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home | events & workshops | orientation workshops

U-M International Center Orientation 2007 Workshop Descriptions

This workshop schedule is subject to change, please check this web page again for updates. Also, please be on time to the workshops -- thank you!

Orientation Workshop Topics:

• Welcome to the University of Michigan
  • Welcome Reception for International Students and Scholars
  • New Student Convocation
  • Introduction to the University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor Area
  • Libraries and Information Technology at U-M
  • Rackham Graduate School Orientation
• Cultural Adjustment
  • Communicating with Your Academic Advisor
  • Cultural Differences in the Classroom
  • Getting Involved: How to Get Involved in University Groups and Organizations
  • Making Friends with Americans
  • Finding Your Voice: In Classes and Your Department
  • Information Session for Spouses
  • It's Not Just a Good Idea…It's the Law!
  • “Oops, I'm Sorry!” Avoiding Social Mistakes in the U.S.A.
  • Starting Out Ahead: Coping With Stress to be Your Best
  • Communicating on Campus: Effective Communication through Email, Notes, and the Telephone
  • Making Use of Office Hours
• Employment
  • Finding a Job on Campus
  • U.S. Tax Withholding Forms
• Getting Settled
  • Banking Information
  • Driver's License Written Test
  • How to Buy a Used Car
  • Maintaining Your Car
  • Shopping as a Student
  • Getting Around Ann Arbor
• Health Insurance and Health Care Services
  • Health Insurance and Health Care
  • Health Insurance Information for GSIs and GRSAs
  • University Health Service: Information and Tour

* Use your browser print button for a "printer-friendly" copy of this workshop listing *

U-M International Center Orientation 2007 Workshop Descriptions

Welcome to the University of Michigan

Welcome International Students and Scholars!

The International Center would like to welcome all new international students, scholars and their families. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the new director, John Greisberger, and the staff of the International Center and to learn more about the services we offer as well as the various ways we can help you throughout your time at the University of Michigan and in Ann Arbor. Light refreshments will be served.

Presented by:

New Student Convocation

This is the official beginning of the Welcome to Michigan program and an introduction to the U-M academic community.

Presented by:

Introduction to the University of Michigan and Ann Arbor

This program will give you an introduction to leisure, cultural and educational activities at U-M and in Ann Arbor. We will also have maps and brochures for you about places to visit.

Presented by:

Information Technology at U-M and the U-M Library System

It's extremely important to learn to use the U-M library and computing services as soon as possible. This workshop will introduce you to the extensive U-M library system so that you can start using library resources immediately, and will provide an introduction to online research using University and other databases. The workshop will also provide an introduction to the U-M computing systems as well as providing some information about some important precautions to take to avoid problems such as fraud and identity theft. You may attend either the Central Campus or North Campus workshop, but the North Campus workshop will be of most interest to engineering and art and architecture students.

Presented by:

Cultural Adjustment

Communicating with Your Academic Advisor (Graduate Students Only)

In this session you will learn how you are assigned to an academic advisor, what his/her role is in the American educational system, what an advisor expects of you, and what you can expect of the advisor. The academic advisor is one of the most important individuals in a student's career. It is important to understand this relationship so that misunderstandings are avoided.

Presented by:

Cultural Differences in the Classroom

Each country has a unique educational system with specific expectations of students and faculty. This program will provide information about expectations of students and faculty in the American system, which may be different from those in other countries.

Presented by: U-M International Center

Getting Involved: How to Get Involved in University Groups and Organizations

Joining student organizations is a great way to meet people, learn skills, and enrich your university experience. Learn about the many student organizations on campus and the best ways to get involved in this part of campus life.

Presented by:

Making Friends with Americans

This relaxed workshop discusses communication styles of Americans, friendship patterns and relationships norms, which may be very different from what you are used to in your home country. You'll also have the chance to ask U.S. and international students for suggestions about how to get to know people in the United States and how to start making American friends.

Presented by:

Finding Your Voice: In Classes and Your Department

International students may sometimes feel that their opinions are not being heard in the classroom or that it is difficult to get their point across because of cultural or language differences. This workshop will help you anticipate and prepare for these challenges. Topics covered will include how to approach a classmate or a professor in the United States, when and how to ask for class notes, ways to discuss problems with your academic advisors, and strategies for participating in class discussions.

Presented by:

Information Sessions for Spouses

As a spouse of a student, you may me asking yourself what you're going to do while here in the United States. Come to this special program to learn about some of the possibilities. It's a great time to meet other spouses too!

Presented by:

It's Not Just a Good Idea…It's the Law!

Every country has norms for what is acceptable and unacceptable, and similarly for what is legal and illegal in that particular country. This session will offer important information on what is and is not permitted in the United States. Learn this information now; don't risk being embarrassed or even fined or arrested!

Presented by:

“Oops, I'm Sorry!” Avoiding Social Mistakes in the U.S.A.

Part of adjusting to a new country is learning about what to do and what not to do in social situations. Don't miss this session -- you'll have a chance to relax and laugh but will also learn some things that could save you discomfort or embarrassment later.

Presented by:

Starting Out Ahead: Coping With Stress to be Your Best

Studying in the U.S. can be a very exciting and rewarding experience. However, many international students and scholars find themselves overwhelmed with the pressure of academics, the strange environment, and the feeling of homesickness. This interactive session will help you understand the academic, emotional, and other difficulties that you may experience as an international student or scholar. You will learn how to recognize and overcome these difficulties so you can be your best in your academic and personal life!

Presented by:

Communicating on Campus: Effective Communication through Email, Notes, and the Telephone

There are “unwritten rules” about communicating through e-mail, notes, and the telephone, and learning these “rules” is an important part of learning another language and adapting to the culture of an academic community. Come to this workshop to discover strategies to avoid miscommunications and to improve the effectiveness of your informal interactions.

Presented by: English Language Institute

Making Use of Office Hours

Professors, lecturers, and GSI's all hold office hours during which they are available to talk with you about topics of your choice. In this workshop, you will learn why attending office hours is a good idea, how the conversation is likely to go, and what strategies to use to achieve your goals in the interaction. For example, we will consider how to get help with understanding course material and still leave the instructor thinking that you are a intelligent and capable student.

Presented by: English Language Institute

Employment

Finding a Job on Campus (For Students Only)

There are many employment opportunities on the U-M campus. Learn where to look for jobs, how to apply, paperwork involved and salary ranges. General information about Graduate Student Instructor and Graduate Student Research Assistant positions will be included.

Presented by:

U.S. Tax Withholding Forms

This orientation workshop is designed for international students and scholars who will work for the University of Michigan, and for students who will receive fellowships that pay for living expenses (not just tuition.)

Before you start work, you will be asked to fill out a number of forms, including Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form W-4, State of Michigan Form W-4, the “Alien Certificate”, and perhaps other forms if your country has a tax treaty with the United States.

During this workshop, a representative from the U-M Payroll Office will explain how to fill out these forms so that you can be sure you are filling them out correctly. The Payroll Office representative will also explain the tax-related documents that you as a U-M employee can expect to receive from the Payroll Office and when you can expect to receive them. The workshop will conclude with a brief introduction to the ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and an explanation of who does and does not need to apply for the ITIN.

Presented by:

Getting Settled

Banking Information

This workshop will answer questions about starting a bank account, writing a U.S. check, using your bank account, keeping track of your money, ongoing financial issues, and different kinds of banks and accounts. A representative from TCF Bank, the official MCard bank, will be on-hand to answer any banking questions you have.

Presented by:

Driver's License Written Test

** On Tuesday, August 21st and Tuesday, August 28th, tests will be distributed until 12:00 pm.  Please plan to arrive any time between 9-11:30 am to allow time to complete some necessary forms.  On Thursday, August 30th, tests will be distributed until 11:30 am, and will begin again from 1:30-3:00pm.  Please arrive any time between 9-11am or 1-2:30pm.  **

Representatives from the Michigan Secretary of State's Office will administer the written driver's license test. Please bring your passport, visa (inside passport) and M-Card (valid ID for students only). Scholars and spouses should visit Secretary of State web site for valid ID. If you have a license from your home country, please bring it plus a translation if needed. Information about translation requirements is in your International Center orientation packet. Please also bring at least one document that shows your name and your Michigan address for proof of residency. Most new international students use their unofficial transcript (ask the Office of the Registrar to print one for you). You can also use a utility bill, a land-line phone bill or a copy of your lease or residence hall contract that has your name *printed* not written by hand. If you need glasses while driving, please bring them. Also, bring a pencil!

Presented by:

How to Buy a Used Car

This program is designed to give you some idea of what to look for when buying a used car. We will provide written information and address important questions about what to keep in mind when buying a used car.

Presented by:

Shopping as a Student

Come to this workshop with any shopping questions you have. Learn where to buy books, household items and other things you will need to adjust to life here in Ann Arbor. You'll also find out what winter clothing to buy and the best places to purchase it. Don't miss this workshop!

Presented by:

Maintaining Your Car

After you have bought your car, keeping up on maintenance will help your car last longer. This workshop will give you a sample Car Inspection Checklist and an overview of automobile mechanics to help you understand the purpose for each checklist item as well as when you should get an oil change, tune-ups, brakes checked, etc. Get ready to talk “car talk”!

Presented by:

Getting Around Ann Arbor

There are many different ways of getting around the U-M campus and around Ann Arbor, but they can be confusing at first. We'll talk about U-M and Ann Arbor buses, bicycling, taxis, driving and parking, “zipcars,” and walking, including information about how to stay safe while walking at night.

Presented by:

Health Insurance and Health Care Services

Health Insurance and Health Care

Detailed information about how to use the University's required health insurance (the International Student/Scholar Health Insurance Plan). You'll learn how and where to obtain medical treatment if you need it and how to avoid unnecessary expense by understanding how this health insurance works. Students who will be Graduate Student Instructors or Graduate Student Research Assistants should attend the Health Insurance Information for GSI'S and GSRA'S session.

Presented by:

Health Insurance Information for GSIs and GSRAs

This workshop will provide information regarding the health care benefits available as options for Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) and Graduate Student Research Assistants (GSRAs).

Presented by:

University Health Service: Information and Tour

This workshop will describe campus health care services available to students, how to use services and how services relate to student insurance. Presented by University Health Service.

Presented by:

Last reviewed: 8/07