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International Orientation Week

Your week to get to know campus!

The Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) is looking forward to welcoming you to our campus 黑社区 on August 29th, 2026! Our team is ready to walk you through the process of starting your life at St. Thomas and making sure you are ready for success. Upon arrival, we'll help you with immigration check-in and course registration. You'll learn all about campus and start making friends by participating in social events and campus tours!

Parents, guardians, family, and loved ones of graduate students are welcome and encouraged to attend orientation. We realize the transition to a university can be a big change for the entire family. If you plan on attending orientation, please let us know by emailing oiss@stthomas.edu.

What you can do right now!

  • Learn more about your international orientation leaders below! If you want to chat with one of them, email us!
  • There will be time to review your course schedule with an Academic Counselor during Orientation. Transfer students should meet separately in advance with an academic advisor to confirm course schedule and transfer credits.
  • Complete the with details of when you're arriving on campus or if you need to use our airport pickup service (only available on Saturday, August 29th). The deadline to sign up is Friday, August 21st.

Contact OISS

Fall 2026 Undergraduate Orientation Schedule

The Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) is ready to welcome you to your new campus on August 29th, 2026! We will be open during the week to help you complete the immigration check-in process. Please check each day to see when we will be doing check-ins.

In the meantime, please complete the so we can know when you're arriving on campus or if you need to be picked up from the airport. The deadline to sign up is Friday, August 21st.

This is our official arrival day and the first day that students living on campus can move into their residence halls.

15:00 – 17:00 Welcome Activities with Orientation Leaders
Lower East Quad – In front of Murray Herrick Center (MHC). Rain site: MHC 201
Orientation Leaders will take turns leading icebreakers and games outside. It’s a great chance to get to know other new students and some current students.

17:00 - 18:30 – Meet for Dinner
Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212
Please join your international orientation leaders and current international students for dinner at one of the on-campus dining halls.

9:00 – 14:00 Check-in with the Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS)
Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC 212)
Your first step when coming to campus is to complete a check-in process with an Immigration advisor. Come any time between 9:00 and 14:00. Please bring your passport, VISA, I-20, and hard copies of your official transcripts. The meeting will last around 30 minutes. This is required in order to maintain legal immigration status in the U.S.

14:00 – 15:00 Guided Campus Tour
Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212
Take a tour of campus with our St. Thomas tour guides or using the self-guided app which will show you all the best parts of campus.

 

15:30 – 17:30 Afternoon Shopping Trip
Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212
International Orientation Leaders will come with you on a bus to the first ever Target store in Roseville. This is an opportunity for you to purchase anything that you might need for your room. Students are responsible for paying for their own purchases.

 

18:00 - 19:00 – Meet for Dinner
Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212
Please join your orientation leaders and International Student Ambassadors for dinner at the cafeteria. Families and guests are welcome to attend.

Meal plans begin on Monday August 31st, 2026, at 7:00 in the morning. 

 
8:00 – 12:00 Check-in with the Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) 
Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC 212) 
Your first step when coming to campus is to complete a check-in process with an Immigration advisor. Come any time between 8:00 and 12:00. Please bring your passport, VISA, I-20, and hard copies of your official transcripts. The meeting will last around 30 minutes. This is required in order to maintain legal immigration status in the U.S. 
 
9:30 – 11:30 Academic Advising Drop-In Hours 
Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212 
You will be able to meet with your Academic Advisors at this time for any questions that you have about your classes and class schedule. 
 
10:00 – 12:00 Welcome Activities with Orientation Leaders 
Lower East Quad – In front of Murray Herrick Center (MHC). Rainsite: MHC 201
Orientation Leaders will take turns leading icebreakers and games outside. It’s a great chance to get to know other new students and some current students.   
 
11:30 – 12:30 Welcome Lunch with IOLs 
The View - Meet at the Anderson Student Center (ASC) 1st floor 
The on-campus meal plan begins. Come and get lunch with your orientation leaders.  
 
12:30 – 14:30 Resource Fair  
Iversen Center for Faith  
Representatives from U.S. Bank and phone companies will be on site on-campus to help students create new bank and phone accounts. We will also have representatives from the Center for Well-Being to answer health insurance questions, and the Tech Desk if you have any questions. You will need to have your passport and I-20 with you. 
 
15:00 - 16:30 OISS Orientation Session - Required 
Iversen Center for Faith 
This session is required for all undergraduate international students.  OISS will discuss immigration regulations necessary to maintain status and ways to get involved throughout the year. 
 
16:30 – 17:30 OISS Borrowing Closet 
ASC Dance - Anderson Student Center (ASC) Lower Level 
The Borrowing Closet is an opportunity to select free items from past international students to help you settle into your new living space. 
 
17:30 – 19:00 Picnic with OISS 
Upper Quad - Outside of Ireland Residence Hall. Rain Site: Scooter’s - Anderson Student Center (ASC) 1st Floor 
Join us for an evening picnic (including food) with your Orientation Leaders, OISS staff, and current students. 
 
Evening Activity 
Please check the Welcome Days schedule on  for more information on events and locations. 

8:00 – 12:00, 13:00 – 15:00 Check-in with OISS office 
Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC 212) 
Your first step when coming to campus is to complete a check-in process with an Immigration advisor. Come any time between 8:00am and 12:00pm and 13:00pm and 15:00pm. Please bring your passport, VISA, I-20, and hard copies of your official transcripts. The meeting lasts 30 minutes. This is required in order to maintain a legal immigration status in the U.S. 
 
10:00 – 11:00 Guided Campus Tour 
Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212 
Take a tour of campus with our St. Thomas tour guides or using the self-guided app which will show you all the best parts of campus.  
 
10:00 – 12:00 Academic Advising Drop-In Hours 
Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212 
You will be able to meet with your Academic Advisors at this time for any questions that you have about your classes and class schedule.  
 
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch with International Orientation Leaders 
Northsider - Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212 
Join your International Orientation Leaders for lunch. Students are responsible for their own lunch.  
 
13:30 – 15:30 Afternoon Shopping Trip 
Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212 
International Orientation Leaders will help you take the free shuttle to the Minneapolis campus to shop at the large Target store. This is an opportunity to learn how to take the inter-campus shuttle and see part of downtown Minneapolis! Students are responsible for paying for their own purchases. 
 
Evening Activity 
Please check the Welcome Days schedule on  for more information on events and locations. 

 

Welcome Days Events Begin 
Please check the Welcome Days schedule on  for more information on events and locations.  
 
8:00 – 12:00, 13:00 – 15:00 Check-in with OISS office 
Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC 212) 
Your first step when coming to campus is to complete a check-in process with an Immigration advisor. Come any time between 8:00am and 12:00pm and 13:00pm and 15:00pm. Please bring your passport, VISA, I-20, and hard copies of your official transcripts. The meeting lasts 30 minutes. This is required in order to maintain a legal immigration status in the U.S. 

Thursday, July 23rd, from 8:45 – 12:00 (CST) Virtual Orientation Session - Required 
Online 
Throughout your transition to starting classes at St. Thomas, you will learn how to register for your courses, meet other classmates at our Orientation sessions, and connect with our supportive faculty and staff. Orientation sessions are required. You will receive an email with the link to join the session a few days prior.  Please email orientation@stthomas.edu if you have any questions. 
 
Tuesday, July 28th, from 8:45 – 12:00 (CST) Virtual TRANSFER Orientation Session – Required 
Online 
Throughout your transition to starting classes at St. Thomas, you will learn how to register for your courses, meet other classmates at our Orientation sessions, and connect with our supportive faculty and staff. Orientation sessions are required. You will receive an email with the link to join the session a few days prior. Please email orientation@stthomas.edu if you have any questions.
 
*Students who do not attend those dates will be registered for the August 20 virtual session. Students who do not attend that date will be registered for the Orientation Make-Up Course in Canvas.*

Tuesday, September 8th at 11:00 - March Through the Arches Celebration 
The Arches 
All participate in this St. Thomas tradition as you walk through the Arches and celebrate the start of your freshman year. 
 
Friday, September 11th from 15:00 – 16:30 - President's Reception 
Iversen Center for Faith (ICF)  
Meet the University’s President, Dr. Rob Vischer, as he welcomes our new international students.  

What to Expect

  • Immigration Check-In
  • Course Registration
  • Campus Tour and ID Card
  • Social Events
  • Online Orientation Module

    • Immigration Check-In with OISS

    You will meet with an OISS advisor for immigration purposes as well as discuss any specific questions you have.

    Course Registration

    Meet your academic advisor and finalize your course schedule.

    Campus Tour and ID Card

    Learn more about campus and receive your St. Thomas ID Card.

    Social Events

    Your international orientation leaders plan special events throughout the week to help you meet others!

    Online Orientation Module

    Learn about campus resources, health services, academic expectations, immigration regulations and life at St. Thomas. Access the .

    Immigration Check-In

    Immigration Check-In with OISS

    You will meet with an OISS advisor for immigration purposes as well as discuss any specific questions you have.

    Course Registration

    Course Registration

    Meet your academic advisor and finalize your course schedule.

    Campus Tour and ID Card

    Campus Tour and ID Card

    Learn more about campus and receive your St. Thomas ID Card.

    Social Events

    Social Events

    Your international orientation leaders plan special events throughout the week to help you meet others!

    Online Orientation Module

    Online Orientation Module

    Learn about campus resources, health services, academic expectations, immigration regulations and life at St. Thomas. Access the .

    Meet our Orientation Leaders

    Our orientation team is looking forward to welcoming you to St. Thomas! Email oiss@sttthomas.edu if you would like to be put in contact with one of our leaders.

    Young man sitting at a restaurant smiling

    Nikhil

    Country you call home: India

    Languages Spoken: Hindi, Marwari, and a little bit of Haryanvi and Punjabi.

    Bio: Hey, this is Nikhil majoring in computer science and minoring in finance. I like to go out with friends, love cooking, and exploring new places.

    Young woman smiling

    Nita

    Country you call home: Iran

    Languages Spoken: Farsi

    Bio: I'm majoring in biology with a minor in nutrition on a pre-dental track. I’m a on the board of the biology club and in the honors program. I love to dance and drink coffee (also finding really cute restaurants and coffee shops)

    Young man standing

    Hoang

    Country you call home: Vietnam

    Languages Spoken: Vietnamese

    Bio: I’m Hoang, majoring in computer science and minoring in finance. I like to play sports, cafe hopping, trying out new things.

    Young woman standing

    Minh

    Country you call home: Vietnam

    Languages Spoken: Vietnamese

    Bio: Hi! My name is Minh, I'm also known as Mindy. I’m an Entrepreneurship student who enjoys connecting with people and learning about different cultures. I’m excited to help new international students feel connected at St. Thomas!

    Young man standing

    Dhruv

    Country you call home: Gujarat

    Languages Spoken: Gujarati, Hindi

    Bio: Hello everyone, Dhruv here. Double majoring in Entrepreneurship and leadership management. Love to go on adventures and hangout with friends. Reach out if any questions.

    Young woman smiling

    Bee

    Country you call home: Ethiopia

    Languages Spoken: French, English, Amharic.

    Bio: Selam! My name is Beemnet ( Bee), I am an international student from Ethiopia, majoring in international studies and minoring in economics. I love getting involved on campus, hanging out with my friends and helping people.

    Young woman smiling

    Akshataa

    Country you call home: Nepal

    Languages Spoken: Nepali

    Bio: My name is Akshataa and I'm an international student from Nepal. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, listening to music and am keen on learning new things.