Spring Orientation Schedule

Welcome to Spring 2024 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 Application 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)
    • International Students Orientation Welcome Day on Tuesday, January 9, 2024
  1. Graduate Only: New Graduate Student Orientation hosted by the Office of Graduate Support
  2. Undergraduate Only: Advising Day and Library Exploration on Wednesday, January 10, 2024
  3. 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 Admissions 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 January 3 through the start of the semester. Find all the session dates and register for a session through your International Admissions 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.

Spring 2024 International Students Orientation Schedule

Below is the tentative schedule of orientation and welcoming events for Spring 2024. When planning, please also the University's Academic Semester Calendar (link opens new window).

 

Immigration Basics – Every weekday at 8:30am beginning January 3 through the beginning of the semester. Register through the Applicant Portal.

 

International Welcome Day – Tuesday, January 9, 2024, 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
  • 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

 

International Undergraduate Advising Day – Wednesday, January 10, 2024 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

 

A Day of Belonging – Thursday, January 11, 2024 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

  • Interactive games hosted by the Adventure Therapy Lab

 

Social Programming – Friday, January 12, 2024, times to be determined

 

Lunch in an American Home  - Saturday, January 13, 2023, 11:30 a.m. – 2:00pm

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

 

Reconnection - Saturday, January 27, 2024, times to be determined

  • Trip to Bentonville to explore Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
  • Registration required, spouses invited, transportation from campus provided
  • Highly encouraged for late arriving students