Fall Orientation Schedule

Welcome to Fall 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 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: 

  •  Immigration Basics (Sign-up through your Admissions Portal)
  • International Students Orientation Welcome Day:  
    • International Graduate Student Welcome on Friday, August 9, 2024  
    • International Undergraduate Student Welcome Day Tuesday, August 13, 2024
  • Graduate Only: New Graduate Student Orientation  hosted by the Office of Graduate Support 
  • Undergraduate Only: Advising Day and Library Exploration on Wednesday, August 14, 2024
  • 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 most weekdays at 8:30am beginning August 6 through the start of the semester. Find all the session dates and register through your 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. You will schedule a meeting with the Nonresident Tax expert. She will help you complete the required new employee paperwork 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 2024 International Students Orientation Schedule 

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

Immigration Basics – Most weekdays at 8:30am beginning August 5 through the beginning of the semester. Register through your Admission Portal.

International Graduate Welcome Day – Friday, August 9, 2024, 2:15 p.m. – 6 p.m., Giffels Auditorium, Old Main

  • 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) 
  • Dinner provided by ISS 
  • Interactive presentations on Academic Integrity, American Culture, FAQ Session


Dinner in an American Home (for International Graduate  Students) – Saturday, August 10, 2024, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

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


Graduate Student Orientation - Monday, August 12, 2024, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Union Verizon Ballroom

Graduate School and International Education (GSIE) and Student Affairs will host an in-person Graduate Orientation on at the Union Verizon Ballroom. Student check-in will begin at 8:45 AM. Breakfast and lunch provided! Register here.


International Undergraduate Welcome Day – Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Union Verizon Ballroom

  • 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

 

International Undergraduate Advising Day – Wednesday, August 14, 2024 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Holcombe Hall

  • Meet at Holcombe Hall at 8:30am
  • Advising appointments for undergraduate first-time and transfer students
  • Lunch provided by ISS
  • Library Exploration (mandatory for undergraduate students) 
  • Campus Tour
  • Optional: Transportation to Walmart

 

Dinner in an American Home (for International Undergraduate Students) – Saturday, August 17, 2024, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

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