Orientation Information and Schedule

Immigration Check-in

All new international students are required to complete immigration check-in upon arriving in the United States. Check-in ensures that your SEVIS record is properly activated and confirms your arrival to SIU Carbondale. You can complete your check-in up to 30 days before the start of the semester. There is no need to wait until orientation day. We encourage you to check in as soon as you arrive to avoid any delays in processing your immigration record and to gain access to important campus services.

Spring 2027 Orientation Registration

Registration is now available for international student orientation for newly admitted undergraduate and graduate students:

Orientation

Orientation prepares new students for many aspects of life in the United States, in Carbondale, and at SIU. During orientation, we will provide valuable information including required immunizations, health insurance, tips for adjusting to your new cultural and academic environments, opening a bank account, U.S. income taxes, housing, and many other topics. In addition, we have planned events that will provide you with the opportunity to have fun, get familiar with your new environment, and make new friends.

See links to the left for more information; see below for orientation schedules.

Join us for the Spring 2027 orientation.

2027 New International Student Orientations will be in person at the Center for International Education.

Spring 2027 orientation begins January 5th and runs through January 8th.

See below for schedule information and a listing of mandatory events.

Fall 2026 Orientation Schedule

(details are tentative and subject to change)

Tuesday, January 5th (Available to All New International Students)

Time	Event	Location
8:30am to 3:30pm	Immigration Check-in	CIE Reception Area, Woody Hall
9:00 to 10:30am	Campus Tours (led by RSO Leaders)	CIE Reception Area, Woody Hall
10:30am to 1:30pm	Navigating the Campus and Community	CIE Reception Area, Woody Hall

Wednesday, January 6th (Attendance Mandatory for All New International Students)

Time	Event	Location
8:30 to 9:00am	Orientation Check-in, Morning Refreshments, & Welcome from ISSS Program Director	Center for International Education, Woody Hall
9:00 to 9:30am	Community & Educational Programs	Center for International Education, Woody Hall
9:30 to 10:00am	Department of Public Safety	Center for International Education, Woody Hall
10:00 to 10:30am	Student Legal Assistance	Center for International Education, Woody Hall
10:30 to 11:00am	Maintaining Your Immigration Status	Center for International Education, Woody Hall
11:00 to 11:30am	Social Security, Taxes, & Campus Employment	Center for International Education, Woody Hall
11:30am to 12:00pm	Student Health Services	Center for International Education, Woody Hall
12:00 to 3:00pm	International World of Welcome (Lunch Provided)	Center for International Education, Woody Hall
3:00 to 4:30pm	Navigating the Campus and Community	Center for International Education, Woody Hall

Thursday, January 7th (Mandatory for All International Students)

Time	Event	Location
8:00am to 1:00pm	Student Health Services Immunization Records Check	Student Health Services Building

Additional Events - Spring 2027

Date	Time	Event	Description
TBD	1:00 to 3:00pm	Graduate Student Orientation	Hosted by the SIU Graduate School at the Student Center Auditorium/International Lounge
TBD	Exact times to be announced	Saluki Startup	Campus-wide event
TBD	Exact times to be announced	Weeks of Welcome	Campus-wide event
January 15, 2027	3:00 to 4:30pm	Welcome International Coffee Hour	Come to CIE and meet other international and domestic students and community members and enjoy free refreshments and conversation. Meets every Friday when classes are in session.