# Dash for University of Maryland, College Park students > Dash is an AI sidekick students at University of Maryland, College Park (College Park, Maryland) text over iMessage and SMS for deadlines, Canvas, campus answers and admin. Independent; not affiliated with University of Maryland, College Park. Start at https://textdash.ai/start Page: https://textdash.ai/maryland/college-park/umd Checked: 2026-10-14 ## Key dates at UMD - Mon, Nov 2, 2026: Spring 2027: Early registration begins for currently enrolled students at their assigned appointment ([source](https://registrar.umd.edu/sites/default/files/2026-03/2026-2027%20Registration%20Guide.pdf)) - Wed, Nov 11, 2026: Fall 2026: Last day for undergraduates to drop a course with a W ([source](https://registrar.umd.edu/calendars/standard-registration-dates-deadlines)) - Wed, Nov 25, 2026: Fall 2026: Thanksgiving recess begins ([source](https://academiccatalog.umd.edu/about-university/academic-calendar/semester-calendar/)) - Sun, Nov 29, 2026: Fall 2026: Thanksgiving recess ends ([source](https://academiccatalog.umd.edu/about-university/academic-calendar/semester-calendar/)) - Thu, Dec 10, 2026: Spring 2027: Early registration ends ([source](https://registrar.umd.edu/sites/default/files/2026-03/2026-2027%20Registration%20Guide.pdf)) - Fri, Dec 11, 2026: Spring 2027: General registration begins ([source](https://registrar.umd.edu/sites/default/files/2026-03/2026-2027%20Registration%20Guide.pdf)) - Fri, Dec 11, 2026: Fall 2026: Last day of classes ([source](https://academiccatalog.umd.edu/about-university/academic-calendar/semester-calendar/)) - Fri, Dec 11, 2026: Fall 2026: Last day to withdraw from all courses with no refund ([source](https://registrar.umd.edu/calendars/standard-registration-dates-deadlines)) - Sat, Dec 12, 2026: Fall 2026: Reading day ([source](https://academiccatalog.umd.edu/about-university/academic-calendar/semester-calendar/)) - Mon, Dec 14, 2026: Fall 2026: Final exams begin ([source](https://academiccatalog.umd.edu/about-university/academic-calendar/semester-calendar/)) ## Tools and offices - Learning system: Canvas (https://www.elms.umd.edu/) - Student portal: https://testudo.umd.edu/ - Counseling Center — 24/7 crisis response: Call 301-314-7651. In-person crisis response is available during business hours at the Shoemaker Building reception desk; phone crisis response is available outside business hours. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. (https://counseling.umd.edu/get-help-now) - Counseling services: Short-term individual and group counseling for concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, trauma and academic challenges; referrals are available for long-term or specialized care. (https://thrivecenter.umd.edu/other-resources/well-being-resources) - After-hours nurse and crisis lines: After-hours nurse advice: 301-314-9386. Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988. Maryland Crisis Hotline: 1-800-422-0009; both crisis lines are available 24/7. (https://health.umd.edu/your-visit/emergency-and-after-hours-care) - CARE 24-hour sexual assault hotline: Call 301-741-3442. (https://counseling.umd.edu/get-help-now) - Office of the University Registrar: Registration and student records assistance: 301-314-8240; registrar-help@umd.edu. First floor, Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Building, 7999 Regents Drive. (https://registrar.umd.edu/registration) - Office of Student Financial Aid: Call 301-314-8377 or email umdfinaid@umd.edu. Located on the ground floor of the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Building. My FinAid provides aid status, offers and disbursement information. (https://financialaid.umd.edu/) - Accessibility and Disability Service (ADS): Eligible students can work with ADS to request reduced-course-load accommodations to meet full-time status. (https://registrar.umd.edu/sites/default/files/2026-03/2026-2027%20Registration%20Guide.pdf) - IT support / ELMS-Canvas: Call 301-405-1500 or email itsupport@umd.edu. (https://www.elms.umd.edu/) ## About UMD - UMD began as the Maryland Agricultural College, chartered in 1856 and opened in 1859 with 34 students. ([source](https://umd.edu/about/history)) - The Class of 1933 funded the original bronze Testudo statue partly by holding its senior prom on campus instead of at an expensive Washington hotel. ([source](https://umterps.com/sports/2018/6/7/school-mascot)) - Maryland basketball coach Lefty Driesell is generally credited with starting college basketball’s Midnight Madness tradition in 1971. ([source](https://umd.edu/about/athletics-and-events)) - The giant floral “M” on Campus Drive is planted with more than 850 flowers twice a year. ([source](https://umd.edu/student-life)) - The Stamp Student Union houses a food court, University Book Center, Hoff Theater and TerpZone entertainment hub. ([source](https://umd.edu/student-life)) - Students rub the bronze Testudo statue’s nose outside McKeldin Library for good luck and leave offerings during finals. ([source](https://umd.edu/about/history)) - First Look Fair brings hundreds of student clubs and organizations to McKeldin Mall to help students get involved. ([source](https://umd.edu/about/signature-events)) - Terps After Dark offers free events early in the fall semester to help students connect with each other. ([source](https://studentaffairs.umd.edu/student-life/events-traditions)) - Maryland Day features nearly 400 free activities, performances and demonstrations on the last Saturday of April. ([source](https://umd.edu/about/signature-events)) ## Questions ### What learning system does UMD use? University of Maryland, College Park uses Canvas (elms.umd.edu). Dash can read your courses and deadlines there once you sign in on Dash's secure page; Dash never sees your password. ### When is thanksgiving break at UMD? UMD's thanksgiving break is Nov 25–Dec 12, according to the school's academic dates. Dash can text you a heads-up the week before. ### When is the last day to withdraw from a course at UMD? Fall 2026: Last day for undergraduates to drop a course with a W (Wednesday, November 11, 2026). Always confirm the deadline for your own courses with the registrar. ### When are final exams at UMD? Fall 2026: Final exams begin starts Monday, December 14. Dash builds study plans around your own exam dates once it has them. ### How do I contact the registrar at UMD? Office of the University Registrar: Registration and student records assistance: 301-314-8240; registrar-help@umd.edu. First floor, Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Building, 7999 Regents Drive. ### Where do I get financial aid help at UMD? Office of Student Financial Aid: Call 301-314-8377 or email umdfinaid@umd.edu. Located on the ground floor of the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Building. My FinAid provides aid status, offers and disbursement information. ### Is Dash affiliated with University of Maryland, College Park? No. Dash is an independent AI sidekick made by Dash Inc. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by University of Maryland, College Park. ### How do UMD students start using Dash? Text Dash from textdash.ai and tell it you're at UMD. Dash sets you up over text right away, no app to download.