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We’re not in Kansas anymore… Building Blocks for Effective International Student Orientations

We’re not in Kansas anymore… Building Blocks for Effective International Student Orientations. Allison Ludlam & Sean Milton, Orientation Coordinators Office of International Student & Scholar Services Northern Arizona University. Trends in ISOs .

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We’re not in Kansas anymore… Building Blocks for Effective International Student Orientations

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  1. We’re not in Kansas anymore…Building Blocks for Effective International Student Orientations Allison Ludlam & Sean Milton, Orientation CoordinatorsOffice of International Student & Scholar ServicesNorthern Arizona University

  2. Trends in ISOs • Extended programs (up to 12 weeks at U of Toronto) OR • Pared-down programs to prevent ‘information overload’ • Pre-Arrival programs • First-Year seminar programs • Online orientations • Students asked to pay (for orientation, or for R&B, or both) • International populations are more likely than in the past to be UG, and IEP students • Mentoring programs • Focusing on ‘engagement’ and ‘attachment’ with the university and not develop cliques based on nationality

  3. Background Info for NAU • NAU’s international population • 1050 F-1 and J-1 students (70%/30%), 60-70 countries • Largest groups – Chinese, Saudi, Kuwaiti, Korean, Brazilian, German • Degree students • Undergraduate - First-year, Transfer, 1-2-1, 2+2, 1+3 • Graduate • IEP students • Admitted to major (conditional) • IEP only • Exchange • Special Programs • Brazilian Science Mobility • Fulbright • Other

  4. Intake patterns at NAU • Fall – 350-400 F-1 and J-1 students • Spring 150-200 • Summer – less than 50 • Few SEVIS transfers • Approx. 50% are IEP PROBLEMS: • Late Arrivals • No-Shows

  5. Our Goals • Cover the necessary info (immigration, university, academics) • Facilitate university requirements (advising, registration, immunizations, etc.) • Intro to university offices/resources (ISSS, health, counseling, tutoring, PD, etc.), faces, and locations • Warm welcome and connect/network/make friends • Smooth transition to • Living in the U.S. • Life as an NAU student OVERALL – Student Success, Retention, Happiness (and our survival) = EFFECTIVE ORIENTATION

  6. Sessions and workshops • Immigration session • Living in the U.S. • U.S. Academics and tips for success • Employment (rules and looking for on-campus work) • Legal issues • Using the university SIS • Making Friends • Health (health tips, health insurance, campus health) • Other: • Student panel (topical or open-ended, U.S. life/academics) • Banking open house, Resource Fair • Academic Advising & Registration • Language testing/placement for IEP students • Immunization Clinics • Social events (small group dinners, pizza party, coffee time, ice cream social) • Tours (campus, library, health, recreation)

  7. ‘Evolving’ Orientation at NAU • Using technology effectively • (SUNAPSIS) • USB drives • Social Networking • Online Orientation • Programming ideas – throwing things out there to see what ‘sticks’ • ‘Welcome Week’ vs. ‘Orientation’ event • Adapting to university changes (calendar, facilities, policies, etc.) • Orientation Committee

  8. Challenges & Responses • Low- or No-English students > Translators for events, translated important docs • Late Arriving students > Online Orientation, Check-in and other requirements can be programmed as ‘self-service’ • Students who are not interested (only attend what is truly mandatory) > Online Orientation requirement, effective scheduling, giveaways & promos • Maintaining university continuity as to personnel and schedules/staying informed > Build network of Orientation VIPS across campus to help

  9. Ideas/Tips • Get buy-in from anyone and everyone that can and should be involved across campus • Don’t duplicate programming already happening, integrate international students as much as possible into existing programs • Don’t be afraid to try new ideas, and spend money  • Don’t be afraid to fail, and try to figure out what the failure means – bad idea? Bad schedule? Poor execution? • Use ‘Legacy’ events (proven winners) to build your schedule • Giveaways and promos – everyone loves ‘em! • Build network of volunteers (current students) • Build your network of off-campus VIPs

  10. THANKS for attending our session!Allison Ludlam & Sean Milton, Orientation CoordinatorsOffice of International Student & Scholar ServicesNorthern Arizona Universitysean.milton@nau.eduallison.ludlam@nau.edu928-523-2409 Questions? Comments?

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