Trials & Tribulations (Part 21)- Before You Can Move Into College Dorms

After careful thought and deliberation, I thought others would find this interesting about our battle with Asperger Syndrome. If anyone would like to post about their trials and tribulations, please leave a link so we can read your story. :)

This is written in the third person.


Just when you think all was well and moving into the dorm was in sight, UMBC has several more hoops you must jump through before you can actually move into the dorm. There are four health related requirements that all new undergraduate students at UMBC must complete before arriving on campus.


1. Mandatory Health & Immunization Form, including the TB questionnaire: Due August 8, 2014- In an effort to maintain a healthy campus environment, all UMBC students are REQUIRED to complete this document and return it to University Health Services (UHS) at least 4 weeks before classes begin. Students who do not meet this requirement will be blocked from subsequent class registration until this form is completed and returned to UHS. Residential students will not be able to move into University Housing until this form is completed and returned to UHS. Documentation must include specific dates of immunizations (month, day, year) of immunizations and screening tests. A health care provider’s signature/stamp is required in Section C.


*All new incoming undergraduate students (freshmen and transfer) are mandated to complete two online educational training courses this summer: AlcoholEdu and HAVEN. Both courses will be available online and details will be sent to all incoming students via email on July 30th. Students will have until August 18th to complete both courses. Students can access these courses through their myumbc accounts.

2. Alcohol EDU: Due August 18, 2014- UMBC is one of hundreds of institutions nationwide requiring every member of their first year class to complete AlcoholEdu – a non-opinionated, science-based course taken by hundreds of thousands of students each year. Whether or not you drink, AlcoholEdu empowers students to make well-informed decisions and provides some simple strategies to help keep you and your friends safe. Part 2 due October 20, 2014.

3. HAVEN sexual assault prevention program: Due August 18, 2014- Like campus drinking, sexual assault is a critical issue that affects an entire college campus. To address this issue, UMBC is requiring all incoming students complete Haven. Haven relies on proven prevention theories and educational strategies to help students understand the many aspects of the sexual assault issue. The program's primary focus is to educate students about relationships and decision-making, including: ethics of relationships, alcohol’s effect on relationships, the ability to give consent, important definitions and debunking myths associated with sexual assault. Part 2 due October 23, 2014.

4. Health Insurance Waiter: Due September 30, 2014- All new undergraduate students taking 6 or more credits must supply their health insurance information on the University Health Services (UHS) website, between August 1 and September 30, 2014. Students who do not complete the waiver to show proof of health insurance by this deadline will be automatically enrolled and billed for the Student Health Insurance Plan offered by University Health Services/Aetna Student Health.



What else should be done prior to arriving on campus?

1. Order Books- to save time order your books online and pick them up at the Book Store.

2. Parking Permit- Student permits may be obtained through the online process and the permit will be mailed or a student may pick up their permit at Parking Services. Student parking permit fees are included in the mandatory transportation fee with your tuition.

3. Emergency Alerts- sign up for emergency alerts from UMBC for your cell phone, computer, and email.

4. Renters Insurance- students should purchase property insurance for their dorm room prior to arrival.


M completed the above requirements, recommendations, and deadlines with help from his parents. While he was waiting for the following Fall 2014 Move In Information to be posted online:
◦Parking Map for move-in day
◦Unloading Guidelines and Parking Pass

M finished last minute packing and orientated himself with his new laptop computer and tablet.