International Student Orientation
The Kearney International Center holds an orientation program for new students one week before classes start. Fall 2024 orientation begins on Monday, August 19. Students must arrive by August 20 so they are ready to attend the first day of classes on August 26, 2024.
Pre-Arrival Guidance | Orientation Guidance | Orientation Schedule |
Attending international orientation is mandatory for everyone. It is not necessary to sign up in advance.
During orientation, students receive assistance from peer leaders, meet staff, attend presentations, register for classes, and check-in for immigration purposes.
Pre-Arrival Guidance
All pre-arrival guidance is available on your KIC Portal under "Important Next Steps" and provides some country-specific guidance.Guidance available in the KIC Portal include:
- Preparing Evidence of Continuing Ties to Your Home Country
- Paying Your I-901 Fee
- Completing Your DS-160 (including MSU guide)
- Attending Your F-1 Visa Interview
- Arranging Travel to & Housing in Mankato
- Pre-Arrival Webinar Schedule
A complete orientation schedule will be posted in the KIC portal 30-days prior to the program start date.
In-Person Orientation Guidance
All in-person orientation guidance is available on the KIC Portal.
International Orientation Schedule
Subject to Change until August 19, 2024. Students are expected to arrive by Tuesday, August 20, 2024. If you cannot arrive on or before August 20, you must re-apply for spring 2025.
Technology Support
KIC has organized two different technology support sessions for students to attend.
- Intro to MSU Technology Sessions: Group sessions to introduce students to D2L (online learning platform), e-Services and other necessary software for your academic success. Technology sessions are available:
- Monday, August 19 from 10am - 2pm
- Tuesday, August 20 from 10am - 2pm
- Wednesday, August 21 from 10am - 12noon
- Thursday, August 22 from 10am - 2pm
- ITS Help Desk Support: ITS has a year-round help desk located in the CSU basement. The help desk can guide you through password resets, connecting to the wi-fi and other personalized technology needs. ITS Help Desk Support is available Monday - Friday from 8am - 4:30pm in the CSU basement.
WELCOME TABLE AT THE KIC
If you arrive between August 12-16, come to the Kearney International Center (Centennial Student Union 250) between 9am - 3:30pm for early arrival guidance.
WELCOME DRIVERS
Kearney International Center will have a WELCOME DRIVER available to help students once you arrive in Mankato. Welcome drivers can:
- Pick you up at the shuttle stop on-campus and bring you to your apartment or hotel with your luggage.
- Take you to the grocery store and pick you up afterwards
- Take you to a bank within Mankato to open an account
- Help you find restaurants and other entertainment options in Mankato
Find how to reserve your ride on your KIC Portal.
ITS HELP DESK SUPPORT
ITS has a year-round help desk located in the CSU basement. The help desk can guide you through password resets, connecting to the wi-fi and other personalized technology needs. ITS Help Desk Support is available Monday - Friday from 8am - 4:30pm in the CSU basement.
Bachelor's Students
Session Time | Session Title | Session Location |
---|---|---|
10am - 3pm | Check-In | CSU 254/255 |
10am - 2pm | Placement Testing (if required) | WH 125/125A |
10am - 2pm | Campus Tours by Major | To be announced |
4pm - 6pm | Game Night and Pizza | Flexible Programming Space |
Graduate Students
All Monday sessions are optional for graduate students.
Session Time | Session Title | Session Location |
---|---|---|
10am - 2pm | Campus Tours by Major | To be announced |
4pm - 6pm | Game Night and Pizza | Flexible Programming Space |
Tuesday, August 20: Orientation Day 2
Final Arrival Date for New Students
(+) Show Schedule Close ScheduleBachelor's Students
Session Time | Session Title | Session Location |
---|---|---|
10am - 3pm | Check-In (If you checked in on Monday, you do not need to attend) | CSU 254/255 |
10am - 2pm | Placement Testing (if required) | WH 125/125A |
10am - 2pm | Campus tours by major | To be announced |
1pm - 1:30pm | Work Permit Information Session (optional) | CSU 245 |
1:35pm - 2pm | Enrollment 101 (optional) | CSU 245 |
2:10pm - 2:40pm | International Scholarships (optional) | CSU 245 |
2:45pm - 3:15pm | Things to do in Mankato (optional) | CSU 245 |
4pm - 6pm | Outdoor Games & Activities | Performing Arts Lawn |
Intensive English Program (IEP) Students
Session Time | Session Title | Session Location |
---|---|---|
9am - 3pm | Check-In | Morris Hall - Lower Level |
4pm - 6pm | Outdoor Games & Activities | Performing Arts Lawn |
Graduate Students
All Tuesday sessions are optional for graduate students.
Session Time | Session Title | Session Location |
---|---|---|
10am - 2pm | Campus tours by major | To be announced |
1pm - 1:30pm | Work Permit Information Session | CSU 245 |
1:35pm - 2pm | Enrollment 101 | CSU 245 |
2:45pm - 3:15pm | Things to do in Mankato | CSU 245 |
4pm - 6pm | Outdoor Games & Activities | Performing Arts Lawn |
Bachelor's Students
Session Time | Session Title | Session Location |
---|---|---|
10am | Advising Sessions with Academic Advisors | Meet in Ballroom |
10am - 2pm | Placement Testing (if required) | WH 125A |
12noon | Welcome Lunch | CSU Ballroom |
1pm - 3pm | Mandatory Information Sessions on: Immigration, Health Services, Campus Safety, Student Activities & More | CSU Ballroom |
Intensive English Program (IEP) Students
Session Time | Session Title | Session Location |
---|---|---|
12noon | Welcome Lunch | CSU Ballroom |
1pm - 3pm | Mandatory Information Sessions on: Immigration, Health Services, Campus Safety, Student Activities & More | CSU Ballroom |
Graduate Students
Session Time | Session Title | Session Location |
---|---|---|
8:30am - 9:30am | Graduate student check-in | CSU 254/255 |
9:30am - 12noon | Graduate student orientation | CSU 245 |
12noon | Welcome Lunch | CSU 245 |
1pm - 3pm | Mandatory Information Sessions on: Immigration, Health Services, Campus Safety, Student Activities & More | CSU Ballroom |
Bachelor's Students
Session Time | Session Title | Session Location |
---|---|---|
8:30am | Registration for Transfer and/or Exchange Students | Meet in CSU 254/255 |
10am - 2pm | Placement testing (if required) | WH 125A |
1pm | Registration for First-Year Students | Meet in CSU 254/255 |
6pm - 8pm | International Student Association (ISA) Welcome Event | ISA Office (CSU 264) |
9pm | Club Maverick | CSU Ballroom |
Intensive English Program (IEP) Students
Session Time | Session Title | Session Location |
---|---|---|
1pm - 2pm | IEP Student Orientation | MH 103 |
2pm - 3pm | IEP Class Registration | NH 203 |
6pm - 8pm | International Student Association (ISA) Welcome Event | ISA Office (CSU 264) |
9pm | Club Maverick | CSU Ballroom |
Graduate Students
All Thursday sessions are optional for graduate students.
Session Time | Session Title | Session Location |
---|---|---|
6pm - 8pm | International Student Association (ISA) Welcome Event | ISA Office (CSU 264) |
9pm | Club Maverick | CSU Ballroom |
Bachelor's Students
Session Time | Session Title | Session Location |
---|---|---|
10am - 12noon | Placement Testing (if required) | WH 125A |
10:20am | New Student Rally & Backyard Bash | Meet Outside the KIC |
12pm - 3pm | Campus Tours with your schedule | Meet Outside the KIC |
Starting at Noon | Welcome Week Events | Review Schedule |
Graduate Students
All Friday sessions are optional for graduate students.
Session Time | Session Title | Session Location |
---|---|---|
10:20am | New Student Rally & Backyard Bash | Meet Outside the KIC |
12pm - 3pm | Campus Tours with your schedule | Meet Outside the KIC |
Starting at Noon | Welcome Week Events | Review Schedule |