Yes, up until the end of the schedule adjustment period. Please ensure you add a new section on the same day that you drop a section. We check FIRE Semester 1 enrollments periodically. If you are not enrolled in the course, but have attended orientation and registered for other courses, you will lose your spot in FIRE.

Does FIRE Semester 1 count for UNIV100?

No. FIRE Semester 1 ("FIRE120") does not replace UNIV100. If your academic advisor recommends UNIV100, you will need to register for it separately.

I received an invitation to FIRE, but I never responded to it. Am I still in FIRE?

Please contact us at fire-office@umd.edu to discuss potential next steps.

What do I do if my orientation date is not one that is recommended for FIRE students?

There are a few orientation dates that are recommended for FIRE students. If you are registered for a different date, we will follow up with you via email before your orientation to ensure you don't miss anything important.

Spoiler: The most important thing covered at the orientation session is a reminder to register for FIRE Semester 1 (FIRE120) when building your Fall 2025 schedule.

I just learned about FIRE. Is it too late to join?

Please apply here. We will be in touch soon to update you on your status.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you have additional questions not covered by this webpage, please reach out to our Assistan Program Director, Dr. Carol Vieira, at fire-office@umd.edu.