Mandatory Orientation for International Students
Monday, August 25, 2008 - MSU Conference Center, (3rd floor, Student Union)

• 9:00 am to 12:00 pm: All international and Canadian students
• 9:00 am to 4:00 pm: Non-Canadian international students only

MSU is dedicated to helping our new International Students succeed! To get you started on the right foot, we’ve developed an Arrival Orientation that all Canadian and other International students are required to attend.

Please note that this orientation is in addition to the general campus-wide "CONNECT" orientation that is required of all new students at MSU.

It is very important that you be present at the international orientation because it will greatly contribute to your experience as an International Student in the United States and at Minot State University. Please note that if you fail to attend, an administrative "Hold" will be placed on your student record and you will not be able to add or drop classes. Your registration in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) will also be delayed, which could create future concerns with the Department of Homeland Security.

Orientation Sessions will cover the following topics:

• Overview of Federal Immigration Regulations:
• What are my responsibilities as an International Student?
• What does it means to be "in status?"
• Course enrollment requirements
• What is "academic progress"
• How do I change my major?

• Employment Issues for International Students:
• On-campus employment - "hard cash"
• Off-campus employment - "practical training"
• Social Security Numbers- Rules and Regulations

• Valuable information regarding health insurance, autos, the U.S. banking system and other cultural issues you will face

Your family is encouraged to join you for the orientation, and everyone will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of each presentation.

Please confirm how many people will attend the orientation by emailing your International Student Coordinator, Ronnie Walker at: ronnie.walker@minotstateu.edu or by calling +1-701-858-3978, by August 18th at the latest.

Welcome

The Office of International Programs is committed to promoting, supporting and celebrating an international environment at Minot State University. Our mission is to:

1. Develop, coordinate and encourage the creation of quality programs in order to achieve identified strategic goals for the university’s further internationalization;
    
2. To create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages global understanding through education abroad, cultural programming, and support of international students and scholars.

Consistent with this mission, the Office of International Programs is responsible for the following activities:

• Issues non-immigrant visa documents
• Advises international students and exchange visitors on immigration regulations, social/cultural adjustment, health insurance, health care, travel, and financial matters.
• Assists university faculty and staff in understanding and complying with non-immigrant visa regulations
• Advises students, faculty and staff on international exchange opportunities
• Manages Minot State University’s study abroad and reciprocal exchange programs throughout the world.
• Assists in the development of new international exchange opportunities at Minot State University.
• Serves as the university liaison for international partner institutions.
• Provides information on international faculty exchanges and development programs
• Coordinates and plans international cultural events
• Supports International Club activities

» International Students
» Study Abroad
» International Faculty and Scholars
» Information for MSU Faculty and Staff
» General OIP Information
» International Friendship Program