New International Students 2009-2010

Welcome to La Sierra University (LSU)! After receiving your Acceptance Letter and I-20, there are several steps you need to take before you enroll as a new international student. This brochure provides you with important information as you get started.

Before Arriving in the U.S.

Carefully read the "Procedures for New International Students" document you received from the Office of International Student Services (OISS) with your I-20. This document provides the necessary information on the following steps:

PRE-ARRIVAL - WHAT TO DO

Step 1: Obtain a Student Visa

Step 2: Pay the SEVIS Fee

Step 3: Request an External Evaluation of your Transcript(s)

Step 4: Take an English Language Test

Step 5: Locate Housing

Step 6: Request an Airport Pick-Up

POST-ARRIVAL - WHAT TO DO

Step 1: What to Do at the Airport-Entering the United States

Step 2: Check-In and Attend International Orientation

(see below for more details on International Orientation)

Step 3: What to Do After Checking-In

Step 4: Maintain Lawful Status while in the U.S.

International Student Orientation

You will attend an International Student Orientation hosted by the Center for Student Academic Success (C-SAS) and the Office of International Student Services (OISS). The orientation you attend will be determined by your student standing. It is important to attend the correct orientation. If you have any questions about what orientation to attend, please e-mail us at orientation@lasierra.edu.

Undergraduate - First-Year in College: August 19-20 or September 14-15

You are a first-year student if you have never attended college in your home country or in the U.S.

NOTE: The August 19 & 20 orientation is reserved only for international first-year students already

in the U.S.

Undergraduate - Transfer Students: August 24 or September 16-17

You are a transfer student if you have attended at least one year of college but have not received an

undergraduate degree.

NOTE: The August 24 orientation is reserved only for international transfer or graduate students

already in the U.S. International transfer or graduate students already in the U.S. are

encouraged to complete testing, advising, and health clearance before attending orientation.

Graduate Students: August 24 or September 16-17

If you are graduate student you have already earned an undergraduate degree and wish to continue

your education.

NOTE: The August 24 orientation is reserved only for international transfer or graduate students already in the U.S. International transfer or graduate students already in the U.S. are

encouraged to complete testing, advising, and health clearance before attending orientation.

What Will I Do During International Orientation?

Update your immigration records with the Office of International Student Services (OISS) and learn about the immigration regulations you must follow.

For more information about OISS click here.

Complete English language proficiency testing (if needed)
Complete Math placement testing (if applicable)

To access Math practice questions click here.

Speak to a financial counselor
Complete health physical and clear immunizations

You can have a doctor in your country complete the Health Record Form. Bring the completed form to the International Orientation. Or, you can pay to have a physical done at LSU's Health Services during Orientation. The form is available here.

Clear registration holds
Get advised & registered for Fall Quarter courses
Obtain official LSU ID card
Meet your future classmates, LSU administrators, faculty, and staff

NOTE: Meals will be provided on the days of Orientation. If you have not made arrangements to live in campus housing during the school year, overnight stay will be provided for the days of Orientation, upon request when you register for orientation.

Where Should I Go on the First Day of Orientation?

Orientation begins at 8:00 a.m. at the Center for Student Academic Success in Sierra Vista Hall on the corner of Sierra Vista Ave. and Pierce St. (across from the LSU Church). Parking is available behind Sierra Vista Hall. Campus map is available here.

What Should I Bring to Orientation?

Passport
I-20 form
I-94 card
U.S. address and phone number, if you have one
Completed health form and immunization records
Any academic and/or financial documents requested by LSU departments

What Is the Cost of International Orientation?

It is important that all students attend an orientation. All students are charged an Orientation fee even if they choose not to attend. The fee for the orientation depends on students' class standing and type of orientation attended. This fee covers the cost of supplies and food and will appear on your Fall Quarter financial statement. Testing fees are not included in this fee and must be paid at the time of testing.

Questions?

For additional information about International Orientation, e-mail us at orientation@lasierra.edu

Relevant Departments:

Admissions & Records regarding your application and/or academic records at (951) 785-2006 or admissions@lasierra.edu.

Health Services for any questions about the health records requirement at (951) 785-2200 or health@lasierra.edu.

Office of International Student Services for questions regarding immigration procedures at (951) 785-2237, oiss@lasierra.edu, or here.

Student Financial Services for questions about tuition, financial aid, and scholarships at (951) 785-2175 or sfs@lasierra.edu.