SUMMER ORIENTATION

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

ORIENTATION

Welcome to FIRE! We are excited that you will be joining us this fall as part of your overall experience with the University of Maryland.​

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

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The exact professional and research skills you gain depend on which stream you join. But no matter what, every stream is led by a Research Educator, an expert in their field whose full-time job it is to make sure you are successful.

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FIRE students join a stream in Spring 2021. For now, the next step is to enroll in FIRE Semester 1 for the fall semester. This course is our introductory course for all FIRE students. In it, you learn universal research skills, explore research opportunities, and get to talk to FIRE Semester 3 students about their experience.

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

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There are many different sections of FIRE Semester 1. Which sections you can enroll in depends on your status:

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• Freshmen Connection students enroll in FIRE120-FCB1.

• BioFIRE students enroll in FIRE120-0101 or FIRE120-0801.

• All other new FIRE students choose from FIRE120-0201, FIRE120-0301,
  FIRE120-0401, FIRE120-0501,
  FIRE120-0601, FIRE120-0701,
  FIRE120-0901, FIRE120-1101,
  FIRE120-1201, FIRE120-1301,
  FIRE120-1401, FIRE120-1501,
  FIRE120-1601, FIRE120-1701.

FAQs

How do I pick my FIRE stream?

We have a comprehensive process during the fall that will allow you to learn about each of our streams, meet the faculty leaders, talk to FIRE Semester 3 students, and get a sense of what the day-to-day looks like with respect to each stream's research mission.

By taking FIRE Semester 1, you will automatically participate in that process and will make your stream selection during spring course enrollment

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Does my section of FIRE Semester 1 affect which stream I will join?

The answer​ is no. Stream selection occurs during the fall semester and we will provide all students complete and total information about that process at the right time.

No matter which section of FIRE Semester 1 you take, you will be eligible to join any FIRE research stream.

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​​Do I have to enroll in FIRE Semester 1?

Yes. If an admitted student does not enroll in FIRE Semester 1 during their orientation, we have to assume they are no longer interested in participating in the program.

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

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

Invitations to FIRE needed to be accepted using MyCoalition by May 1. Contact our Associate Director (ibpage@umd.edu) to discuss potential next steps.

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When do I get my FIRE t-shirt?

As soon as possible!  Ordinarily, you would get it during orientation. We have explored a few workarounds in light of the current situation: drone delivery, an STL for 3D printing, and teleportation. So far, nothing seems feasible until we are back on campus.  We will look for every safe way to get you a FIRE t-shirt this coming Fall semester.

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

Please submit an application here. We will be in touch soon to update you on your status.

ONLINE INFORMATION SESSIONS

We are hosting online Zoom sessions throughout June and July to help prepare incoming FIRE students. Admitted FIRE students are encouraged to attend the online session that occurs one business day before their orientation session.

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All Zoom sessions are password protected. Admitted students can find a copy of the password in their email as well as FIRE orientation materials on Canvas.

May 29 (Friday)

at 4pm EST

June 9 (Tuesday)

at 4pm EST

June 16 (Tuesday)

at 4pm EST

June 23 (Tuesday)

at 4pm EST

July 2 (Thursday)

at 4pm EST

July 17 (Friday)

at 4pm EST

Additional questions about FIRE can be sent to FIRE Associate Director - Dr. Ian Page (ibpage@umd.edu)