August 31, 2026 - Welcome Back by The Diamondback

The University of Maryland’s Independent Student Newspaper

THE DIAMONDBACK

WELCOME BACK guide 2026

Table of contents

CONTENTS

3 academic calendar 5 dining options 6 big fall events

8 football media day 10 tuition increase

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Your health he e and welln nes matter. wellness Health l h Promotion & Wellness ll Services (HPWS) is here to support your mental health and overall ll wellness with various programs and services beyond traditional counseling or therapy. Discover new ways to enhance your wellness through the following free resources.

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ACADEMIC CALENDAR

2026-27 Academic Calendar fall 2026 First day of classes Aug. 31 (Monday)

Last day of classes Dec. 11 (Friday)

Labor Day Sept. 7 (Monday)

Reading day Dec. 12 (Saturday)

Fall break Oct. 12 (Monday) to Oct. 13 (Tuesday)

Final exams Dec. 14 (Monday) to Dec. 21 (Monday)

winter 2027 Classes begin Jan. 4 (Monday) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 18 (Monday) Classes end Jan. 22 (Friday)

Thanksgiving recess Nov. 25 (Wednesday) to Nov. 29 (Sunday)

spring 2027 First day of classes Jan. 27 (Wednesday) Spring break March 14 (Sunday) to March 21 (Sunday) Last day of classes May 11 (Tuesday) Reading day May 12 (Wednesday)

summer 2027

Final exams May 13 (Thursday) to May 20 (Thursday)

Sessions I and I-A begin June 1 (Tuesday)

Commencement college/department ceremonies May 23 (Sunday) to May 26 (Wednesday)

Session I-A ends June 17 (Thursday)

Sessions II and II-C begin July 12 (Monday)

Juneteenth June 18 (Friday)

Session II-C ends July 30 (Friday)

Session I-B begins June 21 (Monday)

Session II-D begins Aug. 2 (Monday)

Independence Day July 5 (Monday)

Sessions II and II-D end Aug. 20 (Friday)

Commencement - main ceremony May 24 (Monday)

Sessions I and I-B end July 9 (Friday)

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dining options

dining options This article was adapted from The Diamondback’s 2025 Welcome Back Guide. Some information and resources have been updated to reflect current dates and events.

dining at stamp Stamp Student Union is the main hub on campus for grabbing a bite if you’re not interested in eating at one of the dining halls. The main food court includes options from Qdoba to Union Pizza to Subway, as well as the ever-popular — and ever-busy — Chick-fil-A. Venturing out of the main food court, you can find a cafe serving Starbucks coffee on the next floor, and the Panera Bread above that. There’s also prepackaged food and drink available in the Union Shop, located just outside the food court. If you’re just looking for a quick bite or want something to bring back to your dorm, the shop offers standard gas-station fare like fresh sandwiches and fruit cups alongside Pop-Tarts, packets of ramen and a variety of bottled drinks. But the most iconic location in Stamp is the ice cream counter Maryland Dairy, offering up custom flavors named after some of this university’s coaches as well as classic favorites. You can also grab one of the Dairy’s sundaes, root beer floats or milkshakes made with in-house flavors.

options in stamp - Chick-fil-A - Hibachi San - Maryland Dairy - Moby Freestyle - Panda Express - Panera Bread - Qdoba - Subway - The Coffee Bar - Union Pizza

other options There’s plenty of grab-and-go options in various buildings around campus, too. Most cafes, such as Applause in The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center and Sneaker’s inside of Eppley Recreation Center, offer smaller fare like coffee and tea drinks, smoothies and prepackaged snacks. Each cafe has something a little different to offer — you can even find boba tea inside Samovar at H.J. Patterson Hall. The farmers market at Tawes Plaza is in full swing each Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until mid-November. Vendors can change at each market, but there is generally a variety of produce, meat, eggs and pastries to choose from. Some specialty items, such as kettle corn, pickled vegetables and homemade pot pies have also been sold at the market in years past.

THE FOOD COURT in Stamp Student Union. (Gabby Baniqued/The Diamondback)

big fall events

Events to look out for this semester By Stella Garner I Tabloids editor

The back-to-school season brings a variety of preparations and decisions, from choosing dorm decor to coordinating schedules to navigating campus. With all those priorities, it can be a challenge to find fun activities that won’t drain your bank account. But it doesn’t have to — check out the list below for some of the biggest on-campus events you can attend throughout the fall semester. Terps After Dark The university’s Division of Student Affairs hosts various unique, and free, events each Thursday through Saturday during the beginning of the fall semester as part of a weekslong events campaign known as Terps After Dark. The free events typically take place in the evenings to accommodate for class schedules, hence the name.

Events begin as early as the week before classes and have historically included things like crafting, bingo, movie screenings, concerts and sports games. Some offerings include free food and merch, so keep an eye on the Terps After Dark webpage at terpsafterdark.umd.edu to stay up-to-date with weekly schedules.

from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., often hosts various on-campus departments and sponsors offering freebies like candy, stickers and t-shirts. McKeldin Mall can get crowded during the fair’s peak hours, so consider visiting the Stamp Student Union booth at the fair or checking out clubs you might be interested in on TerpLink beforehand.

First Look Fair Easily one of the biggest annual campus events, the First Look Fair offers the opportunity to get acquainted with hundreds of the university’s clubs, organizations and greek life. Even if you’re a returning student, the fair can offer a chance to meet new people and learn more about some of the aspects of campus life you may be less familiar with. The fair, which takes place on Sept. 10

NextNOW Fest Hosted at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, NextNOW Fest is an annual multi-day arts festival offering opportunities to watch performances, participate in workshops and view on-campus exhibits. Free concerts on the Clarice patio offer a chance to see live music from upcoming artists, and one of the most well-attended events each year is the “Silent Disc-Glo,” offering students a chance to dance to the

FIRST LOOK FAIR Find your thing.

Thursday, September 10, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on McKeldin Mall stamp.umd.edu/FirstLookFair

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big fall events

soundtrack of their choosing with special headsets. This year, NextNOW Fest takes place Sept. 9 through Sept. 15. More information on registration and the specific schedule of events can be found on the Clarice website. Homecoming Week The homecoming football game is often the centerpiece of the fall season, with the Maryland Terrapins facing off against Rutgers’ Scarlet Knights. But there’s plenty of festivities set to happen all throughout the week of Oct. 14-17. Many students anticipate the annual homecoming comedy show, which in previous years has heralded big names like John Mulaney, Marcello Hernandez and Eric André. There’s also campus celebrity dog Teddy’s annual pet parade and the Terp Carnival, where students can line up for the hot commodity of a commemorative scarf, participate in free games and listen to live music.

A NEXTNOW FEST sign lights up as attendees gather in the foyer ahead of the student-produced comedy show “Maryland Night Live” at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center on Sept. 8, 2023. (KAYA BOGOT/The Diamondback)

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football media day

MALIK WASHINGTON PREPARES to throw against FAU on Aug. 30, 2025. (AKASH RAGHU/The Diamondback)

Behind Malik Washington, Maryland football aims to turn patience into results By Jake Kauderer I Sports editor, football reporter

Michael Locksley faced a “double-edged sword” last season. Maryland football’s leader said he had to learn to coach with urgency — since college athletes are now paid and instant production is expected — while he still maintains the patience to allow an inexperienced team to grow. That balance was tested amid a nightmarish campaign. The Terps dropped eight consecutive games to close the season, finishing 4-8 for the second straight year and sparking questions about Locksley’s future. “Last year was really trying,” he said. But Locksley believes those tough moments, specifically three one-score losses, were valuable team lessons. With a more seasoned roster, the coach believes his patience will pay off in 2026.

Maryland returns 71 percent of its production from last season, the second-highest percentage nationally, highlighted by sophomore quarterback Malik Washington. “The difference is, for this year, is that we have a returning star,” Locksley said. “He’s in a more suitable system that fits exactly what he wants.” Despite Washington throwing the most passes in the Big Ten in 2025, Locksley said the Terps didn’t run the system they envisioned for the then-freshman to play. Instead, they were conservative. Maryland focused on establishing its defense and slowing the game for Washington through designed rollouts, screens and other short passes, according to Locksley. That won’t be the case anymore.

First-year offensive coordinator Clint Trickett shared plans in March for a dynamic offense centered around Washington, who will also rely on his legs more. Locksley echoed that sentiment at Maryland’s fall media day, adding that the offense will use a faster tempo and expand the field through wider formations — employing the system “[Washington] was recruited to play in,” the coach said. “The guys are able to run to every blade of grass … we can put the ball in their hands from anywhere. They can score touchdowns from anywhere,” Washington said. “[That] makes it a lot harder for everyone else to defend.” Washington’s supporting cast on offense will be drastically different. His top three

football media day

wide receivers from last season all graduated. The most proven returner is Kaleb Webb, who secured 22 receptions for 318 yards and two touchdowns in 2025. Maryland also added transfers Chris Durr Jr. and Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding. Each led their respective teams in touchdowns last year. A clear top target is yet to emerge for the quarterback, Trickett said. “We all have different parts of our games that we all thrive in,” Webb said. “I feel like I’m more the 50-50 jump ball guy, and then you have Na’eem, he’s really like a running back. Once he gets the ball in his hands, he has good run after catching it. Durr is like a mix of both. He’s twitchy, but also explosive.” Trickett isn’t just seeking explosive pass plays. The 35-year-old offensive coordinator said “there is a point of emphasis on the run game.” The Terps returned their leading rusher from last season in DeJuan Williams. The redshirt sophomore amassed only 532 yards on the ground as part of the Big Ten’s worst rushing attack in 2025. Still, Trickett expects Williams to again be Maryland’s lead running back, now with more experience under his

belt. Spots behind him are less solidified with transfers Harry Dalton III and Terrez Worthy in the mix. “This is a trench league,” Locksley said. “Controlling the line of scrimmage is where your margin is.” Even with a weak run game in 2025, Maryland’s offense flashed potential, including a season-finale where Washington threw for 459 yards. But late-game struggles plagued the Terps last season. Washington’s first collegiate loss came in a 20-point collapse against the Washington Huskies, where he threw for just 46 fourth-quarter yards. The next week, the quarterback missed an open receiver and committed an intentional grounding penalty with about a minute remaining, resulting in a tight loss to Nebraska. Turnovers were also an issue. Washington threw a fourth-quarter interception in a loss to UCLA — the start of a six-game streak for the quarterback with at least one interception. “[It’s] all about the finish. Really, that was the part we lacked in last year,” Washing-

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ton said. “It’s something that we needed the experience to go through. We took the losses and turned it into a lesson.” Washington said he learned the importance of protecting the football and ensuring every play is a positive gain, rather than mainly going for large chunks of yardage. Both Trickett and Locksley mirrored his belief that the offense’s experience will make a difference late in games. Similarly, Locksley believes Maryland’s defensive lessons from last season’s mishaps will help it better close. And several of the Terps’ young defenders carry palpable excitement entering the season. Still, there’s no question who will be most looked upon to lead the team. Locksley said Washington has become a more vocal leader, playing a part in every aspect of change within the program. But the most telling question in the 20-year-old’s development remains to be answered: Can he lead on-field success? “It has become his team,” Locksley said. Now results need to follow.

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tuition increase

Here’s what to know about UMD’s tuition, fees increase this year By Tyler Quattrin I Staﬀ writer

Many students returning to the University of Maryland this fall will pay more for the 2026-27 academic year, as tuition and fees rise across the University System of Maryland. For Maryland residents, annual undergraduate tuition increased about 5 percent, from $10,490 last academic year to $11,014 this year. Annual tuition for out-of-state undergraduate students rose from $40,252 to $42,266, also a 5 percent increase. Mandatory fees, which include athletics, shuttle bus and student activity expenses, also increased by $20 for both in-state and out-of-state students. These tuition increases, coupled with slightly higher housing and dining fee esti-

mates, mean the university's estimated cost of attendance has gone up across the board. The university’s estimate for the total cost of attendance factors in housing, dining, books, transportation and personal expenses, which typically vary by student. For an in-state undergraduate student living on campus, the total estimated annual cost of attendance has risen almost 3 percent to $34,268, up from $33,360 last year. The estimated annual cost of attendance for an out-of-state student living on campus increased nearly 4 percent from $63,122 to $65,520. Graduate students at this university will also pay more in tuition this year. Annual tuition for Maryland-resident graduate students increased from $12,292 to $12,782,

while nonresident graduate tuition rose from $26,292 to $26,824. The university’s tuition hikes come as other colleges across Maryland raise prices for the upcoming academic year, a byproduct of financial pressures on the state’s larger university system. University system spokesperson Michael Sandler said a 10 percent decrease in state funding from budget cuts over the past three fiscal years and rising inflation are both reasons why the system is raising tuition. “We are experiencing greater uncertainty around state funding for the coming years,” Sandler wrote in a statement. “Our tuition remains lower than many of our peer institutions,” he added. “Modest

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tuition increase

increases are necessary to ensure we continue to deliver value and a strong return on investment for all students.” While several private institutions in the state cost students more, this university has the university system’s highest in-state and out-of-state tuition for undergraduates for fiscal year 2027, according to data from the system’s website. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County was the system’s second-most expensive. However, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County has a higher total of attendance for in-state students, including both tuition and fees, as its fiscal year 2027 fees are $2,284 more expensive than this university’s. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County also raised its tuition this year, but by smaller margins than this university’s 5 percent increase. Its in-state tuition has risen nearly 3 percent from $13,689 to $14,086, according to its website. Tuition for out-of-state students is now $34,183,

up from $32,745, marking a 4.4 percent increase. Rising employee wages and benefits as well as the need to sustain and enhance student services and programs are also factors behind the recent tuition raises, finance committee members of the university system’s Board of Regents said during an April meeting. Across the university system, tuition and mandatory-fee revenue is projected to increase by about $59.3 million, or 2.9

percent, from fiscal year 2026 to fiscal year 2027, the meeting’s minutes read. Ellen Herbst, the system’s senior vice chancellor for administration and finance, said at the April finance meeting that comparison research found this university to be “among the strongest values within the Big Ten,” according to the meeting minutes. Students can view this university's full 2026-27 cost of attendance breakdown on the Office of Student Financial Aid website.