International Student Pre-Orientation Schedule

Friday, August 31, 2007
International Student Pre-Orientation begins. This pre-orientation is designed to meet the particular needs of international students and will address immigration and work issues, as well as adjustment to life in a new country.

Open Hours

Cable, Card and Telephone Services
Central Services Complex
8:30am - 5:00pm

Campus Store
Blanchard Campus Center
9:00am - 5:00pm

Library Information and Technology Services (LITS)
Williston Memorial Library
8:30am - 5:00pm

Mail Services
Central Services Complex
8:30am - 4:30pm

Parking Office
Central Services Complex
8:30am - 5:00pm

Residence Hall Key Distribution
226 Blanchard Campus Center
9:00 am - 8:00 pm

Student Financial Services
15/16 Skinner Hall
8:30am-5:00pm

Schedule
7:00am– 9:00 am  Breakfast
New students bring your IDs.  Cash sales available for families and guests
Blanchard Campus Center

9:00am – Midnight  Arrival and Check-in for International Students
The International Student Orientation Committee (ISOC) will meet international students arriving at Bradley International Airport. All other new international students should check in at 226 Blanchard Campus Center to pick up keys and temporary OneCards before joining ISOC and other students in the Welcome Lounge
227 Blanchard Campus Center Lounge

9:00am – 5:00pm  Welcome Lounge
Pick up your arrival packet and meet other new and current students. Members of ISOC and Passages boards, as well as Orientation leaders, will be available to answer questions and assist you with getting your permanent OneCard, opening a bank account, or activating your phone. Refreshments will be served. Arrival packets for international students arriving after 5:00 pm can be picked up at the pizza party or at Transitions Abroad on Saturday morning.
227 Blanchard Campus Center Lounge

11:30am – 2:00pm  Lunch
New students bring your IDs.  Cash sales available for families and guests. 
Blanchard Campus Center

5:00–7:00 pm Dinner
Blanchard Campus Center

7:30pm – 9:00pm Pizza Party
Stop by for pizza, cookies, music, games and conversation with new and returning international students. Passages students are also welcome to stop by!
Blanchard Campus Center Great Room

Saturday, September 1, 2007
 Open Hours

Campus Store
Blanchard Campus Center
12:00-5:00pm

Mail Services
Central Service Complex
10:00am - 2:00pm

Residence Hall Key Distribution
226 Blanchard Campus Center
9:00am-5:00pm

Saturday's Schedule

7:00am – 9:00am  Breakfast
Blanchard Campus Center

9:30am – 11:30am  Transitions Abroad
Members of the International Student Orientation Board (ISOC) will talk about adjusting to your new life in the U.S. and at Mount Holyoke. Donna Van Handle, dean of international students, and Jenny Medina, immigration specialist, will also be available to answer questions.
Gamble Auditorium, Art Building

11:30am - 2:00pm  Lunch
Blanchard Campus Center 

1:00pm - 4:00pm   Shopping Trip to Hampshire Mall
Take this opportunity to purchase those odds and ends that did not fit into your suitcase.  This is the first of several trips to area stores. 
Please wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, since buses will take students directly to Skinner State Park following the shopping trip.
Meet at Blanchard Campus Center Bus Stop

4:15pm - 7:30pm   Trip to Skinner State Park
Step in Mary Lyon's footsteps along with faculty, staff and your fellow pre-orientation participants for a short hike up Mount Holyoke.  A picnic dinner awaits you at the top.  Please wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers.
Participants on the shopping trip will be driven directly to Skinner State Park from the Hampshire Mall.  A bus will leave at 4:15pm from the bus stop in front of Blanchard Campus Center to take those students who were not on the shopping trip to Skinner State Park.

5:00pm  – 7:00pm Dinner
Blanchard Campus Center

10:00pm – 1:00am  ISOC/Passages Dance Party
International and Passages students celebrate the end of Pre-Orientation with a night of music and dancing. Don’t miss the dance lesson by Rochelle Calhoun ’83, executive director of the Alumnae Association, a special highlight of the festivities. Delicious desserts and other refreshments will be served!
Blanchard Campus Center Great Room

Sunday, September 2, 2007

General Orientation begins

7:15am – 9:00am  Breakfast
Blanchard Campus Center

8:00am  Uncommon Grounds Coffee Bar opens
Blanchard Campus Center

8:30am -9:30am  Meeting for Foreign Fellows, International Guests & Exchange Students (FF, IE, IGs)
Meet with Donna Van Handle, dean of international students, to learn about the Certificate for International Students.
Porter Lounge, Porter Hall

10:00am – Noon  Visa Requirements & Student Work Clearance Meeting (I)
Review of immigration regulations that apply to foreign citizens studying in the U.S. This is a very important meeting and attendance is required. Students who plan to work on campus must complete required forms (I-9 and federal/state tax forms). Bring your passport and original travel documents (I-94, and I-20 or DS-2019).
Gamble Auditorium, Art Building