CSU, Chico's orientation for International Wildcats is mandatory for all new first year, transfer, and graduate level students. You will gain valuable insights and tools that will help you feel happy, healthy, and safe in your new home and you will learn how to meet your immigration requirements and academic and personal goals at CSU, Chico.
Dates: August 17 - 20, 2021
Registration Information for All Events Listed Below
Fall 2021 Orientation - Schedule (PDF)
Fall 2021 Orientation - Calendar - choose the "week" view option for best results
- Why are some orientation sessions mandatory?
Orientation sessions are mandatory when they are required by the U.S. government and/or the University.
Optional sessions are also offered. These will provide you with additional information that will help you to maximize your success.
Past participants tell us that the more sessions they attended during orientation, the better prepared they felt on their first day of classes. - What happens if I miss a mandatory orientation session?
If you miss a mandatory orientation session, you will have a hold placed on your account, which will prevent you from utilizing services at the University. The only way to lift the hold is to have an individual meeting with an international student advisor. It is important to understand that a short make-up session is not an equal substitute for orientation - every effort should be made to attend all mandatory sessions.
Request an appointment to make-up a mandatory session you missed
- Register for Part II - Welcome to Chico State! - mandatory for all students
Mandatory session for all new international students
Choose only one of the following virtual sessions (both are the same content):
Tuesday, August 17 - Register Here
09:00 – 11:00 (9 – 11 am, Pacific Time)
or
Wednesday, August 18 - Register Here
19:00 - 21:00 (7 - 9 pm, Pacific Time)
Topics: Resources for student success, University regulations, special requirements for International Wildcats, scholarships and fee waivers, Wildcat Welcome events, getting involved in student activities, and advice from current students.
- Register for Part III - Finalize Your Class Schedule - mandatory for all students
Mandatory session for all new international students
Find your session (based on your program) - all are virtual:
F-1 Grads Breakout Session - Thursday, August 19 at 9:00 am - Zoom link sent to you via email by Snow
F-1 Undergrads – Thursday, August 19 (by appointment) - Register here for a Zoom appointment(opens in new window)
J-1 Exchange - Thursday, August 19 - Zoom link sent to you via email by Study Abroad & Exchange
Topics: Completing your admissions file, how to remove holds, and how to make changes to your course schedule.
- Register for Part IV - Immigration Check-In - mandatory for students inside U.S.
Mandatory meeting for all new international students living inside of the U.S.
Friday, August 20 from 3 - 5 pm (Pacific Time) - Virtual
Topics: Immigration compliance, health insurance requirements, safety in the Chico community, and University regulations during the pandemic.
- Register for Immunization Check-In - mandatory for students inside U.S.
August 18 - in-person individual appointments (see sign-up sheet below for available times)
Mandatory meeting at the WellCat Health Center for all new international students living inside of the U.S.
A health professional will review your International Student Health Certificate and/or proof of immunization for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) and negative TB test.
Follow these steps to meet this requirement
- Sign up for your appointment (Google Sheet) to review your immunization records;
- Go to the WellCat Health Center Patient Portal (Click on the red box to log in);
- Fill out all three forms: Privacy Practice Notice, Consent for Treatment, Health History Form; be sure to click submit when prompted; and
- Bring to your appointment: Photo ID (passport or Wildcat ID), face mask, and completed International Student Health Certificate (PDF) with proof of immunization for MMR and TB.
Not immunized? Need a TB test?
The Wellcat Health Center will offer these services to you during your appointment. List of fees for immunizations and tests
- Get your Wildcat ID Card - mandatory for students inside U.S.
Your Wildcat ID card will be required to access many services on campus, including the library and computer labs. Students living in University Housing will also use this card to access their building and eat in the dining halls.
All students may load currency on their Wildcat ID Card and use this to pay for services on campus, including campus dining facilities and printing services.
Obtain your card by visiting the Wildcat ID Card Center in-person.
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm - Optional Session: Graduation Requirements for F-1 Undergrads
Optional session for all undergraduate F-1 students (first year and transfer)
This workshop will explain all of the degree requirements for new first year and transfer students with a focus on graduating on your preferred timeline.
Thursday, August 19 from 9 - 11 am (Pacific Time) - Virtual
- Optional Activity: Thursday Night Farmer's Market
Optional activity offered by the Study Abroad and Exchange Team. All new International Wildcats are welcome!
Thursday, August 19 from 6 - 7:30 pm (Pacific Time) - in-person event
Explore downtown Chico and enjoy our summer Thursday Farmer's Market festival with other international students who are also new to Chico. Tour will be led by U.S. students who have studied abroad in the past and are excited to welcome international students to Chico State. A fun and interactive game and prizes will be offered, too!
Social distancing (six feet apart) will be required for students not wearing a mask.
Meet in the SSC courtyard at 5:50 pm and walk to the market together.
- Optional Activity: Campus Walk and Picnic
Optional activity offered by the Global Student Society and Indian Student Association. All new International Wildcats are welcome!
Friday, August 20 from 10 am - 12 pm (Pacific Time) - in-person event
Explore the University campus with experienced International Wildcats who are the leaders of two international student organizations (clubs) on campus. After the campus tour, enjoy a picnic together on the campus lawn (bring your own lunch items).
Social distancing (six feet apart) will be required for students not wearing a mask.Meet by the table and chairs outside of Meriam Library (south-facing side).
- Optional Activities: Wildcat Welcome
CSU, Chico's Wildcat Welcome series offers informative and helpful optional sessions and activities to all new students.
Activities include: meetings with your academic department to learn more about your major, job fairs, social events, athletic activities, and much more.
Virtual and in-person sessions and activities are offered.