For pre-arrival information, please visit www.global.vcu.edu/students/admissions/accepted.html.
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You have made a wonderful choice to attend VCU and are well on your way to an exciting collegiate experience full of academic opportunity and personal growth. International students face many challenges when beginning their studies in a new country. The Global Education Office staff offers assistance, guidance and support to students as they adjust to a different culture and pursue their educational goals.
Below, you will find information about International Student Orientation, as well as several other new student activities that you won’t want to miss!
International Student Orientation Fall 2013
It is our pleasure to invite you to International Student Orientation at VCU. International Student Orientation serves as the Global Education Office’s formal welcome event for international students. It is a required program for all new and transfer undergraduate and graduate students with F or J visas who have been admitted to an academic degree program at VCU, including those students required to take the English Placement Test before beginning their academic program. While students with other visa types are not required to attend International Student Orientation, they are still welcome to attend if they wish to do so.
For orientation registration, please visit www.global.vcu.edu/students/connections/started/orientation.html.
We encourage international students to arrive for the fall 2013 semester by Monday, August 12, 2013, to allow time to get settled before orientation activities begin. Don't forget to read through GEO's pre-arrival checklist to make sure you're prepared for your first semester at VCU: http://www.global.vcu.edu/admitted
| Date: | Wednesday, August 14, 2013 |
| Location: | Check back later for details |
| Time: | Check back later for details |
| What to bring: | Passport, I-94 card, I-20 or DS-2019, and (where applicable) other miscellaneous documentation that International Admissions requires in order to finalize your acceptance (ex: high school transcripts, TOEFL score, financial documents, etc.). |
What to expect at International Student Orientation
- International Student and Scholar Programs will advise you on housing, health insurance and a variety of other opportunities available at VCU (monthly excursions, conversation partners, coffee hour, volunteer opportunities, etc.).
- Immigration services will advise you on regulations you should be aware of in order to maintain your immigration status at VCU.
- International admissions and immigration services will host check-in sessions to make sure that you have completed all the administrative requirements necessary to begin your studies on time.
- Utilizing university computer labs, our knowledgeable staff will assist you with navigating VCU’s online services (including email, course registration and the university emergency notification system).
- Current international students will provide the inside scoop on academics, campus involvement and social life at VCU.
Important dates for new international students
Please take note of the following activities for new students and direct any questions to Amanda Velez at advelez@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8792.
New Student Orientation (for transfer students)
Dates available in June and July or on Aug. 13
Transfer students must attend a special New Student Orientation designed specifically for transfer students. Students may select from several NSO-transfer dates in June, July or August. Transfer students may register online. We highly recommend that transfer students attend NSO as early as possible to ensure that course registration and credit transfer happens in a timely manner.
English Placement Test (for academically admitted students)
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
The English Placement Test and ELP Advising Day apply to students admitted to an academic program at VCU, whose acceptance letter indicates that their enrollment is tentative upon establishing proof of English language skills. The English Placement Test determines students' initial placement in English Language Program classes and how many academic classes they will be able to take, if any. Students must fill out and return the ELP Placement Test Reservation Form along with the $150 testing fee (or the online payment confirmation sheet) in order to reserve their spot on test day.
VCU New Student Orientation for first year/freshman students
Thursday, August 15, 2013
New Student Orientation is a required program for new undergraduate students accepted to academic programs, who are not required to take the English Placement Test. During sessions with your academic department and adviser, you will learn more about your area of study and finalize your course selection. Don't forget to email International Admissions Coordinator Alica Hodges at ahodges@vcu.edu with your V-number indicating your intent to attend VCU so that you'll be eligible to register for NSO. If you are a student who is currently residing in the U.S., you may choose to register online for an NSO date in June or July instead of waiting until August to attend NSO
Graduate Student Orientation
Friday, August 16, 2013
Graduate School Orientation introduces new graduate students to VCU and the city of Richmond. Departments also conduct individual orientation sessions with representatives available to talk with students and answer questions. Graduate students who are unable to attend an orientation session are encouraged to review the Graduate School's new student resources for more information on the university, student services and the graduate program.
VCU Welcome Week
August 17-25, 2013
Every year, incoming and returning students are welcomed back to campus with the week-long tradition that will get everyone into the Ram Spirit! Welcome Week is jam packed with educational sessions, social activities, entertainment and much more. From the University Student Commons to the Siegel Center, from Cabell Library to Cabaniss Hall, get to know VCU and meet some great people along the way.
First day of academic classes
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Learn more at http://academiccalendars.vcu.edu/