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home | events & workshops | orientation workshops

U-M International Center Orientation
2008 Workshop and Social Events

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!

Note: No registration is required for the orientation workshops.

For detailed information about social events, please see 2008 Social Events.

Orientation Workshop Topics:

• Welcome to the University of Michigan
  • Welcome International Students and Scholars!
  • Information Technology at U-M and the U-M Library System
  • Rackham Graduate School Orientation
  • Academic Freedom and Values in the Research University
  • Information Session for Non-UM Sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitors
  • Introduction to the University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor Area
• Cultural Adjustment
  • Communicating with Your Academic Advisor
  • Cultural Differences in the Classroom
  • The Cultural Adjustment Rollercoaster
  • Getting Involved With 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.
  • What Did That Mean? Idioms in Academic Speech
• 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 GSRAs
  • University Health Service: Information and Tour

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

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 staff of the International Center and orientation peer advisors, 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. This event is co-sponsored by Rackham Graduate School. All new international students (both graduate and undergraduate) and scholars are invited.

If you would like to walk to Rackham with a group, you can meet a peer advisor outside the International Center, 603 East Madison, at 4:40 p.m.

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.

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

* For north campus workshop, please meet at the International Center located on north campus (Pierpont Commons, lower level). A staff member from North Campus Media Union will lead students to the workshop location.

* For central campus workshop, please meet in the lobby area (north entrance) of the Hatcher Graduate Library (located on the Diag).

It's extremely important to learn to use the University's library and computing services as soon as possible. This workshop will introduce you to the University's extensive 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 University's 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.

Information Session for Non-UM Sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitors

Important Note: This information session is only for J-1 Exchange Visitors (students or scholars) whose Form DS-2019 was issued by an organization other than the University of Michigan. If Line 2 (Program Sponsor) of your Form DS-2019 says “University of Michigan”, you should not attend this session.

At this information session, we'll give you a brief introduction to U-M and Ann Arbor, and answer any questions you may have.

Workshop Presentation

Rackham Graduate School Orientation

New Graduate Student Orientation will introduce you to your new colleagues and campus as well as to important University resources and procedures. You can also enjoy a continental breakfast. For detailed events, please visit http://www.rackham.umich.edu/graduate_orientation/fall_2008_orientation

Academic Freedom and Values in the Research University

This special orientation session, co-sponsored by Rackham Graduate School and the International Center, introduces international students to issues of values in the academy, and to the practices and traditions that define academic integrity. A faculty panel will address topics such as academic freedom, shared responsibilities for respecting and maintaining the integrity of research and scholarship, the importance of mutual respect and trust within the scholarly community, and varieties of professional norms and expectations. Following the panel, students are asked to take part in smaller groups to talk about professional values for the social sciences, sciences, engineering, and humanities.

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.

Workshop Presentation

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.

Workshop Presentation

The Cultural Adjustment Rollercoaster

Moving away from home and adjusting to a new culture can be a crazy ride. Feelings of excitement, frustration, and homesickness, although normal to the adjustment process, can be difficult to endure. In this program, you will be introduced to the ins and outs and ups and downs of the cultural adjustment rollercoaster. In addition, you will learn about the experiences you will likely have as you adjust to your new home. You will receive information about strategies to ease the adjustment process and get a brief introduction to other orientation sessions that will help you conquer the frustrations that come with the adventures of navigating life in a new culture.

Workshop Presentation

Getting Involved With 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. The workshop will conclude with a tour of some student organizations and offices related to student organizations in the Michigan Union.

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.

Workshop Presentation

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.

Workshop Presentation

Information Session 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!

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!

The session will also include a brief overview of landlord-tenant law, including information about what your landlord is and is not permitted to do, and your rights and obligations as a tenant. Avoid possible problems and prepare for a good relationship with your landlord by learning this important information now.

Workshop Handouts
Legal Rights of Tenants
Off-Campus Legal Rights of Tenants

Workshop Presentation

“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.

Workshop Presentation

What Did That Mean? Idioms in Academic Speech

As you know, learning idioms can be a difficult part of learning another language, and the U.S. academic environment has its own set of idioms. This workshop will introduce some common idioms and slang expressions found in academic speech, as identified in actual language samples recorded at the University of Michigan. We will discuss the meaning and usage of 20-30 idiomatic expressions you're likely to hear in a variety of academic situations.

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.

Workshop Presentation

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.

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.

Driver's License Written Test

On Tuesday, August 19th and Tuesday, August 26th, 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 28th, 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 to allow time to complete some necessary forms.

Representatives from the Michigan Secretary of State's Office will administer the written driver's license test. Please read WHAT TO BRING TO THE ON-CAMPUS MICHIGAN DRIVER'S LICENSE WRITTEN TEST very carefully several days before the test so that you will have time to assemble all the documents you will need.

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.

Workshop Handout

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”!

Workshop Presentation

Workshop Handout

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!

Workshop Presentation

Workshop Handout

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.

Workshop Presentation

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.

At the end of this workshop, if interested, the group will walk over to University Health Services for an information and tour session (please refer to “UHS: Information and Tour”; description for details).

Workshop Handout  

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). If you have been awarded a fellowship that includes GradCare, you should also attend this session to learn more about GradCare.

University Health Service: Information and Tour

University Health Service (UHS) staff will describe campus health care services available to students and scholars, how to use services and how services relate to insurance. Meeting location: meeting rooms 1 and 2 on the 4th floor of UHS (207 Fletcher Street).

Last reviewed: 8/08