Orientation

Hosted by: Division of International Education

Format: In-person and virtual (Online synchronous) at Zoom

How to attend: Detailed instructions will be emailed to new students' SF State students' email addresses.

Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 (In-person) at the Student Life Event Center, and Wednesday, January 22, 2025 (Virtual)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 (In-person)

Location: Annex I

Time: 9:30AM (check in starts at 8:45AM) to 1:00PM

Description: The International Student Orientation is a community-building event tailored for incoming international and exchange students. Attendance is free of charge.

This orientation offers F-1 and J-1 exchange students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with campus services, meet their international/exchange student advisors, and address any inquiries regarding immigration or other related concerns.

It's important to note that the International Student Orientation diverges from the New Student Orientation and does not emphasize academic advising.

Reasons to attend International Student Orientation:

• Students will learn about the Division of International Education.
• Students will learn about SF State campus services & resources
• Students will connect with current students and faculty at SF State and have a chance to ask questions 
• Students will have the opportunity to attend an information fair with bank/phone companies and student organizations
• ISO attendance is mandatory for J-1 exchange students. 

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 (Virtual)

Location: Zoom

Time: 9AM to 12PM (for F-1 international students only).  Zoom registration link will be emailed to each student individually. 

Description: We will discuss the immigration regulations that apply to F-1 and J-1 students. Detailed information will be sent to students via email.

Hosted by: Division of International Education

Format: Asynchronous, fully online orientation on SF State's learning platform Canvas: https://canvas.sfsu.edu/ 

Description: This online workshop covers topics that include U.S. regulations that apply to F-1 students, navigating SF State, U.S. classroom expectations....and more! 

Only F-1 students who have completed their Accepted Admissions Offer (AAO) will be able to access this workshop. Students should complete this workshop before entering the United States.

Students who have AAO'd but do not see the workshop on their Canvas account should contact f1@sfsu.edu for assistance.

Designed by: Division of International Education

Format: Asynchronous, fully online orientation on https://canvas.sfsu.edu/ 

Description: This mandatory online orientation provides J-1 exchange students with important information about the Exchange Visitor Program, immigration requirements, program activities, SF State academics, and advice about housing, employment, and other topics. Students must complete the Pre-Arrival Orientation before entering the United States.

Hosted by: New Student Program (NSP)

Format: In-person and Synchronous at Zoom

Description: The New Student Orientation is an academic advising orientation for incoming undergraduate students who plan to obtain their Bachelor's degree at SF State.

Hosted by: Division of Graduate Studies

Format: Online and in-person (to be determined)

Description: Visit Division of Graduate Studies website for the latest information.

Hosted by: Academic colleges or departments

Format: To be determined by academic departments

Descriptions: Some academic colleges and departments host their own orientation for new students.  Be sure to check your SF State email account or your academic departments' website for their specific new students' information.