International Student Orientation

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES

International Orientation | Fall 2025

Dear International/Exchange Student,

Congratulations! We are delighted that you have decided to pursue your education at Utica University. The Office of International Education looks forward to meeting you and assisting you in the transition to academic life in the United States. We are your on-campus resource for immigration issues, cultural adjustment, and referrals to other services available on campus. On our webpage you will find several documents detailing the next steps for you as you prepare for your journey to Utica. 

If you are an international student on an F-1 visa with an I-20, the first step is to pay your non-refundable enrollment deposit. If you do not have a credit card, you may pay by Flywire. You will not be able to register for classes or get a room assignment before this deposit is paid. Exchange students on J-1 visas with DS-2019s do not need to pay an enrollment deposit.

The second step for F-1 and J-1 students is to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.  You will need the I-20 or DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility document from our office to pay this fee and to schedule a visa interview at a U.S. consulate in your country.

The third step is to make your travel arrangements. If you would like us to pick you up at the Syracuse Airport (SYR) or the Utica Train Station, please plan to arrive on Monday, August 18, 2025 between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and inform us of your arrival time at least a week in advance.

Your attendance at the International Orientation Program is mandatory:

• Undergraduate Students: MUST attend orientation on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. in Bull Hall, ECJS Room 108.
• Graduate Students: MUST attend orientation on Thursday, August 20, 2025 AND Friday, August 21, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. in the Hislop Auditorium, Thurston Hall.

Please also watch your Utica email for updates and further instructions.

We look forward to having you join us and enriching both the academic and social diversity of the University. Please watch your email for important information about the transition to Utica University. If you have any questions or need information, please contact us at +1 315.792.3082 or at internationaled@utica.edu.  

Elizabeth Nassar
Director, Academic Business Development, PDSO

Gideon Appiah Kusi
Associate Director of International Education

Alison Ricci-Wadas
Manager of International Education, DSO

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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Pickups – Syracuse Airport and Utica Train Station Email travel arrangements to internationaled@utica.edu by Friday, August 1, 2025

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

International Undergraduate Student Orientation Mandatory Academic Orientation - All day (Schedule will be posted soon.)

Thursday, August 21 and Friday, August 22, 2025

International Graduate Student Orientation Mandatory Academic Orientation - All day (Schedule will be posted soon.)