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New Student Arrival & Orientation

Arrival for Spring 2012

You are eligible to enter the U.S. as early as 30 days prior to the start of your academic program as indicated in item 5 of your I-20 or item 3 of your DS-2019. You are expected to enter the U.S. in time to attend the mandatory International Student Orientation and the English Language Assessment Exam if you are an undergraduate student (new or transfer) or a graduate student with a language proficiency score under  600 (TOEFL paper-based test); 100 (TOEFL internet-based (IBT) version); 7.0 (IELTS); or attended Syracuse University’s English Language Institute.

If there is a situation that necessitates entering the U.S. after the program start date indicated on your document, please contact the Coordinator of International Education as you will require a new I-20 or DS-2019 with a later program start date to enter the U.S. (The latest date of entry a new document can be issued with for Spring 2012 is January 24, 2012.)

Immigration Check-in at ESF

Upon arrival in Syracuse, NY, you must check-in at the ESF Office of International Education (302 Bray Hall--see map). Please bring a passport-size photo (if you have not already submitted one via email), a completed New International Student Check-In Form, and all of your (and your dependent’s) immigration documents (e.g., I-20/DS-2019, passport, I-94 card, visa) with you when you come to your check-in appointment. All of your documents will be scanned and an electronic student file will be created for you. Information about the new student arrival seminar and clearance process will also be provided.

The Office of International Education hours of operation are noted on the main Office of international Education webpage; if possible please email to schedule a check-in appointment (cmsalter@esf.edu).

International Student Orientation, Spring 2012

All new international students are required to attend a MANDATORY International Student Orientation provided by SUNY-ESF's Office of International Education.

• New Undergraduate and Graduate International Student Orientation (Mandatory)
  Friday, January 13, 2012
  Time: 1:00 pm
  Location: 110 Moon Library, SUNY-ESF campus (map)
  New Student Orientation Guidebook (includes frequently asked questions and housing information)

Please bring the following items from your Welcome Folder (obtained at the Office of International Education): your Clearance Form and the Acknowledgment of Responsibility for Maintenance of Lawful Immigration Status and Health Insurance Form (please be sure to sign the Clearance Form in the health insurance section and the Acknowledgement of Responsibility Form at the bottom) as both forms will be collected when you check-in to the orientation.

ESF Orientations

You must also attend the applicable college orientation:

• SUNY-ESF Graduate Orientation Program
• SUNY-ESF First Year Undergraduate Orientation Program
• SUNY-ESF Undergraduate Transfer Student Orientation program
• SUNY-ESF Exchange Student Orientation (Fall 2010)

If you will work on campus as a student assistant (graduate or research), you are required to attend the College-Wide Graduate Assistant Colloquium on Teaching and Learning.

English Language Assessment Exam (ELAE), Spring 2012

• Required for all undergraduate students (new and transfer) in order to determine the proper English class placement.
• Required for graduate students who:
  • obtained a TOEFL score under 600; under 250 if you took the computerized test; under 100 if you took the internet-based, IBT, version,;
  • obtained an IELTS score under 7.0; or
  • attended SU's English Language Institute.
• Please contact Dr. Margo Sampson at masampso@syr.edu if you have any questions regarding this exam.
  
  ELAE Test Dates
  Day: Friday, January 13, 2012 or Sunday, January 15, 2012
  Time: 9 am-noon (you must arrive on-time; if you arrive late you may not be able to take the exam)
  Location: Gifford Auditorium, HBC Building (SU Campus)
  
  When should I take the ELAE?
  Graduate Students: Sunday, January 15, 2012
  Undergraduate Students: Friday, January 13, 2012