Hello!
This week I will provide you with information regarding the International Center. I also want to remind you time is running out to register for the new graduate student orientation events on September 17 and 18. I look forward to meeting you there. Click here to register.
– Fall Fees Reminder –
Fall 2015 fees are due on September 15th. After enrolling into your courses, log into your ZotAccount (https://zotaccount.uci.edu/) to view your outstanding fees. If you need UCI’s bank account information to complete a wire transfer, email Campus Billing at cbs@uci.edu with your name, student ID number, and request “wiring instruction” at least 10 days before fees are due to receive a timely response. You can also reference the email I sent to you a few weeks ago on making payments (https://ucirvinegradinterconnect.wordpress.com/2015/08/07/week-5-making-payments/).
International Center
The UC Irvine International Center offers various services and events to assist in your transition to the U.S.
Services the International Center offers include:
- Advising on immigration and visa issues (program changes, academic issues, employment in the U.S., and travel)
- Provides programs and activities
- Advocates and assists with government offices and other UCI offices
- Courses: English Conversation Program
- Programs: English Development Workshop Series, Career Development Workshop Series, International Coffee Hour, Tax Information Session, Bye Bye Culture Shock, IC Helping Hands, Life in the U.S. Series, and Explore Southern California Series
For more information on the International Center services and calendar of events visit: http://www.ic.uci.edu/index.php or email at newstudent@ic.uci.edu.
Review the International Center Handbook for information needed to maintain you F1 or J1 immigration status: http://www.ic.uci.edu/forms/2015_international_handbook.pdf
You will need to complete the electronic visa check-in, iNavigateUCI, within 3 days of arriving to the U.S. (http://www.ic.uci.edu/Students/New/checkinandorientation.php).
If you will be employed at UCI at the beginning of fall and need to apply for a Social Security Number, I recommend that you sign-up for the free Social Security Shuttle Service on Friday, September 9, 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM to the Mission Viejo Social Security office. A completed Reservation Form is required (http://www.ic.uci.edu/Programs/ssnshuttle.php).
Graduate Student Orientation
Your schedule of orientation events is as follows:
- Thursday, September 17 (12:00pm–5:00pm)
- International New Graduate Student Orientation
- International Master’s and Ph.D. students only
- Friday, September 18 (8:30am–6:00pm)
- Campuswide New Graduate Student Orientation
- All incoming Master’s and Ph.D. students
Register now for both events: https://ucigrad.hobsonsradius.com/ssc/eform/N6703IM0868Ex6700kx826.ssc.
Let me know how I can assist you. Please review your pre-arrival and post-arrival checklist. I will contact you again next week with additional information to help you prepare for your arrival.
Sincerely,
Your Peer Mentor
Graduate InterConnect Peer Mentor
Graduate Resource Center (GRC)
3100 Gateway Study Center
Graduate Division
UC Irvine
Irvine, CA 92697