Orientation

When do spring 2010 semester classes begin?

Spring classes begin on February 1, 2010  for all undergraduate and graduate students. Note: some graduate programs might have an earlier start date.

When will I know my housing assignment?

We do not have your room assignment at this time. International Admissions will send your housing assignment. We will inform you of this information as soon as possible.

What happens when I arrive at the airport in St. Paul/Minneapolis?

If you plan to arrive at the Twin Cities airport (Airport code: MSP) on Monday, January 25, 2010 we will airport greeters assist you at the airport.

Please notify us at least one week prior to your arrival, if you would like us to meet you at the Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) airport. Please inform us by filling out the Airport Request Form. We will meet you on the baggage claim level near Carousel 4. We will have the International Mentors meet you at the airport and other International Mentors on-campus who will take you to your residence hall. If we miss you or your flight is delayed please call (651) 962-6650 or our office cell phone which is (651) 528-3934.

What if I need to arrive on campus early—do you have temporary housing?

 You may contact our office to see if we have this available at your anticipated time.  You should also check on local hotels. If you need assistance, please contact OISS at oiss@stthomas.edu.

When does spring 2010 new international student orientation begin?

All new international students (who have not been in the US more than 6 months) should plan to attend the mandatory International Student Orientation on:

For undergraduate students: January 27-28,  2010

For graduate students: January 28, 2010

What is the CultureLink program?

CultureLink is a great way to learn more about American culture from meeting and talking with Americans. See the Culture Link application and what past participants have said about the program at: http://www.stthomas.edu/oiss/culturelink/. As part of the Culture Link Program you can complete an application to have an American communication partner and/or Friendship Family during your time studying in the United States. Students have a much better experience on campus if they are a part of this program.

Am I required to have health insurance at St. Thomas? Can I provide my own health insurance or waive this requirement?

Yes, all F-1 and J-1 visa students are required to have health insurance while at St. Thomas.

 F-1 international students who want to waive the UST-sponsored health insurance plan can submit their U.S.-based health insurance information that meets the minimum requirements via Murphy Online at: https://banner.stthomas.edu.F-1 international students who do not complete the Murphy Online waiver process by the 10th day of classes will be automatically enrolled in and billed for the UST-sponsored plan. Those whose waiver request is approved will still be enrolled in and billed for an evacuation and repatriation plan.

 J-1 international students are not eligible to waive the UST-sponsored plan due to Department of State requirements.

Who should I talk to about registering for classes? When can I register for classes?

• For exchange students: All undergraduate exchange students are encouraged to register as soon as possible in order to have the best option for available courses. Please see the yellow registration sheet that was sent in your admissions packet and follow the instructions. After you have chosen the courses you are interested in please e-mail this list of courses to Ms. Elizabeth Dussol at eadussol@stthomas.edu or fax it to (1-651) 962-5965 to Ms. Dussol’s attention.
• If you are a graduate exchange student: Please contact the advisor that is listed on your admission letter.
• For undergraduate students: All undergraduate international students are required to complete a document check with the Office of International Student Services (OISS) staff upon arrival to campus. After you have met OISS you will then be able to make an appointment to register for classes with academic counseling.
• For graduate students: All graduate international students are required to complete a document check with the Office of International Student Services (OISS) staff upon arrival to campus. After you have met OISS you will then be able to make an appointment to register for classes with your graduate department.

Can I work on campus? What types of jobs are available?

Yes, international students can work on campus. Please see the following web page for a list of current job openings http://www.stthomas.edu/hr/studentemployment/
Please see the following web page for immigration information regarding on-campus employment http://www.stthomas.edu/oiss/immigration/oncampus/

What should I bring to the United States with me? How should I prepare for my arrival?

Great question! Please see our pre-arrival brochure which can be accessed by going to the following web page http://www.stthomas.edu/oiss/orientation/files/Before_Arrival.pdf
This web page also has helpful information http://www.stthomas.edu/oiss/orientation/preparing/

What if I have been in the US for more than 6 months-do I have to attend orientation?

If you are a graduate student who is new to UST but has been in the United States for more than six months you may complete the on-line orientation http://www.stthomas.edu/oiss/orientation/online/.
If you are an undergraduate student or a graduate student who has been in the United States for less than six months you should attend an on-campus orientation session.

How do I set up my St. Thomas e-mail account?

You are automatically assigned an e-mail account when you become part of the UST community. If you have not received information on your e-mail please look at the following web pages for more information:
UST account and password: http://www.stthomas.edu/irt/support/passwords/ustaccount.html
UST e-mail account: http://mail.stthomas.edu/ and http://www.stthomas.edu/irt/support/email/