Welcome to UNI!
Dear New International Student,
Welcome to the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). On behalf of the UNI community, we thank you
for your decision to study here at UNI. To help you have a good start to your experience here, you are
required to attend all of the sessions of this mandatory new international student orientation taking
place the week prior to the start of your first semester on campus. In addition to getting some great
information, students who sign-in during each session will be entered to win one of eighteen $100
scholarships! It is intended that this program along with the ongoing support of the International
Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) will enable you to feel welcome, comfortable and to be successful
at UNI.
We have designed sessions to help you learn how the University works, how to find and use resources
that will help you be a successful student, how to protect your immigration status, and how to adjust to
life in the U.S. You will have the opportunity to register for classes, open a bank account and learn
about how to find a job on the UNI campus. You will have a chance to go shopping and will have
plenty of time to get to know other international and American students and have some fun! We
believe the program will serve you well and we look forward to your participation.
Take a close look at the enclosed orientation schedule. Please do not hesitate to ask questions about
the activities and sessions that have been planned for you. We look forward to meeting you when you
get to Iowa and to helping you to arrive at the residence hall or apartment in which you have chosen to
live. Please schedule your travel based upon the information provided in the “Arrival and Travel
Instructions” section of the enclosed schedule.
We look forward to meeting you in January!
Go Panthers!
Sincerely,
Dr. Nadia Korobova
Associate Director International Students and Scholars
nadia.korobova@uni.edu
Ms. Jenna Vsetecka
International Student Advisor
jennav@uni.edu
ARRIVAL AND TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS
 Please make your travel plans so that you arrive on campus on January 5, 6 or 7. You may not
arrive earlier or later! Services will not be available and residence halls will not be open until
January 5.
 Please send us your arrival information as soon as you know your travel plans by using the
form available at http://www.uni.edu/internationalservices/arrivalform.shtml. If you have
difficulty with the web form above, you may send an e-mail message to
international.services@uni.edu to report your arrival information.
o The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) will arrange the transportation
between the Waterloo Municipal Airport (in Waterloo) (ALO) or the Eastern Iowa
Airport (in Cedar Rapids) (CID) and your assigned housing. We strongly recommend
that you use ALO airport; pick-ups are not arranged from other airports. ALO Airport
is located approximately 10 minutes away from the UNI campus and there is a $35 fee for
pick-up. CID Airport is approximately 1 hour away from the UNI campus and there is a
$120 fee for pick-up. ISSO will arrange for transportation from the airport to your
residence hall or apartment when you arrive between January 5 and January 7.
o You may arrange and pay for your own transportation from ALO and CID or other
Airports or if you arrive prior to January 5 and plan on staying at one of the local hotels.
You may find list of taxis/cabs and shuttles at
http://www.uni.edu/internationalservices/international-student-handbook/cedarfalls/waterloo/travel. If you choose to do this, please e-mail
international.services@uni.edu indicating that you are arranging your own
transportation to campus letting us know when you arrive to your residence hall or
apartment so appropriate arrangements can be made.
 To report delays, flight changes and other information during your trip please call ISSO
mobile/cell phone number at 319-269-7278 or e-mail international.services@uni.edu
IMPORTANT POINTS TO KNOW
 New international student orientation is mandatory! Besides, if you sign your name in a sign-in
sheet during each session you could be one of 18 lucky new international students who will win
$100 scholarship! If you miss a session, you will have to make it up individually with an
advisor at a later time.
 One-time $100 International Student Orientation Supplement Fee, $210 New Student
Programs/Matriculation Fee, and $44.08 orientation housing and meals fee (per night) will be
charged to your account/university bill. This program, along with the ongoing support of the
ISSO, will enable you to feel welcome, comfortable and to be successful at UNI. Sessions will
help you learn how the university works, how to find and use resources that will help you be a
successful student, and meet fellow students and university staff who will play a big part during
your time at UNI.
 When you arrive on campus, please visit The Department of Residence Office in 10 Redeker
Center as soon as possible (between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday) to get your UNI
ID card. Once you receive your card, you will be able to access dining centers and facilities on
campus immediately. 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided on campus
during the orientation period. Restaurants and eating establishments on College Hill (adjacent
to campus) and limited on-campus facilities will also be open for meals and snacks.
 It is your responsibility to make your own housing arrangements before you arrive. To live in
residence halls, you must apply for housing in advance at
https://www.uni.edu/dor/contracting/complete-housing-and-dining-contract; with any
further questions, please contact Jean Wiesley at jean.wiesley@uni.edu. If you qualify and
with to live in UNI apartments – you must apply for housing in advance at the link above; with
any further questions, please contact Deb McConahie at deb.mcconahie@uni.edu.
 Please note that you will need to bring your own linens (bed sheets, pillow, pillowcase, blanket,
towel and washcloth) or you may purchase a full set at ISSO upon arrival for $60.
 As soon as possible after you arrive on campus, please bring your travel and immigration
documents to ISSO located in the room 113 upper level of Maucker Union (between 8:00 a.m.
and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday). Maucker Union is building #27 in the center of the
UNI campus on the campus map at http://www.uni.edu/infosys/campusmap/index.shtml#
 For students without a meal plan during the semester meals during orientation are NOT
provided. Please be prepared to pay cash if you choose to join us for lunch on Wednesday,
Thursday, and Friday during orientation.
 For students living in any of the Residence Halls, Spring 2013 meal plans will begin
immediately upon your arrival on or after January 5.
 International Student Orientation Supplement Fee and New Student Programs/Matriculation
Fee will be charged to all new international students will the exception of exchange students;
these fees fund services that are available especially for new international UNI students.
Orientation housing and meals fee will be charged to all new international students living in the
dorms.
 The University of Northern Iowa requires international students entering the University
purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) provided by the Student Health
Clinic. International students will be automatically enrolled in SHIP and billed for SHIP on
their university bill for each semester they are registered in classes or for each month they are
present on campus as an enrolled student. International students may choose to add their
dependents to their health insurance policy at an additional cost. Exceptions allowed under this
policy: International students with foreign government-sponsored or corporate health insurance
(e.g., SAUDI Mission insurance, Kazakhstan insurance, John Deere & Co. Insurance, and other
comparable insurance approved by the UNI Student Health Clinic ). Students who have
coverage which is sponsored by the aforementioned agencies must provide documentation to
the Student Health Clinic by the tenth class day of each semester AND international students
who spend three weeks or less at the University.
 All new international students must be screened for tuberculosis (TB) which will take place on
January 11 from 8:30 to 10:30am. There is a $97 fee for this testing; however, all or part of
this fee might be covered by your health insurance coverage, including the UNI Student Health
Insurance Plan (SHIP). To learn more about SHIP, please go to
http://www.uni.edu/health/insurance/documents/UNI-International2011-12-Brochure.pdf;
with any further questions please contact Connie Potter at connie.potter@uni.edu.
 Graduate students are not assigned a specific registration time. You should contact your
respective departments or Graduate College at gradcollege@uni.edu prior to arrival and
arrange for a time to meet with a faculty advisor for assistance in this process.
 For eligible students who have arranged to live in UNI apartments, please note that these
apartments are not furnished. They do not come with beds, chairs, tables, desks,
kitchenware or any other moveable items. A cooking stove, oven, and refrigerator only are
provided in the kitchen of each apartment. For more information go to
http://www.uni.edu/dor/housing/apartmentssuites.
 For most up-to-date orientation schedule, please go to www.uni.edu/internationalservices
Saturday, January 5
8:00 a.m.9:00 a.m.
Breakfast: Served in the ISSO Lobby in the Maucker Union in front if room 113
1:00 p.m.2:00 p.m.
Lunch: Served in the ISSO Lobby in the Maucker Union
6:00 p.m.7:00 p.m.
Dinner: Served in the ISSO Lobby in the Maucker Union
Sunday, January 6
8:00 a.m.9:00 a.m.
Breakfast: Served in the ISSO Lobby in the Maucker Union
1:00 p.m.2:00 p.m.
Lunch: Served in the ISSO Lobby in the Maucker Union
6:00 p.m.7:00 p.m.
Dinner: Served in the ISSO Lobby in the Maucker Union
Monday, January 7
8:00 a.m.9:00 a.m.
Breakfast: Served in the ISSO Lobby in the Maucker Union
1:00 p.m.2:00 p.m.
Lunch: Served in the ISSO Lobby in the Maucker Union
6:00 p.m.7:00 p.m.
Dinner: Served in the ISSO Lobby in the Maucker Union
Tuesday, January 8
8:00 a.m.9:00 a.m.
Breakfast: Served in the ISSO Lobby in the Maucker Union
1:00 p.m.2:00 p.m.
Lunch: Served in the ISSO Lobby in the Maucker Union
3:00 p.m.
Campus Tour: Meet at the International Students and Scholars Office,
Maucker Union – Ramya Varadaraju & Christine Schick
Enjoy a look around UNI’s beautiful campus and learn where to go for your
classes, activities and other parts of your campus life. The tour will stop at the
Department of Residence Office, where you can get your official UNI Student
ID Card, if you haven’t gotten one yet. Wear warm clothes and comfortable
shoes.
5:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.
Welcome Dinner: Served in the ISSO Lobby in the Maucker Union
Dine with UNI International Programs staff members and your peers to
welcome you to UNI and to prepare you for our important New
International Student Orientation.
Wednesday, January 9
7:00 a.m.8:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
Breakfast: Served in the ISSO Lobby in the Maucker Union
8:00 a.m.
Class Registration for EXCHANGE STUDENTS ONLY: Meet at the
International Students and Scholars Office – advising-services@uni.edu
Meet with UNI Academic Advisors to choose your schedule of classes for the
spring semester.
Evaluation of English Proficiency for PROVISIONALLY OR
CONDITIONALLY ADMITTED STUDENTS ONLY:
Baker Hall room 72 – ciep@uni.edu
This is a mandatory session for all provisionally or conditionally admitted
students. Students participating in English testing will register for classes on
Thursday morning. You may come to ISSO at 7:50 a.m. for assistance in finding
Baker Hall room 72, or go to Baker Hall room 72 directly by 8:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
Introduction to the U.S. System of Education: Maucker Union State College
Room – Jennifer Suchan jennifer.suchan@uni.edu
The U.S. system of education can be quite different than the system in your
home country. Learn what grades, credits, grade point average, program of
study and other terms mean, and many other useful tips. We will also discuss
plagiarism, an issue that may be handled differently here than it is in other
countries.
12:00 p.m.
Lunch with International Student Association Representatives: Depart
together from Maucker Union State College Room – Bryant Dowd
bryant.dowd@uni.edu
Take a break and get lunch at the Rialto Dining Center (Towers Center) and
meet with current UNI students from the International Student Ambassador
Club.
*Please bring cash if you do not have a meal plan.
1:30 p.m.
Employment at UNI: Maucker Union State College Room – Matthew Nuese
matthew.nuese@uni.edu and Evie Waack evelyn.waack@uni.edu
Would you like to take advantage of your eligibility to be employed on campus
and earn some extra money? If so, this session will inform you of where to look
and what to do. You will also learn about what a “Social Security Number” is
and how to get one if you become employed at UNI.
2:30 p.m.
Paying your “E-Bill” and Managing your Money: Maucker Union State
College Room – Gloria Wenger gloria.wenger@uni.edu and Jenna Vsetecka
jennav@uni.edu
Find out how you will pay your tuition and fees and how to view your account
online in this session. We will also discuss some tips about how to manage your
money while in the U.S.
3:00 p.m.
Vendor Fair: Maucker Union University Room
Representatives from local banks and mobile/cell phone companies will be
available to tell you all about the products and services that they have available
for you. This will be your opportunity to make an informed choice about which
local bank to use while you are here at UNI. You will have the opportunity to
open an account and deposit money (be sure to bring your money to deposit,
your I-20 form or DS-2019 form and your passport with I-94 card) and get a
U.S. cell phone with a local number.
Wells Fargo Bank https://www.wellsfargo.com/
I Wireless Cell/Mobile Phones http://www.iwireless.com/
Europa Cycle & Ski http://www.europacycle.com/site/
5:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.
Dinner: Rialto Dining Center (Towers Center)
6:00 p.m.
Evening activity with International Student Association!
Noehren Hall Rec Room – Bryant Dowd bryant.dowd@uni.edu
Come and enjoy a movie night with the ISA.
*Please bring cash if you don’t have a meal plan.
Thursday, January 10
7:00 a.m.8:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
Breakfast: Served in the ISSO Lobby in the Maucker Union
8:00 a.m.
Meeting for CONDITIONALLY ADMITTED STUDENTS ONLY: Meet in
the International Students and Scholars Office – Kristi Marchesani
kristi.marchesani@uni.edu
This session is only for conditionally admitted students who were required to
test for English. Results of the exam and information on class registration will
be provided.
11:00 a.m.
Meeting with the Study Abroad Center Staff for EXCHNAGE STUDENTS
ONLY: Maucker Union State College Room – Stephanie Miller
stephanie.miller@uni.edu and Lisa McClain lisa.mcclain@uni.edu
New exchange students will meet the Study Abroad Center staff who will
respond to questions regarding exchange matters.
12:00 p.m.
Lunch with International Student Promoters Representatives: Depart
together from Maucker Union State College Room – Wilson Rojas Bugueno
rojaswaa@uni.edu
Take a break and get lunch at the Rialto Dining Center (Towers Center) and
meet with current UNI students from the International Student Promoters Club.
*Please bring cash if you do not have a meal plan.
1:30 p.m.
Safety, Security and Student Services: Maucker Union State College RoomLeslie Williams leslie.williams@uni.edu and Helen Haire helen.haire@uni.edu
The UNI and Cedar Falls community is considered to be a safe place and this
session will teach you some safety tips to help you keep yourself safe and out of
trouble. Find out how you can work with campus Police and about more
services available to help you have a safe and successful experience at UNI.
2:30 p.m.
How to Get Involved: Maucker Union State College Room - Connie Hansen
constance.hansen@uni.edu and Mike Bobeldyk, mike.bobeldyk@uni.edu
There is much more to the UNI experience than attending classes. Find out just
how much fun you can have and how much there is to do to enrich your life as a
student. Learn all about our student government system and how you can
become involved.
Class Registration for NEW AND TRANSFER
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY: Meet in the
International Students and Scholars Office – advisingservices@uni.edu
Meet with UNI Academic Advisors to choose your schedule of classes for the
spring semester.
3:00 p.m.
Violence Prevention and Substance Abuse Services: Maucker Union State
College Room – Mark Rowe-Barth mark.rowe-barth@uni.edu
Spend some time with UNI’s Violence Prevention Educator and learn more
about violence prevention and healthy student lifestyles, as well as the
mandatory Student Success™ online program: Unless There's Consent - Sexual
Assault Prevention.
3:30 p.m.
Student Health Clinic & Health Insurance: Maucker Union State College
Room - Connie Potter connie.potter@uni.edu
Why does UNI require health insurance for international students? How does
the U.S. health care system work? What is SHIP? What can the UNI Health
Center do for you? Find out answers to these questions in this session.
5:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
Dinner: Rialto Dining Center (Towers Center)
*Please bring cash if you don’t have a meal plan.
Evening activity with International Student Promoters Club! Maucker
Union Center for Multicultural Education – Wilson Rojas Bugueno
rojaswaa@uni.edu
Come and join in some fun games and activities with some current international
students. You will also learn about and how to do the UNI Interlude dance.
Friday, January 11
7:00 a.m.8:00 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
Breakfast: Served in the ISSO Lobby in the Maucker Union
10:30 a.m.
Immigration Regulations: Maucker Union Elm Room – Ross Schupbach
ross.schupbach@uni.edu
This session will highlight the basics of your immigration status and what you
need to do to stay in good standing with the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security. New developments in the handling of student information will be
discussed, and the importance of following the rules of your visa status will be
emphasized.
TB Testing: Student Health Clinic – Connie Potter
connie.potter@uni.edu
Health Clinic personnel will be on-hand to perform tuberculosis screening.
This is mandatory for all international students. Please see the UNI Health
Requirements letter sent to you or ask the International Services Staff for more
information if you have questions about this. You must bring all your health
and vaccinations forms to this session. You will be required to take a twodose MMR immunization if you do not provide documentation from home
during this session.
12:00 noon
Lunch with UNI staff: Rialto Dining Center (Towers Center)
Please join us for lunch. Meet and eat with members of the UNI community
who keep the University going.
*Please bring cash if you do not have a meal plan.
1:30 p.m.
Intercultural Communication: Maucker Union Elm Room – Nadia Korobova
nadia.korobova@uni.edu and Jenna Vsetecka jennav@uni.edu
Life in the U.S. may not be quite like it is at home. Share your stereotypes and
expectations of Americans, play a slang game, and learn about some of the
American culture tips.
2:30 p.m.
Travel and Transportation in Cedar Falls: Maucker Union Elm Room –
Becca Byrne internationalservices@uni.edu
This session will show you where things are in Cedar Falls and neighboring
Waterloo, and how to travel by foot, bicycle, bus or car to the places you want to
go.
3:00 p.m.
Rod Library Tour: Meet at the International Students and Scholars Office Angela Cox angela.cox@uni.edu
Rod Library tour will provide you with a head start and find out where things
are, who to ask with library questions, and where the best places to study are
located.
5:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.
Dinner: Rialto Dining Center (Towers Center)
6:30 p.m.
Friday Fun Night at the WRC: Wellness Recreation Center
Join returning international students and bring your exercise clothes, sport shoes
and swimwear for an evening of recreation, relaxation, sport and social time.
The entire WRC will be open just for us!
*Please bring cash if you don’t have a meal plan.
Saturday, January 12
9:00 a.m.10:00 a.m.
Breakfast: Served in the ISSO Lobby in the Maucker Union
10:00 a.m.
Cedar Falls Driving Tour and area Shopping Trip: Meet at the International
Students and Scholars Office
You will take a public bus to shop for supplies, clothing, gifts, snacks and more.
12:00 p.m.1:00 p.m.
Lunch: Rialto Dining Center (Towers Center) or at Shopping Mall on trip
5:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.
Dinner: Rialto Dining Center (Towers Center)
Sunday, January 13
12:00 p.m.1:00 p.m.
Lunch: Rialto Dining Center (Towers Center)
5:00 p.m.-
Dinner: Rialto Dining Center (Towers Center) or Piazza Dining Center
(Redeker Center)
6:00 p.m.
Friday, January 18
3:30 p.m.
First Friday Party: International Students and Scholars Office
Come and celebrate the end of your first week of classes and compare
experiences with your new friends. Appetizers and refreshments will be
provided! Winners will be drawn for $100 scholarships awarded to 18 lucky
new international students who attended all orientation sessions.
Spring 2013 Events
Sunday January 13
Wednesday January 30
Friday February 8
Tuesday February 12
Wednesday February 20
TBD
Friday March 8
Tuesday March 12
Wednesday March 27
Tuesday April 9
Sat/Sun April 13/14
Wednesday April 24
Thursday May 2
International Student
Association’s Welcome
Back Reception
Lunch & Learn Workshop
International Student
Association’s Valentine’s
Day Dance
Ethnic Food Celebration
Lunch & Learn Workshop
Ski Trip
Spring Exchange Students
Reception
Ethnic Food Celebration
Lunch & Learn Workshop
Ethnic Food Celebration
Trip to St Louis, Missouri
Lunch & Learn Workshop
Spring Graduation &
Farewell Reception
4 p.m.
Georgian Lounge, Commons
12-1 p.m.
7-11 p.m.
College Eye Room, MAU
Commons Ballroom
6:30 p.m.
12-1 p.m.
ISSO Lobby, MAU
Oak Room, MAU
3-4:30 p.m.
University Room, MAU
6:30 p.m.
12-1 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
ISSO Lobby, MAU
College Eye Room, MAU
ISSO Lobby
12-1 p.m.
7 p.m.
TBD, MAU
TBD