Welcome to Western Illinois University! Fall 2018 New International Student Orientation
Orientation Information Dear new international students, Welcome to WIU! We are honored that you have chosen to pursue your personal and educational goals here in Macomb. On behalf of the Center for International Studies, we promise to do everything in our power to make sure you have a fun, successful, rewarding educational experience. If there is ever anything that you need, please do not hesitate to ask one of our helpful, friendly staff members. I encourage you to take advantage of all the opportunities during this orientation. These activities are designed to help you get ready for your academic studies while being sensitive to the fact that many of you are adjusting to a new country, a new culture, and possibly a new language. This orientation will introduce you to many campus and community resources that can help you personally, socially, and academically. Again, welcome and thank you for choosing WIU! If there is anything you need, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Dana Sistko Assistant Director, International Student Services Center for International Studies Office phone: (309) 298-3734 Cell phone: (309) 333-0818 Email: dm-sistko@wiu.edu
Orientation Information Check-in The first orientation activity you need to attend is Check-in. Once you have completed check-in, you do not need to attend any other Check-in periods. Activities Most orientation activities are voluntary, but some are mandatory (required). All new students MUST ATTEND the orientation activities that are bolded and underlined in this booklet. If an activity is not in bold print, attendance is optional but highly recommended. If you are not sure if you need to attend an activity, please ask. Transportation Transportation is available to many of the orientation activities, but not all. For each activity, either a location or pickup location is given. If it says Go to that means there is no transportation and you must go to that location on your own. If it says Pickup will be at it means that vans will pick you up from those locations and take you to the activity. If your location is not listed and you need a ride to an activity, please talk to Dana. Housing Temporary housing may be available at several nearby hotels such as America s Best Value Inn (1414 W. Jackson Street). If you need help moving into your permanent home, please arrange a time with Dana. Orientation Week Orientation week is the only time when the Center for International Studies staff can help you with airport pickups, shopping, banking trips, and moving. Please make arrangements for all of these activities during the orientation week.
Monday, August 13 8:45 a.m.: RIDES TO CAMPUS Pickup at America s Best Value Inn and Pullman Macomb bus stop. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: CHECK-IN Go to the University Union Grand Ballroom (1st floor). Please bring your academic and immigration papers, as well as your completed medical forms. 12:00 p.m.: LUNCH TRIP (Self-pay) Pickup outside the University Union (Murray Street entrance). We will take any interested students to the Hibachi Grill Buffet. 12:45 p.m.: RIDES TO CAMPUS Pickup at America s Best Value Inn and Pullman Macomb bus stop. 1:00-3:30 p.m.: CHECK-IN Go to the University Union Grand Ballroom (1st floor). If you have not checked in yet, bring your academic and immigration papers, and completed medical forms. 1:30 p.m.: SHOPPING TRIP Pickup outside the University Union (Murray Street entrance) and Pullman Macomb bus stop. 3:00 p.m.: SHOPPING TRIP Pickup outside the University Union (Murray Street entrance) and Pullman Macomb bus stop. 6:00 p.m.: DINNER/DRIVING TOUR OF MACOMB (Self-pay) Pickup at Memorial Hall parking lot, America s Best Value Inn, and Pullman Macomb bus stop. We will go to Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner and tour Macomb and the WIU campus.
Tuesday, August 14 9:00 a.m.: RIDES TO CAMPUS Pickup at America s Best Value Inn and Pullman Macomb bus stop. 9:00-11:30 a.m.: CHECK-IN Go to Memorial Hall 3rd floor. If you have not checked in, bring your academic and immigration papers, and your completed medical forms. 9:30 a.m.: FREE BREAKFAST Go to Memorial Hall 3rd floor lobby. Come for a free breakfast and stay for the scavenger hunt! 10:00-11:00 a.m.: SCAVENGER HUNT Go to Memorial Hall 3rd floor lobby. Explore campus and win prizes! 10:00 a.m.: EARLY RESIDENCE HALL MOVE-IN We ll help you move into your assigned residence hall. 12:00 p.m.: LUNCH TRIP (Self-pay) Pickup at Memorial Hall 1st floor lobby. 1:00 p.m.: RIDES TO CAMPUS Pickup at America s Best Value Inn and Pullman Macomb bus stop. 1:00-3:30 p.m.: CHECK-IN Go to Memorial Hall 3rd floor. Bring your academic and immigration papers, and medical forms. 1:15 p.m.: BANK TRIP Pickup at Memorial Hall 1st floor lobby and Pullman Macomb bus stop. Bring your WIU ID card, $50 in cash, passport and housing assignment. 1:30 p.m.: SHOPPING TRIP Pickup at Memorial Hall 1st floor lobby and Pullman Macomb bus stop. 6:00 p.m.: DINNER (Self-pay) Pickup at Memorial Hall parking lot, America s Best Value Inn, and Pullman Macomb bus stop.
Wednesday, August 15 8:45 a.m.: RIDES TO CAMPUS Pickup at America s Best Value Inn and Pullman Macomb bus stop. 9:00-11:30 a.m.: CHECK-IN Go to Memorial Hall 3rd floor. Bring all your academic and immigration papers, as well as your completed medical forms. 10:30 a.m.: RIDES TO CAMPUS Pickup at America s Best Value Inn and Pullman Macomb bus stop. 11:00 a.m.: LIBRARY TOUR Go to the Library lobby and learn about the available resources. 12:00 p.m.: LUNCH TRIP (Self-pay) Pickup at Memorial Hall 1st floor lobby and Malpass Library bus stop. 12:45 p.m.: RIDES TO CAMPUS Pickup at America s Best Value Inn and Pullman Macomb bus stop. 1:00-3:30 p.m.: CHECK-IN Go to Memorial Hall 3rd floor. Bring all your academic and immigration papers, as well as your completed medical forms. 1:00 p.m.: CAMPUS TOUR Go to Memorial Hall 3rd floor. We will show you around the campus. 1:15 p.m.: BANK TRIP Pickup at Memorial Hall 1st floor lobby and Pullman Macomb bus stop. Bring your WIU ID card, passport, and housing assignment. 1:30 p.m.: SHOPPING TRIP Pickup at Memorial Hall 1st floor lobby and Pullman Macomb bus stop. 6:00 p.m.: DINNER TRIP (Self-pay) Pickup at Memorial Hall parking lot. We will go to El Rancherito (Mexican restaurant) for dinner.
8:15 a.m.: RIDES TO CAMPUS - Pickup at Pullman Macomb bus stop. 8:30 a.m.: WESL PLACEMENT TEST Go to Memorial Hall 341. Required for all who have not met their English language proficiency! Please bring your passport. 8:45 a.m.: BANK TRIP Pickup at Memorial Hall 1st floor lobby. Bring your WIU ID card, passport and housing assignment. 9:00-11:30 a.m.: CHECK-IN - Go to Memorial Hall 3rd floor. 9:00 a.m.: SHOPPING TRIP Pickup at Memorial Hall 1st floor lobby. 11:30 a.m.: RIDES TO CAMPUS - Pickup at Pullman Macomb bus stop. 12:00 p.m.: AMERICAN CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND LUNCH (Free) Go to the Capitol Room (1st floor University Union). Learn about the culture of the American classroom and enjoy a free lunch. 1:00-2:30 p.m.: INFORMATION SESSIONS (REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS!) Go to the Capitol Room (1st floor University Union). Representatives from University departments will present on housing, safety, student health insurance, activities, the recreation center, and much more. 1:00-3:30 p.m.: CHECK-IN Go to Memorial Hall 3rd floor. Thursday, August 16 3:00 p.m.: NEW GRADUATE STUDENT ORIENTATION - REQUIRED FOR ALL GRADUATE STUDENTS: Go to the Capitol Rooms (University Union). Information session for all new graduate students sponsored by the School of Graduate Studies. 5:45 p.m.: AMERICAN CULTURE NIGHT (Free dinner) Pickup at Memorial Hall parking lot and Pullman Macomb bus stop. Come for a free dinner at the Campus Students for Christ House at 1545 Riverview Dr. This is a great chance to meet people from the Macomb community and learn about U.S. culture.
Friday, August 17 9:00-11:30 a.m.: CHECK-IN - Go to Memorial Hall 3rd floor. 9:30 a.m.: RIDES TO CAMPUS - Pickup at Pullman Macomb bus stop. 10:00 a.m.: IMMIGRATION 101 REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS Go to the Capitol Room (Union 1st floor). Learn about your student visa status, jobs, driver s licenses and social security numbers. 11:00 a.m.: MALPASS LIBRARY TOUR - Go to the Library lobby. Learn how to use all of the available resources in the library. 12:00 p.m. LUNCH TRIP - Pickup from Memorial Hall 1st floor lobby. 12:45 p.m.: RIDES TO CAMPUS - Pickup at Pullman Macomb bus stop. 1:00-3:30 p.m.: CHECK-IN - Go to Memorial Hall 3rd floor - bring your academic and immigration papers, and your medical forms. 1:00 p.m.: CAMPUS TOUR - Go to Memorial Hall 3rd floor lobby. We will show you around the campus. 1:15 p.m.: BANK TRIP - Pickup at Memorial Hall 1st floor lobby. 1:30 p.m.: SHOPPING TRIP - Pickup at Memorial Hall 1st floor lobby. 1:30 p.m.: EXCHANGE STUDENT MEETING (for exchange students only) - Go to Horrabin Hall 8 to meet with your Study Abroad Advisor. 3:00-5:00 p.m.: GRADUATE STUDENT ORIENTATION - REQUIRED FOR ALL GRADUATE STUDENTS. Go to the Lamoine Room (Ground Floor, Union). Topics will include policies, procedures, financial services, and survival tips for graduate school. 5:30 p.m.: NEW STUDENT CONVOCATION (for undergraduates) Go to Western Hall (next to the Recreation Center). WIU President Jack Thomas, faculty, and staff will welcome new undergraduate students to Western Illinois University. 6:15 p.m.: PRESIDENT S PICNIC (free food) Immediately after Convocation, go outside Western Hall. 8:30 p.m.: ROCKY AFTER DARK: FIRST NIGHT FUN Go to Hanson Football Field. Enjoy free food, prizes, rides, games, and live entertainment!
Saturday, August 18 10:30 a.m.: TOUR OF DOWNTOWN MACOMB Pickup from Memorial Hall parking lot and Pullman Macomb bus stop. Tour the downtown area including the City Center (bus transit), train station, and local businesses. 8:30-10:30 p.m.: PAINT U Go to Vince Grady Field Enjoy some music while getting sprayed by paint blasters and cannons with liquid glow in the dark, neon paint. Bring a white t-shirt. Sunday, August 19 6:00-7:30 p.m.: PRESIDENT S WELCOME PICNIC AT EVERLY PARK (Free dinner) Go to the Memorial Hall parking lot at 5:45 p.m. for a ride to the picnic. Meet other new students and members of the WIU community and international office. 8:45-11:00 p.m.: OUTDOOR MOVIE - MOVIE TO BE ANNOUNCED Go outside of Tanner Circle. Enjoy a new release film with friends at Tanner Circle. Wednesday, August 29 3:00-5:00 p.m.: ACTIVITIES FAIR AND VOLUNTEER FAIR Go outside between the Union and the Campus Recreation Center. Learn about all of the different student organizations on campus and how you can become involved!
University Union Hours: August 13-19 Food: Burger King Monday - Wednesday Thursday - Saturday Sunday Einstein Bros. Bagels Friday Saturday - Sunday One Stop Rocky Shop Friday Saturday - Sunday 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Resources: Union Book Store Monday - Thursday Friday Saturday - Sunday Student Development Office Monday - Friday Saturday Union Service Center Monday - Saturday Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
WIU Dining Service Schedule If you have a meal plan, it will become active on Thursday, August 16th. Monday, August 13 Corbin-Olson Dining Center: Tuesday, August 14 Corbin-Olson Dining Center: Wednesday, August 15 Corbin-Olson Dining Center: Thursday, August 16 Corbin-Olson Dining Center: Friday, August 17 Corbin-Olson Dining Center: Thompson Dining Center: Saturday, August 18 Corbin-Olson Dining Center: Thompson Dining Center: Sunday, August 19 Corbin-Olson Dining Center: Thompson Dining Center: Bayliss-Henninger Dining Center: Monday, August 20 All Residence Halls: Breakfast: 7:00-8:15 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Dinner: 4:30-6:00 p.m. Breakfast: 7:00-8:15 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Dinner: 4:30-6:00 p.m. Breakfast: 7:00-8:00 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Dinner: 5:00-6:45 p.m. Breakfast: 7:00-9:30 a.m. Lunch: 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Dinner: 5:00-7:00 p.m. Breakfast: 7:00-9:30 a.m. Lunch: 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Dinner: 5:00-7:00 p.m. Lunch: 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Dinner: 5:00-8:00 p.m. Brunch: 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Dinner: 5:15-6:30 p.m. Brunch: 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Dinner: 5:15-6:30 p.m. Brunch: 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Dinner: 5:00-7:00 p.m. Brunch: 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Dinner: 5:00-8:00 p.m. Dinner: 5:00-7:00 p.m. Normal hours begin
Academic Calendar and Important Dates Fall 2018 Semester August 20: Classes Begin August 28: August Bill Due August 31: Last day to drop classes for full refund August 31: Last day to turn in immunizations before being charged a fee August 31: Health insurance waiver due September 3: Labor Day: No Classes/University Closed October 12: Fall Break/No Classes November 19-21: Thanksgiving Break: No Classes November 22-23: Holiday/University Closed December 11-15: Final Exam Week Spring 2019 Semester January 14: Classes Begin January 21: Martin Luther King Day - No Classes/University Closed February 12: Lincoln's Birthday - No Classes/University Closed March 11-15: Spring Break - No Classes May 6-10: Final Exam Week *WESL classes may follow a different calendar
Important Phone Numbers Emergency..911 Office of Public Safety (OPS - Mowbray Hall)....... 309-298-1949 Macomb Police Department (120 S. McArthur)....309-833-4505 Beu Health Center....309-298-1888 Billing and Receivables (Sherman Hall 106)..309-298-1831 Campus Recreation Center..309-298-2797 Career Development Center (Memorial Hall 125)...309-298-1838 Center for International Studies (Memorial Hall 342)...309-298-2426 Disability Resource Center (Memorial Hall 143).. 309-298-2512 International Admissions/Immigration (Memorial Hall 342)...309-298-2426 International Student Services (Memorial Hall 347)..309-298-3734 Registrar (Sherman Hall 110).309-298-1891 Student Development Office (Union 1st floor)..309-298-1884 Taxi......309-837-9087 or 309-318-9815 University Counseling Center (Memorial Hall 102).309-298-2453 University Housing and Dining (UHDS - Seal Hall)...309-298-2461 University Union.....309-298-1986 utech (computer problems - Stipes 126)...309-298-2704 WESL (Memorial Hall 350)........309-298-2485
Center for International Studies Activities It is important to get involved while you are here. Below are some activities sponsored by the Center for International Studies. Conversation Partners matches international students and domestic students for purposes of cultural sharing and international friendships. Conversation Partners are encouraged to meet one hour each week and are paired at the beginning of each semester. The deadline to apply is September 7, 2018. International Neighbors (only open to new first semester international students) matches international students with local families and individuals for purposes of cultural sharing and international friendships. International Neighbors are expected to meet at least three times each semester and are paired at the beginning of each semester. The deadline to apply is September 7, 2018. The International Bazaar will be Saturday, March 2, 2019 and is a celebration of different cultures. Activities include a global fashion show, entertainment, country booths and food. International Ambassadors communicate with prospective students to answer questions they may have before coming to WIU. Applications will be due in October. International Education Week (IEW): November 5-16, 2018 is a celebration of all things international on campus. Past IEW activities have included concerts, dances, cultural presentations, a world cup soccer tournament, film series, and more. For more information, visit the following website: http://www.wiu.edu/global_education/services For more information on other activities at WIU, visit: http://www.wiu.edu/wiucalendar/ and http://www.wiu.edu/student_services/student_activities/
Check Your WIU Email Daily: Make sure to add your WIU email to your phone. You will receive important information and updates about upcoming events. Learn about Student Activities: http://www.wiu.edu/global_education/activities WIU App Download the WIU app for your phone: WIU Mobile Follow us on Facebook: Facebook Page: WIU Global Education & Outreach Facebook Group: WIU International Activities Stay Informed International Friendship Club Page: IFCatWiu WESL Facebook Page: WESL Institute, Western Illinois University Email All International Students: The International Student Listserv is a listserv that includes all of the international students on campus, in addition to others. You will automatically be added to the listserv. To send an email, email: intlstudent-g@wiu.edu Have questions? Ask! Email DM-Sistko@wiu.edu or CIS-Activities@wiu.edu.
Center for International Studies, Memorial Hall, 3rd floor WIU Campus Map