Fall 2021 & Spring 2022 International Student Orientation

Orientation fall 2021 will be online in D2L/Brightspace starting on Tuesday, August 17. More instruction on the ONLINE orientation will be provided upon arrival.

 

This is a tentative schedule for in-person Spring 2022 orientation.  Please note that you are required to arrive at BSU (and check into the Residence Halls, if you’re living on-campus) between Saturday, January 1, 2022 and Tuesday, January 4, 2022 in order to attend the spring semester.

Keep in mind that orientation is mandatory for all international students new to BSU (including graduate students, transfer students, exchange, students, first-time students), whether living on or off campus.

The *earliest* that new students can move into their on-campus housing is Saturday, January 1. Saturday (January 1) and Sunday (January 2) arrivals will be charged an additional $25-$30 per night. You would not pay an additional housing fee if you arrive on Monday, January 4.

If you arrive prior to January 1, you are responsible for all costs and arrangements for food, lodging and transportation. For lodging, you can check with Bemidji-area motels or make arrangements with friends/family. BSU food and other services are extremely limited over the winter break.  We therefore advise you to book your plane into Bemidji (BJI, airport code) no earlier than Saturday, January 1 and no later than Monday, January 4.

Be sure to contact your family/friends at home to let them know that you arrived safely!

International student orientation schedule: Spring 2022 (subject to updates)

Tuesday, January 5

International Program Center, Deputy Hall 111
8:00 am – 1:00 pm       Check in

Visit the International Program Center for the following:
—Meet our staff!
—Activate your e-mail account / Log into your MyBSU account
—Print and provide your I-94
—Update your mailing address
—Sign up for the shopping trip(s)
—Scan passport and I-20/DS-2019 (please bring your documents)
—Get your bank residency form (if needed)
—Receive your Math Test appointment time (if needed)

Also:
—Pay tuition/fees at the Cashier’s Office (2nd floor Deputy Hall)
—Go to the Health Center to submit immunization paperwork and for TB testing (Cedar Hall)
—Set up bank account
—Get your Student ID Card (Upper Union)

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm       Math Placement Tests (location to be determined) Please arrive at your room at your designated testing time.

Wednesday, January 6

Tamarack Hall
9:30 am – 1:00 pm       Shopping Trip (Meet in Tamarack Lobby, the tallest building on campus!)  OR Finish Checking in at the IPC

Memorial Hall, Front Steps (Street Side)
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm       Meet our Student Workers for a Surprise Activity. Participants have the chance to win prizes!)

Thursday, January 7

Tamarack Hall
7:45 am                      Meet in Tamarack Lobby to walk together to the                                   Crying Wolf

Cool fact: Tamarack is the tallest building on campus!    (It’s also the tallest building in Bemidji!)

Crying Wolf, Lower Hobson Union
8:00 – 8:30 am             Welcome, Light Breakfast provided by the IPC
8:30 – 8:45 am             Ice Breaker Game
8:45 – 9:30 am             Immigration Basics
9:30 – 9:45 am             Business Office
9:45 – 10:00 am           Group Photos
10:00 – 10:15 am          Break
1
0:15 – 10:45 am          IT (Information Technology) Help Desk, Software, Q&A
10:45 – 11:00 am          Hobson Union
11:00 – 11:30 am          Ice Breaker Game
11:30 – 11:45 am          Financial Basics
11:45 – 12:00 noon       Welcome from Campus Leadership
Noon – 1:00 pm            Lunch provided by the IPC
1:00 – 1:30 pm             The American College Classroom
1:30 – 3:00 pm             English Language Assessment

Tamarack Hall
*Meet in Tamarack Lobby at 4:45 p.m. BSU vans will transport you to dinner at the home of Professor Tom Beech.*
5:00 – 7:00 pm:            Dinner at Dr. Beech’s home.

Friday, January 8

Tamarack Hall
7:45 am                      Meet in Tamarack Lobby

Crying Wolf, Lower Hobson Union
8:00 – 8:15 am             Light Breakfast provided by the IPC
8:15 – 8:30 am             Ice Breaker Game
8:30 – 9:00 am             Expectations and Code of Conduct
9:00 – 9:45 am             Security
9:45 -10:00 am            Break
10:00 – 10:15 am         Sustainability
10:15 – 10:45 am         Staying Healthy
10:45 – 10:55 am         Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Library
11:00 – 12:00 noon       Tour of Library Resources

Crying Wolf, Lower Hobson Union
Noon – 1:00 pm           Lunch provided by the IPC

Memorial 250
1:00 – 1:15 pm            Orientation Recap with Online Assessment /     Announcement of Activity Winners
1:15 – 1:45 pm            eServices Presentation
1:45 – 3:30 pm            Registration and Advising