International Student Orientation UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA Guidebook & Schedule International Student Orientation Welcome to the University of Northern Iowa! We are enthusiastic that you chose to attend UNI and participate in International Student Orientation (ISO). ISO is a mandatory program required for all new international students. During ISO, you will have a chance to attend informative sessions, meet UNI staff and professors, register for classes, go shopping, participate in evening activities, and much more. You will also make lots of new friends! ISO and its sessions are designed to help you get started as a new UNI student; therefore, it is important that you attend all sessions in person. Our goals are to help you: adjust to academic and social life at UNI comply with government regulations and maintain your immigration status learn about on- and off-campus resources and support services learn how to navigate the physical environment of the campus become more aware of local community and U.S. culture meet new people and make friends from around the world We hope you find this guidebook and schedule useful during ISO and beyond. Please review the information and do not hesitate to ask questions about the activities and sessions that have been planned for you. We are glad you are here and look forward to meeting you! Ms. Genevieve Roesler Beecher Associate Director International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) 2 University of Northern Iowa Table of Contents Welcome to the University of Northern Iowa! ......................................... 2 Check List .................................................................................................. 4 Travel Plans and Arrival Information ........................................................ 6 ISO Presenters ........................................................................................... 9 ISO Schedule ........................................................................................... 10 ISSO Programs and Activities .................................................................. 24 UNI Campus Map .................................................................................... 25 Notes ....................................................................................................... 26 International Students and Scholars Office ............................................ 28 3 International Student Orientation Check List Before ISO Register for ISO Register for UNI NOW! Complete New International Student Arrival Form Let us know when you plan to arrive in Cedar Falls. We offer rides from the airport as well as linen packets when you arrive so you don’t have to worry about shopping right away. Add international.services@uni.edu to email contacts You will receive essential emails from our office prior to ISO and throughout your time here at UNI. Add our email address so you are up to date on any immigration related announcements as well as programs and events. Like ISSO on Facebook and follow us on Twitter Stay connected with current and future students as well as ISSO staff. Learn about ISSO and university-wide events and programs and join the ISO Facebook Event. Move in to residence hall or apartment Department of Residence: Redeker Center Room 10 During ISO Immigration Check In International Students and Scholars Office: Maucker Union 113 Obtain University ID card Department of Residence: Redeker Center Room 10 Sign into MyUNIverse Assistance is available at the Computer Consulting Center: Innovative Teaching & Technology Center Room 36 Sign into eLearning Assistance is available at the Computer Consulting Center: Innovative Teaching & Technology Center Room 36 4 University of Northern Iowa Sign in to UNI e-mail Assistance is available at the Computer Consulting Center: Innovative Teaching & Technology Center Room 36 Open bank account (optional) Bank of your choice; local banks at Student Resource Fair Obtain cell (mobile) phone (optional) Provider of your choice; many providers at Student Resource Fair Register for classes (courses) Take TB test and submit immunization records On your Own/After ISO Purchase textbooks University Book & Supply: 1009 W 23rd Street Pay U-Bill (university bill) Cashier’s Office Gilchrist Hall Room 103 Update UNI Directory information Assistance is available at the Computer Consulting Center: Innovative Teaching & Technology Center Room 36 5 International Student Orientation Travel Plans and Arrival Information Policies and fees are subject to change Remember that International Student Orientation is mandatory! If you miss a session, you may need to make it up individually with an advisor at a later time. All new undergraduate international students (with the exception of some exchange students) are required to pay new student fees. Fees include (but are not limited to) the $320 acceptance fee; the one-time $225 New Student Program/Matriculation Fee, required by all students; and a one-time $105 International Student Orientation Supplement Fee. Regardless if you attend ISO or not, all new international students are charged these fees. Arrive on campus August 14, 15, or 16 and make arrangements to be in Cedar Falls during this time. Services (including on-campus housing) will not be ready or available prior to August 14. ISO’s mandatory session begin on Monday, August 17. Airport pick-up Airport pick-up from specific locations is provided at no cost to you starting on August 14 through August 16. Book your air travel to Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO), which is served by American Airlines offering connecting service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). If you cannot fly into ALO (10 minutes from campus), services may be available in Cedar Rapids. For more information, email ISSO. ISO Arrival Form Submit the online ISO Arrival Form by August 1st and send us your arrival information as soon as you know your travel plans. Submit the form even if someone else is picking you up from the airport or if you are arriving early. If you need to be picked up from the airport, ISSO will 6 University of Northern Iowa arrange for your transportation to the UNI campus at no cost to you as well as prepare optional linen packets for a small fee. To report arrival changes, flight changes, delays and other information during your trip, call the ISSO mobile/cell phone number at +1-319-2697278 or email ISSO. Housing If you arrive prior to August 14, you must arrange for your own lodging and plan your own transportation. However, you still must fill out the ISO Arrival Form and inform us when you are planning on arriving to the UNI campus. It is your responsibility to make your own housing arrangements before you arrive. To live in the residence halls, you must apply in advance at and direct any questions to Jean Wiesley, Assistant Director. The residence hall rooms are furnished with a bed, desk and dresser for your belongings. To live in the Hillside-Jennings apartments, visit the Housing website. Note that there are specific requirements to live in these apartments. Further questions can be directed to the Hillside-Jennings Apartments Office. The Hillside-Jennings apartments are not furnished (no beds, chairs, tables, desks, kitchenware, etc.). The only items provided include a cooking stove, oven, and refrigerator. You may either bring your own linens (bed sheets, pillow, pillowcase, blanket, towel and washcloth) or you may purchase a full set upon arrival for $60 from ISSO. When you submit your ISO arrival form, you can request a linen packet from ISSO. Linen packets can be picked up from your residence hall office upon arrival to campus. Students living on campus will be given temporary access keys to enter the building. Once you have obtained your student ID on Monday, August 17, your ID will become your access key to your residence hall. 7 International Student Orientation Meals Meals during orientation will be provided to all students. Until you receive your Student ID Card, you will use temporary meal cards. Meal cards will be provided when you check into your residence hall (for students living on campus) or at the ISO Welcome Breakfast (for students living off campus). You will begin using your student ID to obtain meals beginning on Monday, August 17 at lunch. For students living in any of the residence halls, Fall 2015 meal plans will begin at the end of ISO at the dinner meal by using your UNI ID card or finger print scan (optional), which you will get during orientation. Health Insurance UNI requires international students to purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) provided by the Student Health Clinic. International students will be automatically enrolled in SHIP and billed $140 for each month they are an enrolled as a student ($25 for dental insurance is optional). For more information visit the Student Health Center website or contact Connie Potter, Administrative Specialist. All new international students must be screened for tuberculosis (TB). You will be responsible for a $10 charge that will be charged directly to your U-bill. The remaining cost will be covered by SHIP. Class Registration All undergraduate students (first-year and transfer) and exchange students will register for classes as part of ISO. Graduate students are not assigned a specific class registration time. You should contact your respective departments or email the Graduate College prior to arrival and arrange for a time to meet with a faculty advisor for assistance in this process. Orientation Schedule For the most up-to-date orientation schedule, go to the ISSO website. 8 University of Northern Iowa ISO Presenters* Angela Cox Rod Library Ashley Brickley Disability Services Christina Gewke Office of Business Operations Christopher Neuhaus Rod Library Connie Potter Student Health Center Dana Foster Wellness and Recreation Center Deanne Gute Academic Learning Center Emily Borcherding Academic Learning Center Helen Haire Dean of Students Jason Vetter Information Technology Services Jean Neibauer Academic Advising Jean Wiesley Department of Residence Jennifer Suchan Registrar’s Office Josh Sankey Academic Advising Kathy Peters Academic Learning Center Kristi Marchesani International Admission Latricia Hylton Academic Learning Center Leila Rod-Welch Rod Library Leslie Williams Dean of Students Lori Seawel Information Technology Services Mark Rowe-Barth Student Wellness and Health Education Matt Nuese Career Services Nick Rafanello Department of Residence Robert Swazo School of Applied Human Sciences Roland Ferrie University Relations Ross Schupbach International Students and Scholars Office Stephanie Miller Study Abroad Center * Some presenters may not be listed above 9 International Student Orientation ISO Schedule Use the meal cards (also called conference cards) obtained from your residence hall upon arriving if you live on UNI campus for all meals at the Dinning Centers. Two peer mentors will be available at each meal on Saturday and Sunday. Meet them in the Redeker Center lobby 15 minutes before each meal. Look for purple shirts. Friday, August 14 7 – 8 am Piazza Breakfast 11:30 am – 1 pm Piazza Lunch 5:30 – 6:30 pm Piazza Dinner Saturday, August 15 7 – 8 am Piazza Breakfast 11:30 am – 1 pm Piazza Lunch 5:30 – 6:30 pm Piazza Dinner 7 pm TBD ISA Welcome Event Meet the International Student Association. 10 University of Northern Iowa Sunday, August 16 7 – 8 am Piazza Breakfast 11:30 am – 1 pm Piazza Lunch 1 – 4 pm Meet behind Maucker Union on Wisconsin Street Shopping trip Ride a comfortable bus (provided) to shop at Walmart, Best Buy and the Crossroads Mall. 5:30 – 6:30 pm Piazza Dinner 7 pm TBD Scavenger Hunt The International Student Promoters invite you to join them for a quest around campus. Reminder for Monday Please remember to bring your passport, visa stamp, I-20 or DS-2019 for Immigration Check-In. You will also be receiving your UNI ID Card and you will return your temporary meal cards and residence hall access cards. Please bring both temporary cards with you on Monday morning. 11 International Student Orientation ISO Day 1: Monday, August 17 7 – 9 am Piazza ISO Welcome Breakfast 9 am – 12 pm The Essentials Receive your ISO materials, meet your Peer Mentors and the ISO Team, and learn what to expect from ISO. Two teams at a time, you will complete one of these three steps every hour. 113 Maucker Union Department of Residence, Redeker Center ITTC 134 Immigration Check-In Bring all your travel documents (Passport, Visa Stamp, I-20 or DS-2019) and welcome packet. Student ID Stop at the Department of Residence, where you can get your official UNI Student ID card and finger print scan, if you choose. You will turn in your temporary access card (if you live on campus) at this time. MyUNIverse and eLearning Learn the basics of how to operate the online blackboard system through eLearning. This will be a component used in many of the classes you will take at UNI. This session will also introduce MyUNIverse. Teams and Times Teams 1 and 2 Teams 3 and 4 Teams 5 and 6 9 – 10 am Check-In My UNIverse Student ID 10 – 11 am My UNIverse Student ID Check-In 11 am – 12 pm Student ID Check-In My UNIverse 12 University of Northern Iowa 12 – 1 pm Piazza Lunch 1:15 – 2:15 pm Sabin Hall Room 2 Introduction to the U.S. System of Education and the U.S. Classroom 2:15 – 2:45 pm Sabin Hall Room 2 Ins and Outs of Living on Campus 3 – 5 pm Student Resource Fair Dianji students only: Lunch with College of Business Administration staff. A staff person will meet you outside the Piazza at the North entrance. Learn about the highlights of the U.S. system of education which are different than the system in your home country. Find out what grades, credits, grade point average, program of study, and other terms mean, and many other useful tips. U.S. classroom etiquette is also quite different. Learn how to interact with your professors and classmates and how to be successful. A faulty member will conduct a 15 minute mock class session to allow you to be better acquainted with the US classroom. Learn about what it’s like to live on the UNI campus and all the options that are available to you as an on-campus resident. This session will cover both housing and meal plan options for UNI students and how to make the most of living on-campus. This session is primarily for those students living on campus or those who have a meal plan; however, all students are welcome to attend. Representatives from local banks, mobile/cell phone companies and on-campus offices and organizations will be available to tell you all about the products and services that they have 13 International Student Orientation available for you. You will be able to open a bank account and deposit money. You can also get a U.S. cell phone with a local number. Be sure to bring your money to deposit, your passport and your I-20 or DS-2019. 5:30-6:30pm Piazza Dinner 6:30 pm Follow your Peer Mentors Team Huddle 7 pm Residence Halls Sit with your team for dinner to get to know your teammates. Meet with your team for a short debriefing of the day. Use this time to ask any questions left over from the day and find out more about the next day. Resident Assistants Welcome Reminder for Tuesday 14 University of Northern Iowa ISO Day 2: Tuesday, August 18 7 – 8 am Piazza Breakfast 8:15 am – 12 pm Curris Business Building Room 5 Class Registration 8:30 – 9 am Sabin Hall Room 2 Program Overview 9am – 12 pm Sabin Hall Room 2 Class Registration 9 am Redeker Center Morning Huddle 9:30 – 10:30 am Rod Library Library Tour 10:30 – 11:30 am Union Getting Involved and Greek Life Grab breakfast on your own and go to the next session that applies to you. Most students will meet their teams at 9 am. BSMP, Dianji and Exchange students have different schedules for the morning and meet their teams at lunch. Dianji Students Only: Meet one-on-one with a business advisor to choose your schedule of classes for the semester. Brazilian Scientific Mobility Students Only: Meet with International Admissions staff members who will provide more information regarding the program, including important dates, campus contacts, and answer any questions you might have. Exchange and Brazilian Scientific Mobility Students Only: Meet with UNI academic advisors and faculty members to choose your schedule of classes for the semester Meet your Peer Mentors in the lobby of the Redeker Center to start your day. Library staff will introduce to all the resources available for your success at UNI. Learn about involvement on campus and in Greek life from current UNI students. 15 International Student Orientation 12 – 1 pm Piazza Lunch 1:15 – 2:15 pm Sabin Hall Room 2 Immigration Regulations 2:15 – 2:45 pm Sabin Hall Room 2 Employment at UNI 2:45 – 3:45 pm Maucker Union Group Photo and T-Shirt 3:45 – 4 pm Sabin Hall Room 2 Student Disability Services 4 – 5 pm Sabin Hall Room 2 Safety, Security, and Student Services With your team. All BSMP, Exchange and Dianji should rejoin their ISO teams at the dining center. Learn about 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 (if any) in the handling of student information will be discussed, and the importance of following the rules of your visa status will be emphasized. Learn if you are eligible for employment and where to look for a job and what to do. Find out about what a Social Security Number is and how to get one if you become employed at UNI. Receive your ISO T-Shirt and pose for pictures with your team and with all new international students. Find out about the services offered by the disability services office, who and for what purposes students can use this office, and to answer any questions you may have regarding disability services. Learn the tips to help keep yourself safe and out of trouble. Find out how you can work with public safety and about more services available to help you have a safe and successful experience at UNI. 16 University of Northern Iowa 5 – 5:30 pm Follow your Peer Mentors Team Huddle 5:30 – 6:30 pm Piazza Dinner 6:30 pm Wellness and Recreation Center Wellness and Recreation at UNI Meet with your team for a short debriefing of the day. Use this time to ask any questions left over from the day and find out more about the next day. With your team. Learn WRC facilities and services. Bring your exercise clothes, shoes, and swimwear for an evening or recreation, relaxation, sports, and social time with other international and American students participating in JumpStart. Reminders for Wednesday All students need have checked-in with ISSO before being able to register for classes. If you have not yet checked in with ISSO, please go to 113 Maucker Union at 8 am on Wednesday morning, before class registration begins at 9 am. 17 International Student Orientation ISO Day 3: Wednesday, August 19 7 – 8 am Piazza Breakfast 9 – 11:30 am Sabin Hall Room 2 Class Registration 9:30 am Meet at 113 Maucker Union English Placement Test 9:30 – 10:30 am Library Tour Meet your team for breakfast. New and Transfer Undergraduate Students Only: Meet with UNI Academic Advisors and faculty members to choose your schedule of classes for the semester. – advising-services@uni.edu Provisionally and conditionally admitted students due to insufficient English proficiency only: The English placement test will begin at 10 am. The test will take approximately four hours. The test will take place in the Curris Business Building Room 227. Exchange, BSMP and Dianji Students 10:30 – 11:30 am Gilchrist Meeting the Study Abroad Center Staff 11:30 – 12:30 pm Piazza Lunch 1:00 – 1:45 pm Sabin Hall Room 2 Student Health Clinic and Health Insurance 1:45 – 2 pm Exchange Students Only Meet the Study Abroad staff who will respond to questions regarding exchange matters. Meet up with your team outside of the North Entrance to Piazza for lunch. Find out why UNI requires health insurance for international students, how the U.S. health care system works, what is SHIP, and what can the UNI Health Center can do for you. Break 18 University of Northern Iowa 2 – 5:00 pm Academic Learning Center Oak Room Maucker Union Elk Room Maucker Union Teams and Times 2:15 – 3:15 pm 3:15 – 4:15 pm 4:15 – 5:15 pm Success at UNI All the information you need to succeed at UNI. Academic Success and Tour Learn about the Academic Learning Center and other resources in place to ensure your academic success. Find out how professional staff from each one of these units can help you succeed in the classroom and tour the academic learning center facilities. Intercultural Communication Learn how 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 and win prizes! Paying your U-Bill and Managing Money Learn how to 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. Teams 2 and 3 Teams 4 and 5 Teams 6 and 1 Intercultural Academic Paying your UCommunication Success Bill Intercultural Paying your U- Academic Communication Bill Success Intercultural Paying your U- Academic Communication Bill Success 5:30 – 6:30 pm Piazza Dinner 6:30 – 7:30 pm Follow your Peer Mento Team Huddle Evening Res Halls/Piazza UNI NOW! Evening Activities With your team. Meet with your team to prep your skit for Sunday’s Welcome Back Celebration. Student organizations, Midnight Breakfast Bingo 19 International Student Orientation ISO Day 4: Thursday, August 20 7 – 8 am Piazza/Rialto Breakfast 8 – 11:30 am Mandatory Health Clinic Eat breakfast with your new friends. In the morning, get your TB Test at the appropriate time and Join UNI NOW! at 11:30 am. Health Clinic personnel will be on-hand to perform a tuberculosis (TB) screening. This is mandatory for all international students. You must bring all your health and vaccination forms to this session. You will be required to take a two-dose MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) immunization if you do not provide documentation from your home country. 8 – 9:30 am 113 Maucker Union Conditionally admitted and CIEP students 9:30 – 10:30 am Student Health Center Students with last names beginning with A-M 10:30 – 11:30 am Student Health Center Students with last names beginning with N-Z 9:45 – 10:15 am Last Names N-Z 10:45 – 11:15 am Last Names A-M Curris Business Building Staying Healthy at UNI and Energizer Find out about violence prevention and healthy student lifestyles, as well as the mandatory Student Success™ online program. Learn about the recreation, fitness, wellness, certifications and other opportunities that our Wellness Recreation Services can offer you. 20 University of Northern Iowa 10 – 11 am Bartlett Hall Room 1017 English placement test results 11: 30 pm Gallagher Bluedorn UNI NOW! 2 – 4 pm Scavenger Hunt 4 – 5 pm McLeod Center Panther Kick-off and Class Photo – Wear Purple! 6:30 – 8:30 pm Outdoor Picnic and Entertainment 9 – 11 pm Outdoor Movie 11 pm – 1 am Target After Hours Shopping Trip Provisionally and conditionally admitted students only: Find out your English placement test results and register for classes (CIEP or academic). Join all new UNI students at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center for Lunch and to kick-off extended orientation. 21 International Student Orientation Friday, August 21 7 – 8 am Rialto s Breakfast 9 – 9:50 am Rotation 1 10 – 10:50 am Rotation 2 11 – 11:50 am Lunch or Rotation 3 12 – 12:50 pm Lunch or Rotation 3 1 – 1:50 pm Rotation 4 2 – 3:15 pm Student Employment Fair 3:15 – 4 pm Snack Break 4 – 4:50 pm Diversity and Inclusion Processing with RAs 5 – 6 pm Rialto 7 pm and 9:30 pm GBPAC 9 pm – 1 am Dinner Hypnotist/Illusionist Late Night Activities with RHA Saturday, August 22 7:45 – 8:45 am Rialto 9 – 10 am Breakfast Service Project 9 – 10 am Zumba 10 am – 2 pm Bike Tours, Trails, and Park Exploration 11 am – 2 pm Panthers on Main 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Rialto 1 – 4 pm 4:30 – 8:30 pm Lunch Paddle the Pond Sand Volleyball 22 University of Northern Iowa 5 – 6:30 pm Graduate College Picnic 5 – 6 pm Transfer Dinner with the President 5 – 6 pm Rialto Dinner Sunday, August 23 7:45 – 8:45 am Rialto 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Rialto TBD 5:30 – 8 pm Commons Ballroom Breakfast Lunch Afternoon Activity – TBD Welcome Back Celebration It is time to celebrate! Join with other new and returning international students to celebrate the start of a great semester. UNI administrators will be there to welcome everyone. There will be food, drinks and plenty of time to meet new people. Students are encouraged to wear their traditional clothing. 23 International Student Orientation Upcoming ISSO Programs and Activities ISSO offers a variety of programs and activities. Watch the ISSO newsletter for details and dates throughout the year. Day Trips One day trips across the Midwest open to all international students. Next Trip: Saturday September 19, 2015 – Adventure Land (Des Moines) Ethnic Food Celebrations Team up with other students from the same country or region and create an authentic meal from your home. Cooking facilities and ingredients are provided by ISSO in collaboration with UNI Catering. Next Celebration: Thursday, September 24, 2015 - University Room, Maucker Union Lunch & Learn Workshops One hour lunches featuring different topics relevant to international students. Lunch is provided. Meet at ISSO at 113 Maucker Union. International Friendship Program Participate in this community based program, which matches international students with volunteer community families in order to get to know an American family. Local Intercultural Service Program Play games, create arts and crafts, play a national sport, make ethnic food, present a slideshow about your home country or anything else you can think of! Graduation & Farewell Celebrations Celebration of the successful end of the semester. Watch ISSO electronic newsletter for details. All international students are welcome! 24 University of Northern Iowa UNI Campus Map ISSO is located on the upper level of Maucker Union Majority of orientation will take place in Maucker Union University Room - Lower Level of Maucker Union 25 International Student Orientation Notes 26 University of Northern Iowa 27 International Student Orientation Staff International Students and Scholars Office Genevieve Beecher genevieve.beecher@uni.edu Associate Director, International Student Advisor University of Northern Iowa 113 Maucker Union Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0164 U.S.A. Julie Hill julie.hill@uni.edu Secretary Phone +1 (319) 273-6421 Fax +1 (319) 273-6103 Ross Schupbach Email Website Facebook Twitter Skype: uni-international ross.schupbach@uni.edu Immigration & Advising Coordinator Felix Weigel weigelf@uni.edu Graduate Assistant, Program Assistant Summer Office Hours: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm Regular Office Hours: 8 am – 5 pm ДОБРО ПОЖАЛОВАТЬ WELCOME 欢迎 BIENVENUE ً ابمح ر आपका स्वागत है EXSPECTATA 歓迎 WILLKOMMEN 환영 VELKOMMEN ДОБРЕДОЈДОВТЕ BIENVENIDA BEM-VINDO ยินดีตอ้ นรับ VÍTEJTE স্বাগত GAIDĪTS स्वागत छ DIALU-ALUKAN آًد خوشVÄLKOMMEN ҚОШ КЕЛДІҢІЗ CHÀO MỪNG स्वागतम ् ЛАСКАВО ПРОСИМО SELAMAT DATANG კეთილი იყოს თქვენი 28