Mandatory Online and In-Person Orientation

Student putting their L's Up

There are several important steps that you must complete:

Check-in

This is required in order for the ISSS office to report your arrival to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Failure to check-in may result in a hold on your University account and you will not be able to register for classes. More importantly, your SEVIS form I-20/DS2019 may be cancelled. You may submit the following documents to the ISSS service account:

  • Your Visa 
  • Your I-94 (print I-94 at: i94.cbp.dhs.gov)
  • Your local mailing address in the Louisville area and your telephone number

You can check-in to the International Student and Scholar Services office within the International Center-2nd floor of Jouett Hall. In-person check-in occurs between 9 am-4 pm Monday-Friday. Please complete the check-in process before the first week of classes is over.

New International Student Orientation

New student orientation is made up of two sections. The first part is an on-line and the second part is in-person. It is important to attend both sections of the orientation so you can be prepared to attend the University of Louisville. These orientations will cover a variety of topics and answer any questions that you may have. Please see below for more information. 

On-Line Orientation 

The on-line orientation session is mandatory for all new international students. It will prepare you for your stay while at the University of Louisville and cover important immigration issues regarding your stay in the U.S. You will be receiving an email from the ISSS office with how to access the on-line orientation. Please check your email for this information. Please complete the online orientation prior to your arrival. 

In-person Orientation

The In-Person orientation session is mandatory for all new F-1/J-1 international students and will cover cultural adjustment, immigration regulations, and activities to meet other fellow international students. This section will prepare you for life at UofL and the experiences that you may have while attending. There is a free lunch and a resource fair to meet other organizations associated with UofL as well. You can also set up a bank account, get a phone, and many other opportunities. 

New International Student Orientation Sessions

Location: Strickler Hall
Time: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Dates:
  • Undergraduate and Non-Degree Students- Wednesday, January 3, 2024
  • Graduate and Professional Students- Thursday, January 4, 2024
If you were unable to attend because of an unforeseen circumstance, you must review the following powerpoint slides.

Other Important Topics and Events

Note 1: If you attend the New International Student orientation, then you do not need to attend the University's new student and transfer student orientation.

Note 2: If you are a graduate student, GTA or receiving a form of assistantship or fellowship then you are required to attend one or all of the orientations below in conjunction with the new international student orientation.

Graduate Student Orientation

This orientation provides basic information about graduate school and resources for all incoming graduate students. Includes sessions on SIGS, PLAN, and being a university GTA, among others. To find out more information about the Graduate Student Orientation visit the Graduate School's webpage.

Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) Orientation

http://louisville.edu/graduate/gta

GTA English Proficiency Evaluation

http://louisville.edu/graduate/gta 

Human Resources

Please speak with your department's Unit Business Manager (UBM) to be set up on payroll and to complete the Human Resources requirements for hiring. For more information, visit the following website.

Social Security Information