ISSO New International Student Orientation & Destination Iowa State

Welcome from all of us at the International Students and Scholars (ISSO) office!

For all incoming undergraduate international students starting classes on campus in Ames, Iowa during the Spring 2021 semester, please follow this guide to learn more about your schedule of events for ISSO New International Student Orientation and Destination Iowa State

New International Student Orientation..........................................................3• Overview• Required Participation• Required Registration• Virtual Experience• Virtual Log-In Link• Documents Needed For Immigration Processing• International Student Group Chat• Welcome Bag• Family Members Invite

New International Student Orientation Schedule of Events........................5

Destination Iowa State.....................................................................................8

Weekly Calendar................................................................................................9

Travel Reminders..............................................................................................10 • Self-Quarantine• Free Shuttle Service to Ames• On-Campus Housing• Off-Campus Housing• ISSO Temporary Housing Accommodations

Final Check List.................................................................................................11

Contact Information.........................................................................................12

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION VirtualTUESDAY, JANUARY 19 – THURSDAY, JANUARY 21

OVERVIEWISSO New International Student Orientation will take place virtually from Tuesday January 19th – Thursday January 21st and is designed to help you make a smooth transition to Iowa State with sessions created specifically for new international students. During orientation, you will complete your immigration processing, meet with your academic adviser to finalize your course registration, meet with important campus resources, connect with other international students, and learn important information about Iowa State.

ISSO New International Student Orientation is required for all new undergraduate international students that are taking classes on-campus in Ames, Iowa for Spring 2021. If you are taking online classes from abroad or if you have deferred your admission to a future semester, you do not have to attend orientation.

REQUIRED PARTICIPATION All incoming undergraduate international students are expected to attend all ISSO New International Student Orientation sessions. Please note that the failure to attend the following sessions could result in academic and immigration issues, so these sessions are MANDATORY:

• Admissions Check-In from 8:30–9:00 AM on Tuesday, January 19th

• Immigration Processing from 1:00–3:00 PM on Wednesday, January 20th

If you are unable to make it to these events, you must email isorient@iastate.edu.

REQUIRED REGISTRATION In order for ISSO and your academic college to confirm your enrollment at Iowa State and prepare for your arrival to Ames, Iowa for the spring semester, please fill out the Orientation Registration form here and enter information regarding your arrival date. By registering, you are communicating to Iowa State University that you are taking classes on campus in Ames, Iowa and will be attending orientation to complete required procedures.

Do not register and fill out the form until you have obtained your visa and are able to travel into the United States. If you are NOT taking classes on campus in Ames, Iowa for Spring 2021, do not fill out the form.

VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE To help mitigate risk, we have turned our ISSO New International Student Orientation into live online sessions. You will be able to attend all orientation sessions from the comfort and safety of your own home. All orientation sessions are held in Central DaylightTime (CDT).

VIRTUAL LOG-IN LINK You can join all orientation sessions via Zoom during the designed times set in the Schedule of Events on Page 5. Please use the following log-in information:

• Zoom Link: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/2282502579

DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR IMMIGRATION PROCESSING During your virtual immigration processing session, you will need to have access to the following documents. You will receive instructions on how to upload pictures of the documents into the appropriate immigration forms during the session.

• Hard-copy of your final academic transcript• Student ID Number• I-20 or DS-2019 (from ISU and any previous schools)• Passport• I-94 (retrieve electronic I-94 here)• Dependent immigration documents: passports, I-20/DS-2019 forms, and I-94 forms• Address in Ames (this can be a temporary address, such as a hotel or the home of a friend or

acquaintance with whom you are staying)• Name, phone number, and mailing address for a person we can contact if you have a personal

emergency• Financial guarantee (for sponsored students)

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mailto:isorient%40iastate.edu?subject=https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_57lCDnpqNVSEKRDhttps://iastate.zoom.us/j/2282502579https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GROUP CHATMingle with other incoming international students! Join the conversation on GroupMe and stay in touch with other international students that are starting their journey at Iowa State. You can download the GroupMe app on both iPhone and Android Devices.

WELCOME BAG FROM ISSOStarting Monday, January 11th, you can pick up a Welcome Bag from the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) that includes a welcome gift, snacks and helpful handouts to ease your transition to campus life. ISSO is located in the Memorial Union in Room 3241 and open from 8AM – 5 PM.

FAMILY MEMBERSIf you have someone from your family interested in any of the orientation sessions, you may share the virtual log-in information with them and they can join us as well.

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https://web.groupme.com/join_group/64414608/FpykEB7R

ISSO NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION VirtualSchedule of Events TUESDAY, JANUARY 19 – FRIDAY, JANUARY 22

Log-in during the designated times to join the live virtual session!Zoom Link: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/2282502579

Students are required to attend all orientation sessions unless indicated otherwise.Events that are marked with “*” are legally required for you to attend either by the International Students and Scholars Office, Academic Colleges, or the U.S government. Failure to attend these sessions could

result in academic or immigration problems.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19

*Admissions Check-In Virtual 8:30–9AMComplete a required check-in form to alert Iowa State Admissions and your academic adviser that you have arrived to campus. If you do not check-in, you will not receive an academic advising appointment.

Welcome to Iowa State Virtual 9–10:30AMHear from the Director of Admissions, the Director of the ISSO, and other speakers. You’ll learn more about Iowa State as well as receive important announcements about your transition to ISU.

EPT Oral Communication Testing Appointments In-Person (Required) 11AM–5PM The English Placement Test for Non-Native Speakers of English (EPT) is required for all incoming students whose first language is not English and who do not meet the exemption criteria. Register for the in-person test and check the exemption criteria here. You will receive the testing location in the confirmation email after you register. Face coverings are required. If you are in quarantine, feeling ill, or showing any symptoms of COVID-19, email ept@iastate.edu to discuss alternatives options.

2–3PMSponsored Student Session VirtualReceive important information relevant only for sponsored students.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20

U.S Laws and Safety Virtual 9–10:30AM

Learn more about the laws and policies that govern the United States! You will be able to get all your questions about U.S laws and safety answered by the Iowa State and Ames Police Department.

Tips for International Student Academic Success Virtual 11AM–12PM

Prepare for your academic adventure by meeting with various campus resources who will share strategies for success during your first year and beyond.

*Immigration Processing Virtual 1–3PM

Hear from an ISSO International Adviser, complete your required immigration processing, and understand how to maintain your immigration status. Please make sure you have access to all required documents listed on page 3.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21

International Student Panel Virtual 11–12:30AMWant to learn more about life on campus as a student? Get your questions answered from current international students, and mingle with your orientation leaders!

Banking in America Virtual 1–1:30PM

Learn how to set up a bank account in the United States and the basics of budgeting from a local U.S Bank representative.

Health and Wellness Virtual 2–3PMLearn about how to obtain health insurance in the United States and costs for emergency health care, as well how to keep yourself physically and mentally healthy during the school year by hearing from the Student Wellness unit at Iowa State.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22

*Academic Advising Appointments Virtual 1–5PMMeet with your academic adviser during 30-minute appointments to finalize your course registration for your first semester. You will need to complete your Admissions Check-in on Tuesday, January 19th in order to get an appointment. If you missed the Admissions Check-in, please email isorient@iastate.edu.

A separate meeting link will be sent directly from your adviser to your iastate email. Make sure you check your email to get this virtual link, and remember to join on time!

If you were a part of the International Adventure Learning Community, you do NOT attend this.

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Meet your orientation leader in front of the Memorial Union (bookstore entrance, facing the Lincoln Way street) at 1 PM to ride together with your group on CyRide to the nearby Target deparment store, and other stores. Face coverings are required to attend this event. Stay home if you are in quarantine, feeling ill, or showing any symptoms of COVID-19.

Target Shopping Trip In-Person (Optional) 1–4PM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23

mailto:?subject=

DESTINATION IOWA STATE (DIS) FRIDAY, JANUARY 22

OVERVIEWHeld prior to the beginning of fall and spring semesters, Destination Iowa State is an in-person welcome program designed to ease the transition to college for all new Iowa State students (international and domestic). During the program, students will become acquainted with campus and attend sessions to increase their success at Iowa State, all while creating life-long friendships.

Participation in DIS is optional, but encouraged! You will be able to build new friendships, learn how to navigate campus, and kick-off the start of the semester in a fun way. Activities will be offered in small groups with fewer students in space to promote health and wellness. International Students will be placed in a group together and will be guided by an Orientation Leader.

The schedule for Destination Iowa State and the ISSO New International Student Orientation do not conflict.

REGISTRATIONTo attend Destination Iowa State, students will need to fill out the registration form.

EXPECTATIONS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY INTERACTIONS DURING DISFace coverings and physical distancing of at least 6 feet (2 meters) are REQUIRED at all Destination Iowa State events. Frequent handwashing and monitoring your own wellness are also essential to a healthy and fun event! Stay home if you are in quarantine, feeling ill, or showing any symptoms of COVID-19.

WEARA FACE COVERING

DISTANCE6 FEET (2M) APART

Wash YOUR HANDS OFTEN

STAY HOMEIF YOU ARE ILL

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https://www.admissions.iastate.edu/destination/registration.php

DESTINATION IOWA STATESchedule of Events

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22

Destination Iowa State: Arrival Great Hall, Memorial Union 9:00AM Join other new Cyclones and our Cyclone Aide student leaders to pick up your exclusive Iowa State gear and prepare for adventures of the day. Even more prizes are up for grabs with our Iowa State Trivia pre-show.

Destination Iowa State: Launch Great Hall, Memorial Union 9:30AMLet the DIS adventure begin! Adam Carroll starts the show with advice on making the most of your time at Iowa State. Hear from New Student Programs staff to prepare you for the weeks ahead with updates and announcements, meet other new students during small group sessions, and experience campus through our Clone Quest scavenger hunt.

Destination Iowa State: Lunch ISU Dining 12PMNo adventure is complete without a taste of Iowa State. Join us for a free lunch to relax, meet Cyclone Aides, and experience a delicious meal in one of our dining centers courtesy of ISU Dining.

Destination Iowa State: Meet Up at the Memorial Union Memorial Union 1–4PMIt’s Friday so let’s have some fun! Join us for a three-hour exploration of events and activities in the Memorial Union. This experience will include a chance to test out the newly-renovated CyBowl and Billiards, create a one-of-a-kind craft in The Workspace, take center stage for karaoke in the Maintenance Shop, and try your luck at winning fabulous prizes during Bingo all hosted by the Student Activities Center. Be sure to also stop by the Iowa State Book Store for DIS exclusive specials!

You will have a 30 minute academic advising appointment during this time, so make sure to you attend your meeting. The meeting link will be sent directly from your academic adviser to your iastate email You can always rejoin Destination Iowa State once you are done.

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WEEKLY CALENDARAll events held in Central Daylight Time

MondayJanuary 18th

WednesdayJanuary 20th

Reporting Day 9-10:30AMUS Laws & Safety

9AM-12PM Health Screenings Appointment Availability

11AM-12PMTips for International Student Success

1-3PM*Immigration Processing

Target Shopping Trip

TuesdayJanuary 19th

8:30-9:00AM*Admissions Check-In

9-10:30AMWelcome to Iowa State

11AM-5PM EPT Oral Communication Testing

2-3PMSponsored Student Session

FridayJanuary 22nd

SaturdayJanuary 23rd

1-4PM

ThursdayJanuary 21st

8AM-12PM Health Screenings Appointment Availability

11AM -12:30PM International Student Panel

1-1:30PMBanking in America

2-3PMHealth & Wellness Presentation

9AM-4PM Destination Iowa State

1-5PM*Academic Advising Appointments

Red: ISSO New International Student Orientation Sessions Blue: In-Person EPT Oral Communication TestGreen: Health Screening Appointment Availability Yellow: Destination Iowa State Events

* Failure to attend these sessions could result in academic or immigration problems.In-Person

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TRAVEL REMINDERS

SELF-QUARANTINE GUIDELINES IMPORTANT: please carefully read the updated guidelines released by Iowa State for individuals who have traveled internationally. Per Iowa State University requirements, anyone traveling from outside of the United States is required to follow the guidelines upon arrival to Ames, Iowa during the 10 days post-travel period. The guidelines will give you more information about quarantine procedures, moving into University Housing, and obtaining a negative Covid-19 test prior to attending an in-person activity on campus.

FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE TO AMES The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) collaborates with Executive Express, a local car service company, to provide all incoming international students a FREE shuttle service from the Des Moines International Airport to Ames, Iowa. Each student is allowed to have two pieces of luggage and one lap item when traveling. Any additional luggage will be $15 per bag over allowed amount; personal items that can fit on your lap are not to be included in the luggage count. This free ride from Executive Express is only available to new ISU international students, not their family members or returning ISU students.

To book your free shuttle, please fill out the registration form by Sunday, December 20th at 11:59 PM. Registration after December 20th may require additional fees at cost to you. At a later date, you will be contacted by Executive Express with details about your scheduled shuttle service. *Note: You may be sharing transportation with other incoming international students who share a similar arrival time to your own.

ON-CAMPUS HOUSING If you have an Iowa State Department of Residence housing contract, you can move into their on-campus housing starting January 7th, 2021. More information about move in will be emailed to you from the Department of Residence. You can also check their website for more updates. Students are not allowed to move into their residence hall room prior to January 7th. If you need housing accommodations before January 7th, please consider signing up for ISSO Temporary Housing.

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING If you do NOT have a housing contract with the Iowa State Department of Residence, you will need to find your own living space. The Iowa housing website will provide you more information on off-campus housing in Ames and tips for living in Ames can be found here.

ISSO TEMPORARY HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS If your permanent residence is not ready by the time you arrive in Ames, Best Western Hotel is offering reduced room rates from December 18th, 2020 to January 31st, 2021. New international students may reserve rooms under ISSO’s name to receive the reduced rates of $79 per night for a king room and $89 per night for a double queen room. To reserve your room, please contact Deann Malfero, the Assistant Manager at Best Western Hotel, at 515-296-2500 or dmalfero@bestwesternames.com. You must reserve your room with Deann directly to get the reduced rate. Booking from alternative third-party websites may cost you more.

Alternative and independent arrangements can be made through Airbnb or hotels in Ames.

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https://www.executiveexpress.biz/school-groups-quotehttps://www.housing.iastate.eduhttps://www.cityofames.org/living/rent-smart-ameshttps://www.cityofames.org/livinghttps://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.16101.html?groupld=P12JHmailto:?subject=https://www.airbnb.comhttps://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g29355-Ames_Iowa-Vacations.htmlhttps://isso.dso.iastate.edu/resources/students_scholars/coronavirus-updates/self-quarantine/orientation_quarantine

FINAL CHECK-LIST

Here is your final check-list that will help you remember all the steps you need to complete before the start of ISSO New International Student Orientation.

n ISSO New Student Orientation

• Register for orientation by filling out this form here. Registration is required.• Attend all required ISSO New International Student Orientation from Tuesday, January 19th to

Friday, January 22nd

• Sign up for Destination Iowa State by registering here.n Pre-Arrival Travel Planning

• Check all United States travel restrictions on a reliable U.S. government website.• Book your FREE shuttle service to Ames with Executive Express by filling out the

registration form by Sunday, December 20th at 11:59 PM. Registration after December 20th mayrequire additional fees at cost to you.

• Finalize your housing accommodations. If your permanent residence is not ready by the timeyou arrive in Ames, Best Western Hotel is offering reduced room rates from December 18th,2020 to January 31st, 2021. To reserve your room, please contact Deann Malfero, the AssistantManager at Best Western Hotel, at 515-296-2500 or dmalfero@bestwesternames.com.

• Plan your travel accordingly and arrive to the United States by your reporting day, Monday,January 18th, 2021.

• Upon arrival, follow CDC guidance and practice and exercise increased precautions for 10 daysfrom the end of your travel.

n Course Registration

• Complete the Introduction to Iowa State Course by passing the final quiz with a score ofat least 70%

• Use the instructions found in the “Academics and Course Registration” section to make anappointment with an academic adviser and register for your first semester of classes at IowaState

• Complete the ALEKS Math Placement Test prior to connecting with your academic adviser• Register for the International First Year Seminar (UST 110) if not exempt

n Placement Examinations

• Complete the ALEKS Math Placement Test• Check the EPT Exemption Criteria list to determine whether or not you have to take the EPT

Writing, or EPT Oral Communication test. If you are NOT exempt, you must complete the EPT.• Register and complete the EPT writing test virtually on January 16th.• Register for the EPT Oral Communication Test that takes place in-person during ISSO New

International Student Orientation on January 19th. Registration opens up January 5th.

n Health Safety

• Submit your Immunization Records on Access Plus to Thielen Health Center as soon as possible.• Register for your Health Screening appointment that takes place in-person at Thielen Health

Center by following this step-by-step guide. Appointments available January 4th to January 21st.Please note that undergraduate international students can NOT sign up for an appointment onTuesday, January 19th.

n Employment Procedures

• If you have on-campus employment, then you must complete all onboarding steps on Workday,fill out your I-9 form, and set up an in-person I-9 appointment with Anna Powell atanna17@iastate.edu.

n University Procedures

• Submit your photo for your ISU Card• Log into AccessPlus to review your housing and dining information, university bill, and more

about orientation.

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https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_57lCDnpqNVSEKRDhttps://www.admissions.iastate.edu/destination/registration.phphttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/from-other-countries.htmlhttps://www.executiveexpress.biz/school-groups-quotehttps://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.16101.html?groupld=P12JHmailto:?subject=https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.htmlhttps://sso.comevo.com/iastate-intl/launch/2609/https://math.iastate.edu/academics/undergraduate/aleks/https://isso.dso.iastate.edu/get-involved/ifye-coursehttps://math.iastate.edu/academics/undergraduate/aleks/https://apling.engl.iastate.edu/english-placement-test/https://apling.engl.iastate.edu/english-placement-test/https://health.iastate.edu/new-students/immunization-requirements/international-student/https://isso.dso.iastate.edu/graduate-orientation-activitieshttps://login.iastate.edu/index.html?SAMLRequest=fZLBTuMwFEV%2FJfI%2BceyEkFpNUTUVUiVACAqL2RnntTGT2MbPaenfE1KCyoLZWtfnXh17fvXetdEePGprKsKSlERglK212VXkaXMdl%2BRqMUfZtdyJZR8a8wBvPWCIlojgw3DtjzXYd%2BAfwe%2B1gqeHm4o0ITgUlGqJQQZI7L8gE2U7imjpSKOplXlvXsrm1RWb7FjOuCtItBrQ2sgwzpkord1pk0wsqHuqTQ3vSRO6lkTX1isYp1VkK1sEEq1XFdE1y9IsL9NZUaT8osyKnJc552UxY0MCsYe1GYgmVISnPI0ZjxnbsAuRZoKVyWU%2B%2B0ui50kN%2F1QzyDIoTjYq0nsjrESNwsgOUAQlHpe3N2KICudtsMq25EueGAv9OeH%2FADnpJYtJw%2BFwOBM5SsST83io2%2BsaPEW3aw5q616ldgqs3L%2FgcU7PJ3y%2F5t3QuV7d21ar46fETobfJ7GEjSe6jrdjVPQGHSi91VATuvjq%2BPlHFh8%3D&RelayState=%252Fapp%252Fworkday%252Fexk43vauijS9eR0QZ2p7%252Fsso%252Fsaml%253FSAMLRequest%253DfZBRT4MwFIXf%25252FRWk74W2bGM2wDJjFpdoJA598MWUUhwRWuwtQ%25252F%25252B9jGkyX%25252FZ4b%25252B4953wnXn21jXdQ%25250D%25250AFmqjE0R9gjylpSlr%25252FZ6g53yDl2iVXsUg2qbj697t9ZP67BU4b2OsVNMmQc72Cnnb2wS9UTErw4gs%25250D%25250AcVXKCM8WUYGFCgVWC8pIVchoXhXjKWQCoD6oBFWigeMzQK%25252B2GpzQLkGMMIIpw5TmdM5JyOnSD6%25252Bj%25250D%25250AV%25252BRl1jgjTXNT61PI3mpuBNTAtWgVcCf5bv1wz5lPeHE6An6X5xnOHnc58l7%25252BYNkRdsTXwCe8y1Ld%25250D%25250Ary9KpzIYnwLbMwF2WWDkVdaNzijdO9fxIBiGwR%25252BM%25252FSjFty9NGwfnwulp%25252FF96%25252BgM%25253D%2526OKTA_INVALID_SESSION_REPOST%253Dtrue&SigAlg=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2001%2F04%2Fxmldsig-more%23rsa-sha256&Signature=Pg%2Bn%2BpuuIFhtJjsQn4UrC1uyxCWuhPwnCoxQx9AwpsbhCZ4UQauGAPqqhZQbOR6ZtBqp8CWUf%2BCDQgdNvjHy8qEuaQr9F839Zq84cjzV1Svc6TRuYySQ4MzT%2FT9EbaxgB2KCDxvWxhaoX0hOxBhIt1cgW13jMkh8hk%2BIoTAswrbDQiVjfLvXhtQ9OIxwDSH5MBpRPNzEtAYzRamZZkl81E9jm5VORoRybMMwcag%2F9yVLnAUsGuGE7G5us%2BiYUqHMfa82o4JXO3Rvgxurb3967DsFFi7onOFfSyfEYTIORVlSmMKD5qs%2FD8Nb6684DMcR6HUBH5RsnlyFJTlS2rYFrQ%3D%3Dmailto:?subject=https://photo.isucard.iastate.eduhttps://accessplus.iastate.edu/servlet/adp.A_Plus

CONTACT INFORMATION

For help with your immigration status or immigration process:You should contact your ISSO International Adviser. You can email isso@iastate.edu and your question will be forwarded to your assigned adviser.

For help with your next steps, travel planning, orientation, and more: You should contact Mike Hagen, the Orientation and Temporary Housing Graduate Assistant, at isorient@iastate.edu.

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