The University of New Orleans - Office of International Students and Scholars

Welcome! We are glad to have you here for the 2014-2015 Academic Year at the University of New Orleans. Throughout your time at UNO, please remember that as an international student you should consult BOTH your academic advisor and an advisor at OISS before making any decisions regarding your student career. A list of academic advisors can be found here: http://oiss.uno.edu/docs/List%20of%20Departmental%20Advisors%2008-14.pdf

OISS advisors can be reached by calling our office, 504-280-6021, coming in for Walk-In Hours at the Bicentennial Education Center, Room 122, or by setting up an appointment with Assistant Director, Suad Esmail, sesmail1@uno.edu or International Student Advisor, Alice Popescu, apopesc2@uno.edu .

Walk in Hours for the Fall Semester will be:

Monday & Thursday       8:00 am -12:00 pm
                                           2:00 pm-4:00 pm

Tuesday & Friday            9:00 am-12:30 pm
                                          1:30 pm-4:00 pm

Wednesday                     1:30 pm-4:00 pm

Walk-in consultations are for quick 10-15 minute discussions. You will receive assistance on a first-come, first-served basis.

Appointments are at specific times and with specific advisors. If your discussion involves changing status, an OPT or CPT application, or any other complex situation, please make an appointment.

Returning from a trip abroad? Please make sure to bring any new documents to OISS. We will make copies for your file. This includes a new or renewed passport, visa or I-94 form. Also, make sure to make a copy for yourself to keep in case of a loss.

New Address? Report any changes of address (mailing or physical) to OISS. You can do this by filling out an Address, Name, and Information Change Form in our office or you can print one online at Information Change Form and fax or email to us at 504-280-7317 or oiss@uno.edu .
If you are in F-1, F-2, J-1 or J-2 status, the Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) is required to update the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) with any changes that occur while you are in the U.S.
Therefore, you are required to notify OISS of any legal changes to your name or any change of address within 10 days of such change. This requirement remains true while you are enrolled or employed at UNO and while you are engaged in Optional Practical Training (F-1) or Academic Training (J-1) after completion of your studies.

Insurance Information for fall— Please take a look at the Insurance Coverage Evaluation Form for the fall 2014 semester http://oiss.uno.edu/InsForms/F-1%20Insurance%20Coverage%20Evaluation%20Form%20Fall%202014.pdf . Please note that it is possible to turn in an insurance form in the fall that covers the entire academic year. This will allow us to waive the insurance charge from your UNO fee bill for each semester that your policy covers you through summer 2015. Dates for coverage are listed on the form. Insurance forms for fall must be turned in by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26.

For more information on insurance, please see: http://oiss.uno.edu/UNOinsurancereq2.cfm .

Submit your hurricane evacuation plan —All students should submit a Personal Evacuation Plan for the fall semester. You can do so at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/UNOEvac2014 . Also, please check out the updated information on Hurricane Evacuation. Remember to make a plan in advance, including where you will evacuate to, how you will get there, and who you will go with. With a plan in place, you will be prepared to take action in the case of an evacuation. Please stop by OISS to pick up a copy of the Louisiana Evacuation Guide.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) Workshops —OISS will present OPT workshops each semester to give students general information about the application process and the benefits. Our workshops for the Fall 2014 semester will be held at the end of September. We will post specific dates shortly. Workshops are open to all F-1 students and we encourage you to attend, especially if you will be graduating in December 2014.

The NEW International Student Handbook is available on our website. Please check the 2014-2015 version at: http://oiss.uno.edu/docs/Handbook%202014-2015.pdf for updated information.

Did you find a campus job? Come to OISS to fill out an Employment Authorization Form to be able to start working and apply for a Social Security Number.

Driver's License Information-- If you are planning on getting a Louisiana Driver's License or State I.D. card, we recommend that you apply at the location listed below:
2150 Westbank Expwy. Monday - Friday No Outside Driving Tests
Harvey, LA 70058 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

For more information about documents you will need to take with you check: http://oiss.uno.edu/forms/Obtaining_a_Driver's_License.pdf and for the latest information from the Louisiana Office of Motor vehicles check http://www.expresslane.org/ .

Tobacco free campus – Starting August 1, 2014 no smoking or tobacco use of any kind is permitted anywhere on UNO's Campus

International Student Organization— Interested in becoming a part of the International Student Organization? Contact ISO at iso@uno.edu to get on their mailing list and check out their website at http://iso.uno.edu/ . They will host a Welcome Party on Sunday, August 24 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Privateer Place Clubhouse. Stop by for some food and fun!

For a list of other UNO international student organizations please check our website at: http://oiss.uno.edu/organizations.cfm .

Find us on Facebook! Don't forget to become a fan of OISS at http://www.facebook.com/oiss.uno . We post events that are going on around campus and through our office. We will also use the page to connect with students and for students to connect with each other and our office in the event of an emergency, such as a hurricane evacuation. If you are part of an organization at UNO, please feel free to request that we post messages about your own events on our page. If you have questions or concerns about academic or immigration issues, please direct them to our office or email at oiss@uno.edu .

Welcome Week Events and Fall Semester Events — For a calendar of events taking place on campus for Welcome Week, August 20-27 and events through this month, check out UNO's Event Calendar at: http://calendar.uno.edu/MasterCalendar/studentlife.aspx

Also, the BCM International Collegiate Ministry will have the following events :

August 16 - French Quarter Scavenger Hunt and Cajun Meal 9am-4pm ($15)

August 19 - BCM Welcome Back Cookout at Privateer Place (FREE) 6-9pm

August 23 - Welcome to America Progressive Dinner (Free) 5:15-8:30pm

September 1 - Gulf Islands Water Park Trip ($25)

September 19 - Miniature Golf and Beignets at City Park ($12)

If you are interested in attending any of these events you should e-mail Kimberly Myers at: kimberly-icm@cox.net so she can reserve your spot.

Fall Semester 2014 University Calendar— To view the official university calendar for Fall 2014, please go to the following link: http://www.uno.edu/registrar/bulletin/important-dates.aspx#Fall

Important August and September Dates —

August 15: Deadline to pay tuition and fees. Students not paid by 4:30 P.M. will be purged and will be required to re-enroll. Late Registration Fees will apply.

August 20: Classes begin

August 26: Final date for adding courses or changing sections. Final date to drop course(s) and receive 100% refund.*

September 1: Labor Day Holiday (University Closed)

September 9: Final date to drop course(s) or resign and not have course(s) recorded.*

September 17: Final date to resign (withdraw from all courses) and receive 50% refund. *

* You must consult with an advisor from OISS before dropping any classes

Have a great semester!


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