International Student/SEVIS Orientation
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The OISS staff is eager to welcome new students from around the world to Regent University! All new and transfer F-1 and J-1 students with I-20s or DS-2019s who will be enrolled in on-campus degree programs are required to attend the International Student/SEVIS Orientation. The comprehensive Fall Orientation is held the week prior to the academic orientations and two weeks prior to the start of classes. A very condensed orientation is held during the first week of classes for the Spring term. Most schools do not offer academic orientations for the Summer and Spring sessions, which makes the academic adjustment rather difficult for international students. With Spring classes starting only 1-2 days after the University re-opens from the holidays, students who arrive in early January from overseas do not have adequate time needed for physical, mental, and emotional adjustment prior to the start of classes. For these reasons, international students who are coming to Regent from overseas are required to enroll in the Fall semester. The only exception to this rule is for students attending Regent under the Handong Exchange agreement (which requires spring enrollment), and students who will be transferring to Regent from other U.S. institutions. On-campus students who begin degree programs in the Summer must attend the Fall International Student Orientation in August and should plan accordingly. F-1 and J-1 students should not book their flights to the U.S. until they have received their student visas and have confirmed the dates of the International Student Orientation for the semester they were admitted to Regent.
The comprehensive Fall International Student Orientation Program includes:
- Special assistance with getting settled, such as trips to local stores, banks, and cell phone providers; a campus tour; and a library tour;
- Information Sessions on "F-1 Immigration Rules, Responsibilities, & Benefits", "Campus Security & U.S. Laws", "Academic Expectations", "The Writing Center", "Cultural Adjustment", and more;
- The opportunity to get acquainted with other students, and with people and places on campus;
- Information and materials on programs and services available on campus and in the community.
The Fall, 2012 International Student Orientation will be held on Thursday, August 9 and Friday, August 10. Special assistance with getting settled will be offered on Wednesday August 8, so all F-1 and J-1 students who will live on-campus must arrive at Regent by Tuesday, August 7. Here are some important details:
- Designated Arrival and Airport Pick-Up Dates for the Fall, 2012 Orientation:
Monday, August 6 and Tuesday, August 7.
- Mandatory Immigration Registration:
Within 2 days of arrival at Regent, all new international students are required to register their immigration documents with the Office of International Student Services (OISS). Please bring your passport, I-20, I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, and the phone number and e-mail address of at least one emergency contact person. The OISS is located in the Student Center, Suite 201 (2nd floor). Walk-in Hours: 2 - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.
- Getting Settled:
Students who would like assistance with local banks, cell-phone providers, and shopping for necessities should come to the OISS on Wednesday, August 8 at 8:30 a.m. (Student Center, Room 201). Transportation and meals will be provided for student orientation participants only.
- Fall 2012 Orientation Schedule:
The official Orientation Program and Information Sessions will begin on Thursday, August 9 with a light breakfast at 9:30 a.m. in the Fountain View Room of the Regent Ordinary (First Floor, Student Center). The orientation will conclude around 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 10. Meals will be provided for student orientation participants.
- Orientation Fee:
An International Student Orientation fee will be posted to each new student's account before the semester begins and must be paid along with tuition and fees by the first day of classes. The current fee for the Orientation is $175.00 with an added charge of $100 per guest. The fee covers the costs of the airport pick-ups, orientation meals, Getting Settled transportation, orientation materials, a social event, some welcome gifts, and the local tour.
*Special Note to Residency Students Regarding Immigration Registration with the OISS:
F-1 international students coming to Regent for residency only will not attend an International Student Orientation but they are required to make an appointment with the OISS within 2 days of their arrival for immigration registration purposes. Do not neglect this registration, as this may result in serious consequences to any future entries to the U.S. or attempts to obtain a U.S. visa. For the immigration registration you will need to bring the following items: Your passport, I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, I-20 (if you have one), local U.S. address and phone number, and emergency contact information.
Questions?
Call or email the OISS at 757.352.4130 or ljohnson@regent.edu.
