Mission Statement

The diversity of the faculty, student and staff at the University of Maryland (UMD) is considered one of this educational institution's major attributes. Its importance is reflected in the University's current mission statement and its strategic plan for the future. The role of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) is to promote diversity and advance mutual understanding throughout the University community by supporting international education.

International Student & Scholar Services provides assistance and information on matters pertaining to the international students and scholars who come to UMD to fulfill their educational and professional goals. ISSS offers services necessary to meet the special immigration needs of the F, J, H, O and TN populations. This office also facilitates their transition to life at this University and the United States through programs that enhance interaction between the international and domestic populations.

More than 10% of the students who enroll at the University of Maryland this year came from outside the U.S., placing UMD among the top 20 U.S. universities serving international students. In addition, this University is ranked 19th among those U.S. institutions hosting international scholars. By supporting our international students and scholars, ISSS hopes that they will be able to function effectively, that they will find their experience here to be positive, and that they will share their unique cultures and perspectives - thus enriching the lives of their fellow UMD students and colleagues.