Fall Orientation Schedule

Welcome to Fall 2023 Orientation 

Times and locations for events are subject to change. Additional details to follow. Email issworld@uark.edu for the latest information. RSVP for Welcome Days, Immigration Basics, and other events through your Admission Portal. 

 

International Students Orientation 

International Students Orientation is hosted by International Students and Scholars (ISS) to welcome new international students to campus, connect to local resources, and start their journey of belonging at the University of Arkansas. 

Mandatory Sessions 

These are mandatory for all international students. Please make sure attend these events: 

1. Immigration Basics (Sign-up through your Admissions Portal)

2. International Students Orientation Welcome Day:  

    • International Graduate Student Welcome on Friday, August 11, 2023  
    • International Undergraduate Student Welcome Day Tuesday, August 15, 2023

3. Graduate Only: New Graduate Student Orientation  hosted by the Office of Graduate Support 

4. Undergraduate Only: Advising Day and Library Exploration on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 

5. Graduate Students with Assistantships Only: Graduate Assistant Tax Compliance Session with Human Resources 

 

Immigration Basics 

Immigration Basics is mandatory for all international students on F1 and J1 status and is required before registering for classes. Schedule your Immigration Basics session on your International Admission Portal. 

After arrival into the U.S. and before your Immigration Basics session, you will need to upload a copy of your passport, visa, I-94 and I-20 or DS2019. After each Immigration Basics session, our mentors will escort you to the Health Center for your TB test & MMR immunizations. Afterward, you will be escorted to other offices on campus to complete necessary tasks. Please have your schedule free after the Immigration Basics session. 

If you are not on F1 or J1 status, please contact  issworld@uark.edu. 

Immigration Basics sessions are offered every weekday at 8:30am beginning August 7 through the start of the semester. Find all the session dates and register for a session through your International Admission Portal. 

 

Graduate Assistant Tax Compliance Session 

Required for all F-1 and J-1 students who have an on-campus job or University of Arkansas scholarship. Miranda Gibson (mirandag@uark.edu) is the Nonresident Tax expert. She will meet with you to help you complete the required new employee paperwork required before you can set up Payroll. You will need to have your GLACIER profile completed and bring all of your original immigration documents to the meeting. 

 

Fall 2023 International Students Orientation Schedule 

Below is the tentative schedule of orientation and welcoming events for Fall 2023. When planning, please also review the University's Academic Semester Calendar (link opens new window). 

 

Immigration Basics – Every weekday at 8:30am beginning August 7 through the beginning of the semester. Register through your Admission Portal. 

 

International Graduate Welcome Day – Friday, August 11, 2023, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

  • University welcome from Graduate School and International Education (GSIE), International Students and Scholars (ISS), and campus partners 
  • Small group breakouts per college with Cross Cultural Mentors (CCMs) 
  • Lunch with international faculty, provided by ISS 
  • Graduate Student Panel 
  • Interactive presentations on Academic Integrity, American Culture, Academic Success Strategies, UA Police Department 
  • Optional: Dinner Hop (pay your own way) and transportation to Walmart 

Dinner in an American Home (for Grad International Students) – Saturday, August 12, 2023, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

  • Experience a family meal in an American home 
  • Registration required, transportation from campus provided
  • Contact ifriend@uark.edu for more information

 

International Undergraduate Welcome Day – Tuesday, August 15, 2023, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

  • University welcome from Graduate School and International Education (GSIE), International Students and Scholars (ISS), and campus partners 
  • Small group breakouts per college with Cross Cultural Mentors (CCMs) 
  • Lunch provided by ISS 
  • Interactive presentations on Academic Integrity, American Culture, Academic Success Strategies, UA Police Department 
  • International Resource Fair with community and campus partners 
  • Identity Mixers with domestic students in collaboration with the Multicultural Center and New Student and Family Programs 
  • Optional: Transportation to Walmart 
  • Encouraged: Meet Me @ the MC & Outdoor Movie Night  

 

International Undergraduate Advising Day – Wednesday, August 16, 2023 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

  • Advising appointments for undergraduate first-time and transfer students 
  • Lunch provided by ISS
  • Library Exploration (mandatory for undergraduate students) 
  • Campus Tour and Scavenger Hunt 
  • Optional: Transportation to Walmart 
  • Optional: Taste of Fayetteville 

 

Field Trip to Wilson Park – Friday, August 18, 2023 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

  • Interactive games hosted by the Adventure Therapy Lab 
  • Optional bike ride on the Arkansas Greenway! 
  • Sack lunch provided by ISS 
  • Spouses and children invited! 

 

Dinner in an American Home (for Undergraduate International Students) – Saturday, August 19, 2023, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

  • Experience a family meal in an American home 
  • Registration required, transportation from campus provided