Summer 2013 Orientation

All newly admitted international students are expected to arrive at Florida Tech no later than than Thursday, May 2nd, 2013, the  program start date listed on your I-20.  This date will ensure your  attendance at International Student Orientation which is the first formal U.S. immigration responsibility you must complete when studying in the United States.  International Student & Scholar Services provides a specific orientation to assist you in meeting both your legal reporting requirements and to facilitate your transition to academic life in the United States.  View the summer 2013 orientation schedule here.

All newly admitted students (including transfer students from other schools in the USA and students rising from undergraduate to graduate level) must attend ISSS’s check-in on Thursday, May 2nd, 2013. Please come directly to the Florida Tech Commons Building (#58 on this map) to check in.  Check-in will be from 9:00am - 4:00pm, so please plan accordingly.

It is very important that you bring your immigration documentation with you, i.e. your I-20 or DS-2019, passport, visa, and I-94 card. We will not be able to check you in unless you have this documentation with you.

As an international student, the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will be your primary point of contact on campus. Our role is to help you acclimate to Florida Tech through our services and programs and act as your primary liaison with the United States Department of Immigration. Your status in the United States is our primary concern.

Before your arrival, be sure to review  important predeparture and arrival information as well as the  International Student's Resource Guide for important information you need to know as an international student coming to the United States.  We also recommend you visit Homland Security's "Study in the States" website for information on how to study in the U.S. and how to maintain your visa status.  The Office of International Student and Scholar Services has made arrangements for a one-time courtesy service to first-time international students from Orlando Airport.  Be sure to visit the Airport Pickup webpage to place your request for airport pickup.

Since familiarity with your immigration rules and responsibilities is a requirement of U.S. immigration, your failure to attend orientation could result in termination of your status as a new student, so please plan your arrival accordingly.

Planning your Arrival Date:

For students who will be living on campus: International students who will be living on campus will be able to check into housing on Thursday, May 2nd, 2013.  When you check in, you will be given your room assignment. If you wish to live on campus and have not as yet made arrangements, it is important you sign up for Campus Housing as soon as possible.

For students who will be living off campus:  Those students who elect to live off campus are required to make their own arrangements for housing upon your arrival in the United States. We strongly recommend you arrive in the United States a few days early, so that you have time to settle in, adjust to the time difference, and be rested to begin the orientation program starting on Thursday, May 2nd, 2013.   A listing of local hotels can be found in the International Resource Guide.

Orientation will include important sessions such as placement exams, registration and academic advising.  Details of the general orientation program can be found on Florida Tech's Orientation Website.

If you have further questions regarding general orientation, please contact the Office of Student Activities at   (321) 674-8080, or e-mail orientation@fit.edu. For specific questions pertaining to your status as an international student (your arrival/immigration issues, etc.), please contact International Student and Scholar Services at (321) 674- 8053, or e-mail isss@fit.edu.