Orientation Sessions
View The Guide online
Congratulations on your acceptance to UT Dallas! We welcome you to our family. Your presence here enriches the UT Dallas campus community and adds great diversity to our institution.
Orientation is your first chance to experience all that UT Dallas has to offer you. Orientation provides valuable information to ease your transition to the campus and life in the U.S. During Orientation you can expect to:
- Meet new friends and other new international students
- Learn about campus departments and discover campus resources
- Fulfill your Orientation requirement and determine how to register for classes
- Get involved on campus by attending orientation extra sessions and other campus events
 |
 |
 |
Summer 2012 Orientation Dates
Tuesday, May 15 (completed)
Wednesday, May 23 (in the Student Services Building, SSB 3.107)
- Must attend entire day from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm.
- For students starting UT Dallas in Summer 2012, or transfer students beginning Fall 2012.
- To register for Summer Orientation, please complete the online form.
Fall 2012 Orientation Dates
Tuesday, August 7
Friday, August 10
Tuesday, August 14
Friday, August 17
Tuesday, August 21
Friday, August 24
- Must attend entire day from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm in the Galaxy Rooms of the Student Union.
- For students starting UT Dallas in Fall 2012.
- To register for Fall Orientation, please complete the online form.
Do I Have to Attend Orientation?
F-1 and J-1 Visa Holders
International Student Orientation is mandatory for F-1 and J-1 visa holders enrolling at UT Dallas for the first time and students changing their visa status to F-1.F-1 and J-1 Undergraduate Freshman (first time undergraduate student)
You will attend a Freshman Orientation at UT Dallas, where information specific to both U.S. and international students will be provided. At Freshman Orientation, you are required to attend the session for international students, where information specific to international students will be provided and your hold removed. Attending this international student session as a part of Freshman Orientation will exempt you from attending International Student Orientation. For more information, please e-mail ISSOprograms@utdallas.edu.Other Visa Holders
International Student Orientation is not mandatory for other visa holders; however, you are encouraged to attend especially if you intend to change your status during your time at UT Dallas.
What Documents Do I Need to Submit?
Important Documents to Submit Before Orientation
All F-1 and J-1 visa holders must submit the following immigration documents to the ISSO prior to registering for classes and attending Orientation.
- Copy of the stamped I-20 (page 1 and 3)
- Copy of the visa
- Copy of the identification page in your passport including expiration date
- Copy of the I-94
The ISSO cannot make copies for you. You can make copies at the following locations:
- UT Dallas Copy Center at the Visitor Center building (VCB)
- UT Dallas McDermott Library (MC). Ground floor.
You can submit the copies of your immigration documents at the ISSO Office in the Student Services Building (SSB 3.400) during office hours.
If you are unable to visit the ISSO before your Orientation, you can submit the copies of your immigration documents at Orientation.
What Happens After Orientation?
- Register for classes with an academic advisor (Complete an academic orientation if required).
- Pay tuition and fees at the Bursar’s Office.
- Take fee payment receipt to the Comet Center to apply for your Comet Card (student ID).
- Register for computer account online.
- Visit the Payroll and Tax Compliance Office.
- Apply for a free DART bus pass.
- Apply for health insurance waiver in the Student Health Center before Census Day, if eligible.
- Attend class and purchase books.
- Discover international student life
Updated: March 22, 2012
