The Office of Intercultural Relations conducts an Orientation for all incoming International Students for the Fall and Spring semesters. Mandatory Orientation sessions provide crucial information for new students such as ISSS Services, Health Insurance, ODU Public Safety, and the ODU Honor Code. Other sessions provide useful information about ODU services and American culture, from topics such as Employment and US Banking to campus Counseling and Acculturation. Orientation informs students of necessary policies and services that allow student to succeed at their new school. Learn how to take full advantage of all that ODU has to offer!

International Student Orientation Schedule

Tuesday, August 25, 2009
10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Mandatory Attendance - North Café

Time	Itinerary
10:00AM-10:30AM	ORIENTATION REGISTRATION & REFRESHMENTS Refreshments will be served for all new students as we register them for this semester's orientation program. Be sure to have your University Identification Number (UIN) with you.
10:30AM-10:40AM	WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Dr. Geneva Walker-Johnson, Assistant Dean of Students, and Lesa Clark, Assistant Dean of the Office of Intercultural Relations (OIR), will kick off the morning's sessions with a message of welcome.
10:40AM-12:10PM	ISSS: SERVICES, STAFF & RESOURCES International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) will be your main resource at ODU with regard to your visa status. In this session, Sara Eser, Assistant Director of ISSS, will gives you an overview of immigration laws, ISSS procedures and services, and cultural resources to ensure you have a successful and rewarding experience at ODU and in the US.
12:10PM-1:00PM	LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
1:00PM-1:30PM	HEALTH INSURANCE: THE IMPORTANT BASICS All F and J visa holders at ODU are required to maintain health insurance while in the U.S. Robbin Fulmore, Director of ISSS, and Meghann Gould, International Services Specialist, will go over important words and concepts to help you get the most out of your insurance while in the U.S.
1:30PM-2:00PM	YOUR HEALTH & WELL-BEING Student Health Services will provide information on the Student Health Center and answer questions on how to stay healthy while studying at ODU.
2:00PM-2:30PM	KEEPING SAFE AT ODU With personal safety being a concern for incoming students, the Office of Public Safety will discuss and highlight basic safety tips to consider. You are strongly encouraged to ask questions.
2:30PM-3:00PM	THE HONOR CODE & EXPECTATIONS OF OLD DOMINION STUDENTS Director of Judicial Affairs, Mike DeBowes, will discuss various honor policies, codes of conduct, and their impact on students. This is a critical session for international students because cultural misunderstandings in academia can have serious consequences on your academic record and your visa status.

Friday, August 28, 2009
8:30 AM-3:00 PM
Optional Attendance

Time	Itinerary	Room
8:00 AM- 8:40 AM	EMPLOYMENT: FINDING A JOB & COMPLETING THE PAPERWORK Emma Studer, International Services Coordinator, will discuss the procedures involved in finding an on-campus job and what the paperwork requirements are. Erin Mills from the Career Management Center (CMC) will discuss how CMC can help you find a job and get hired.	Hampton Newport News Room
	OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING Sesha Moon, from Off-Campus Housing Services, will discuss some important things to consider when searching for off-campus housing, as well as provide resources to assist you in your search. Learn about common types of housing, leases, locations, and more! You will also be given an opportunity to ask general questions, so come prepared!	River Rooms
8:40 AM- 9:20 AM	EMPLOYMENT: FINDING A JOB & COMPLETING THE PAPERWORK Emma Studer, International Services Coordinator, will discuss the procedures involved in finding an on-campus job and what the paperwork requirements are. Erin Mills from the Career Management Center (CMC) will discuss how CMC can help you find a job and get hired.	Hampton Newport News Room
	MONEY MANAGEMENT: BANKING & CREDIT IN THE U.S. With all the challenges of studying in the U.S., you need to find ways to balance your time; attendees of this session will leave with practical suggestions to apply to their own situation. In addition, there are many new terms you'll need to know in order to manage your finances. Mr. Wayne Edwards, from the ODU Credit Union, will present this important financial information.	River Rooms
9:20 AM- 10:00AM	STRESS MANAGEMENT Stress affects everyone, nearly all of the time. Some stress is good, like forcing yourself to study for a test you need to pass. Some stress, however, can control our lives. Dr. Frank Kuo from Counseling Services will talk about how to effectively manage your stress.	Hampton Newport News Room
	EFFECTIVE STUDY SKILLS Everyone can benefit from learning how to study in a more efficient way. No matter what your major, you will be able to pick up hints and tips to turn those Bs into As. Advising Services will conduct this session.	River Rooms
	BREAK
10:15 AM- 11:30 AM	STUDENT PERSPECTIVES PANEL A panel of students will discuss issues such as culture shock, American classrooms, and other adjustment issues. They will talk about their own experiences as international students in the U.S. and ways to be successful academically, as well as your overall experience at a university in the U.S. Come prepared with questions for this open forum!	Hampton Newport News Room
11:30 AM- 12:30 PM	LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
12:30 PM- 1:30 PM	GETTING INVOLVED To gain the best experience possible, Vamsi Manne from the Office of Student Activities & Leadership (OSAL) and Alexis Youn from the Office of Intercultural Relations (OIR) will discuss the many ways to get involved at ODU.	Hampton Newport News Room
1:30 PM- 2:00 PM	AMAZING TOUR Go on a tour of services available to you on the campus and the neighboring area with an assigned group. Let the fun begin!	Campus
2:00 PM-3:00 PM	PIZZA PARTY!	Hampton Newport News Room