International Student Orientation Schedule Fall 2008

The Haenicke Institute for Global Educations (Institute) is pleased you have chosen Western Michigan University to further your education. The International Admissions and Services (IAS) staff looks forward to meeting you during ISORP and working with you throughout your educational career at WMU.

The IAS is located in 4255 Ellsworth Hall and is open Monday through Friday from 8 - 12 p.m. and 1p.m. – 5 p.m. Our staff is available to assist you during Counselor-On-Duty or through individual appointments. Counselor-On-Duty walk-in hours are held 1:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. During these hours, you may walk in and sign a waiting list to see an advisor. Counselor-On-Duty walk-in hours are ideal for students with quick questions. More complicated issues should be discussed during an individual appointment. To schedule an appointment with a staff member, please call the IAS reception desk at 387-5866.

Enjoy the International Student Orientation and Registration Program!

Monday, August 25

9a.m. - 10a.m.

ISORP Registration - West Ballroom

Choose the line which alphabetically covers your last (family) name, as printed on your I-20 Form. You will be given a packet of information and a name tag. It is important that you wear your name tag throughout the week. The name tag will be your "admission ticket" to sessions, meals, excursions and if you attend all sessions you will be able to enter for a prize. Please bring your passport and I-20.

10a.m.

ISORP Welcome - West Ballroom

Dr. Donald McCloud, Dean of the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, and IAS staff will officially welcome you to Western Michigan University and share important information.

Overview / Meet Your Leader

After a brief overview of the Orientation process, you will get into small groups and meet your orientation leader. Your leader will spend some time throughout the day getting to know the members of the group. Please direct any urgent questions to your leader at this time.

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Math Placement Exam – West Ballroom

(Graduate, Christ College, Hindustan, St.Too, Egerton, Rajagiri, & Sunway students need not attend.) All undergraduate, students who have not taken Pre-calculus (MATH118) are advised to take this test. Meet promptly in the West Ballroom. Be sure to bring your transfer credit evaluation. The result of the math exam will be used for placement purpose only. The exam will take 1.5 hours.

Bronco Card - Room 215

Leaders will assist you with obtaining a Bronco Card. Students will visit the Bronco Card office to have pictures taken for their Western ID card that will include a Western Identification number (WIN).

Banking - Brown & Gold and Room 213

Representatives from National City Bank will assist you with opening a U.S. bank account.

1 p.m.

Lunch with your ISORP Leader

2 p.m.

Student Recreation - West Ballroom

Learn about the Student Recreation Center and facilities, free for full-time WMU students, intramural sports, and other recreational activities at WMU.

Bronco Card - Room 215

Leaders will assist you with obtaining a Bronco Card. Students will visit the Bronco Card office to have pictures taken for their Western ID card that will include a Western Identification number (WIN).

Banking - Brown & Gold and Room 213

Representatives from National City Bank will assist you with opening a U.S. bank account.

3 p.m.

Residence Life and Housing – Meet at the Info Table

Still need a place to live? Meet at the Info Table and leaders will take you do the WMU Residence Life and Housing office to help find you housing.

3 -3:30 p.m.

Academic Honesty - West Ballroom

Staff from the Office of Academic Integrity will advise students on how to follow the university’s policies on academic honesty in the classroom. Required session.

3:30 p.m.

Library Resources- West Ballroom

Staff from Library Resources will discuss how to use the libraries on campus and useful information to assist in your schoolwork at WMU.

4 p.m.

U.S. Health Care & Medical Insurance - West Ballroom

All international students are required to have health insurance. Cindy Clegg from the Sindecuse Health Center will share useful information on U.S. health care issues and the medical insurance system. Required session.

5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Shopping at Meijer

Transportation will be provided. We will go to Meijer, a large grocery/department store. Meijer has a good selection of essential items you may need such as pillow, blankets, etc. Due to the limited size of the bus, please purchase only essential items. This is not the time to buy large items, such as computers, large screen televisions, or bikes! Buses will return to the Bernhard Center around 7 p.m.

8:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.

After Dark Activities – Meet outside the Bernhard Center

Outdoor sports, giant flag football game, and pizza party.

Tuesday, August 26

9 a.m.

Breakfast with your ISORP leader - West Ballroom

Join us for a complimentary breakfast. During breakfast, you will check in with leaders to get an update and ask questions. Also, at this time you will receive your Bronco ID.

10 a.m.

Grading and Evaluation for Graduate Students – Brown & Gold Room

Learn university policies and procedures for graduate and postgraduate students: How do you get to know your advisor? What academic standards are required by the university? How do you change from one curriculum to another? When do you apply for graduation? What are the definition and the consequence of plagiarism in the U.S.? Required session.

Grading and Evaluation for Undergraduate Students – West Ballroom

Curriculum, major, advisor, honor points, plagiarism, academic dishonesty. Whether you are coming from an educational system similar to the U.S. system or very different from it, you need to know these terms to function at WMU. This session will explain the definition of these words and others. Westerns policies, organization, degree requirements, important semester dates and more will be discussed by Sandra Khan, international student admissions counselor. Required session.

11 a.m.

Immigration Rules and Regulations - West Ballroom

This session will introduce you to the basics of your immigration status in the U.S. and highlight crucial regulations. Please bring the following documents: passport, Form I-94 (small white card stapled next to your U.S. visa), and Form I-20 or DS-2019 (applicable to F and J visa holders). Required session.

12 p.m.

WMU 101 & Free Lunch – West Ballroom

Learn more about making your stay here at WMU a more exciting and memorable one. Hear about life at WMU from students’ perspectives. Session presented by orientation leaders to include activities that you can get involved at WMU and Kalamazoo. Required session.

1 p.m.

International Programs Council - West Ballroom

Come meet the student organization, International Programs Council (IPC) and learn what it has to offer you. Find out what activities IPC plans and takes part in: IPC Kickoff BBQ, Parade of Nations, a trip to Chicago, Halloween Dance, Ice Capades, International Festival, International Ball, and more. Meet the executive board and sign up to participate in IPC events.

2 p.m.

Course Registration Demo/GOWMU - West Ballroom

Laura Thomas from the Registrar’s Office will introduce you to WMU’s Web registration system. You will use this system to register for your classes. Once classes are registered, students are responsible for checking their student accounts online and pay tuition bills in a prompt manner. Required session.

3 p.m.

Campus Tour – Meet at ISORP Info Desk

Follow an orientation leader on a detailed campus tour so you can become familiar with WMU buildings you have classes in and learn more about the university. Meet at Info Table.

4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Welcome to Kalamazoo! – Meet outside Bernhard Center

Congratulations! You have made it through the second day of ISORP. Enjoy the pool, outside games, and other activities at College Park. Come and celebrate with Kalamazoo community volunteers for food and beverages. Meet people from the community and enjoy time off campus. Transportation provided.

8 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Travellin’ Max

Join domestic freshman students and other ISORP students for music and dancing. Travellin’ Max visits Goldsworth Valley Pond at WMU every fall to introduce his great show to the new students!

9:30 p.m. - 12 a.m.

After Dark Activities - Student Recreation Center

Inflatables, dance party (only flip-flops or gym shoes allowed), open basketball and volleyball courts, arts & crafts, and climbing wall.

Wednesday, August 27

9 a.m.

Breakfast with your ISORP leader - West Ballroom

Join us for a complimentary breakfast. During breakfast, you will check in with leaders to get an update and ask questions.

10 a.m.

Campus Safety at WMU - West Ballroom

Campus safety is a common concern. It's important to know how to protect yourself and your possessions. A Public Safety Officer from the Campus Police Department will discuss personal safety issues and answer questions. Required session.

11 a.m.

Session for Exchange Students - Brown & Gold Room

Required session for all exchange students. Cat Fuller will discuss issues relevant to exchange students, including transfer credit evaluations, program expectations, and academic standing. This is a great opportunity to meet the director and have specific questions answered about your program.

11 – 11:30 a.m.

Writing Center - West Ballroom

The Writing Center is a free resource for undergraduate and graduate students on campus. Former international students have said that the Writing Center gave them the personal help they needed to write papers, understand assignments, and study for American college classes. Come meet Kim Ballard of the Writing Center, who will talk about the office resources and show you how friendly people can help you accomplish serious work at WMU.

11:30 – 12 p.m.

Counseling Services – West Ballroom

Staff from the University Counseling Center will inform you of the resources their office can provide for students.

12 p.m.

1 p.m.

Meeting for Sunway College Transfer & St. Too Students - Brown and Gold Room

Required session for all Sunway students. Cat Fuller, from the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, will discuss issues relevant to Sunway students including transfer credit evaluations, program expectations, and academic standing. This is a great opportunity to meet the director and have specific questions answered about your program.

1 – 1:30 p.m.

Student Activities & Leadership Programs (SALP) – West Ballroom

Join the staff of WMU’s Student Activities and Leadership Programs (SALP) to learn about opportunities for getting involved in the WMU community. Student organizations, leadership opportunities, volunteer services, Homecoming, sororities/fraternities, and other activities at WMU will be discussed.

1:30 - 2 p.m.

Graduate Student Advisory Committee (GSAC) - West Ballroom

GSAC is or Graduate (master’s and doctoral) students only. This is a great opportunity to meet with GSAC representatives to learn more about available campus resources, services, and to network with other WMU graduate students.

2 p.m.

Meeting for Christ Colleges, Hindustan & Rajagiri Students - Brown and Gold Room

Required session for all Christ College, Hindustan, and Rajagiri students. Cat Fuller of the Haenicke Institute for Global Education will discuss issues relevant to C.C., Hindustan, and Rajagiri students including transfer credit evaluations, program expectations, and academic standing. This is a great opportunity to meet the director and have specific questions answered about your program.

2 – 2:30 p.m.

American Family Connection – West Ballroom

AFC Coordinator Brent Nesseth will explain the program overview, expectations and benefits of the program, and tips for starting your interaction with your Kalamazoo family. If you do not attend this session you may lose your place (and your family partner) to other students on the waiting list.

2:30 – 3 p.m.

Car Talk - West Ballroom

If you are thinking of buying a car, there are some things you should know: auto insurance requirements, tips for buying new and used cars, winter-time driving, to name a few. Brent Nesseth of International Students Inc. (ISI) will steer you in the right direction and share some of the pitfalls to be avoided.

3 p.m.

Meeting for Egerton Transfer Students – Brown & Gold Room

Required session for all Egerton students. Cat Fuller, of the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, will discuss issues relevant to Egerton students including transfer credit evaluations, program expectations, and academic standing. This is a great opportunity to meet the director and have specific questions answered about your program.

3 - 3:30 p.m.

Working on Campus - West Ballroom

On-campus employment is available to international students who are interested in working while attending WMU. But where do you apply, and how do you find campus job opportunities? Find out in this session.

3:30 – 4 p.m.

Using Metro Transit Bus – West Ballroom

How do you get to Meijer for groceries, Best Buy for computers, or browse books at Barnes & Noble if you do not own a car? Worry no more! Learn how to get to just about anywhere in Kalamazoo using the Metro Transit Bus System, which is available to WMU students free of charge (with your Bronco Card ID). Kelly Vanderkley, from Metro Transit, will inform you about the bus system in Kalamazoo.

4 p.m.

Culture Shock - West Ballroom

Lygia Mueller, graduate assistant for the Institute, and Limin Zhao will speak to you about culture shock in the United States and how to overcome it. Required session.

5 – 7 p.m.

Dinner with Leaders – Meet at Info Table

Eat dinner at a local restaurant with one of the orientation leaders and your ISORP friends. be sure to sign up for dinner earlier in the week at the ISORP Info Table.

6 – 8 p.m.

Reception for new Twinning and Exchange Students – President’s Dining Room

Reception for all students in Transnational Education (Twinning) programs and Exchange Programs. Meet with your seniors and faculty/administration at WMU! Food and beverages will be served.

8 – 10 p.m.

Stadium Night Activities

Show your school spirit at a pep rally with the WMU Athletic Department! Enjoy music, food, inflatables, Waldo Stadium and interactive video games.

Thursday, August 28

8:45 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Undergraduate & MBA Advising – Meet at Info Table

All non MBA graduate students should seek academic advising from their individual major advisor and departments.

12 p.m. -1:30 p.m.

Lunch & Campus Resource Fair – Meet at Info Table

Check out the annual Campus Resource Fair and Kalamazoo’s Kitchen. The Campus Resource Fair will help you learn everything you ever wanted to know about Western! Chat with academic advisors, faculty, and representatives from various colleges and departments. Learn about study abroad, volunteer opportunities, homecoming, bike registration, Registered Student Organizations, Sindecuse Health Center, academic departments, and faith and spiritual groups. And while you’re there, grab some free food from some of Kalamazoo’s greatest restaurants!

1:45 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Click Downtown – Meet at Flagpoles

This unique scavenger hunt will let you explore everything that downtown Kalamazoo has to offer and meet first-year American students. Groups will take pictures at each location of the scavenger hunt and submit them to win prizes to downtown Kalamazoo. This opportunity will also allow students to learn how to ride the Metro Transit, which is free for all WMU students! Load busses outside of Rood Hall.

2 p.m.

Grading and Evaluation for Graduate Students - Brown & Gold Room

Learn university policies and procedures for graduate and postgraduate students: How do you get to know your advisor? What academic standards are required by the university? How do you change from one curriculum to another? When do you apply for graduation? What is the definition and the consequence of plagiarism in the U.S.? Required session.

Grading and Evaluation for Undergraduate Students – West Ballroom

Curriculum, major, advisor, honor points, plagiarism, academic dishonesty. Whether you are coming from an educational system similar to the U.S. system or very different from it, you need to know these terms to function at WMU. This session will tell you the definition of these words and others. Westerns policies, organization, degree requirements, important semester dates and more will be discussed. Required session.

3 p.m.

Immigration Rules and Regulations – West Ballroom

This session will introduce you to the basics of your immigration status here in the U.S. Session will highlight crucial regulations. Please bring the following documents: passport, Form I-94 (small white card stapled next to your U.S. visa), and Form I-20 or DS-2019 (applicable to F and J visa holders). Required session.

4 p.m.

Course Registration Demo/GOWMU - West Ballroom

Laura Thomas, from the Registrar’s Office, will introduce you to WMU’s Web registration system. You will use this system to register for your classes. Once classes are registered, students are responsible for checking their student accounts online and to pay tuition bills in a prompt manner. Accounting services will demonstrate how the billing system works at WMU. Required session.

5 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

ISORP Pizza Party – Meet at Info Table

Enjoy free pizza and games at WMU! Join all the ISORP leaders and your friends for dinner outside at the Miller Plaza on campus. There will be free pizza, snacks, and beverages. Afterward come skating!

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Ice Skating – Meet at Miller Plaza

Show off your skating skills or try for the first time. Skate at Lawson Ice Arena, on WMU’s campus, to music, and celebrate the end of orientation! Ice skates provided.

9:30 p.m. - 1 a.m.

After Dark Activities – See your ISORP Schedule

Friday, August 29

8 a.m.

Trip to Lake Michigan & Saugatuck - Meet outside Bernhard Center

Buses will leave the front entrance of the Bernhard Center promptly at 8 a.m. Our first stop will be in downtown Saugatuck for shopping and a river cruise to Lake Michigan (bring a light jacket). From Saugatuck we will head to West Side County Park on Lake Michigan, where there will be time to enjoy the beach and a picnic lunch. The buses will return to the Bernhard Center by approximately 5:30 p.m. Be sure to bring own towels, sunscreen, and spending money.