Exchange and Visiting International Student Orientation Welcome! Are you in the right room? This room is for students hosted by Division of Continuing Studies Visiting International Student Program
Exchange and Visiting International Student Orientation Welcome! University Overview Host office introduction Host office - specific updates Today s schedule Reminders and events ISS visa rules & regulations briefing University of Wisconsin Madison
The University of Wisconsin - Madison Established in 1848, when Wisconsin became a state Today, a top research university with thousands of course options Our mascot Bucky Badger Over 40,000 students Students from over 130 countries and all 50 US states Almost 2000 special students (that s you!) You re not alone other exchange and visiting students
Division of Continuing Studies-VISP DCS is your host office How many of you are VISP? Other DCS programs? We ll continue to support you during your time here on campus Need help, but not sure where to begin? Contact us! visp@dcs.wisc.edu
Where is DCS located?
In-person advising Advising Options 21 North Park Street, room 7101 Weekdays between 7:45am 4:30pm Walk-in advising and appointments available. Online advising By email to VISP@dcs.wisc.edu. Checked during business hours. Video/chat advising hours posted each week on www.visp.wisc.edu
Facebook Chat https://www.facebook.com/vispatuw/ Online advising options during posted hours Blackboard Collaborate & Google Hangouts Click to join
Today s Schedule Time Activity Location - Grainger Hall 12:30-1:00 Registration West Atrium 1:00-2:15 Host Office Session Room 1100 2:15-2:45 Coffee/Tea Break West Atrium 2:45-3:15 Session I Check Schedule 3:25-3:55 Session II Check Schedule 4:05-4:35 Session III Check Schedule
West Atrium Resources Registration Table: General questions? We ve got answers, or will know who can help! Staffed by VISP & Exchange Coordinators from all UW-Madison Host Offices. ISS Table: International Student Services handles all questions and concerns regarding your F-1 or J-1 visa. SHIP Table: Student Health Insurance Plan staff will be available to answer any SHIP coverage questions. UWPD Table: A University of Wisconsin Police Officer will be happy to answer any questions about laws and being safe on campus.
Orientation Reminders By now you should have already completed the following online: Academic Overview Student Life Getting Around Health & Safety If you haven t, watch them today or tomorrow! Course Enrollment If you haven t enrolled yet, enroll in courses immediately through your Student Center at www.my.wisc.edu What should I do if I haven t yet heard back from a professor about enrolling in a class? Or if I m still on a waitlist?
Academic Calendar Credit Load 12-18 for undergraduates 8-15 for graduate students Grad students: 15 is a very heavy workload! ESL (English Language) Courses ESLAT Testing Dates Tuesday, September 4 at 1:00pm, room 4281 Helen C White, 4 th Floor Bring I.D. Transcripts Academics Reminders https://ordertranscript.wisc.edu/ Order yours after grades post
Dates & Deadline Reminders Event Date Classes Begin Wednesday, September 5 Last Day to Drop Class without DR on transcript Last Day to Add Class / Last Day to Drop Class for 100% Refund Last Day to Drop Class ( DR noted on transcript) Wednesday, September 12 Friday, September 14 Friday, November 2 Last Day of Class Wednesday, December 12 Last Exam Day Thursday, December 20 https://registrar.wisc.edu/dates/
Event Reminders MFIS Reception Saturday, September 1 11:00am-3:00pm Registration Required: http://www.mfismadison.com/ ISS Shopping Trip Sunday September 2 Noon-4:00pm Bus departs from Chazen Museum Registration required ISS Photo Scavenger Hunt Monday, September 3 1:00-4:00pm Memorial Union, Great Hall (4 th floor) Registration preferred
Apply to join BRIDGE! Event Reminders BRIDGE is an international friendship/buddy program that helps international and US students connect on campus. Apply by Sunday, September 2! https://bridge.iss.wisc.edu/ VISP Advising Breakfast Tuesday, September 11 9:00-11:00am Drop in advising with the VISP team. Get your questions answered while having donuts, coffee or tea
Things to Do Update your Contact Information in MyUW Mailing Address (in Madison) Home Address (in your home country) Provide Emergency Contact information Check in with International Student Services (ISS) If you haven t done this already September 4, 10am-4pm, Memorial Library, 2nd floor Bring your passport, DS-2019/I-20, mailing address, emergency contact information, I-94 card, and NetID and password Enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or file a qualifying waiver by September 14.
Things to Get Student ID (identification) card Photo ID Office - Union South, Room 149 (M-F, 8:30-5:00) ASM Bus Pass Free for all students! 333 E Campus Mall, Student Activities Center (SAC) 4 th Floor OR Union South Books and Materials Check your course materials through Student Center and syllabi Purchase online, at the University Bookstore, or at other local shops and campus printing centers
Advice from the Visiting International Student Program (VISP) Read monthly VISP Newsletters Like & subscribe to our Facebook feed so you see our updates Review the ½ sheet with FAQs and advice from past students Final advice: Go to office hours and introduce yourself to each professor Join at least one student organization If you need help, please ASK! Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone Have fun
Visa Rules & Regulations Briefing
Questions?
Before you go, let s take a group photo!