International Orientation Fall 2008: Schedule of Events

Welcome to Hiram! The New International Student Orientation program is designed to help you acclimate to the campus, take care of many practical matters, and give you an opportunity to make new friends. This year the New International Student Orientation will begin on August 22nd, 2008.

New international student arrival dates are August 20th and August 21st so mark your calendars! Remember to complete the Arrival Form so that we may arrange to meet you at the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport when you arrive.

New International Student Orientation Schedule of Events

Friday, August 22

Special notes:  We have much to do today! Families are welcome to join in all events.

You need to bring the following items with you today:

  • $31.50 to pay for your Post Office Box rental (for 1 full academic year)
  • A minimum of $50 to open a local bank account
  • Passport and I-20
  • Social Security Card (if applicable)
  • Orientation Folder
8:00 a.m.

Breakfast

Location: Kennedy Center, Brown Fall (2nd floor)

During breakfast, we will be preparing for the day's activities and forming 5 groups.  Students -- please be on time for breakfast.

9:00 a.m.

Campus Tour

Students will tour the campus in 5 groups.  While on tour, students will take a photo for their Student ID and have an opportunity to open a local post office box and local bank account.

Family members are invited and welcome to join our groups in order to get acquainted with the campus.

Post Office

Students will have the opportunity to open a local Post Office Box to receive mail.  Orientation Leaders will be on hand to assist students with combination locks.  Please note:  You do need $31.50 in cash to rent a Post Office Box.

Bank Account

A bank representative from Huntington Bank in Garrettsville (3 miles down the road) will be available to open a local checking account, if you choose.  Please note:  The minimum deposit is USD$50, although you may deposit more if you wish.  Please have your passport, Form I-20, and College ID with you.

12:00 p.m.

Lunch in Miller Dining Hall

1:00 p.m.

Meet in the Hinsdale Arch.  We will form two groups for the next two sessions.

Email and Web4Student Session (Student Session)

Led by:  Dray Computer Center

Location:  Hinsdale 214 (2nd floor)

On-Campus Employment and the U.S. Social Security Administration

Led by:  Taryn Hale and the Hiring Managers from AVI, Hiram Dining Services

Location:  Hinsdale 215 (2nd floor)

Learn about on campus employment opportunities and the requirements for acquiring a U.S. Social Security Number, the individual identification number used for employment in the U.S.   Students will also have an opportunity to interview for a limited number of open positions.  If accepted, students will apply for the Social Security Number before classes begin.

3:30 p.m.  

Understanding the Curriculum

Led by: Rodney Hessinger, Associate Dean of the College

Location: Hinsdale 215 (2nd floor) 

Meet with the Associate Dean of the College, and temporary advisor to most of you, to learn more about liberal arts educations, the Hiram 12-week/3-week semester, Graduation requirements, the Colloquium, and more.

4:00 p.m. FREE TIME

5:30 p.m.

Welcome Dinner

Location: Kennedy Center Ballroom, 2nd floor Kennedy Center

Enjoy a celebratory dinner while meeting people who will help you with the transition to college in the U.S.  We encourage you to chat, ask questions and enjoy the time together. This is a great chance to make new friends and get acquainted with Hiram!

7:00 p.m.

Optional Shopping Trip

Aurora, OH

Vans will depart from Teachout Price Hall at 7:00 pm (after the Welcome Dinner) for a short shopping trip.  This is an opportunity for students to purchase a few items that were forgotten.  Please note: there are more opportunities to go shopping tomorrow. 

Please take sufficient cash in $USD, Visa or MasterCard credit cards, or US Traveler’s Checks in order to pay for your purchases. 

 

Saturday, August 23

You need to bring the following items with you today:

  • HC International Student Handbook
  • Packet from Huntington Bank
  • Hiram College Student Handbook and Planner
  • Orientation Folder
8:00 a.m.

Breakfast

Location: Miller Dining Hall        

9:00 a.m.

Information Sessions:  Banking and Smart Spending

Led by: Taryn Hale and International Orientation Leaders

Location: Kennedy Center, Dix Dining Room (2nd Floor)

During this session we will review payment methods, tips for account management, account balancing, and common pitfalls to watch out for.

10:00 a.m.

Immigration Essentials

Led by:  Taryn Hale, Director for International Student Services

Location:  Kennedy Center, Dix Dining Room (2nd Floor)

During this session, we will discuss your immigration documents, overview of F-1 status, maintain of lawful status, and my role as the International Student Advisor.

11:00 a.m.

Citizenship, Campus Conduct, US Law, and the Role of the Police

Led by: Ed Frato-Sweeney, Coordinator of Citizenship Education, Nick Bellas, Director of Campus Safety, and Chief Lombardi of the Hiram Police Department

Location: Kennedy Center, Dix Dining Room (2nd floor)

12:00 a.m.

Lunch with the International Orientation Leaders

Location:  Miller Dining Hall

1:00 p.m.

Trip to Cleveland

Take a ride to Cleveland (approximately a 45 minute drive) to explore the West Side Market, a landmark market where diverse and ethnic food shopping can be made, and the Open Air Market with Live Music in the Ohio City area of Cleveland.

5:00 p.m.

Dinner

Location: Miller Dining Hall

6:00 p.m.

Optional Shopping Trip to Aurora

Vans will depart from the Kennedy Center Parking Lot at 6:00 pm for another shopping trip to Target and Wal-mart in Aurora. 

Please take sufficient cash in $USD, Visa or MasterCard credit cards, or US Traveler’s Checks in order to pay for your purchases. 

Sunday, August 24

You need to bring the following items with you today:

  • Your Orientation Folder
  • HC International Student Handbook
8:00 a.m.

Breakfast

Location: Miller Dining Hall

10:00 a.m.

How to Stay Healthy, Happy, and Successful

Led by: International Orientation Leaders

Location: Pritchard Room, Library (2nd floor)

During this session, the IOLs will answer your questions about the services and resources available to you on campus for staying healthy.  A few of the topics include food and nutrition options, academic services, the health center, health insurance, residence life staff, and the sports complex.

11:00 a.m.

Review for Institute

Led by: Taryn Hale and the International Orientation Leaders

Location: Pritchard Room, Library 

During this meeting, we will be discussing the following topics:

  • Immigration Team Challenge
  • Friendly Family Program and Peer Mentoring Program
  • Introduction to Institute
  • Upcoming Important Dates
1:00 p.m.

Lunch with Friendly Families

Location:  Kennedy Center Lounge

Although the Friendly Family Program is an optional program, all students are invited to have lunch with the Friendly Families.  Students who will participate in the program will have the opportunity to meet their assigned Friendly Family.

6:00 p.m.

A Night of Bowling, Sky Lanes

Location: Garrettsville, Ohio 

Join the International Student Orientation Leaders for a pizza dinner and night of bowling at Sky Lanes in nearby Garrettsville. No bowling experience is necessary.  We will depart from the Kennedy Student Center.

Monday, August 25

Today the rest of the Class of 2012 will be moving into the residence halls and Institute will begin.

 

8:00 a.m.

Breakfast

Location: Miller Dining Hall

** Today you will use your campus ID and swipe upon entry into Miller Dining Hall.  You will not need your Orientation Name Badge.

8:30 a.m.

Trip to the Social Security Administration and Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Location: Ravenna, Ohio

This trip is required for those who have secured campus employment. It is also recommended for those who have not secured employment but want to get an Ohio State ID.  The State ID can be used as identification in the U.S. and is safer to carry around than your passport.