Pre-Arrival Information - Autumn Semester 2021 at Ohio State

OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

International Student
Check-In and Orientation

Autumn 2021

Dear Future Student

Greetings from the Office of International Affairs (OIA) at The Ohio State University. While information surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, please know that our highest priority is the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. We are monitoring the global outbreak and are taking appropriate steps to ensure the well-being of the campus community.

Ohio State is preparing to offer significantly more in-person classes and robust in-person experiences autumn semester. All decisions will be made in partnership with and approval of local, state and federal health authorities. Learn more about the university’s plan for the 2021-2022 academic year.

The Office of International Affairs will conduct International Student Orientation and Mandatory Immigration Check-In virtually. International Student Orientation and Mandatory Immigration Check-In are two separate processes, and students are required to complete both.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been adjustments by the Student and Visitor Exchange Program (SEVP) to the online credit maximum to allow for more flexibility. These adjustments will continue for the 2021-22 academic year.

Visit our Autumn 2021 Updates page for more information.

The Office of International Affairs encourages all students to arrive 2-3 weeks before the start of classes on August 24 in order to complete Mandatory Orientation and Immigration Check-In. We know students may face issues securing visa appointments as U.S. consulates work through significant backlogs, but it's important that students continue to try and schedule a visa appointment as soon as possible. We understand that this is a challenging time, but please know that the Office of International Affairs is here to assist you in any way possible.

Over the next few months we will send you weekly emails to help you plan for beginning your academic journey at Ohio State. You may access the archived emails online, under Autumn Semester.

These emails are designed to:

Address the most important topics for incoming international students.
Prepare students for the transition to campus.
Introduce future Ohio State Buckeyes to what awaits them on campus!

We look forward to sending you more detailed information in our upcoming pre-arrival emails. In the meantime, please explore our website and answers to frequently asked questions, and you are always welcome to email us at iss@osu.edu.

Learn More

International Student Orientation is Now Available

You were automatically enrolled to complete your self-guided International Student Orientation. Orientation will take place virtually through CarmenCanvas, Ohio State’s online learning management system. Please note:

You DO NOT have to register since you have been automatically enrolled. You received an enrollment confirmation email along with instructions through your Buckeyemail account today, July 21.
Orientation is mandatory and you should complete your self-guided orientation by August 2. The Office of International Affairs will be automatically notified of your completion.

Orientation ia a separate process from Mandatory Immigration Check-In and will consist of a series of pre-recorded presentations and videos aimed at introducing you to Ohio State, providing important information and helping you become familiar with available resources. Through self-guided modules, you will learn about:

Maintaining your immigration status
Academic requirements and success strategies
Life on campus and outside the classroom
Health insurance and screening requirements
Campus health and safety
Housing and dining services

Please email global-engagement@osu.edu with any orientation questions.

For help accessing CarmenCanvas, refer to the Get Started Guide. When orientation opens, if you have problems accessing CarmenCanvas, contact the OCIO Help Desk at ServiceDesk@osu.edu or call 614-688-4357 (HELP).

Welcome Events

Leading up to the start of the semster, you will have the opportunity to attend online information sessions and social programming. These programs will be hosted virtually and in-person (as safety guidelines permit) by the Office of International Affairs. A full schedule of events, including instructions for registering and links to CarmenZoom sessions, will be available in your virtual orientation's calendar. View the calendar PDF version.

The Office of International Affairs also has an events app that will list all Welcome Events and other social programming. To view the calendar, download the Global Events at Ohio State App and search events with the "Welcome Events" tag.

The app also has great functions like adding events to your personal schedule or mobile calendar, as well as alerts for any last minute changes and other updates.

Please email global-engagement@osu.edu with any questions.

Connect with Other Buckeyes Online

Join the New Ohio State International Students - 2021 Facebook group using your Ohio State email. The group will post about events happening during orientation, and you can meet and chat with your fellow new Buckeyes!

Over the summer there may be opportunities to attend virtual events—you don't have to wait to start getting engaged! Visit our calendar for more information.

Additional Resources

Visit our website to review information from previous emails and/or answers to frequently asked questions. If you don't find what you're looking for, contact global-engagement@osu.edu.

Please allow us to join the other offices on campus in congratulating you on your acceptance to The Ohio State University.

Kind regards,
Office of International Affairs

2009 Millikin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210

oia@osu.edu

osu.edu

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