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Today's Tip:
Register for Orientation
As an international graduate student, you will have at least two orientations to attend:
International Student Orientation
Every F-1 student must attend one ISSS Immigration Session.
Attending an immigration session enables us to activate your I-20 and report your arrival to the U.S. Government. This step is necessary before students can apply for a Social Security number or U.S. drivers licence.
Dates to attend Immigration Session:
Space is limited so register for the date that works for you
. Dates can be found in iTerp and will be posted during the FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER.
You will receive information about how to maintain legal immigration status and meet ISSS staff here to assist you with any immigration issues during your stay in the United States.
Early Immigration Sessions
For students who are in the U.S. already or arrive before orientation, early sessions will begin January 8th. These sessions will allow you to activate your I-20 early and assist in:
securing a social security number, drivers licence, and activation in UMD assistantship payroll.
How to Register for International Student Orientation Events:
- Log in to iTerp.
- Select "Register for Orientation."
- Then click the "Session Signups" side menu. Click on various session titles to view descriptions.
- Next, find the date the event is offered in the calendar (location/time are published there). Click "sign up" for each event you plan to attend. Only register once so you do not take up multiple slots!
- If you see a session you wish to attend is "full," show up at the event anyway - ISSS can often accommodate extra people.
Other ISSS Orientation Events
In addition to the required Immigration Session, ISSS offers a full program of Orientation Week events
January 22-24 and we hope that you will attend as many events as possible. These events are designed to aid your transition to life at UMD, College Park, and the United States.
Your Academic Department Orientation
Every department has its own academic orientation events and procedures, so please also follow your department's instructions to ensure you attend their necessary dates.
If you will have a Teaching Assistant Position
The Graduate School requires that ITAs who are non-native speakers of English be evaluated to have their proficiency in spoken English assessed. The ITA Evaluation is not required of students who serve only as graders or researchers, or whose entire education has been in the U.S., United Kingdom, Ireland, English-speaking Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Anglophone Africa, or the Commonwealth Caribbean. Candidates must pass the ITA Evaluation prior to being assigned teaching duties, including duties in labs. This requirement may not be waived.
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