Welcome to Tallahassee and to Florida State University! Our Center for Global Engagement (CGE) is pleased to offer Weeks of Welcome (WOW) packed with orientation sessions, academic workshops, and social/cultural programs to assist you as you get to know FSU, the CGE, and Tallahassee. For more details, review the calendar of events and descriptions in the following pages. The tasks listed below will help you get a good start to your first semester at FSU. F-1 Students—Complete the Online Immigration Session (OIS) Watch this brief online presentation on maintaining your F-1 immigration status. You must complete this step or you cannot register for classes. We recommend you complete the OIS prior to traveling to the United States. See more information at: cge.fsu.edu/newStudents/prearrivalinfo.html J-1 students should check with their immigration sponsor regarding orientation. Check-In at the Center for Global Engagement International Student Check-In is a required step in the immigration process. You must attend one of our scheduled check-in days or you will not be able to register for classes. You may come during any of the open check-in hours listed on the calendar on pages 6 and 7.
At check in: • Report your local address and the emergency contact of a relative or friend (in or outside the U.S.). • Bring your I-20 or DS-2019, passport with visa, and I-94 printout. J-1 students must also provide proof of insurance. If you don’t have your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record , you can retrieve it online at cbp.gov/I94. The I-94 is the official record of your visa status upon entering the U.S. and it will often need to be submitted to benefits providers (such as employers). You should print a copy of your I-94 or save it as a PDF file soon after arrival. Attend Weeks of Welcome Orientation & Programming We strongly recommend attending the Center for Global Engagement’s Weeks of Welcome orientation sessions. These are different from other orientations you may be required to attend. Review the calendar of events and descriptions in the following pages. We encourage undergraduates to attend the workshops on Friday, August 21. Advance registration is not required. Attend Other FSU Orientations Undergraduate transfer students and freshmen are required to attend an orientation. Check registration at fsu.edu/orientation.
International graduate students with assistantships need to attend one of the TA/RA Workshops during the CGE Weeks of Welcome—see pages 6 and 7. All graduate students should check with their academic departments for information about department orientations and register for the Graduate School orientation at gradstudies.fsu.edu.
Submit Health Compliance Forms to the Health & Wellness Center If you did not submit them before your arrival, take these forms to University Health Services at the Health and Wellness Center to verify your immunizations. You can download the Health Compliance Forms on the UHS website, healthcenter.fsu.edu, under Support Services, Forms. If you need immunizations, you can get these at the Health and Wellness Center for a small cost. Purchase Health Insurance You must have adequate health insurance before you can register for classes. If you haven’t purchased insurance, you may do so at studentinsurance.fsu.edu. See the section on health insurance in the “New to FSU” handbook for additional information. Get your FSU Card Go to the FSU Card Center located in the FSU Bookstore. Remember to bring your passport with you to receive the card. With your FSU card as identification, you will be able to ride the bus for free, check out library books, go to the University Health and Wellness Center, use the Leach Recreation Center, attend free concerts and events on campus, and more! Explore your myFSU account Log into your account at my.fsu.edu The “Snapshot” page at log in contains valuable information, including your course schedule, registration holds, and upcoming registration windows. • You can also access “My Financials” on this screen to see any outstanding balances, as well as other academic information. Register for Classes • Register for classes during your Open Enrollment dates, ensuring all registration holds are cleared. See the Academics section of the CGE’s “New to FSU” handbook for more registration information. Report Your Local Address Online • If you reported a temporary address to the Center for Global Engagement when you checked in, report your new residential Tallahassee address within 10 days of moving. Visit fla.st/1VRwAB2 and click “Address Update.” Pay Tuition & Fees by Deadline Pay your tuition after you register for classes and before the posted deadline to avoid class cancellation. Tuition deadlines can be found at the Student Financial Services website, sfs.fsu.edu.
NOTE: YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A BILL
If you are an agency or government-sponsored student, submit an Agency Billing form to Student Financial Services and University Health Services by the third day of classes in order to avoid a $100 late payment fee.
The Center for Global Engagement’s Weeks of Welcome (WOW) offer you multiple opportunities to participate in orientation sessions, academic workshops, and social/cultural programs. All events take place at the Center for Global Engagement (110 S. Woodward Ave). This building is also known as “The Globe.”
WOW ORIENTATION SESSIONS WOW orientation sessions are held every Friday in August. We encourage you to attend each of the following sessions However, they are repeated and you may attend them throughout the month as your schedule allows.
Getting Started | Aug 14, 21 & 28 | 3-4pm | Globe auditorium An introduction to the CGE, services on campus and in the community, and resources.
F-1 Student Immigration Q&A | Aug 7, 14, 21 & 28 | 1-2pm | Globe auditorium Do you still have questions after completing the Online Immigration Session? Join us for an Immigration Q&A with our F-1 Student Advisor. Questions could be related to your immigration status, travel, work authorization or enrollment.
Transportation Workshop | Aug 7, 14, 21 & 28 | 2-3pm | Globe auditorium If you are new to Tallahassee, this workshop will help you get around town! Learn about the bus system, taxi services, and many other ways locals get to their favorite spots.
Healthcare | Aug 14, 21 & 28 | 4-5pm | Globe auditorium Using insurance in the U.S. is complex. Come learn more about the process and how to stay healthy.
WOW ACADEMIC WORKSHOPS We offer workshops on the American classroom culture on Wednesdays, August 5-19. We also have TA/RA Workshops for those with assistantships.
American Classroom Culture | Aug 5, 12 | 2-4pm | Globe room 2600 |Aug 19 | 3:30-5:30pm | Globe room 2600 Learn about the American classroom culture and be introduced to various resources available on campus for academic success. Examine cross-cultural communication and diversity in U.S. higher education and how to better adjust to life in the U.S. and Tallahassee.
TA/RA Workshop | Aug 7| 3:30-5pm | Globe auditorium |August 26 & 28 | 3:30-5pm | Globe room 2300 This workshop is required if you have an assistantship that requires you to be a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Research Assistant (RA). Learn about classroom management, cross-cultural communication, and diversity in the U.S. higher education system. Participants will become more confident and effective when interacting with U.S. students and professors.
WOW SOCIAL & CULTURAL PROGRAMS WOW social and cultural programming occurs on most Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Community Building & Cultural Adjustment | Thu Aug 13, 3-5pm | Globe auditorium This session will include interactive games and activities created to help you make friends with other international students while also exploring ways to support each other as a community and adjust to a new culture here in Tallahassee.
Life in the USA Intercultural Program| Tue Aug 18, 3-5pm | Globe auditorium This program will introduce you to life in the U.S. The event will feature an informational presentation on U.S. culture, performances/dancing, American food, and more!
Noles Adventure Race | Thu Aug 20, 3-5pm | Globe auditorium We will split into teams for an Adventure Race. Your team will race around campus finding clues and completing challenges–this is the most fun way to learn where everything is at FSU! Meet at the Globe auditorium at 3pm, but the race will be all across campus. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water!
Ice Cream Social & Networking | Thu Aug 27, 4-6pm | Globe dining room Come meet new people and enjoy delicious ice cream together!
Football 101 | Fri Sep 4, 5-6pm | Globe auditorium Interested in learning more about American football? Come join the CGE staff for Football 101. Learn the rules of the game, how to get tickets, and get prepared for FSU's first home game on September 5!
International Coffee Hour An ongoing social and intercultural program that is part of WOW, but continues throughout the year, is our International Coffee Hour. Coffee Hour takes place every Friday evening from 5-6:30pm in the Globe dining room. Weeks of Welcome International Coffee Hours include: August 7, 14, 21 and 28. Family Coffee Hour, August 28 (and once a month throughout the semester) In addition to the regular International Coffee Hour in the lounge and dining room, on August 28 there will be special games and activities in the Globe auditorium. Bring the whole family! Other Family Coffee Hours are scheduled for September 25, October 16, and November 20. Save the dates!
See page 8 for details about our fall series of International Student Success Sessions. We hope the WOW programs and events will provide you with useful information as well as an opportunity to have fun and meet other students from around the world.
MON 3
TUES 4
9am-1pm Check-In
WED 5 9am-1pm Check-In
2-4pm American Classroom Globe 2600
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9am-1pm Check-In
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2-4pm American Classroom Globe 2600
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3-5pm Life in the USA Intercultural Program
9am-1pm Check-In
3:30-5:30pm American Clas Globe 2600 Seminole Sensation Week B
Graduate Student Registration Begins
Graduate School Orientation
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9am-4pm Check-In
9am-4pm Check-In
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3:30-5pm TA/RA Workshop Globe 2300 First Day of Class
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7-9pm Student Involvement Fair at Oglesby Union 1
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FRI 7 9am-1pm Check-In
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1-2pm F-1 Student Immigration Q&A 2-3pm Transportation 3:30-5pm TA/RA Workshop 5-6:30pm International Coffee Hour 13
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3-5pm Community Building & Cultural Adjustment
9am-1pm Check-In 1-2pm F-1 Student Immigration Q&A 2-3pm Transportation 3-4pm Getting Started 4-5pm Healthcare 5-6:30pm International Coffee Hour
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3-5pm Noles Adventure Race
9am-1pm Check-In 1-2pm F-1 Student Immigration Q&A* 2-3pm Transportation* 3-4pm Getting Started* 4-5pm Healthcare* 5-6:30pm International Coffee Hour
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9am-4pm Check-In
4-6pm Ice Cream Social & Networking
9am-4pm Check-In 1-2pm F-1 Student Immigration Q&A 2-3pm Transportation 3-4pm Getting Started 3:30-5pm TA/RA Workshop Globe 2300 4-5pm Healthcare 5-6:30pm International Coffee Hour
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4-5pm Global Ambassadors Program (GAP) Information Session 5-6pm Football 101 5-6:30pm International Coffee Hour Undergraduate students are strongly recommended to attend events marked with an asterisk *
New! International Student Success Sessions In this fall series for new international students, workshops are designed to provide you support with adjustment to life, academics, and culture in the United States. Fall 2015 sessions are 5:30-6:30pm in the Globe Room 2300.
Making the Most of Your FSU Experience | August 31
Adjusting to Life in the United States | September 14
Giving Presentations in English with Confidence | September 21
Open Discussion/Question & Answer | September 28
International Coffee Hour Every Friday from 5-6:30pm in the Globe dining room and lounge, international and U.S. students, scholars, and faculty gather for coffee and snacks. It is truly the place to be on Fridays! New for families! On the following dates, bring your family to coffee hour and enjoy special games and activities in the Globe auditorium in addition to regular coffee hour in the lounge and dining room.
August 28 | September 25 | October 16 | November 20 English Conversation Club English Conversation Club invites all levels of speakers of English as a second language/other language to meet in a relaxed atmosphere to practice conversational English. Groups are led by experienced English tutors. Students, scholars and their families are welcome to attend! Global Ambassadors Program (GAP) Share your culture with groups on campus and in the community. As a Global Ambassador, you have the opportunity to visit classrooms on campus and in local elementary and high schools and other community organizations. The CGE provides the training necessary to help you prepare your presentation. Transportation is always provided. There will be an interest meeting on Friday, September 4 from 4-5pm in Room 2600 at the Center for Global Engagement. Global Partner Certificate The Global Partner Certificate is designed for staff, faculty, or FSU graduate students who are committed to understanding and appreciating cultures and who are interested in learning how to better assist international students and scholars at FSU. To earn the Certificate, you must attend Bridging Cultures I or II, plus two other workshops, and participate in at least three different CGE programs or activities.
Global Café Experience a variety of cuisine and cultures from around the world on select Fridays starting at 11:30am. Student groups and staff prepare food from authentic recipes and serve lunch for just $7 (drink and dessert included). Fall 2015 Global Café’s are:
September 18: Specialties of Scandinavia | Co-hosted by InternatioNole
October 2: Nepal | Co-hosted by the Nepalese Student Association
October 16: Venezuela | Co-hosted by the Venezuelan Student Association
October 30: India | Co-hosted by the Indian Student Association
Engage Your World This monthly event is designed to bring together U.S. and international students, faculty, and staff to engage in conversation about the global challenges we all face today—from questioning the possibility of achieving a culturally pluralistic world, to debating the role of the United Nations in the 21 st century, to discussing the issues of education, poverty, and violence against women. Each event features a panel of FSU faculty or staff, along with one or more student organizations involved with the monthly topic.
International Education Week | November 16-20 International Education Week (IEW) is a national celebration of U.S.-based programs that promote international learning and exchange. During this week, FSU offers a variety of events and activities. International Bazaar | February 13, 2016 The International Bazaar, the Center for Global Engagement’s largest annual event, is held every spring. The event gives student groups and community organizations the chance to share their history and heritage through cultural displays, performances, and food.
Special Spaces at the Globe Meditation Room The Meditation Room is available to any member of the Florida State University community who seeks a quiet place to reflect, pray, or meditate. It is on the third floor of the Globe and open from 8am-5pm Monday-Friday (no reservation is needed). Reflections Reading Room In collaboration with the Center for Leadership & Social Change, the Reflections Reading Room is available to all students providing a quiet space to read and learn from the collection of books available. Find reading materials on topics such as international education, culture, peace and conflict studies, and leadership and service. Donations of books are always welcome!
Stay in touch with the Center for Global Engagement during your time at FSU. Pay attention to immigration updates and reminders that your immigration advisors send via email and through Blackboard. Also look for CGE e-newsletters with information on upcoming events and programs. Social media is another great way to become part of our CGE community. Keep up-to-date with the latest announcements, see photos from our events, and share posts with your friends. You can post questions and connect with other new international students on our New to FSU International Students Facebook page. facebook.com/NewFSUInternational “Like” the Center for Global Engagement’s main Facebook page at facebook.com/fsucge
Follow @fsucge on Twitter and Instagram! twitter.com/fsucge instagram.com/fsucge
Still have questions? If you have general questions about campus and Tallahassee, look for student ambassadors at the table in the lobby outside the CGE’s International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) office or ask the assistant at the ISSS front desk.
110 S. Woodward Ave., Tallahassee, FL 32306 | cge.fsu.edu | (850) 644-1702 | cge@admin.fsu.edu