2014 RBHS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION August 25–27, 2014 Hosted by the Center for Global Services
Bring your passport, I-20, TA/GA, stipend, or fellowship letter WELCOME to the 2014 International Student Orientation
Dear Students,
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Welcome to Rutgers! We are delighted to welcome you to the university family during this exciting time of our global reach. The establishment of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) last year added medicine and health care to the university’s impressive and ever-expanding global research and education collective. As one of our largest classes of incoming international students, you are also one of the most historic—your class is the very first group comprised of students pursuing studies at both RBHS and Rutgers–New Brunswick , and I know you all will do phenomenal things during your time with us. Rutgers’ Centers for Global Advancement and International Affairs (GAIA Centers) are here to provide you with the assistance you need when you need it. We invite you to make the most of your time here and participate in global conversations and activities through our exciting programs and opportunities offered by our four pillars: Global Education, Global Programs, Global Relations, and Global Services. Through these pillars, the GAIA Centers are creating new opportunities for students on every campus, such as our affiliation with the United Nations Department of Public Information; new Study Abroad and International Service Learning programs in Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia; and expanded services for international students. The GAIA Centers are also bringing
many new globally-focused initiatives here on campus and around the world. In fact, the NAFSA: Association of International Educators awarded Rutgers the 2014 Simon Award for excellence in integrating international education across all university campuses. We hope that during the academic year, you will have the opportunity to join in on the many events held on campus, including the wonderful workshops presented by Global Services, United Nations seminars and study opportunities, and those that are a part of our Biennial Theme—Global Health! We want Rutgers to be your home away from home—a welcoming environment for you to learn and live comfortably. The GAIA Centers are here to make your stay at Rutgers a pleasant and productive one. We are always open to suggestions on how we can make the experience better for our international community, so feel free to contact us at global@ rutgers.edu. Best wishes for the new school year!
Dr. Joanna Regulska Rutgers’ Vice President for International and Global Affairs
About the GAIA Centers The Centers for Global Advancement and International Affairs (GAIA Centers) ensures that Rutgers attains its full potential as a globally engaged institution of higher education, representing the university’s motto, “Jersey Roots, Global Reach,” throughout its teaching, research, and service. Every Rutgers graduate must be equipped with the knowledge, awareness, and skills necessary to meet the increasingly complex challenges of the 21st century. Rutgers faculty must have opportunities to engage with their peers around the world to address pressing issues that transcend national borders. Visit us at global.rutgers.edu to learn more about how the GAIA Centers engage and advance the university’s global mission through: Global Education Fostering the development of global citizenship in Rutgers students by providing opportunities for international study, research, internships, service learning, and multicultural experiences. Global Programs Developing and facilitating programs that foster teaching, learning, and research while encouraging and supporting international and global engagement for faculty, staff, and students. Global Relations Cultivating strong and consequential partnerships with universities, governments, and communities abroad to encourage the exchange of knowledge, ideas, expertise, technology, and crosscultural dialogue. Global Services Providing members of the Rutgers community and visitors with quality services that support both the growth and strength of our university’s global network and integrate international visitors into the Rutgers campus community.
GAIA Centers’ RBHS Office of International Services Staff (Serving RBHS Students) Yocasta Brens-Watson, Director Lorraine Luciano-McKeon, Senior Coordinator Stephanie Otte, Administrative Coordinator II GAIA Centers’ Center for Global Services Staff (Serving Rutgers–New Brunswick Students) Urmi Otiv, Director International Student Advisers Mohini Mukherjee, Associate Director for Student Services Katsumi Kishida Carissa McCarthy Justin Schlossberg Lauren Tong Greg Costalas Julie De Klerk International Faculty/ Scholar Advisers Asenath Dande, Associate Director for Faculty/Scholar Services Shanda Spradley Julie Hafeez Ruimin Zhang Caroline Foga, Front Office Coordinator Eirinn Jones, Insurance and Accounting Coordinator Carol Long, Front Office Coordinator Susan Maldonado, SEVIS Compliance Administrator
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MONDAY August 25, 2014
Bring your passport, I-20, TA/GA, stipend, or fellowship letter
Welcome to Rutgers! Transportation will be provided for RBHS students attending classes in Newark Monday through Wednesday; students in Piscataway can use campus buses. Students may participate in other orientation events as time permits. Meet at New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) 7:15 a.m. • 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, New Jersey Pick up your orientation packets, enjoy a quick breakfast, and board the bus to New Brunswick. Remember to bring passport, 1-20, I-94 card (if you have it), TA/GA, stipend or fellowship letter. Bus departs for Newark at 7:30 p.m. Welcome Event 9:00–10:20 a.m. • College Ave Gym Hear a welcome address from Dr. Joanna Regulska, vice president for international and global affairs, and an introduction to staff, volunteers, and the orientation program by Urmi Otiv, director of the Center for Global Services.
Resource Fair and Ticket Sales 10:30 a.m. –12:00 p.m. • CAC Gym Learn about university units, resources and services., and purchase tickets—with exact cash—to Broadway shows, Philadelphia, and more (all trips depart from New Brunswick). Lunch with Orientation Volunteers 12:00–1:00 p.m. Grab a bite at the Rutgers Student Center Food Court or explore New Brunswick’s restaurants. Staying in Legal Status in the U.S. (RBHS Students Only) 1:00–2:30 p.m. • Murray Hall, Room 211 Learn about work, study, and travel services for international students, legal obligations, and benefits of nonimmigrant visa-holders. Students who haven’t checked in must attend the “Check-In and Document Verification” at 4:00 p.m. today. Bring your passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and job offer letter (if any). Academics and Student Life at RBHS 2:45–3:45 p.m. • Murray Hall, Room 211 Veteran students will share their perspectives on campus culture, ethical conduct, and fun. Check-In and Document Verification 4:00–5:00 p.m. •180 College Ave Bring your passport, I-20 , and I-94 card. Banking in the US 2:45–3:45 p.m. • Murray Hall, Room 211 Rutgers Federal Credit Union will provide information on opening a bank account in the US.
Join us for a classic picnic at Buccluech Park for fun, food, and games! MONDAY 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Picnic at Buccleuch Park (Rain or Shine) 5:30–7:30 p.m. • Buccluech Park Make new friends and indulge in food and fun. Board Bus to NJMS in Newark 7:30 p.m. • 180 College Ave
Bring your passport, I-20, TA/GA, stipend, or fellowship letter
TUESDAY August 26, 2014
Transportation will be provided for RBHS students attending classes in Newark Monday through Wednesday; students in Piscataway can use campus buses. Students may participate in other orientation events as time permits. Meet at NJMS 1:00 p.m. • 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, New Jersey Board bus to New Brunswick. Remember to bring passport, 1-20, I-94 card (if you have it), TA/GA, stipend or fellowship letter. Bus will arrive in New Brunswick at approximately 1:45 p.m. Social Security Applications 2:00–3:00 p.m. • 550 Jersey Avenue, Suite 200, New Brunswick, New Jersey Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). You MUST bring all of the following documents to this session: • Original passport • I-20 or DS-2019 (original) F-1 students on a Rutgers visa sponsorship MUST also bring: • SSN job confirmation letter or TA/GA fellowship offer letter Living with Roommates 2:30–3:30 p.m. • Van Dyck Hall, Room 211 Attend this special topics discussion with Residence Life staff on how to adjust to living with roommates. Converting Cultural Shock to Cultural Enrichment 3:30–4:30 p.m. • Milledoler Hall, Room 100 Learn how to develop a personal plan for adjusting to life at Rutgers and in the US at your own pace. Shopping Trip 5:00–7:00 p.m. • 180 College Ave (bus will depart from 180 College Ave) Bed, Bath & Beyond is providing a free ride to an outdoor shopping excursion for your living essentials. See the flyer in your packet for details.
BROADWAY SHOW: Phantom of the Opera 4:00–11:00 p.m. • 180 College Ave (bus will depart from and return to 180 College Ave) Experience the world-famous Phantom of the Opera on the one and only Broadway. Tickets must be purchased with exact cash ($40, nonrefundable) in advance at the Welcome and Resource Fair on Monday, August 25. Please note that buses start and end in New Brunswick. BROADWAY SHOW: MAMMA MIA! 5:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m. • 180 College Ave (bus will depart from and return to 180 College Ave) Don’t miss this chance to see one of the most talked about musicals! Tickets must be purchased with exact cash ($40, nonrefundable) in advance at the Welcome and Resource Fair on Monday, August 25. Please note that buses start and end in New Brunswick. Board Bus to NJMS in Newark 7:30 p.m. • Shopping Center Bus will depart from shopping trip (see today’s session at 5:00–7:00 p.m. for details) back to NJMS in Newark.
WEDNESDAY August 27, 2014 Transportation will be provided for RBHS students attending classes in Newark Monday through Wednesday; students in Piscataway can use campus buses. Students may participate in other orientation events as time permits. Meet at NJMS 3:00 p.m. • 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, New Jersey Board bus to New Brunswick. There is no need to bring passport and legal documents today. Welcome Reception 4:30–5:45 p.m. • Rutgers Student Center Multipurpose Room Hosted by Rutgers University–New Brunswick Chancellor and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Richard Edwards, and RBHS Chancellor Dr. Brian Strom, you’ll get a unique chance to meet with Rutgers officials at this reception held in your honor. Board Bus to NJMS in Newark 6:30 p.m. • Rutgers Student Center
We’re celebrating your arrival! Join us for a reception in your honor at the Rutgers Student Center. 4:30–5:45 p.m.
Information RBHS International Services Staff Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey 65 Bergen Street Newark, NJ 07107 rbhs.rutgers.edu/internationalservices global.rutgers.edu fb.com/RutgersGAIA fb.com/RutgersGlobalServices Visit globalservices.rutgers.edu for a full orientation schedule.